GB2269214A - Seal device - Google Patents

Abstract

A seal device is for sealing between a surface (S) and an elongate member (E) projecting through that surface (S). A base member having an access aperture (5) therethrough is locatable in a face-to-face sealing relation with the surface (8) so that an elongate member (E) projects through the access aperture (5). A sealing member projects from one face (4) of the base member and extends about the access aperture (5). The sealing member has an access passage (10) for receiving the elongate member (E), and a sealing end (12) remote from the base member (2) for sealing engagement with the elongate member (E). The sealing member (8) has a rib (18) extending along an outer surface (15) of the sealing member between the base member and the sealing end (12). The sealing member can be slit entirely along the rib (18) so as to form an access slit (19) between opposed portions of the rib (18), the access slit (19) permitting opening of the sealing member and base member for fitting of the seal device about the elongate member (E). <IMAGE>

Description

SEAL DEVICE This invention relates generally to a seal device for weatherproof sealing between a surface and an elongate member projecting through that surface. The device is particularly suitable for sealing about vent pipes, and other pipes and conduits, projecting through an outer surface of a tiled or metal deck clad roof, and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to that exemplary application. It is to be appreciated, however, that the seal device is not limited to that application.

In recent years seal devices have been specifically developed as a substitute for traditional lead sheet flashing used to weatherproof seal between a roof covering and an elongate member projecting therethrough. Such seal devices are disclosed in Australian patents 514247 and 568737, Australian patent application 34899/89, as well as Australian design registrations 82275, 90304, 90305, 91270, 91271, 91272, 91273, 97582 and 97740.

These seal devices are typically installed by passing one end of the elongate member longitudinally through the seal device so that the device surrounds the elongate member in sealing engagement therewith. The seal device can then be slid along the elongate member as required so as to be brought into seeking engagement with -the surface through which the elongate member extends. Alternatively, the seal device may be initially secured to the surface at a location through which it is proposed the elongate member will project, and then projecting the elongate member through the surface so as to pass it through the seal device. As a result, the seal device provides a weatherproof seal between the elongate member and the surface.

The installation of these seal devices requires clear access along the elongate member for relative movement of the seal device along the member. Thus, installation is not possible if the elongate member has a protrusion or other impedement along its length that prevents the seal device from relatively moving therealong. Moreover, installation requires that the elongate member have a readily accessible free end over which the seal device can be passed, and accordingly those seal devices are not appropriate where for example an elongate member extends through spaced apart surfaces and sealing is required between those surfaces.

In an effort to reduce this limitation, some more recently developed seal devices have been provided either with a longitudinal slit or with an ability to be longitudinally slit to enable the device to be "opened" to receive an elongate member therein. Upon positioning of the seal device about the elongate member, the slit is closed by the use of suitable fastening elements so that integrity of the weatherproof seal provided by the device is retained. Thus, those seal devices can be fitted about the elongate member at or adjacent the location at which sealing is to be achieved.

Moreover, there is no requirement that the elongate member provides clear access for relative longitudinal movement of the seal device from a free end of the elongate member.

One example of such a seal device is disclosed in United States patent 4211423. However, a disadvantage of that device is the number and complexity of its components as well as the time consuming installation procedure required. In particular, the fastening arrangement for closing the slit leads to uneconomic capital and installation costs.

Similar difficulties arise with another seal device as disclosed in Australian design registration 104607, although to a lesser extent because of the simplified nature of the device construction and in particular reduced complexity of the fastening arrangement.

A further problem with these two seal devices is that they are manufactured with the slit and therefore must always be used with the fastening arrangement to ensure sealing integrity. Thus, although those devices could be used in situations where the slit is not required for installation, the cost premium for incorporating the slit and fastening arrangement tends to deter universal use of those devices.

Accordingly, supplies of both types of seal devices are usually stocked by users to cater for differing installation requirements. That in turn can add to the user's stock inventory and associated costs.

Australian patent 597498 discloses a further seal device providing a longitudinal slit to permit opening of the device for fitment about the elongate member. The device has a base member and a sleeve member projecting from the base member. A rib is formed integral with the base and sleeve members on an external surface thereof, and extends along the length of the sleeve member and across the base member. The sleeve member and base member is provided with a slit adjacent to and for the full length of the rib to permit the sleeve and base members to be opened for fitting of the device about an elongate member. A clamp is secured to the sleeve and base members and extends the length of the rib so that the slit is located between the rib and clamp. The clamp is arranged so as to grip the rib and thereby sealingly close the slit after fitment of the device about the elongate member.

The slit in this seal device may be incorporated in the device during manufacture. Alternatively, however, as disclosed the device may be manufactured without the slit, but with provision for slitting the device when it is about to be installed. Thus, the seal device lends itself to more universal use in different installation situations.

However, disadvantages arise from the use of a clamp secured to the sleeve member. In that regard, the clamp may be a hindrance during slitting of the sleeve and base members at the time of installation. Moreover, the provision of a clamp with each seal device, including those devices that may not be slit for installation, adds to the overall costs of the device.

In addition, the quality of a slit created at the time of seal device installation depends largely on the skill level adopted by the person installing the device. In the seal device of patent 597498, precise positioning of the slit adjacent the rib and between the rib and clamp may be difficult to achieve, at least along the entire length of the rib. In that regard, the slit may readily stray into the rib or digress about the sleeve member, which in turn may reduce the integrity of the weatherproof seal achieved across the slit by the clamp.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate these disadvantages and difficulties in prior seal devices through the provision of a relatively simple alternative seal device.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a simple retainer clip particularly suitable for use with the above seal device.

With that object in mind, the present invention provides in one broad aspect a seal device for sealing between a surface and an elongate member projecting through that surface, including: a base member having an access aperture therethrough and in use being located in a face-to-face sealing relation with the surface so that an elongate member projects through the access aperture; and, a sealing member projecting from one face of the base member and extending about the access aperture, the sealing member having an access passage for receiving the elongate member therein and a sealing end remote from the base member for sealing engagement with the elongate member, the sealing member having an outer surface and a rib extending therealong between the base member and the sealing end, whereby the sealing member can be slit entirely along the rib so as to form an access slit in the sealing member between opposed portions of the rib, the access slit permitting opening of the sealing member and base member for fitting of the seal device about the elongate member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a retainer clip for use in the above seal device.

This invention is described with reference to the seal device installed on an outer- surface of a roof having an elongate member projecting vertically therethrough, and terms such as "upstaiding" should be construed in the light of this orientation. It is to be appreciated, however, that other orientations may be equally possible and that consequential changes in terms such as that above may be necessary in the light of those other orientations for a proper understanding of the invention.

Preferably, the separate rib portions are at least partially formed during manufacture of the seal device. - In particular, those rib portions are preferably positioned on the sealing member outer surface in a side-by-side closely spaced apart relation thereby defining a slit line therebetween. In this way, the slit line identifies the location of the access slit in the sealing member, if formed during manufacture of the seal device, or a line along which the slit can be placed following manufacture.

Preferably, the rib extends uninterrupted entirely along the sealing member. The rib may also extend radially across the base member from the sealing member toward a peripheral edge of the base member. In that regard, the base member may include a base flange from which the sealing member projects, and a forming rim secured to the base flange and extending about the sealing member in spaced relation therefrom. The rib may extend across the base flange from the sealing member to the forming rim.

The seal device preferably includes clip means separate from the sealing member. The clip means can be positioned about the rib so as to secure the rib portions together. In this way, the clip means sealingly closes the access slit.

Preferably, the clip means includes a series of retainer clips for individually positioning in spaced relation along the rib. Those clips are actuable to secure the rib portions together across the access slit. Preferably, the retainer clips releasably secure the rib portions together.

Each retainer clip preferably includes a pair of clip elements. Each element has a clipping arm, and the clipping elements extend over the rib portions so that the clipping arms are in opposed, spaced apart relation with the rib portions positioned between the clipping arms. Moreover, the clip elements coact with one another to move the clipping arms toward one another so as to clamp the rib portions therebetween.

Each rib portion preferably has a groove extending therealong adjacent the outer surface of the sealing member.

Moreover, the clipping arms preferably each have an inwardly directed terminal region for extending into a respective groove. In this way, the rib portions are positively gripped between the clipping arms.

Each retainer clip preferably includes fastening means for releasably fastening the clip elements together in relative positions that secure the rib portions together.

Preferably, the fastening means includes at least one abutment shoulder on each clip element. Those shoulders abut one another, following interengagement of the clip elements, to resist disengagement of the clip elements.

Preferably, the abutment shoulders cooperate upon sliding interengagement of the clip elements to bypass one another and allow the clipping arms to relatively move toward one another. This causes the clipping arms to press against and compress the rib portions, creating a reaction force on the clipping arms tending to disengage the clip elements.

However, that disengagement is resisted by the abutment of the abutment shoulders.

In each retainer clip one clip element preferably has a plurality of grooves each providing a respective abutment shoulder. The other clip element preferably has a barb providing an abutment shoulder. The barb is arranged so as to ride over the grooves during clip element interengagement, but move into one of the grooves upon attempted disengagement to inhibit further relative disengaging movement.

The following description refers to preferred embodiments of the seal device and retainer clip of the present invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings where the device and clip are illustrated in preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the device and clip not limited to the preferred embodiments as hereinafter described and as illustrated in the drawings.

In the drawings, where- the same reference numerals identify the same or similar features: Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a seal device according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a one side view of the seal device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is another side view of the seal device of Fig. 3; Fig. 4 is a side view similar to Fig. 3 but showing retainer clips, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, secured to the rib of the seal device; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the seal device and retainer clips of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a retainer clip, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, used with the seal device; Fig. 7 is a perspective assembled view of the retainer clip of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a top plan view of one clip element of the retainer clip of Fig. 6;; Fig. 9 is a side view of the one clip element of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the one clip element through section X-X of Fig. 8; Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the other clip element of the retainer clip of Fig. 6; Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the other clip element through section XII-XII of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a plan view of the assembled clip of Fig. 7 showing fastening of the clip elements; Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view of the retainer clip of Fig. 13, through section XIV-XIV of Fig. 13, but as secured on the rib of the seal device; and, Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a seal device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, with retainer clips secured to the rib of the seal device.

Referring initially to Figs. 1 to 5 of the drawings there is generally shown a seal device 1 for weatherproof sealing between a surface S and an elongate member E projecting through the surface S.

The seal device 1 has a base member 2 of any suitable construction, well known to those skilled in the relevant art. In that regard, the base member 2 may be of a one-piece construction, although alternatively may be constructed in more than one piece. Moreover, the base member 2 is of a construction, and in particular material composition, suitable to the proposed application.

In this embodiment, the base member 2 is of a generally planar configuration having opposed inner and outer faces 3,4 between which an access aperture 5 extends. In use, the base member 2 is located with the inner face 3 in face-to-face relation with the surface S through which the elongate member E projects with that elongate member E projecting through the access aperture 5. Moreover, in this embodiment, the base member 2 is composed of manually deformable material to enable deformation to conform the base member 2 to the contour of the surface S and at least substantially retain that deformed contour.

In this embodiment, the base member 2 includes a base flange 6 providing the inner face 3 and (as least in part) the outer face 4. That base flange 6 is composed of a non-metallic resilient material, such as a natural or synthetic rubber. The inner face 3 is ribbed or otherwise profiled or treated to facilitate sealing engagement with the surface S.

In this embodiment, the base member 2 also includes a forming rim 7 providing (at least in part) the outer face 4.

The forming rim 7 is bonded or otherwise secured to the base flange 6 in face-to-face relation, and is composed of a metallic, non-resilient material, such as lead, aluminium or aluminium alloy.

The base member 2 is of any suitable shape and size. In this embodiment, that base member 2 is quadrangular, such as square or rectangular in plan, although may be round in an alternative embodiment. The base member 2 is of a size selected so as to overlie and cover an opening in the surface S through which the elongate member E extends. Thus, in practice, the base member 2 may be sufficiently large to overlap an opening created by a removed roof tile or shingle.

The access aperture 5 is of any shape, size and location suitable for the proposed application of the device 1. In this embodiment, that aperture 5 is circular, although may be multi-sided in alternative embodiments (not shown). The aperture 5 is sized to freely-receive the elongate member E therethrough. Moreover, the aperture 5 is centrally located in this embodiment, but alternatively (not shown) may be offset in the base member 2 to provide increased versatility in accommodating various elongate member locations relative to the opening in the surface S.

A sealing member 8 projects from the outer face 4 and surrounds the access aperture 5. The sealing member 8 includes a sealing sleeve 9 coinciding with the access aperture 5 and projecting upwardly from the base member 2.

The sealing sleeve 9 provides an access passage 10 extending therethrough co-axially of the access aperture 5. The sealing sleeve 9 is composed of a non-metallic, resilient material, such as natural or synthetic rubber.

In this embodiment, the sealing sleeve 9 has a base end 11 merging with the base member 2 at a rim of the access aperture 5. Moreover, the sealing sleeve 9 is formed integral with, and of the same material as, the base flange 6.

The sealing sleeve 9 has a sealing end 12 opposite from the base end 11 and spaced from the base member 2. The sealing end 12 is open in this embodiment, permitting immediate fitting of an elongate member E through the sealing sleeve 9. In another embodiment (not shown), the sealing end 12 is initially closed, and opened when required by transversely cutting the sleeve 9. The sealing end 12 provides a sealing lip 13 for sealingly engaging the elongate member E projecting therethrough.

The sealing sleeve 9 is of any suitable shape or configuration. In this embodiment, that sleeve 9 is thin walled with inner and outer surfaces 14,15. Moreover, the sleeve 9 generally tapers from the base member 2 to the sealing end 12. In this embodiment, the sealing sleeve 9 is of a generally conical or frustro-conical shape.

The sealing sleeve 9 has one or more circumferentially extending steps 16, and/or ribs or ridges 17 spaced axially therealong. The steps 16 may enhance flexibility of the sealing sleeve 9 so as to accommodate any misalignment between the sealing end 12 and the base member 2 upon installation of the seal device 1. The ribs or ridges 17 may facilitate accurate transverse cutting of the tapered sealing sleeve 9 in order to create different sized sealing end openings for receiving different elongate members E in sealing engagement therewith.

The sealing member 8 has a rib 18 extending generally axially along the outer surface 15 of the sealing sleeve 9.

That rib 18 extends uninterrupted between the base and sealing ends 11, 12 of the sealing sleeve 9. The rib 18 may partially overlie the base member 2 at the base end 11, although, in this embodiment, does not extend or run across the base member 2.

The rib 18 extends along a radial plane containing a central longitudinal axis of the sealing sleeve 9. Thus, the rib 18 is generally straight, although follows any significant steps 16 on the sealing sleeve 9. In this embodiment, the rib 18 is formed integral with the sealing sleeve 9 and of the same material.

In use of the seal device 1, the sealing member 8 can be slit entirely along the rib 18 and through the sealing sleeve 9, as well as across the base member 2 so as to form an access slit 19. That slit 19 permits the sealing member 8 and base member 2 to be forceably spread open creating a slit opening.

With the seal device 1 held open, it can be laterally fitted about the elongate member E, the elongate member passing through the slip opening into the access aperture 5 and access passage 10.

The access slit 19 is formed between opposed rib portions 20. Those rib portions 20 are at least partially formed during manufacture of the seal device 1. Thus, those separate rib portions 20 are provided at least in part regardless of whether or not the seal device 1 is manufactured with a slit 19 in the sealing sleeve 9. In this embodiment, the rib portions 20 are entirely formed during manufacture of the seal device 1.

In one arrangement (as shown in Fig. 1) the seal device 1 is manufactured with an unslit sealing sleeve 9 which can be slit at the time of device installation (as shown in Fig..4), whilst in an alternative arrangement (not shown) the seal device 1 may be manufactured with a slit sealing sleeve 9. In either arrangement, the seal device 1 is manufactured with the rib portions 20 positioned so that the access slit 19 is or, when formed, will be therebetween. Thus, where the sealing sleeve 9 is unslit, it will not be necessary to slit the rib 18 at the time of installation in order to form the rib portions 20. Rather, slitting can be confined to the sealing sleeve 9 between the rib portions 20 (and base member 2 as shown and as will be explained hereinafter).

The rib portions 20 are positioned on the sealing sleeve 9 in a side-by-side closely spaced apart relation. That spacing defines a slit line therebetween. That slit line identifies the location of the access slit 19 in the sealing sleeve 9 if formed during manufacture, or a line along which the slit 19 can be placed at the time of installation.

Moreover, the rib portions 20 may act as guides in forming the access slit 19 at the time of installation and, in this way, facilitates accurate slitting. The close spacing of the rib portions 20 will also enable those portions 20 to be sealingly secured together to close the slit 19 upon installation of the seal device 1.

The rib portions 20 are of any suitable shape. In this embodiment, each rib portion 20 has an elongate planar sealing surface 21 extending therealong, the sealing surfaces 21 arranged in face-to-face relation. In use, those sealing surfaces 21 abut one another to seal across the slit 19.

The rib portions 20 are of a bulbous shape and, in this embodiment, each rib portion 20 is of a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. That will enable gripping by clip means 22 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, so as to weatherproof the device 1 across the slit 19. The clip means 22 is shown in detail in Figs. 6 to 13 and includes a series of retainer clips 23 separate from the seal device 1. In use, those retainer clips 23 are individually positioned along the rib 18 and actuated to secure the rib portions 20 together across the access slit 19. Thus, if the slit 19 is not provided or required for installation of the seal device 1, then the retainer clips 23 need not be used and the rib portions 20 are simply left unclipped.

The retainer clips 23 are actuable to releasably secure the rib portions 20 together. In this way, those clips 23 can be non-destructively, and reusably, removed for maintenance or replacement of the seal device 1 or for access to the elongate member E.

Each retainer clip 23 includes a pair of clip elements 24,25, each having a clipping arm 26. The clip elements 24, 25 together extend over or reach about the rib portions 20 so that the clipping arms 26 are in opposed spaced apart relation with the rib portions 20 positioned between those arms 26.

The clip elements 24,25 coact with one another to relatively move the clipping arms 26 in order to secure the rib portions 20 therebetween.

The clip elements 24,25 form a generally U-shaped profile clip 23, with the clipping arms 26 providing legs of that U-shaped clip 23. With this clip arrangement, each clip element 24,25 also has a connecting arm 27, the connecting arms 27 of each clip 23 being interengageable over the rib 18 and relatively movable to move the clipping arms 26 as outlined above. Thus, each clip element 24,25 is of a generally L-shaped profile.

In this embodiment, the clip elements 24,25 are slidably interengageable for relatively moving the clipping arms 26.

To that end, one clip element 24 provides guideways 28, whilst the other clip element 25 provides guide portions 29 receivable within the guideways 28 to slidably connect the clip elements 24,25 together. A pair of corresponding guideways 28 and guide portions 29 are provided in each clip 23.

Each connecting arm 27 has opposed edges which, in clip use, extend transversely across the rib 18 between the opposed clipping arms 26. The guideways 28 and guide portions 29 are provided at those edges. The edges of clip element 24 are bent or otherwise shaped to define opposed grooves 30 forming the guideways 28, and into which the edge guide portions 29 of clip element 25 are slidingly received.

Terminal regions 31 of the clipping arms 26 are angled inwardly toward one another so as to positively grip the rib portions 20 between the arms 26. In this embodiment, each rib portion 20 is provided with a groove 32 extending therealong immediately adjacent the sealing sleeve 9 and into which those respective terminal regions 31 extend to assist with that positive gripping.

Each clip 23 includes fastening means 33 which acts to releasably fasten the clip elements 24,25 together in relative positions that sealingly secure the rib portions 20 together.

The fastening means 33 includes at least one abutment shoulder 34 on each clip element 24,25, those shoulders 34 abutting one another, following interengagement of the clip elements 24,25, thereby to resist their disengagement or release. Thus, the shoulders 34 are arranged so as to permit interengagement between the clip elements 24,25, and normally abut one another to prevent disengagement. However, those shoulders 34 can be selectively relatively moved out of abutment with one another to permit disengagement of the clip elements 24,25.

The abutment shoulders 34 are provided on the connecting arms 27, and cooperate upon sliding interengagmenet of the clip elements 24,25 to by-pass one another and allow the clipping arms 26 to press against the rib portions 20 sufficiently to resiliently compress those portions 20 and create a reaction force on the clipping arms 26 tending to disengage the clip elements 24,25. That disengagement, however, is resisted by the abutment shoulders 34 cooperating to abut one another.

The abutment shoulders 34 are provided by displacing a region of the connecting arms 27 out of their general plane.

Thus, at least one elongate indentation, such as a groove 35, is provided in a region of one connecting arm 27 so as to form an abutment shoulder 34 along an edge zone of the groove 35.

A protrusion such as a barb 36 is provided in a region of the other connecting arm 27 to form a shoulder 34 along a free edge zone of that barb 36. The protruding barb 36 is arranged so as to ride over the groove 35 during clip element engagement, but upon attempted disengagement under influence of the rib portion reaction force, the barb 36 moves into the groove 35 and the shoulders 34 abut one another to inhibit any further relative disengaging movement.

In this embodiment, a series of parallel spaced apart grooves 35 are provided to enable fastening of the clip elements 24,25 together in more than one relative position.

Moreover, in this embodiment, a single barb 36 is provided and carried on a tab portion 37 of the connecting arm 27. That tab portion 37 is resiliently movable for lifting the barb 36 out and clear of the grooves 35 to enable disengagement of the clip elements 24,25. The tab portion 37 is an integral portion of the clip element 25, and particularly the connecting arm 27.

The clip elements 24,25 are manufactured from resilient sheet metal, such as spring steel. Those clip elements 24,25 are fabricated by cutting, punching and/or folding operations. It should be appreciated that other manufacturing processes may be equally suitable.

Turning now to Fig. 15, there is shown a further seal device 1 having similar features to the seal device of the earlier drawings. However, in that device 1, the base member 2 is relatively enlarged so as to extend further from the upstanding sealing sleeve 9. As a result, the forming rim 7 is spaced outwardly from the sealing sleeve 9.

The rib 18 extends along the outer surface 15 of the sealing sleeve 9 between the base and sealing ends 11,12. In addition, in this embodiment, that rib 18 continues partially across the base member 2. In particular, the rib extends radially across the base flange 6 from the base end 11 to the forming rim 7. That section of the rib 18 is formed integral with the base flange 6, along with the sealing sleeve 9. With this extended rib 18, the slit 19 across the base member 2 may be more effectively sealed.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention as described above, the seal device 1 is manufactured without a slit 19 in the sealing sleeve 9. Thus, the seal device 1 may be used in a conventional manner as previously outlined in relation to the prior seal devices. When so used, the retainer clips 23 are not required.

When the seal device 1 is to be installed about an elongate member E along which the device 1 cannot be slid into position, the seal device 1 is then slit to achieve that fitment. The device 1 is slit either during manufacture, or at the time of installation, along the sealing sleeve 9 and across the base member 2 so that the device 1 can be opened for lateral passage of the elongate member E through the slit 19 into the access aperture 5 and passage 10. The device 1 is then closed about the elongate member E by drawing the rib portions 20 together.

Several retainer clips 23 are then positioned in spaced apart relation along the rib 18, and firmly fastened thereto so that a weather tight seal forms between the rib portions 20. Pliers or other clamping tools may be used to ensure that the clip elements 24,25 are brought together sufficiently to resiliently compress the rib portions 20 and form an effective weather seal therebetween. That will also ensure adequate reaction forces for maintaining the barb 36 in engagement within a groove 35 and thereby preventing accidental release of the clips 23.

A sealing compound may be introduced into the slit 19 between the rib portions 20 to enhance the seal therebetween.

In addition, a sealing compound can be applied over and/or about the slit 19 across the base member 2 to also seal that slit.

The base member 2 is secured to the surface S through which the elongate member E projects in a conventional manner, well known to those skilled in the relevant art.

The seal device of the present invention can be slit for fitting about an elongate member either during manufacture or immediately prior to installation. That can be easily achieved at installation without hindrance from the clip means. Moreover, the slit can be accurately provided, particularly where the rib portions act as a guide for slit formation. Accordingly, the seal device can be rapidly and effectively fitted about the elongate member.

A further advantage of the present seal device is that the clip means need be used only when required to sealingly close the slit. Moreover, the number of retainer clips can be varied to suit the length of rib in the seal device. Thus, fewer chips can be usd where part of the sealing sleeve is removed to fit about a larger diameter elongate member. As a result, overall cost savings may be achieved where the device is universally adopted, but only sometimes used in combination with the clip means.

Finally, it will be appreciated that various modifications and/or additions may be made to the seal device and clip means without departing from the ambit of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.

Claims (22)

1. A seal device for sealing between a surface and an elongate member projecting through that surface, including: a base member having an access aperture therethrough and in use being located in a face-to-face sealing relation with the surface so that an elongate member projects through the access aperture; and, a sealing member projecting from one face of the base member and extending about the access aperture, the sealing member having an access passage for receiving the elongate member therein and a sealing end remote from the base member for sealing engagement with the elongate member, the sealing member having an outer surface and a rib extending therealong between the base member and the sealing end, whereby the sealing member can be slit entirely along the rib so as to form an access slit in the sealing member between opposed portions of the rib, the access slit permitting opening of the sealing member and base member for fitting of the seal device about the elongate member.

2. A seal device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the separate rib portions are at least partially formed during manufacture of the seal device.

3. A seal device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the separate rib portions are positioned on the sealing member outer surface in a side-by-side closely spaced apart relation thereby defining a slit line therebetween, the slit line identifying the location of the access slit in the sealing member if formed during manufacture of the seal device or a line along which the slit can be placed following manufacture.

4. A seal device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rib portions are of at least a substantially mirrored configuration about the slit line, each rib portion having an elongate planar sealing surface extending therealong, the sealing surfaces being arranged in face-to-face relation, opposing for abutting one another to seal across the access slit.

5. A seal device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rib portions are each of generally bulbous cross-sectional configuration for gripping together in order to seal therebetween.

6. A seal device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rib extends uninterrupted entirely along the sealing member and radially across the base member from the sealing member toward a peripheral edge of the base member.

7. A seal device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the base member includes a base flange from which the sealing member projects, and a forming rim secured to the base flange in face-to-face relation, the forming rim extending about the sealing member in spaced relation therefrom, and the rib extends across the base flange from the sealing member to the forming rim.

8. A seal device as claimed in any preceding claim, and further including clip means separate from the sealing member for positioning about the rib so as to secure the rib portions together and thereby sealingly close the access slit therebetween.

9. A seal device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the clip means includes a series of retainer clips for individually positioning in spaced relation along the rib and actuable to secure the rib portions together across the access slit.

10. A seal device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the retainer clips are actuable to releasably secure the rib portions together.

11. A seal device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein each retainer clip includes a pair of clip elements, each having a clipping arm, the clipping elements of each clip together extending over the rib portions so that the clipping arms are in opposed, spaced apart relation with the rib portions positioned between the clipping arms, the clip elements coacting with one another to relatively move the clipping arms toward one another so as to clamp the rib portions therebetween.

12. A seal device as claimed in claim 11, wherein each clip element has a connecting arm, the connecting arms of each clip being releasably interengageable over the rib during movement of the clipping arms toward one another in order to secure the retainer clip in position about the rib.

13. A seal device as claimed in claim 12, wherein each retainer clip is generally U-shaped in profile with each clip element being generally L-shaped in profile, legs of the L-shaped profile providing the connecting and clipping arms, respectively.

14. A seal device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each rib portion has a groove extending therealong adjacent the outer surface of the sealing member, and the clipping arms each have an inwardly directed terminal region for extending into a respective groove so as to positively locate and grip the rib portions between the clipping arms.

15. A seal device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the clip elements of each retainer clip are slidably interengageable to relatively move the clipping arms.

16. A seal device as claimed in claim 15 when appended to claim 12, wherein the connecting arm of one clip element of each retainer clip has at least one guideway, and the connecting arm of the other clip element has at least one guide portion receivable within the guideway to slidably connect the clip elements together.

17. A seal device as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein each retainer clip includes fastening means for releasably fastening the clip elements together in relative positions that secure the rib portions together.

18. A seal device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the fastening means includes at least one abutment shoulder on each clip element, the abutment shoulders of the clip elements abutting one another, following interengagement of the clip elements, thereby to resist their disengagement.

19. A seal device as claimed in claim 18 when appended to claim 15 or 16, wherein the abutment shoulders are provided on the connecting arms of each clip element and cooperate upon sliding interengagement of the clip elements to bypass one another thereby allowing the clipping arms to relatively move toward one another to press against and compress the rib portions and create a reaction force on the clipping arms tending to disengage the clip elements, that disengagement being resisted by the abutment of the abutment shoulders.

20. A seal device as claimed in claim 19, wherein one clip element of each retainer clip has a plurality of grooves in the connecting arm, the grooves each providing a respective abutment shoulder along an edge zone of the grooves, and the other clip element of each retainer clip has a barb on the connecting arm, the barb providing an abutment shoulder, the barb arranged so as to ride over the grooves during clip element interengagement, but move into one of the grooves upon attempted disengagement to inhibit further relative disengaging movement.

21. A seal device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the other clip element of each retainer clip has a tab portion on which the barb is carried, the tab portion being resiliently movable for selectively moving the barb out of and clear of the grooves to enable disengagement of the clip elements.

22. A seal device for sealing between a surface and an elongate member projecting through that surface, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to what is shown in the accompanying drawings.