GB2066881A

GB2066881A - Improvements in and relating to sealing arrangements

Info

Publication number: GB2066881A
Application number: GB8038226A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Draftex Development AG
Current assignee: Draftex Development AG
Priority date: 1980-01-05
Filing date: 1980-11-28
Publication date: 1981-07-15
Also published as: GB2066881B

Abstract

A sealing arrangement for sealing the edge of a window glass comprises a metal channel 4 mounted at least partially around the window opening so as to be open towards the direction along which the edge of the window glass approaches in closing the opening. A hollow rubber tube 6 is secured within the channel 4. Two flocked leaves 9, 10 are integral with the tube 6 and extend longitudinally along the surface of the tube which faces the edge of the window glass. The leaves 9, 10 are parallel to each other and spaced slightly apart so as to define a longitudinally extending open mouth facing the glass edge. The approaching window glass partially flattens the tube 6 and thereby causes the facing surfaces of the leaves 9, 10 to press against the sides of the window glass immediately adjacent its edge. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in and relating to sealing arrangements The invention relates to sealing arrangements, particularly for draught and weatherproofing such as around doors and windows. The sealing arrangements to which the invention relates have particular application to motor vehicle bodies but are not limited to such application.

According to the invention, there is provided a sealing strip for sealing against a distal edge of a movable member, comprising a hollow tube of resilient and flexible material, two flexible and resilent leaves running along and attached to the external surface of the tube and adjacent and substantially parallel to each other so as to define between them a longitudinally shaped open mouth for receiving the distal edge of the movable member when it moves into the said mouth and tends to flatten the tube thereby causing the leaves to press against the sides of said member adjacent its distal edge.

According to the invention, there is also provided a sealing strip for sealing the distal edge of a window glass which is movable in a direction parallel with its plane, comprising a substantially rigid channel mounted at least partially around the window opening so as to be open towards the direction along which the distal edge of the window glass approaches in closing the window opening, a hollow tube of flexible and resilient material mounted and secured within the channel and extending longitudinally therealong, and two leaves of flexible and resilient material mounted on and extending longitudinally along the surface of the tube which faces the distal edge of the window glass, the leaves being parallel to each other and spaced slightly apart so as to define a longitudinally extending open mouth facing the distal edge, whereby to receive the distal edge of the approaching window glass which partially flattens the tube and thereby causes the facing surfaces of the leaves to press against the sides of the window glass immediately adjacent its distal edge.

Sealing strips and sealing arrangements embodying the invention and for use on a motor vehicle body will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a cross-section and perspective view of one of the sealing arrangements; Figure 2 is a cross-section corresponding to Figure 1 and showing a window glass sealed by the sealing arrangement; and Figure 3 is a cross-section corresponding to Figure 1 but showing a modified arrangement.

The sealing strip shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is for sealing around the glass of an openable window on a motor vehicle. In the particular example being described, the window is a window whose window glass can be raised and lowered, and the Figures show the sealing strip orientated for mounting at the top of the window opening for receiving, and sealing, the window glass as it is raised in the opening to close the opening.

As shown in the Figures, the sealing strip is mounted in an inverted metal channel 4which is fixed in the metal construction of the window surround 5. Inside the channel 4 is mounted a hollow tube 6 made of suitable material such as plastics or rubber which runs along the length of the channel.

On opposite regions of its outside, the tube carries longitudinal lips 7 and 8 which press against the inside surfaces of the side walls of the channel 4 to help to retain the tube 6 in position. Instead or in addition, the tube 6 may be held in position by means of adhesive.

On its underside, the tube 6 carries two downwardly and outwardly projecting leaves 9 and 10 which run the length of the tube 6. The leaves 9 and 10 are made of flexible material. Advantageously, they are integral with (for example, extruded integrally with) the material of the tube 6. The surfaces within the groove or channel defined by the leaves 9 and 10 and the surface of the tube 6 between the leaves are covered with flock 12.

In operation, the leaves 9 and 10 provide a longitudinal "mouth" for receiving the upper edge of the window glass 14 as it is raised to close the window. As shown in Figure 2, therefore, the edge 14A of the window glass enters this mouth and presses against, and thus flattens, the tube 6 within the channel 4. In so doing, it forces the flocked surface of the leaves 9 and 10 towards each other so that they become aligned with and pressed on the opposite surfaces of the window glass 14 along its distal edge. The actual edge 14A presses against the flocked part of the surface of the tube 6 between the leaves 9 and 10.

The result is, therefore, a very effective seal along and around the distal edge of the window glass, the flocked surface of the flexible material being pressed against the window glass by the inherent resilience of the material. If the tube 6 is closed to the atmosphere the air pressure within the closed tube 6 increases the sealing force but the tube 6 need not be completely closed off.

The side 6A of the tube 6 which runs along the inverted base of the channel 4 may have embedded in it a metal core or carrier for strengthening and reinforcing it. This metal core or carrier could be of shallow channel-form so as to have sides which extend into the sides of the tube 6. The metal core or carrier could be resilient with its sides being biased outwards so as to press the sides of the tube 6, into retaining frictional contact with the sides of the channel 4.

In Figures 1 and 2, the tube 6 is shown as being made in duplex form from rubber of two different hardnesses. Thus the part 6A of the tube 6 in the channel 4 is relatively hard while the part 6B protruding from the channel 4, including the leaves 9 and 10, is relatively soft. Instead, such a construction could be made in plastics. It is not necessary, however, for the tube to be made of material of two different hardnesses.

In Figure 3, the material of the tube 6 is shown as being all of the same hardness but in this case the tube is extended to form longitudinal lips 16 and 18 which extend over the sides of the channel 5 and the surround 4.

The sealing strips described are not restricted to use with windows, but they may be used in other applications where, for example, it is desired to seal the edge of a sliding closure member such as a sliding door or lid.

Claims

1. A sealing strip for sealing against a distal edge of a movable member, comprising a hollow tube of resilient and flexible material, two flexible and resilient leaves running along and attached to the external surface of the tube and adjacent and substantially parallel to each other so as to define between them a longitudinally shaped open mouth for receiving the distal edge of the movable member when it moves into the said mouth and tends to flatten the tube thereby causing the leaves to press against the sides of the said member adjacent its distal edge.

2. A strip according to claim 1, in which the tube is mounted within a substanfially rigid supporting channel.

3. A strip according to claim 2, in which the tube is secured within the supporting channel by means of adhesive.

4. A sealing strip for sealing the distal edge of a window glass which is movable in a direction parallel with its plane, comprising a substantially rigid channel mounted at least partially around the window opening so as to be open towards the direction along which the distal edge of the window glass approaches in closing the window opening, a hollow tube of flexible and resilient material mounted and secured within the channel and extending longitudinally therealong, and two leaves of flexible and resilient material mounted on and extending longitudinally along the surface of the tube which faces the distal edge of the window glass, the leaves being substantially parallel to each other and spaced slightly apart so as to define a longitudinally extending open mouth facing the distal edge, whereby to receive the distal edge of the approaching window glass which partially flattens the tube and thereby causes the facing surfaces of the leaves to press against the sides of the window glass immediately adjacent its distal edge.

5. A strip according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the material of the tube has outwardly projecting lips which run longitudinally along opposite regions of its outside and extend over the outsides of the side walls of the said channel.

6. A strip according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the material of the tube has outwardly projecting lips which run longitudinally along opposite regions of its outside and are compressed between the tube and the insides of the side walls of the said channel.

7. A strip according to any preceding claim, in which the inside surface of the said mouth is substantially completely covered with flock.

8. A strip according to any preceding claim, in which the tube and the leaves are integral.

9. A strip according to any preceding claim, in which the longitudinally extending part of the wall of the tube opposite the surface thereof on which the leaves are mounted has embedded in it a resilient reinforcing carrier.

10. A strip according to any preceding claim, in which the tube and the leaves are made of rubber.

11. A strip according to any preceding claim, in which the tube is made of material of two different hardnesses, the part of the tube defining the said surface being of the lesser hardness and the leaves being of the same hardness as that part of the tube.

12. A sealing strip substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A sealing strip substantially as described with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.