GB2478748A

GB2478748A - Resilient sealing strip for floorboard gaps

Info

Publication number: GB2478748A
Application number: GB1004358A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harald Dewick-Eisele
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-03-16
Filing date: 2010-03-16
Publication date: 2011-09-21
Also published as: GB201004358D0

Abstract

The seal comprises a solid, flexible, compressible, resilient and stretchy strip with a circular cross-section suitable for sealing the joint between floorboards. The cord is provided on a reel. The material has a low-friction surface. In use it is squeezed into the joint by applicator tool 15, being compressed in the process, before expanding to fill the gap.

Description

Title of Patent: Floorboard Gap Sealer

Background

This invention is to remove the draughts caused by cold air permeating through the gaps between floorboards and between floorboards and skirting boards. It also prevents insect infestation.

Other sealants such as paper, slivers of wood, caulk, etc have been used to reduce the gaps but this is time consuming, unsightly and unstable -being easily dislodged and damaged when the floorboard gaps move through expansion and contraction (which is usual due to changes in humidity and temperature).

Statement of Invention (Summary)

I have devised a method of sealing a gap between adjacent floorboards and between floorboards and skirting boards which is effective in removing the draughts, hardly noticeable to the eye, and simple and quick to install.

The method of sealing the gap between adjacent floorboards 12 and between floorboards and skirting boards 11 comprises providing a length of material 13 which is inserted fully 14 into the gap to be sealed 12 by use of a specially designed applicator 15. The material used to provide the seal is to be elongated, cylindrical, compressible, expandable, stretchy and flexible 13. The material is low friction when inserted, is torsion-proof and will not spin around its own longitudinal axis 18.

The cord is provided on a reel 17 or in a coil, thereby making application easier, and the user cuts the cord 19 either before applying the product or at the end of the insertion.

The cord needs to be of a colour which complements the colour of the floorboards and skirting boards or the colour of the shade between the floorboards.

Advantages * Provides a seal which is hardly visible, thereby not interfering with the look of the floor.

* The cord will be unaffected by irregularities in the width of the gap along the length of the floorboard, as the cord will expand to fit the gap.

* Inexpensive * Simple to install (no special DIY skills required).

Detailed Description

This invention relates to sealing gaps between floor boards and skirting boards.

In accordance with this invention there is provided a method of sealing a gap between adjacent floorboards and gaps between floorboards and skirting boards. The method comprising providing a length of material (cord) 13 which is inserted fully 14 into the gap to be sealed 12 by use of a specially designed applicator 15. The material used to provide the seal is to be elongated, cylindrical, compressible, expandable, stretchy and flexible 13. The material is low friction when inserted, is torsion-proof and will not spin around its own longitudinal axis 18. The cord completely fills the gap between the adjacent panel members and thus prevents draughts from permeating through the gap. The cord also has the advantage that it is able to fill gaps which vary in width along their length. The cord is inexpensive to manufacture, and is straightforward to fit, being provided on a reel 17 or in a coil, thereby making application easier, and the user cuts the cord 19 either before applying the product or at the end of the insertion.

It is preferable that the cord be of a colour which complements the colour of the floorboards and skirting boards or matches the colour of shade between floorboards.

An embodiment of this invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view demonstrating how a gap between adjacent floor boards is sealed in accordance with this invention using a specially designed applicator tool; Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the cylindrical nature of the cord and the provision of the cord on a reel or coil; figure 3 is a transverse sectional view through adjacent floor boards having a gap therebetween which has been sealed in accordance with this invention; figure 4 is a perspective view demonstrating the cutting to size of the cord.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, the cord 13 is inserted fully 14 into the gap to be sealed 12 using a method by which the user presses the cord fully 16 into the gap to be sealed 12 with the use of a specially designed applicator 15, whereupon the cord attempts to recover its shape, thereby causing the cord to be squeezed against the side edges of the respective adjacent floor boards 10 thereby creating a seal.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, there is shown an elongated cord 13 of cylindrical, compressible, expandable, stretchy and flexible material. The material is low friction when inserted, is torsion-proof and will not spin around its own longitudinal axis. The cord is shown provided on a roll or coil 17.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the cord 18 provides an effective and inconspicuous seal between adjacent floor boards.

Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, the cord is shown being measured up to the edge of the floorboard where the floorboard meets the skirting board, and simply cut with scissors, demonstrating the ease with which the cord can be fitted.

Claims

Claims 1. A method of sealing a gap between adjacent floorboards and between floorboards and skirting boards, the method comprising providing an elongate cord of material which is cylindrical, compressible, expandable, stretchy and flexible. The material is low friction when inserted, is torsion-proof and will not spin around its own longitudinal axis. The cord is fully inserted into the gap to be sealed, whereby the cord partially recovers its shape such that the edges of the coil engages with the respective opposite sides edges of the adjacent floorboards and skirting boards.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which a strip is chosen having a colour which closely resembles the colour of the panel members or the shadow between two panel members.
3. A method of sealing a gap between adjacent panel members, the method being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
4. A floorboard or floorboard and skirting board gap sealer substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.