EP1490242A1

EP1490242A1 - Sealing or guiding assemblies and methods of making them

Info

Publication number: EP1490242A1
Application number: EP03702863A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Domenico Boccuto; Erich Schubert
Original assignee: Gencorp Property Inc
Current assignee: GDX North America Inc
Priority date: 2002-02-19
Filing date: 2003-02-12
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Also published as: WO2003070499A1; AU2003205980A1

Abstract

A sealing or guiding assembly (91) is disclosed for sealing or guiding a corner of a closure member for an opening (10) and for attachment to a frame (8) for the opening (10). The sealing or guiding assembly (91) comprises strips of flexible material extendingtowards and meeting at the apex (18) of the corner and shaped to receive the closure member at the corner and adapted to be supported by a corner support (80) which in use forms part of the frame (8), and a separate flap (120) of flexible material interlocked to the strips of flexible material in the region of the corner and bridging across the corner between the strips 91, 302, 304. The flap (120) may additionally be moulded to strips.

Description

SEALING OR GUIDING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF MAKING THEM

Technical Field

The invention relates to sealing or guiding assemblies and methods of making them. Embodiments of the invention, to be described in more detail below, are window sealing and guiding strip assemblies for use in motor vehicle body construction and, in particular, for use in window frames forming the upper part of vehicle doors, the sealing or guiding strip assembly being attached to the window frame and supporting the edge of a window pane which can be raised from and lowered into the lower part of the door. However, the invention is not restricted to such applications.

Background Art

GB-A-2285471 discloses a sealing strip for a vehicle window frame where a flexible flap is attached to the strip by an in-situ moulding operation.

DE 19961873 discloses a sealing strip for a vehicle window frame to which a flexible flap is attached. The flap is fixed to a rigid frame by means of a comer clip before the flap is attached to the strip.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sealing or guiding assembly for sealing or guiding a comer of a closure member for an opening and for attachment to a frame for the opening, comprising strips of flexible material extending towards and meeting at the apex of the comer and shaped to receive the closure member at the comer and adapted to be supported by a comer support which in use forms part of the frame, and a separate flap of flexible material interlocked to the strips of flexible material in the region of the comer and bridging across the corner between the strips.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sealing or guiding a comer of a closure member for an opening having a frame, the method including the steps of arranging strips of flexible material to extend towards and meet at the apex of a comer having a configuration corresponding to said corner, the strips being shaped to receive the closure member at its corner and adapted to be supported by a comer support which in use forms part of the frame, and interlocking a separate flap of flexible material with strips of flexible material in the region of their comer to bridge across the comer between the strips.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, window sealing and guiding strips embodying the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a motor vehicle body;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of part of the window frame shown circled at II in Figure 1 but omitting the window sealing and guiding strip assembly;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a comer support for the sealing and guiding strip assembly;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the frame of Figure 2 but also showing the comer support of Figure 3 in position thereon;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the frame on the line A- A of Figure 4 and also of a sealing and guiding strip used in the assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the frame on the line B-B of Figure 4 and also of the sealing and guiding strip according to the first embodiment;

Figure 7 is an overhead plan view of a cover flap for the comer support according to the first embodiment;

Figure 8 is an overhead plan view of the cover flap over the comer support according to the first embodiment; and

Figures 9 and 10 are cross-sectional views of alternative arrangements to that shown in Figure 5;

Figure 11 shows a side view of a strip assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the strip assembly on the line C-C of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the strip assembly on the line D-D of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the strip assembly along the line E-E of Figure 11; and

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the strip assembly on the line F-F of Figure 11. Modes for Carrying out the Invention

Figure 1 shows the side of a motor vehicle body having a door 5 with a lower part 6 carrying a window frame indicated diagrammatically at 8 for a window opening 10. In the usual way, a window glass for the opening 10 can be raised from and lowered into the lower part 6 of the door. The frame 8 carries the sealing and guiding strip (not visible in Figure 1) which will be described in more detail below.

The frame 8 comprises a part 8 A along the sloping front of the door which is alongside the so-called "A" pillar of the vehicle body, a generally vertical part 8B alongside the so- called "B" pillar 12 of the vehicle body, and a part 8C running along the top of the door.

Where the "B" pillar 12 meets the roof 14 of the vehicle, a sharp angle (substantially 90°) is formed, at 16. In a manner to be explained below, the sealing and guiding strip assembly to be described combines with the frame 8 to form a corresponding sharp angle 18 of the frame for receiving the matching angle of the window glass.

The frame 8 carried by the door is (in this example) made of metal, such as extruded aluminium. Figure 2 shows part of the frame 8 at the comer 18 and is an enlarged view of the region II of Figure 1. The sealing and guiding strip assembly is omitted from Figure 2. As indicated in Figure 2, the frame is made of a hollow aluminium extrusion 20 which has a curved portion 22 at the position where the sharp corner 18 will be formed in a manner to be described. As shown in Figure 1 , therefore, this curved portion 22 bridges across the position where the sharp comer is to be formed.

Although the embodiment relates to the comer of the "B" pillar it should be understood that the invention equally applies to any other comer - for example the comer where the "C" pillar meets the roof 14. Facing outwardly of the vehicle, the aluminium extmsion 20 defines a channel 24 and an outwardly protruding flange 26. However, it will be noted that the flange 26 is intermpted (that is, omitted) over the curved region 22 of the extrusion, so as to form a gap 28. Channel 24 is formed with a narrowed mouth defining shoulders 24A and 24B.

Figure 3 shows a comer support 80 which is separately constructed preferably from metal such as aluminium and, in a manner to be explained, is shaped and sized to fit the gap 28 (Fig. 2) to define the sharp comer 18. The support 80 could alternatively be made from hard plastics. The comer support 80 is of simple construction comprising a platform 82 which, on its outside, integrally carries flanges 84A and 84B of the same general thickness as the flange 26 on the aluminium extmsion 20 (see Fig. 2) and, on its other side, integrally carries a series of clips 86A and 86B. Clips 86A have hook parts 87A facing outwardly of the sharp comer 18. Clips 86B have hook parts 87B facing inwardly thereof. The comer support 80 is shaped to provide an outside edge 88 which matches the angle of the comer 18. Its opposite edge 90 is curved to match the outside radius of the curved portion 22 (see Fig. 2) of the aluminium extmsion 20. Rather than being located by clips 86A, 86B, the comer support may be welded in position. The clips could then be omitted completely, or could be replaced by a simple rectangular-section member extending into channel 24.

Figure 4 shows how the comer piece 80 fits in position on the aluminium extmsion 20. The clips 86A and 86B (Fig. 3) of the comer piece 80, if provided, are slotted into the channel 24 over the curved region 28 of the aluminium extmsion 20 (Fig. 2). The hook parts 87 A of the clips 86A engage under the shoulder 24A while the hook parts 87B of the clips 86B engage under the shoulder 24B. The flange 84 of the comer piece 80 is thus aligned with the flange 26 of the aluminium extrusion; together, they form a continuous flange having a sharp angle 18 (substantially 90°) matching the angle shown at 16 in Figure 1. In the manner to be explained, this continuous flange, made up of the separate flanges 26 and 84, supports a sealing strip. Figure 5 shows one form which the sealing strip 91 mounted on the flange 84 can take.

As indicated, the strip 91 comprises extmded material 92, such as plastics, EPDM, TPE or rubber material, which defines a channel 93 and incorporates a channel-shaped metal carrier 94. The carrier 94 may take any suitable form. It may be in the form of a continuous unapertured metal channel. Instead, it may be apertured to increase its flexibility. In another form, it comprises a series of side-by-side generally U-shaped metal elements defining the channel and either entirely disconnected from each other or connected such as by short integral flexible connecting links. In a further form, the carrier comprises looped wire. Other possible forms of carrier may be used, though. As shown, the carrier 94 has an integral extension 96 which extends at right angles to the channel 93.

The carrier extension 96 reinforces a wall 98 of a window glass receiving channel 100. The wall 98 is integral with two lips 102, and the opposite wall of the glass-receiving channel 100 is formed by a lip 104. A web 106 is formed at the base of the channel 100. As the window glass closes, the glass presses against the web 106 to improve the seal with the glass.

In use, two lengths of the sealing strip 91 are mounted in position on the two flanges leading towards and up to the comer 18 (Figures 2 to 4) by positioning the strip so that the flanges 26, 84 engage in the channel 93. The strip 91 firmly grips the respective flanges, the gripping force being assisted by the resilience of the metal carrier 94 and also by the provision of integral flexible lips 108 which extend inwardly of the channel 93. The lips 108 may be extmded so as to be of softer material than the remainder of the extmded material 92, to increase their frictional grip. The two strips 91 are mitre-cut and joined at a line extending to comer 18.

In this way, the strips 91 present their glass-receiving channels 100 in the plane of the window opening so that the sliding window glass enters the channel 100. The outwardly facing surfaces of the lips 102 and 104 are coated with flock where they meet the window glass.

As shown in Figure 5, which is a section on the line A-A of Figure 4, the sealing strip 91 includes a hollow sealing member 110 on the outside of the window frame, that is, on the outside edge of the door. This sealing member 110 engages the frame of the door opening when the door is closed, to provide a seal around the edge of the door.

A generally triangular- shaped flexible flap portion 120 (shown in full in Figure 7) is formed by a moulding operation. The flap portion may be formed of TPE or EPDM. As shown in Figure 7, the flap portion 120 has six generally rectangular apertures 200 formed therein. As shown in Figure 5, the flap portion 120 is attached to the strips 91 by engagement of fixing parts 202 with the apertures 200. Of course, more or fewer than six apertures 200 could be formed.

The fixing parts 202 are provided to engage the edges of each aperture 200. The fixing parts 202 extend from wall 98 and are integrally extmded with the strip 91. Each fixing part 202 is generally hook shaped. The fixing parts 202 are resiliently deformable, and this allows the resilient inward deformation of the parts so that they can pass through apertures 200, whereafter they spring back outwards and engage the internal edges and underside of the apertures 200, thereby mechanically interlocking the flap 120 to the strip 91. A hollow channel 204 in each fixing part 202 aids deformation.

As stated, Figure 5 is a section taken along line A-A of Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a section taken along line B-B of Figure 4. The latter section corresponds to an area of the flap portion 120 when no aperture 200 is provided. At the edge of the flap portion 120 that lies adjacent to the corner piece 80, a recess 210 is formed on each side of each aperture 200 (although of course a recess could be formed on only one side of the aperture). The recesses 210 are formed during the moulding process of the flap portion 120. The recesses 210 are formed to accommodate and engage with correspondingly positioned tabs 212 formed in the flange 84 of comer piece 80. Each tab 212 is inclined with respect to the flange 84 forming a comer region 214 which abuts a comer portion 216 of the strip 91 where the wall 98 meets the channel 93. The tabs 212 maybe formed by making a U-shape cut in the flange 84 and bending the flange material 84 along the line connecting uprights of the U, thereby forming the inclined tab. This leaves a rectangular aperture 218 in the flange 84 (Figure 3). Of coure, different shaped tabs 212 and apertures 218 could be used with the same results.

The flap portion 120 serves to conceal the platform 82, whilst the extmded top parts 113 of the sealing strip 91 ensure that any slightly different colour which the flap portion 21 may have is not externally visible. The externally visible portion of the flap portion 120 is designated X in Figure 7 and is bounded by dashed lines.

Figure 8 shows the flap portion 120 in position overlying the platform 82 of the corner support 80 when in situ.

The corner piece 120 may be formed with a curved-over lip (not shown) which contacts the surface of the aluminium extmsion 20.

Figure 9 shows an alternative to the hook-shaped fixing parts 202 of Figure 5. In Figure 9 the fixing parts 202 are replaced by a single fixing part 220 which is moulded onto the underside of the wall 98. Of course, more than one fixing part 220 may be provided. A stem portion 222 of the fixing part 220 extends from the wall 98 for a distance corresponding approximately to the thickness of the flap portion 120. The stem portion 222 terminates in a head 224 of greater width than the stem 222, and may comprise one or more flange portions 226 for engaging the flap portion 120. The fixing part 220 is of resiliently deformable material. This allows the head to be deformed and pushed through a corresponding aperture 228 in the flap portion, thereafter the connector resiles, clamping the wall 98 against the flap portion 120. The apertures 228 may be formed at positions corresponding to the apertures 200 shown in Figure 7, although the size and configuration of the apertures 228 will be such as to engage with the fixing part 220.

Figure 10 shows an altemative form of connector 230. The connector 230 has a similar external configuration to fixing part 220. However, connector 230 is integrally extruded with the sealing strip 91. Further, the connector 230 includes a hollow central portion

232.

Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10 show an optional ridge 240 (not shown in Figures 3 and 4) formed on the external surface of the flange 84 of the comer support 80. This ridge 240 is for engagement with one of the lips 108 within the channel 93 to assist in locating the channel 93 and the remainder of the strips 91 on the comer support 80 (and thus to assist in locating the channel 93 and the remainder of the strips 91 on the window frame when the comer support 80 is itself secured to the window frame).

The window frame 8 and comer piece 80 are formed separately. In one embodiment the comer piece 80 is then welded in position on the frame 8. The sealing strips 91 and the flap portion 120 are manufactured separately. As already explained, two lengths of strip 91 are welded together to form a comer portion of the assembly. The previously moulded flap portion 120 is then attached to the strips 91 by engagement of the fixing parts 202, 220 or 230. The assembly of the strips 91 and the flap portion 120 is then fitted over the flange 26.

Alternatively, the comer piece 80 maybe mounted on the assembly of the strip 91 and the flap portion 120 by engagement of the flange 84 with the channel 93. These parts are then fitted to the frame 8 by engagement of the channel 93 with the flange 26 of the frame, and engagement of the clips 86 A, 86B (preferably provided in this embodiment) with the channel 24 of the frame 8.

Figures 11 to 15 show a further embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 shows a completed sealing strip assembly 300 formed in accordance with the embodiment. The sealing strip 300 comprises a first sealing strip 302, a second sealing strip 304 and a flap portion 306. The sealing strips 302 and 304 are, for example, formed by extrusion of plastics EPDM, TPE or mbber material, and the flap portion 306 may be formed by moulding. The strip assembly 300 is fitted to a door frame and comer support (not shown in Figure 11) having a similar configuration to the door frame 8 and comer support 80 shown in Figures 1 to 4. A sharp comer 308 is formed at the region where the first strip 302 and the second strip 304 meet. The strips 302,304 are mitre-cut and joined together at the sharp comer 308.

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the window frame on which the strip assembly 300 is mounted is smoothly radiussed in the region opposite the sharp co er 308, and the flap portion 306 is formed to cover this region. In the example shown, the strip 302 ns along the roof and "A" pillar sections of the door frame, and the strip 304 mns along the "B" pillar section of the frame.

Figure 12 shows a cross-section taken along line C-C of Figure 11 through the first strip 302. The door frame 310 is shown by dashed lines in Figure 12. In a similar manner to the first embodiment, the first strip 302 defines a channel 312 and incorporates a channel- shaped metal carrier 314. A wall 316 of a window glass receiving channel 318 extends integrally from the channel 312. The wall 316 is integral with two lips 320 and 322, and the opposite wall of the glass receiving channel 318 is formed by a further lip 324, which also extends integrally from the channel 312. The lips 320,322 and 324 cooperate to provide an effective seal when the window glass is in its closed position and occupies the channel 318. The strip 302 firmly grips the door frame 310 when this enters the channel 312 by means of integral flexible lips 326. A different portion of the frame 310 has an aperture 328 formed therein, through which a protmsion 330 extending from the wall 316 passes. The protmsion 330 is integrally formed with the wall 316 and is of resilient material which, after passing through the aperture 328, clamps the strip 302 to the frame 310.

Lips 332 also integrally extend from the channel 312 for engaging the vehicle body at the frame of the door opening to provide a seal around the edge of the door when the door is closed.

At the distal edge of the wall 316 a lip (a "cosmetic lip") 334 is formed which covers over the edge of the window frame 310. A hollow cavity or chamber 336 is formed at the distal end of the wall 316 between the lip 334 and the lip 322.

Between the protmsion 330 and the cavity or chamber 336 a recess 342 in the side 344 of the wall 316 facing the frame 310 is formed. A step 346 is also formed in the wall 316, constituting one wall of the recess 342.

Figure 15 is a cross-section taken along the line F-F of Figure 11 , through the second strip 304. The configuration of the strips at the point where the cross-sections of Figure 11 and 15 are made are similar, and like elements are designated with the same reference numerals. However, the strip 304 additionally includes a planar relatively rigid member 338 embedded within a region of the strip 304 corresponding to the lip 324 and the base of the channel 312.

At the region where the flap portion 306 is formed, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, which are cross-sections taken along line D-D and E-E respectively, the lip 334 is cut away along line 340 (Figures 12 and 15). After the lips 334 have been removed in this way, the two ends of the strips 302 and 304 are brought together (after having been mitre-cut) in a mould. The moulding operation moulds the mitre-cut ends of the strips 302 and 304 together.

After removal of the lip 334 by cutting along the line 340, the step 346 forms an engagement lip 348 as shown in Figures 13 and 14, for engaging an appropriately configured flap portion 306. The distal end 350 of the engagement lip 348 (with respect to the side 344) is enlarged relative to the intermediate portion 352. The flexible material of the flap portion 306 has a recess 353 formed therein corresponding to the shape of the engagement lip 348. The resilience of the material of the flap portion 306 allows the engagement lip to pass into the recess, whereafter the engagement of the material of the flap portion 306 with the distal end 350 and intermediate portion 352 of the engagement lip 348 clamps the flap portion 306 in position. The remaining portion of the distal end of the wall 316, from which the lip 322 extends, engages a further recess 354 formed in the flap portion 306 to provide an additional means of locating the flap portion 306.

The flap portion 306 and the strips 302,304 are thus mechanically interlocked.

In this embodiment, the flap portion 306 comprises a lip (a "cosmetic lip" 356) which covers over the edge of the comer piece 357 (corresponding to the comer piece 80 of the first embodiment) in a similar manner to how the lip 334 covers over the edge of the frame 310. It should be understood that the lip 356 is optional, and may be omitted such that the flap portion has a similar appearance to the flap portion of the first embodiment.

The flap portion 306 may be formed of TPE or EPDM.

As mentioned above, the strip assembly 300 of the second embodiment is for fitting to a frame having the same configuration as that shown and described in relation to the first embodiment. Such a frame comprises a main frame portion 8 and a comer piece 80 (designated 310 and 357 in the second embodiment) which are formed separately. The first strip 302 and second strip 304 are manufactured separately from the flap portion 306. As already explained, the two lengths of strip 302 and 304 are welded together to form a comer portion of the strip assembly 300. The previously moulded flap portion 306 is then attached to the strips 302 and 304 by engagement with the engagement lip 348. The thus formed strip assembly 300 is then fitted over the flange of the main frame 310 and the comer piece 357 (after these parts are fitted together).

Alternatively, the corner piece 357 may be mounted to the strip assembly 300 (comprising the strips 302,304 and the flap portion 306). These parts are then fitted to the frame 310 by engagement of the channel 312 with the flange of the frame 310, and engagement of the clips of the comer piece 357 (shown at 86A,86B in the first embodiment) with the channel (shown at 24 in the first embodiment) of the frame 300.

Various materials from which the strips and the flap may be formed are mentioned in the foregoing description. It is known to secure the flap to the seal by a moulding operation only (that is, without also providing mechanical interlocking of the flap and the seal). This prior art method is satisfactory when both the flap and the seal comprise EPDM.

However, it has been found that when one of the flap and seal is formed of TPE (preferably the flap), the bond formed by moulding is not as strong as when both parts comprise EPDM. However, it is advantageous to use TPE because this allows the moulding temperature to be lowered, and also the pressure in the mould is lower. A lower temperature is advantageous because this is less likely to damage flocked surfaces of the seal and/or flap.

In accordance with a modification to the second embodiment, the flap portion 306 maybe secured to the strips 302 and 304 by a moulding operation. The engagement lip 348 provides an additional mechanical connection, supplementing the attachment by moulding. This is a particularly advantageous arrangement when the flap is formed of TPE and the seal is formed of EPDM.

In the first embodiment, the strip is attached to the flap by interlocking those parts. This embodiment too may be modified to include the step of moulding the flap to the strips.

Claims

1. A sealing or guiding asssembly for sealing or guiding a comer of a closure member for an opening (10) and for attachment to a frame (8,310) for the opening (10), comprising strips (91 ,302,304) of flexible material extending towards and meeting at the apex of the corner (16,308) and shaped to receive the closure member at the comer (16,308) and adapted to be supported by a corner support (80,357) which in use forms part of the frame (8, and a separate flap (120,306) of flexible material interlocked to the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material in the region of the comer (16,308) and bridging across the comer (16,308) between the strips (91,302,304).

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flap (120) of flexible material is interlocked to the strips (91) of flexible material by fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) is located on one of the flap (120,306) and strips (91,302,304) and engages an aperture or recess (200,353) on the other of the flap and strips.

4. An assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) comprises a plurality of flexible hook-shaped members (202.

5. An assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) comprises a plurality of protrusions (220,230) having an enlarged head portion (224).

6. An assembly according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) is integrally formed with the flap (120,306) or strips (91,302,304).

7. An assembly according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) is moulded onto one of the flaps (120,306) or strips (91 ,302,304).

8. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flap ( 120,306) is at least partly concealed by the strips (91 ,302,304) laid over it and meeting at the comer (16,308).

9. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the comer support (80,357) comprises a rigid comer piece mounted on the frame (8,310) and having an outer profile matching the angle of the comer (16,308) of the closure member, and a curved inner profile bridging across the comer (16,308).

10. An assembly according to claim 9, in which the flap (120,306) at least partially overlies the comer support (80,357).

11. An assembly according to claim 9 or 10, in which the comer support (80,357) clippingly engages the frame (8,310).

12. An assembly according to claim 9 or 10, in which the corner support (80,357) is welded to the frame (8,310).

13. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the strips (91 ,302,304) of flexible material include means (108) for lockably mounting them on the frame (8,310).

14. An assembly according to claim 13, in which the strips (91 ,302,304) define a slot (93,312) extending longitudinally along their length for embracingly gripping an edge or flange (26) on the frame (8,310) at the regions spaced from the sharp comer (16,308).

15. An assembly according to claim 14 when dependent on claim 9, 10, 11 or 12, in which the comer support (80,357) defines an edge or flange (84) which is embracingly gripped by the strips (91,302,304).

16. An assembly according to claim 15, in which the edge or flange (84) of the comer support (80,357) is aligned with the edge or flange (26) on the frame (8,310).

17. An assembly according to claim 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 or 16, in which the flap (120,306) includes at least one recess (210) for engaging an extension portion (212) of the comer support (80,357) to serve to locate the flap (120,306) and comer support (80,357) with respect to one another.

18. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the flap (120,306) is moulded.

19. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the separate flap (120,306) and the strips of flexible material (91,302,304) together form a unit.

20. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (120,306) comprises a lip (356) for embracing a distal edge of the comer support (80,357).

21. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) is formed by removing a portion of the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material.

22. An assembly according to claim 21, wherein the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material have a chamber or cavity (336) formed therein prior to said removal of said portion of the strips (91 ,302,304, and whereafter part of the wall of said chamber or cavity forms part (348) of said fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353).

23. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (120,306) is moulded to the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material.

24. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the flap (120,306) and the strips (91,302,304) is formed of EPDM and the other is formed of TPE.

25. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strips (91,302,304) comprise EPDM.

26. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (120,306) is formed of TPE.

27. A method of sealing or guiding a comer of a closure member for an opening (10) having a frame (8,310), the method including the steps of arranging strips (91,302,304) of flexible material to extend towards and meet at the apex of a comer (16,308) having a configuration corresponding to said comer (16,308, the strips (91,302,304) being shaped to receive the closure member at its comer and adapted to be supported by a comer support (80,337) which in use forms part of the frame (8,310), and interlocking a separate flap (120,306) of flexible material with strips (91,302,304) of flexible material in the region of their comer (16,308) to bridge across the comer (16,308) between the strips (91 ,302,304).

28. A method according to claim 27, further including the steps of connecting the comer support (80,357) to the frame (8,310).

29. A method according to claim 28, wherein the interlocked flap (120,306) and strips (91,302,304) are fitted to the connected comer support (80,357) and frame (8,310).

30. A method according to claim 27, 28 or 29, including welding the strips (91,302,304) of material at the apex of a comer prior to interlocking with the flap (120,306).

31. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the flap ( 120,306) of flexible material is interlocked to the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material by fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353).

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) is located on one of the flap (120,306) and strips (91,302,304) and engages an aperture or recess (200,353) on the other of the flap (120,306) and strips (91,302,304).

33. A method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) comprises a plurality of flexible hook-shaped members (202).

34. A method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) comprises a plurality of protrusions (220,230) having an enlarged head portion (224).

35. A method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, including integrally forming the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) with the flap (120,306) or strips (91,302,304).

36. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 35, including moulding the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) onto one of the flaps (120,306) or strips (91,302,304).

37. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 36, in which the flap (120,306) is at least partly concealed by the strips (91,302,304) laid over it and meeting at the comer (16,308) of the strips (91,302,304).

38. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 37, wherein the comer support (80,357) comprises a rigid comer piece mounted on the frame (8,310) having an outer profile matching the angle of the corner (16,308) of the closure member, and a curved inner profile for bridging across the comer (16,308).

39. A method according to claim 38. in which the flap (120,306) is arranged to at least partially overlie the comer piece.

40 A method according to claim 38 or 39, in which the comer piece is clippingly engaged to the frame (8,310).

41. A method according to claims 38 or 39, including welding the comer piece to the frame (8,310).

42. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 41 , including providing the strips (91 ,302,304) of flexible material (108) with means for lockably mounting them on the frame (8,310).

43. A method according to claim 42, in which the strips (91 ,302,304) are formed with a slot (93,312) extending longitudinally along their length for embracingly gripping an edge or flange (26) on the frame (8,310) at the regions spaced from the sharp comer (16,308).

44. A method according to claim 43 when dependent on claim 34, 35, 36 or 37, in which the strips (91.302,304) embracingly grip an edge or flange (84) of the comer piece.

45. A method according to claim 44, including aligning the edge or flange (84) of the comer piece with the edge or flange (26) on the frame (8,310).

46. A method according to claim 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44 or 45, including locating the flap (120,306) and comer piece with respect to one another by engaging an extension portion (212) of the comer piece with at least one recess (210) formed on said flap (120,306).

47. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 46, including moulding the flap (120,306).

48. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 47, wherein the flap (120,306) comprises a lip (356) for embracing a distal edge of the comer support (80,357).

49. A method according to any one of claims 31 or 32, wherein the fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353) is formed by removing a portion of the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material.

50. A method according to claim 49, wherein the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material have a chamber or cavity (336) formed therein prior to said removal of said portion of the strips (91,302,304), and whereafter part of the wall of said chamber or cavity forms part (348) of said fixing means (200,202,220,230,348,353).

51. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 50, wherein the flap (120,306) is moulded to the strips (91,302,304) of flexible material

52. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 51, wherein one of the flap (120,306) and the strips (91,302,304) is formed of EPDM and the other is formed of TPE.

53. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 52, wherein the strips (91,302,304) comprise EPDM.

54. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 53, wherein the flap (120,306) is formed of TPE.