GB2337286A

GB2337286A - Channel-shaped seal

Info

Publication number: GB2337286A
Application number: GB9810388A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Frederick Keys
Original assignee: Standard Products Co
Current assignee: Standard Products Co
Priority date: 1998-05-14
Filing date: 1998-05-14
Publication date: 1999-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2018-05-14
Also published as: GB2337286B; GB9810388D0

Abstract

There is provided a seal having a channel-shaped portion suitable for mounting on to a flange, the channel-shaped portion having a base and two opposing side walls, the channel-shaped portion being formed of a polymeric material and having embedded therein a reinforcing core, wherein there is one or more space(s) between the reinforcing core and the polymeric material.

Description

2337286 is CHANNEL-SHAPED SEAL This invention relates to a channel-shaped

seal suitable for mounting on to a flange.

In the automotive industry, seals are commonly fitted, for example around doors, windows, sunroofs, boots and tailgates, in order to ensure a airtight fit and to provide a degree of cushioning. Such seals also serve to cover the edges of the interior trim and to provide an aesthetically pleasing transition between the interior and exterior surfaces of the vehicle.

Such seals are commonly made from a rubber or a synthetic polymeric material such as PVC, and may have reinforcing core of a metal such as steel.

one disadvantage of reinforced seals is that unevenness in the metal core can be seen as unevenness on the visible surface of the rubber or polymeric material.

Also, when reinforced seals are cut to length, sharp end regions of core metal may be left protruding from the ends of the seal. It can be difficult to remove these sharp end regions and achieve a smooth surface.

In order to join together two ends of a seal, it is common practice to mould a small section, without a reinforcing core, to bridge the gap. The linkage produced by this method is usually satisfactory, but in some circumstances a stronger linkage may be required. Also, if sharp end regions of the metal core are protruding from one or both ends which are to be joined, there may be metal to metal contact which causes an internal 11pulling apart" of the joint.

According to the present invention, there is provided a seal having a channelshaped portion suitable for mounting on to a flange, the channelshaped portion having a base and two opposing side walls, the channel-shaped portion being formed of a polymeric material and having embedded therein a reinforcing core, wherein there is one or more space(s) between the reinforcing core and the polymeric material.

Preferably, the space(s) are in the region of the base.

There may be a space on either or both side (s) of the reinforcing core in the base region. The space(s) usually extends for the full length of the seal, but may extend for only part of the length of the seal.

Preferably the seal is substantially U-shaped in cross-section.

The reinforcing core may be made from a metal. Preferably the reinforcing core is made from steel. Conveniently the reinforcing core is perforated to facilitate bending of the seal.

Preferably the space is filled with air.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawing, which shows a cross-section through a seal in accordance with the present invention. In the drawing, there is shown a seal 1, having a U-shaped portion 2 made from a polymeric material which comprises a base region 3 and two opposing side walls 4, 5. Embedded within the U-shaped portion is a reinforcing metal core 6 which is also made up of a base region 13 and two opposing side walls 14, 15. On either side of the base region 13 of the metal core 6, there is a space 20 between the metal core 6 and the polymeric material of the base region 3.

There is thus provided a seal, suitable for mounting on to a flange, in which unevenness in the reinforcing core does not cause significant unevenness on the visible surface of the seal. The spaces also facilitate joining of two ends of the seal, as a dowel may be inserted in the spaces at both ends to be joined, which increases the strength of the joint.

Also, when a seal in accordance with the present invention is cut, the spaces facilitate removal of any sharp end regions of the metal core which may be left. The sharp end regions are usually removed with a pair of pliers, and the space allows entry of the pliers, enabling removal of the sharp end region(s) completely, from within the body of the seal.

Finally, when ends of seals are joined by moulding it is possible to deliberately mismatch the ends so that the faces of the reinforcing metal core do not butt up against one another. In this way, any sharp end regions can fit into the space on the opposing seal end, to stop the joint from "pulling apart" internally. The seal on one side of the joint will then be higher than the other due to the thickness of the metal joint. When such a mismatch is introduced to join seals of the present invention, the visible region of the higher seal end may be compressed, taking up some of the air gap, so that the two ends are level.

The term "polymeric" as used herein is intended to include rubber and other elastomeric materials as well as synthetic materials such as PVC.

Claims

1. A seal having a channel-shaped portion suitable for mounting on to a flange, the channelshaped portion having a base and two opposing side walls, the channel-shaped portion being formed of a polymeric material and having embedded therein a reinforcing core, wherein there is one or more space(s) between the reinforcing core and the polymeric material.

2. A seal according to claim 1, wherein the or each space is in the region of the base.

3. A seal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a space, between the reinforcing core and the material, on the side of the reinforcing core nearer to the channel.

A seal according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a space, between the reinforcing core and the polymeric material, on the side of the reinforcing core which is further from the channel.

5. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the spaces are filled with air.

6. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the reinforcing core is perforated.

7. A seal according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is substantially U-shaped in crosssection.

8. A seal according to any preceding claim, with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawing.

there is polymeric which is 4. there is