GB2516977A

GB2516977A - Threshold Seal

Info

Publication number: GB2516977A
Application number: GB1314330.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Francis Kippel; Thomas Kingdon; Jason Williams; Paul Chudley; Maria Simmonds
Original assignee: Lorient Polyproducts Ltd
Current assignee: Lorient Polyproducts Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-09
Filing date: 2013-08-09
Publication date: 2015-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-09
Also published as: ES2706151T3; AU2014304295B2; EP3030737B1; AU2014304295A1; GB201314330D0; WO2015019089A2; EP3030737A2; GB2516977B; WO2015019089A3; HK1220750A1

Abstract

A threshold seal 4 with a casing 2, seal carrier 3 and an actuating mechanism, which has an actuation member 36 which moves relative to the casing to extend and retract the seal carrier. The actuation member is controlled by an adjustable button 37 which protrudes from the casing and has a plurality of visual indicators (37, fig 6) that may be colour coded. In further aspects of the invention, an actuation element 33 is pivotally connected to a seal carrier which is connected to a stabilising element 34, such as a leaf spring; or there is a U-shaped casing with one thicker wall; or a wiper element (32, fig 5c) in slideable contact with the casing; or an actuation cable (50, fig 11c); or a casing with a projecting portions (11, 12, fig 5a); or seal with an A-shaped profile; or an actuator element with a recess (33, fig 6) to act as an end stop when the seal is retracted; or an actuator element with wheels or bosses 35b running on tracks within the casing.

Description

Threshold Seal

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a threshold seal, a method for assembling a threshold seal, and to an elongate seal member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Doors are typically installed with a clearance gap between the lower surface of the door and the floor surface or threshold over which the door moves to allow free movement of the door over the floor surface. However, in some cases it may be desirable for a door to seal against the floor surface when the door is in its closed Position, for example to improve fire resistance, thermal insulation andlor sound proofing.

A seal may be provided between a door and a floor surface by a door seal or threshold seal. Typically a threshold seal has a sealing member which is held in a retracted position with a clearance gap over the floor surface when the door is open to increase ease of movement of the door and avoid unnecessary wear of the floor surface. The sealing member is then moved into an extended position in which it contacts the floor surface to form a seal between the door and the floor surface as the door reaches its closed position.

Known threshold seals suffer from several proNems. For example. the seal member may not drop evenly from its retracted position to its extended position, and may not apply pressure evenly into the floor surface along its length when in the extended position. In this way the sealing performance of the threshold seal may be reduced. It is therefore desirable to provide a threshold seal which addresses these problems, and which generally provides an efficient seal with a floor surface. It is also desirable to minimise the parts count, to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacture and to provide a simple, rugged, efficient deployment mechanism for increased reliability over a life cycle of 100,000 to 250,000 operation cycles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I

A first aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal calTier with a longitudinal axis and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a first location, and a stabilising element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location; wherein the first actuation element transmits a force to the seal carrier to move the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position, the force having a component aligned with the seal carrier longitudinal axis; and wherein the stabilising element is adapted to resist movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

By resisting movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis the stabilising element may ensure accurate deployment of the seal carrier in the desired direction. By pivotally connecting the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the seal carrier at spaced-apart locations, the actuation mechanism may ensure even deployment of the seal carrier. The actuation mechanism may also ensure pressure is evenly transmitted from the seal carrier through a seal member into a floor surface or threshold along the length of the threshold seal, thereby forming an efficient seal against the floor surface.

The stabilising element may act to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position.

The stabilising element may therefore form part of a return mechanism. Alternatively the stabilising element may not act to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position and may only act to control movement of the seal carrier in its longitudinal direction, For example the stabilising element may be a stiff rod pivotally connected to the casing which constrains movement of the seal carrier in its thngitudinal direction without biasing the seal carrier towards the retracted position.

The stabilising element may be a spring rod, that is a rod which is elastically deformable in the manner of a leaf spring. Alternatively the stabilising element may be a leaf spring or a lever or a spar or a piston or any other type of dement for resisting movement.

The stabilising element may be adapted to deflect to allow the seal carrier to move between the retracted position and the extended position. Alternatively the stabilising element may be adapted to pivot or slide or react in some other way to allow movement.

The actuation element may be a lever. Alternativdy the actuation element may be a cam, a cable, a piston or any other type of actuator capable of providing an actuation force with a component in the direction of travel of the seat carrier between the retracted position and the extended position and a component aligned with the seal carrier longitudinal axis.

The first actuation element may be pivotally coupled to an actuation member which is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. Alternatively the first actuation element may contact the actuation member via a cam surface or a lever or via some other linkage or mechanism.

The actuation member may include a lug and the first actuation member may include a pair of lugs. The ug of the actuation member may be positioned between the lugs of the first actuation clement. The lugs may act to limit movement of the first actuation element, for example by preventing movement in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position and the longitudina' axis of the seat carrier. The movement of the seal carrier relative to the casing may therefore be more accurately controlled. In an alternative embodiment the first actuation element may have a lug positioned between two lugs of the actuation member.

The actuation member may be slidably mounted in an actuation member guide block which is fixed to the casing. The guide Hock may provide a guide track in which the actuation member moves, and the guide track may confine movement of the actuation member to the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal direction of the seal carrier.

By controlling movement of the actuation member, the movement of the seal carrier relative to the casing may be more accurately controlled.

The actuation member may be moved in a direction aligned with the seal carrier longitudinal axis causing the first actuation element to rotate with respect to the casing, thereby controlling movement of the seat carrier between the first and second positions.

The stabilising element may have a hook which pivotally connects the stabilising element to the seal carrier. Alternatively the stabilising element may have another feature for connecting to the seal carrier, for example a lug or a looped end portion.

The stabilising element may be hooked or clamped or pinned to the seal carrier.

The hook may be substantially U-shaped. Alternatively the hook may be S-shaped or have any other hook shape.

The hook shape may be adapted to resist lateral movement of the seal carrier relative to the hook. For example the hook may include a face or feature adapted to transmit a force to the seal carrier in the direction of its thngitudinal axis to resist movement in the longitudinal axis direction.

The threshold seal may include a pin which couples the seal carrier to the stabilising element. The pin may be received in a bend of the hook. Alternatively the hook may be coupled to a hook, a 1oop, a hole or a recess associated with the seal carrier, The stabilising element may be fixed to a stabilising element mounting block which is fixed to the casing. Alternatively the stabilising element may be attached directly to the casing.

Where the stabilising element is a spring rod or leaf spring, the stabilising element may follow a single substantially continuous curve between the stabilising element mounting block and the hook. Alternatively the stabilising element may have a varying profile along its length.

The casing may have open ends in its longitudinal direction which are covered by end plates. The end plates may act to protect the internal mechanism of the threshold seal, provide attachment points for attaching the threshold seal to a door and constrain movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

The combination of the first actuation element and the actuation member provides a compact actuation mechanism, therefore allowing very short lengths of threshold seal to be manufactured. The threshold seal may be manufactured in standard lengths, for example as short as 200mm. Especially in very short threshold seals, for example 200mm long seals, the spring rod may be omitted. This enables a further reduction in the minimum length of the threshold seal so that smaller seals may be produced. In this case the first actuation element may act alone to deploy and retract the seal catTier.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method for assembling a threshold seal having a seal carrier which is movable with respect to a casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the method comprising the steps of: pivotally connecting a first actuation element to the seal carrier at a first location, pivotally connecting a stabilising element to the seal calTier at a second location spaced from the first location, and then connecting the first actuation member and the stabilising element to the casing.

By connecting the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the seal calTier before attaching the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the casing, the components of the seal carrier may be more easily accessed and manipulated during assembly than if the first actuation element and/or the stabilising element were already connected to the casing. Therefore the time, cost and complexity of assembling the seal can-icr is reduced. The assembly procedure is also rendered less hazardous because there is reduced need to manipulate sprung components within a confined space.

The first actuation element and the stabilising element may be pivotally connected to the seal carrier before the first actuation member and the stabilising element are inserted into the casing. By first assembling the seal carrier, first actuation element and stabilising element as a sub assembly, the components of the sub assembly may be more quickly and readily inserted into the casing in a single operation and the seal member may be used to help set the relative positions of the first actuation member and the stabilising element within the casing.

The stabilising element may coupled to a mounting block, and the stabilising element may be connected to the casing by inserting the mounting block into the casing, positioning the mounting block within the casing, and fixing the mounting block to the casing. Alternatively the stabilising element may be attached directly to the casing.

The first actuation element may be movably mounted to the casing via a guide block.

and the guide block may be connected to the casing by sliding the guide block into the casing, positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the casing.

The first actuation element may be connected to the casing by pivotally coupling the first actuation element to an actuation member and slidably mounting the actuation member within the casing. The actuation member may be slidably mounted to the casing by a guide block, and the guide block may be connected to the casing by sliding the guide block into the casing, positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide Hock to the casing.

The mounting block andlor the guide block may be connected to the casing by boring a hole through the casing and into the mounting block or guide block and attaching the mounting Hock or guide block to the casing using a fastener. The boring operation may. for example, be a drilling operation. By positioning the mounting block and/or the guide block in the casing before boring a hole and attaching the mounting block and/or the guide block, the position of the blocks may be easily and accurately set relative to the casing.

Alternatively the method comprising the step of aligning mounting block or the guide block with a pre-existing hole in the casing, boring a hole into the mounting block or the guide block aligned with the pre-existing hole, and attaching the mounting block or guide block to the casing using a fastener. Alternatively, both the casing and/or the mounting Hock or guide block may have complimentary pre-existing holes which are aligned when the mounting block or guide block is inserted into the casing.

A third aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and a connecting wall extending between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel section, wherein at least one of the side walls includes a region of increased wall thickness adjacent the connecting wall.

The region of increased thickness may provide corner reinforcement at a corner formed between one of the casing side walls and the connecting wall. The region of increased thickness may also provide a region of increased strength for attaching other components to the casing.

The threshold seal may further comprise at least one mounting block or guide block for mounting another component to the casing, and the mounting block or guide block may be attached to the casing by a mechanical fastener passing through the region of increased thickness and through the mounting block or guide block. By passing the fastener through the region of increased thickness, the fastener may be more securely retained within the casing.

The region of increased thickness may provide a lip or shoulder against which the mounting block or guide block sits. Engagement of the mounting block or guide block with the lip or shoulder may assist with accurate and secure location of the mounting block or guide block relative to the casing.

The casing may have a longitudinal axis and the region(s) of increased thickness may extend substantially along the length of the casing in the longitudinal axis direction.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal member, wherein the seal member is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position and adapted to seal against a floor surface external to the threshold seal when in its extended position, wherein the casing has a side wall with an inner face, wherein the seal member includes a wiper element which is integrally formed with the seal member, and wherein the wiper element is in sliding contact with the inner face of the side wall as the seal member moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

The wiper element may act to substantially prevent or reduce the propagation of sound waves through the threshold seal and to reduce smoke penetration through the threshold seal.

The seal member may have a longitudinal axis. The wiper element may extend along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

The wiper element may be adapted to form a substantially continuous seal between the seal member and the casing along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

The wiper element may be tapered away from the seal member and towards the inner face of the side wall. The contact area and the friction between the wiper element and the casing may therefore be reduced.

The seal member may have a height in the direction of movement between the retracted position and the extended position, and a contact patch defined between the wiper element and the inner face of the side wall may have a width in the direction of movement between the retracted position and the extended position, and the width of the contact patch may be less than 20% of the height of the seal member, preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 5% or less than 1%. The comparatively small width of the contact patch may decrease the operating friction between the wiper element and the casing.

The seal member may be carried on a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing to move the seal member between the retracted position and the extended position. The seal member may include a projection or clip which extends into a recess provided in the seal carrier to retain the seal member relative to the seal carrier.

The projection may be adjacent the wiper element. By providing the projection adjacent the wiper element, the wiper element may provide a reaction force due to its contact with the casing which acts to bias the projection into the recess to ensure secure thcation of the projection within the recess.

The material of the seal member may include an elastomeric material. The material of the seal member may include a silicone based compound.

The seal member may indude more than one of the wiper elements in sliding contact with the same side wall inner face.

The casing may comprise first and second opposing side walls each having an inner face, the seas member may include first and second wiper elements, the first wiper element may be adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the first side wall as the seal carrier moves within the casing, and the second wiper element may be adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the second side wall as the seal carrier moves relative to the casing.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an elongate seal member having a substantially A-shaped profile portion formed by first and second struts extending from a common apex to first and second feet respectively and a linking section extending between the first and second struts, wherein a first contact point is defined in the linking section between the first and second struts and second and third contact points are defined by the first and second feet respectively, the seal member being alTanged such that, when the first contact point is deflected towards the apex due to engagement with a surface, the second and third contact points are moved inwardly towards the first contact point and are compressed into the surface.

By compressing the second and third contact points into the floor surface, the seat achieved between the seal member and the surface may be improved.

The seal member may include a resiliently deformable materiaL The first contact point may be in the form of a bead or region of increased thickness formed in the linking section. Alternatively the linking section may have an approximately constant thickness.

The first, second and third contact points may extend substantially along the entire length of the seas member, for example if the seal member is formed by extrusion.

The Unking section may have a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex.

The first contact point may be provided at an outer-most point of the linking section with respect to the apex.

The seal member may be included in a threshold seal for sealing a gap between a door and a floor surface. Alternatively, the seal member may be a static seal, for example it may be used around the edges of a door or window to seal against a door or window frame.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a seal carrier and an actuation element operable to move the seal carrier between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuation element having at least one engagement surface which is adapted to come into engagement with at least one surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the retracted position, thereby acting as an end stop.

The engagement surface may only come into contact with the surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier reaches the retracted position.

The engagement of the engagement surface with the upper surface of the seal calTier may prevent movement and/or vibration of the seal carrier within a casing when the seal carrier is in the retracted position.

The engagement surface may be provided by a recess formed in a side face of the actuation element. Alternatively the engagement surface may be provided by a protrusion extending from the actuation element or by another component attached to the actuation element.

First and second engagement surfaces may be provided by first and second recesses formed in opposing side faces of the actuation element, and the first and second engagement surfaces are adapted to come into engagement with corresponding first and second surfaces of the seal carrier. Alternatively only one engagement surface may be provided on one side face of the actuation element.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier, the seal catTier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein at least one of the side walls has a projecting portion extending towards the other side wall, wherein the projecting portion includes an arm which extends away from the projecting portion towards the open face, and wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position.

The projecting portion may be an end stop for limiting movement of the seal carrier within the casing.

The threshold seal may have a longitudinal axis and a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the arm may extend substantially along the length of the threshold seal.

A eighth aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal having a longitudinal axis and a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier, the seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein the casing comprises an insert having at least one arm extending towards the open face, wherein the arm extends along substantially along the length of the threshold seal, and wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position.

The arm may cause sound waves travelling through the air through the threshold seal to follow a longer path including additional corners and changes of direction compared to if the arm was not present. The tortuous route followed by sound waves passing through the threshold seal may act to increase the attenuation of sound through the casing, therefore improving the sound insulation provided by the threshold seal.

The seal carrier may comprises first and second side walls, and the arm may be located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the extended position. Alternatively the seal carrier may have only one wall or more than two walls which overlap with the arm.

The casing may comprise first and second arms and the arms may be located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal calTier is in the extended position. The first and second arms may be provided on first and second projecting portions extending outwardly from the first and second casing side walls respectively.

The casing may further comprise a connecting wall opposing the open face which extends between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel.

An ninth aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the threshold seal further comprising an actuation cable which is operable in tension to pull the seal carrier from the extended position towards the retracted position and operable in compression to push the seal carrier fmm the retracted position towards the extended position.

The push/pull cable actuation assembly may allow a single cable to control movement of the seal carrier in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. The actuation assembly is simple, rugged, easy to manufacture and assemble and has a low parts count.

The actuation cable may have a first end which is attached to the seal carrier and a second end which is attached to an actuation member, and the actuation member may be movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal calTier.

The threshold seal may further comprise biasing means for biasing the actuation member towards its first position. The biasing means may, for example, be a compression spring. The compression spring may act between a retaining block fixed relative to the casing and the actuation member, and the compression spring may be captive in the retaining block.

The actuation cable may be pail of a Bowden push/pull cable assembly comprising a hollow outer sheath through which the actuation cable slides. Alternatively the actuation cable may run through another type of housing. for example a guiding block with a hole for receiving the cable. Alternatively the cable may be sufficiently stiff to be self supporting between the actuation member and the seal carrier.

The hollow outer sheath may be fixed relative to a retaining block which is fixed relative to the casing.

The stabilising element of the first aspect of the invention may be used in combination with the actuation cable of the ninth aspect.

A tenth aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element and an actuation member; wherein the actuation member is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is pivotally connected to the seal carrier and pivotally connected to the actuation member and is adapted to rotate and translate relative to the casing under the action of the actuation member to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is provided with one or more wheels or bosses which run in one or more corresponding tracks provided in the casing.

A boss is defined as a fixed protrusion. preferably with rounded sides or a circular cross section. A wheel is defined as a rotating element with a substantially circular cross section. Therefore a boss is rotationally fixed with respect to the first actuation element and a wheel can rotate relative to the first actuation element.

The wheels or bosses may act to improve control of the movement of the first actuation element as the actuation mechanism is operated, thereby allowing more efficient operation of the actuation mechanism and more accurate deployment of the seal carrier.

The first actuation element may be provided with two wheels or bosses on alternate sides of the first actuation element. By providing a pair of opposing wheels or bosses the stability of the actuation mechanism is improved.

The wheels or bosses may be co-axially aligned with a pivot axis of the pivotal connection between the first actuation element and the actuation member.

The first actuation element may be pivotally connected to the actuation member by a pin, and the wheels maybe mounted on the pin. The wheels maybe adapted to rotate on or with the pin. By mounting the wheds on a common pin with the first actuation element and the actuation member the wheels may improve control of the movement of the actuation member.

The wheels may be adapted to rotate relative to the first actuation element or alternatively the bosses may remain rotationally fixed relative to the first actuation element. Non-rotating bosses may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the first actuation element.

The casing may have a longitudinal axis and the tracks may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The wheels or bosses may, therefore be constrained to move substantially only in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis. The activation member may move in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis as the actuation mechanism is operated.

The seal member may be deployed and retracted along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing. The wheels or bosses and the tracks may cooperate to allow the first actuation element to translate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the casing but substantially prevent translational movement of the first actuation element in the direction of the second axis. The first actuation element may rotate relative to the casing about the wheels or bosses.

The wheels or bosses and the tracks may cooperate to hold the first actuation element spaced apart from one or more inner surfaces of the casing as the actuation mechanism is operated.

An eleventh aspect of the invention provides a threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button r&ative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member.

By varying the extent to which button protrudes from the casing for a given actuation member position, the range of movement of the button (and therefore the range of movement of the actuation member and therefore the seal carrier) can be controlled.

For example, if the protrusion of the button is increased, the distance through which the button is moved as it is pushed flush with the casing is increased, thereby increasing the distance through which the actuation member is moved, thereby increasing the maximum displacement of the seal carrier. By providing the button with visual indicators the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be more easily and accurately set. For example, the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing may be set to a predetermined extent or adjusted using the visual indicators as a guide.

The position of the button relative to the actuation member may be continuously variable between an outer position colTesponding to a maximum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position.

Altematively the button may be movable to a plurality of different discrete positions relative to the actuation member.

The button may be connected to the actuation member by a threaded connection. For example the button may have a threaded recess corresponding to an outer threaded portion of the actuation member or vice-versa. The button may therefore be rotated relative to the casing to vary the position of the button relative to the actuation member.

The button may have an end surface facing away from the casing, and the end surface may comprise a recess or protrusion adapted to allow rotation of the button relative to the casing. The recess or protrusion may, for example, comprise a s'ot or a cross or a hexagonal recess adapted to be operated by a screw driver, hex key or similar.

There may be at least two visual indicators. There may for example be between two and six indicators or in some cases more than six indicators. There may generally be any number of indicators as required, but preferably the number of indicators is limited to a reasonable number so that the indicators may be easily read.

One or more of the visual indicators may be in the form of a band extending substantially around a circumference or perimeter of the button. The indicators may, therefore, be easily read from any angle and remain visible as the button is rotated to set its position relative to the actuation member.

The visual indicators may be c&our coded. The colour codes may correspond to particular positions of maximum extension of the seal carrier. Alternatively the visual indicators may be differentiated by numbers or other markings. Alternatively the markings may be similar or identical to each other.

One or more of the visual indicators may be recessed into the button or may protrude from the button. A visual indicator may, for example, comprise a recessed groove or a protruding band either with or without colour coding or other markings. Alternatively a visual indicator may be applied to the button without substantially changing the profile of the button. A visual indicator may, for example, be painted or printed or applied as a surface finish or surface markings.

The skilled person will appreciate that the features of any of the aspects of the invention may be combined with the features of other aspects of the invention.

Alternatively any aspect of the invention may be employed separately from any other aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a threshold seal according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the threshold seal; Figure 3 illustrates an end view of the threshold seal; Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the threshold seal; Figures 5a to 5c illustrate cross-section views of the casing, seal carrier and seal member of the threshold seal; Figure 6 illustrates the ever and actuation rod sub assembly of the threshold seal; Figure 7 illustrates the spring rod of the threshold seat; Figure 8 illustrates an end view of the threshold seal in the extended position; Figures 9a and 9b illustrate partial cut-away views of the threshold seal in the retracted position and the extended position respectivdy; Figures lOa and lOb illustrate cross-section views of the casing and seal canier in the retracted and extended positions respectively in an alternative embodiment; and Figures 1 la to lid illustrate parts of a Bowden push/pull cable actuation assembly used in another alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 illustrates a door seal or threshold seas 1 for forming a seal between a lower edge of a door and a floor surface or threshold over which the door moves. Figure 3 shows the threshold seal mounted in a recess formed in a thwer edge of a door 100 above a floor surface 101. The threshold seal 1 includes a casing 2, a seal carrier 3 and a seal member 4 as shown in Figures 2 to 4.

The casing 2, shown in cross-section in Figure 5a, has a longitudinal axis and comprises first and second side walls 16. an open face 7. a connecting wall 8 between the side walls 5,6 and open end faces 9,10. The first and second side walls 5,6 and the connecting wall 8 define a substantially U-shaped channel when the casing 2 is viewed along its longitudinal axis. The first and second side walls 5,6 include first and second projecting portions 11,12 respectively, each extending towards the opposing side wail and dividing the interior of the casing 2 into first and second chambers 13,14. The first chamber 13 extends between the first and second side walls 5.6. the connecting wall 8 and the first and second projection portions 11,12. The second chamber 14 extends between the first and second side walls 5,6, the open face 7 and the first and second projecting portions 11,12. The casing also includes integral corner reinforcement portions 8' of increased wall thickness at the interfaces between the connecting wall 8 and the side walls 5.6. The casing 2 is an extruded aluminium component and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along its length.

The casing has a pair of end plates 9',lO' which are attached to its respective open ends 9,10, and fixed in place relative to a door in which the threshold seal is mounted by respective fasteners 10" (only one shown).

The seal carrier 3 or rail, shown in cross-section in Figure 5b, has a ongitudinal axis and comprises first and second side walls 15,16, an open face 17 and a base wall 18 extending between the first and second side walls 15,16. The first and second side walls 15,16 and the base wall 18 define a substantially U-shaped channel when the seal calTier 3 is viewed along its longitudina' axis. The base wall 18 includes a pair of seal member retaining arms 19 forming a centra] retaining channel 20. Each of the seal carrier side walls 15.16 includes a stop surface 21 at the end adjacent the open face 17. Each side wall also includes a recess 22 adjacent the stop surface 21 and a retaining protrusion 23 defining side retaining channels 24 in the side walls 15,16.

The seal carrier 3 is an extruded aluminium component and has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile along its ength. The seal carrier is mounted within the second chamber 14 of the casing with its open face 17 facing upwards towards the connecting wall 8 of the casing, as indicated in figure 3.

The seal member 4 or gasket, shown in cross section in Figure 5c, has a longitudinal axis and comprises a base portion 25, first and second struts 26, a linking section 27 and first and second side walls 28. When the seal member 4 is viewed in the direction of its longitudinal axis, the first and second struts 26 extend from an apex 29 which is joined to the base portion 25 to first and second feet 30. The linking section 27 extends between the first and second struts 26 to form a substantially A-shaped profile. The linking section 27 has a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex 29 and has a bead 27' or region of increased thickness located between the first and second feet 30. The linking section extends beyond the struts 26 to meet the base portion 25, forming a substantially D-shaped cross section overlapping with the A-shaped cross section. as shown in Figures 3 and Sc.

A substantially T-shaped retaining portion 30 extends outwardly from the base portion in the opposite direction to the struts 26. The first and second seal member side walls 28 also extend outwardly from the base portion 25 in the opposite direction to the struts 26, and each have a clip or projection 31 and an integral wiper element 32 tapering away from the side walls 28 formed adjacent the clip 31 at the upper edges of the side walls. The seal member 4 is extruded from an elastomeric material including a silicone based compound. and has a substantia'ly constant cross-sectional profile along its length.

The seal member 4 is mounted to the seal carrier 3 with the side walls 28 adjacent the seal carrier side walls 15,16 and with the bead 27' and the feet 30 facing downwardly away from the seal carrier and towards the floor surface 101. The seal member 4 is secured to the seal catTier 3 by location of the T-shaped retaining portion 30 within the central retaining channel 20 and location of the clips 31 within the side retaining channels 24.

The seal carrier 3 is mounted to the casing 2 by an actuation mechanism including an actuation element or lever 33 connected to the seal carrier at a first location and a spring rod 34 connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced apart from the first location, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

The lever 33 is pivotally connected to the seal carrier 3 at one end by a first pin 35a, and pivotally connected to an elongate actuation member or rod 36 at its other end by a second pin 35b. The first pin 35a is sub-flush with the outer surfaces of the seal carrier walls 15,16. The actuation rod 36 includes a brass actuator button 37 screw-mounted to its end furthest from the lever. The actuation rod 36 is slidably mounted within the first chamber 13 by a guide block 38 providing a guide track which helps to restrict movement of the actuation member to linear movement in the longitudinal direction of the seal calTier. By controlling the direction of movement of the actuation member, the guide track allows more accurate control of movement of the seal carrier.

The guide block 38 is fixed to the casing by a fastener 39 which passes through the reinforced corner portions 8' of the casing 2.

The lever 33 has a pair of lugs and the actuation rod 36 has a corresponding lug located between the lever's lugs at the pivotal connection point. The lug arrangement acts to control movement of the lever, for example by preventing movement in a direction normal to the direction of movement of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position and the longitudinal axis of the seal carrier, thereby allowing more accurate control of movement of the seal carrier. The lever lugs also have a curved surface to reduce the probability of the lever jamming in operation.

In some embodiments, the lever 33 has a pair of rollers 35b' located on alternate sides of the lever. The rollers 35b' may be in the form of wheels mounted on the second pin 35b at the point of pivotal connection with the rod 36 (as shown in Figures 2, 9a and 9b), and may be adapted to rotate relative to the lever 33. The rollers 35b' move within roller tracks defined on each side of the casing between the first and second projecting portions 11, 12 and the corner reinforcement portions 8'. If no corner reinforcement portions 8' are present then the roller tracks may be defined between the first and second projecting portions II. 12 and the connecting wall 8. Tn other embodiments the rollers may be replaced by projecting bosses 35b' which extend outwardly from alternate sides of the lever 33, and which move within boss tracks defined on each side of the casing between the first and second projecting portions 11.

12 and the corner reinforcement portions 8' or between the first and second projecting portions 11, 12 and the connecting wall 8. The bosses may be integrally formed with the lever or may be attached thereto.

The rollers or bosses 35b' act to guide the movement of the lever 33 and the rod 36 by constraining vertical movement relative to the casing 2, thereby allowing more accurate control of movement of the seal carrier 3. In some embodiments the rollers or bosses may be adapted to hold the lever 33 spaced apart from the connecting wall 8. so that friction within the actuation mechanism is reduced and the lever is less likely to jam in operation. In embodiments where the rollers or bosses are not included, movement of the actuation rod 36 may still be guided by the guide block 38.

In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the movement of the seal carrier is controlled by three different alignment mechanisms, that is by guide block 38, by the ovedapping lugs of the lever 33 and the actuation rod 36. and by the rollers or bosses35b'. In other embodiments a threshold seal may omit the overlapping lug and/or the roller alignment mechanism. However, the combination of the guide block with the overlapping lugs and the rollers or bosses as described above allows optinilsed control of the movement of the seal carrier.

The actuation rod 36 is movable relative to the casing 2 in the direction of the casing longitudinal axis between a first position (as shown in Figures 4 and 9a) in which the button extends substantially beyond the open end 10 of the casing 2 and a second position (as shown in Figure 9b) in which the rod is moved further into the casing and the button protrudes less far from the open end 10. The actuation rod 36 has a compression spring 40 which is captive in the guide block 38 which acts to bias the actuation rod towards the first position. The lever 33 and actuation rod 36 sub-assembly is shown most clearly in Figure 6.

The spring rod 34 is mounted to the casing 2 by a spring rod mounting block 41, as shown in Figure 7, which is fixed within the first chamber 13 by a fastener. The fastener 39 passes through the reinforced corner portions 8' of the casing 2. The spring rod 34 includes a U-shaped hook 42 at its end furthest from the mounting block 41. The hook 42 receives a pin 43 extending between the seal carrier side walls 15,16 to pivotally connect the spring rod 34 to the seal carrier 3. The pin 43 is sub-flush with the outer surfaces of the seal carrier walls 15,16. The spring rod 34 follows a continuously curved path between the mounting block 41 and the hook 42, as shown in Figure 4, when the threshold seal is assembled.

By passing the fasteners used to connect the guide block 38 and the mounting block 41 to the casing 2 through the corner reinforcement portions 8' of increased wall thickness the fasteners are more securely retained by the casing. The corner reinforcement portions 8' also act to strengthen the corners of the casing 2.

The actuation mechanism is operable to move the seal carrier 3 and the seal member 4 with respect to the casing 2 between a retracted position (as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 9a) and an extended position (as shown in Figures 8 and 9b). The retracted position corresponds to the first position of the actuation rod 36 and the extended position corresponds to the second position of the actuation rod 36. In the retracted position the seal member 3 is held above the floor surface 101 and the seal carrier 3 is substantially located within the second chamber 14 of the casing 2 with the stop surfaces 21 in contact with the projection portions 11,12 of the casing 2. In the extended position the seal member is moved downwardly with respect to the door 100 through the open face 7 of the casing 2 and forms a seal between the lower edge of the door and the floor surface 101.

The seal carrier 3 is moved from the retracted position to the extended position by depressing the button 37 to move the actuation rod 36 from the first position towards the second position. As the lever 33 is moved along the casing 2, the spring rod 34 resists lateral movement of the seal carrier in the direction of movement of the actuation rod 36 due to a reaction force from the substantially vertical shank of the hook 42 acting on the pin 43. The lever 33 is therefore caused to rotate with respect to the casing 2 and so the seal carrier 3 is moved outwardly with respect to the casing 2 through the open face 7. The spring rod 34 deflects to allow the seal carrier 3 to move outwardly from the casing 2.

The seal carrier 3 is moved back from the extended position to the retracted position by releasing the button 37 so that the actuation rod is moved back from the second position towards the first position by the action of the compression spring 40. As the lever 33 is moved along the casing 2, the spring rod 34 again resists the lateral movement of the seal calTier in the direction of movement of the actuation rod 36 so that the lever 33 is caused to rotate with respect to the casing 2, thereby moving the seal carrier 3 inwardly with respect to the casing 2 back through the open face 7. The spring rod 34 also acts to bias the seal carrier 3 towards the retracted position and therefore assists with the retum movement of the seal carrier. However, the compression spnng 40 is capable of moving the seal carrier 3 back from the extended position to the retracted position independently of the spring rod 34 which is omitted in some embodiments.

When the seal carrier 3 moves towards the retracted position, the projecting portions 11,12 act as end-stops to prevent movement of the seal carrier beyond its intended retracted position. for example due to installation error or incorrect use. The projecting portions 11,12 therefore protect the actuation mechanism from compression S damage in the event of overloading of the seal carrier 3 in the return direction.

The actuation rod 36 is moved into the casing 2 with a spring rate of approximately 1.1 Kg/mm and provides a 1:1.81 mechanical advantage ratio so that the seal carrier 3 moves in and out of the casing 2 at 1.81 times the rate of movement of the actuation rod. Having a mechanical advantage ratio is desirable so the seal member 4 can be moved rapidly towards or away from the floor surface 101 as the door is closed and opened respectively, thereby minimising carpet drag or floor surface drag. Generally the mechanical advantage ratio is approximately 1:1.5 to 1:2 although in other embodiments different ratios are envisaged.

The scissor action of the lever and the spring rod 34 acting through spaced-apart first and second spaced attachment points ensures even deployment of the seal calTier 3 and acts to maintain even pressure between the seal member 4 and the floor surface 101 across the length of the threshold seal 1, therefore improving sealing efficiency.

By resisting lateral movement of the seal carrier 3, the spnng rod acts to ensure vertical deployment of the seal member towards the floor surface. By including both the compression spring 40 and the spring rod 34 in the return action of the seal calTier, both acting through spaced-apart first and second spaced attachment points, the threshold seal ensures rapid and reliable retraction of the seal member 4 away from the floor surface 101.

The button 37 has a threaded internal recess and is screw mounted onto the actuation rod 36. The maximum travel of the seal carrier 3 is adjustable by moving the button 37 axially with respect to the actuation rod 36. The button may be moved continuously between an outer position in which it protrudes further from the end of the casing 2 to increase the maximum travel of the seal carrier 3 and an inner position in which it protrudes lass far to decrease the maximum travel of the seal carrier. The button 37 is provided with colour coded bands. 37' to assist with setting and adjusting the button position. For clarity only two bands are shown in figure 6, but the button may cornpnse any number of bands or markings distributed along its length. In an alternative embodiment the colour coded bands 37' may be replaced by one or more bands, grooves, recesses, protrusions or surface markings acting as visual indicators for assisting with setting and adjusting the button position. The bands, grooves, recesses, protrusions or other surface markings may or may not be colour coded to assist with position setting. The button 37 also has a slotted head to facilitate rotation relative to the actuation rod.

In an alternative embodiment the threshold seal may include more than one spring rod pivotally connected to the seal carrier and/or more than one lever pivotally connected to the seal carrier. In another alternative embodiment the spring rod may be omitted, particularly for short threshold seals.

When the seal carrier 3 is moved downwardly into the extended position and the seal member 4 is compressed into the floor surface 101, the centra' bead 27' and the first and second feet 30 establish first, second and third contact points respectively. The contact points extend continuously along the length of the seal member and provide a seal between the lower edge of the door 100 and the floor surface 101.

When the first contact point 27' is deflected towards the apex 29 due to engagement with the floor surface 101, the struts 26 are brought together so that the second and third contact points 30 are moved inwardly towards the first contact point 27' and are compressed into the floor surface lOl. By compressing the second and third contact points into the floor surface, the seal achieved between the seal member 4 and the floor surface 101 is improved.

The wiper elements. .2 are in sliding contact with the inner faces of the casing side walls 5,6 as the seal member 4 moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The wiper elements 32 form a continuous seal between the seal element 4 and the casing 2 along the length of the threshold seal 1.

The wiper elements 32 act to prevent the propagation of sound waves through the threshold seal 1 between the casing 2 and the seal carrier 3 when the seal carrier is in the extended position. The wiper elements 32 also reduce smoke penetration through the threshold seal I and ingress of dirt into the actuation mechanism. lii an alternative embodiment there may be any number of wiper elements located on one or both of the seal member side walls 28. The wiper elements may or may not be adjacent clips 31 formed in the seal member side walls 28.

The inner faces of the casing side walls 5.6 are anodised to reduce friction between the S wiper elements 32 and the casing 2. The ease of movement of the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position is therefore increased, and deformation and wear of the wiper elements 32 is minimised. The comparatively small size and tapered shape of the wiper elements 32 also act to reduce friction with the casing side walls 5,6 The location of the wiper elements 32 adjacent the clips 31 acts to hold the clips within the side retaining channels 24 of the seal carrier due to the reaction force from the carrier side wails 5,6 acting through the wiper elements. The seal member 4 is therefore located more securdy relative to the seal carrier 3.

The lever 33 includes a pair of recesses 33' formed in its side faces which provide a pair of engagement surfaces 33", as shown in Figure 6. The engagement surfaces 33" are in contact with the stop surfaces 21 of the seal carrier 3. as shown in Figures 2 and 9a. The engagement surfaces 33" act as an additional end stop for the seal crier 3 (in addition to the projecting portions 11,12 of the casing 2). The engagement surfaces 33" act to maintain the seal calTier 3 securely in the retracted position and to minimise movement and vibration of the seal carrier with respect to the casing 2, therefore reducing noise due to the relative movement of components of the threshold seal 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, the casing 2 includes a pair of arms I I'.12' which are integrally formed with the projecting portions 11,12 and which extend towards the open face 7 of the casing 2, as shown in Figures IOa and lOb. The arms ll',12' overlap with the seal carrier side walls 15.16 along the length of the threshold seal 1 when the seal carrier 3 is in the extended position, as indicated in Figure lOb.

In this embodiment the width of the lever 33 is adjusted to fit between the arms 1l',12'.

The arms 11' ,12' cause sound waves travelling through the air through the threshold seal 1 to follow a longer path including additional corners and changes of direction (indicated by a dashed line in Figure lOb) compared to if the arms were not present.

The tortuous route followed by sound waves passing through the threshold seal acts to increase the attenuation of sound through the casing 2 so that sound insulation of the door 100 is improved.

In another embodiment simfiar aims performing a simfiar function are provided by an insert or inserts placed in the casing.

In one embodiment the door may be a side hinged door. In an alternative embodiment the door may be a sliding door.

In an alternative embodiment the threshold seal may be attached to an outside face of a door adjacent the door's lower edge.

The threshold seal is manufactured and assembled according to the following steps: a) Screw the button 37 onto the actuation rod 36; b) Push the compression spring 40 onto the actuation rod 36 and screw the spring into the guide block 38; c) Mount the actuation rod 36 and the lever 33 into a first retaining jig and press a spiral pin through the lugs of the actuation rod and the lever to pivotally connect the lever to the actuation rod; d) Mount the pre-cut seal carrier 3 in a second retaining jig having two pillar drills and drill two holes extending through both side walls 15,16; e) Push a third sub-jig for positioning the lever sub-assembly longitudinally with respect to the seal carrier 3 into the channd of the seal carrier; 1) Press the spirol pin 43 for the spring rod into one of the holes through the seal carrier side walls 15,16; g) Push the lever sub assembly up to the third sub-jig and press the spirol pin 35 through the other hole through the seal carrier walls 15,16 to pivotally connect the lever 33 to the seal carrier 3; h) 1-look the spring rod 34 under the pin 43; i) Fit the seal member 4 to the seal carrier 3; j) Slide the seal carrier assembly into the channel of the casing 2 so that the guide block 38 and the retaining block 41 are located in the first chamber 13; k) Fit the casing 2 into a fourth retaining jig having two pillar drills and drill two holes through the casing side walls 5,6 at the region of increased thickness 8', the first hole passing through the guide block 38 and the second hole passing through the retaining block 41; 1) Press 2 spirol pins into the h&es to fix the guide block 38 and the retaining block 41 relative to the casing; m) Remove the assembled seal carder 1 and de-bur exposed corners; n) Fittheendplates9',lO'.

In each of the second and fourth retaining jigs, at least one of the drills is mounted on rails to allow the spacing of the holes to be varied so that different lengths of seal carrier may be assembled using the same jigs.

By assembling the seal carrier 3 and actuation mechanism before inserting the guide block 38 and the mounting block 41 into the casing 2 the components may be accessed and manipulated more easily than if some of the actuation mechanism components were already connected to the casing. By locating the actuation mechanism components within the casing 2 after the actuation mechanism has been assembled the relative positions of the guide block 38 and the mounting block 41 may be controlled more easily and more accurately.

Threshold seals according to the invention may be made in a vanety of standard sizes, for example from 200mm to 1000mm at 200mm intervals. The threshold seals may be cut to length as required before installation in a particular door. For example, if a door has a width of 750mm. a threshold seal in a standard size of 800mm may be cut down to size for fitting to the door. The threshold seals are therefore made with a free length (marked L on figure 4) which does not include any part of the actuation system S and may therefore be cut off as required without affecting the operation of the actuation mechanism.

The ever 33 and push rod 36 actuation mechanism provides a compact deployment solution, measuring approximately 120 to 140mm from the open end 10 of the casing 2 to the pivotal connection point of the lever 33 to the seal carrier 3 in one embodiment. The compact dimensions of the actuation mechanism allow very short standard lengths of threshold seal to be manufactured, for example as short as 200mm.

Especially in very short thresh&d seals, for example 200mm long seals, the spring rod may be omitted. This enables a further reduction in the minimum length of the threshold seal so that smaller seals may be produced.

When manufacturing threshold seals of different standard lengths, the stiffness of the spring rod and/or the distance between the spring rod and the ever may be varied to provide maximised performance of the deployment system under different geometric and loading conditions. As the length of the threshold seal increases, the distance between the spring rod and the open end 9 of the casing 2 is generally increased. This maintains optimum performance and also allows a greater reduction in length to fit the threshold seal to a particular door.

In an alternative embodiment, movement of the seal calTier 3 is controlled by a Bowden push/pull cable, as shown in Figures ha to lid. The Bowden cable actuation assembly includes an actuation cable 50, an outer sheath Si, a mounting block 52, a hollow tube 53 and an actuation rod 36'.

The mounting block is fixed within the first chamber 13 of the casing 2 and includes a first hole extending along its length in the longitudinal direction of the casing. The hollow tube 53 is mounted in the first hole through the mounting block 52, and the actuation rod 36' is slidably received inside the hollow tube 53. The mounting block 52 includes a lower portion 52' which extends into the second chamber i4 and has a second hole extending towards the open face 7 of the casing 2, that is perpendicular to the first hole. The outer sheath Si extends between the first hole and the second hole to provide a pathway between the two holes.

The actuation cable 50 has a first end which is attached to the seal carrier 3 via a S mounting block 54 and a second end which is attached to the actuation rod 36'. The actuation cable 50 passes through the outer sheath 51 and is slidably movable within the sheath.

As in previous embodiments, the actuation rod 36' is movable between a first position (shown in Figure 1 lc) corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier 3 and a second position (shown in Figure lid) corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier. The actuation rod 36' is biased towards the first position by a compression spring 40 which is captive in the retaining block.

When the actuation rod 36' is moved from the first position towards the second position, the actuation cable 50 operates in compression to push the seal carrier 3 from the retracted position towards the extended position. The downward movement of the seal carrier is also assisted by gravity. When the actuation rod 36' is moved from the second position towards the first position, the actuation cable 50 operates in tension to pull the seal carrier 3 from the extended position towards the retracted position.

The Bowden caNe actuation assemNy allows a single cable to control movement of the seal catTier in both directions between the retracted position and the extended position. The actuation assembly is simple, rugged, easy to manufacture and assemble and has a low parts count. Optionally, the threshold seal I may include additional biasing means for biasing the seal carrier 3 towards the extended position to assist with downward movement of the seal carrier and compression of the seal member 4 into the floor surface 101.

In one embodiment a single Bowden cable actuation assembly is located at or near the middle of the seal carrier 3. The location of the actuation assembly near the middle of the seal carrier ensures the seal carrier drops evenly and that the seal member 4 is evenly compressed into the floor surface lOl when in the extended position. In other embodiments, for example if the threshold seal is too long to ensure efficient operation with a single central actuation mechanism, multiple Bowden cable actuation assemblies may be used to control movement of the seal camer 3.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. One or more of the features of any of the above embodiments may be combined with one or more of the features of any other embodiment.

Claims

Claims 1. A threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism indudes an actuation member movable relative to the casing to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein movement of the actuation member is controlled by a button which protrudes from the casing; wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member may be set to control the extent to which the button protrudes from the casing relative to the position of the actuation member; and wherein the button comprises a plurality of visual indicators which may be used to assist with setting the position of the button with respect to the actuation member.
2. A threshold seal according to claim I, wherein the position of the button relative to the actuation member is continuously variable between an outer position colTesponding to a maximum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position and an inner position corresponding to a minimum protrusion of the button for a given actuation member position.
3. A threshold seal according to claim I or 2, wherein the button is connected to the actuation member by a threaded connection.
4. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the button has an end surface facing away from the casing, wherein the end surface comprises a recess or protrusion adapted to allow rotation of the button relative to the casing.
5. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein there are at least two visual indicators.
6. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or more of the visual indicators is in the form of a band extending substantially around a circumference or perimeter of the button.
7. A threshold seal according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the visual indicators are colour coded.
8. A threshold seal according to any of claims I to 7, wherein one or more of the visual indicators is recessed into the button or protrudes from the button.
9. A threshold seal comprising a casing, a seal carrier with a longitudinal axis and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carrier with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a first location, and a stabilising element pivotally connected to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location; wherein the first actuation element transmits a force to the seal carrier to move the seal carrier between the retracted position and the extended position, the force having a component aligned with the seat carrier ongitudinal axis; and wherein the stabilising element is adapted to resist movement of the seal carrier in the direction of its longitudinal axis.
10. A threshold seal according to claim 9, wherein the stabilising element is a spring rod or leaf spring.
11. A threshold seal according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the stabilising element is adapted to deflect to allow the seal carrier to move between the retracted position and the extended position.
12. A threshold seal according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the first actuation element is pivotally coupled to an actuation member which is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position colTesponding to the extended position of the seal carrier.
13. A threshold seal according to claim 12, wherein the actuation member includes a lug and the first actuation member includes a pair of lugs. wherein the lug of the actuation member is positioned between the lugs of the first actuation element.
14. A threshold seal according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the actuation member is slidably mounted in an actuation member guide block which is fixed to the casing.
15. A threshold seal according to claim 14, wherein the actuation member is moved in a direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier causing the first actuation element to rotate with respect to the casing, thereby controlling movement of the seal carrier between the first and second positions.
16. A threshold seal according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the stabilising element has a hook which pivotally connects the stabilising element to the seal carrier.
17. A threshold seal according to claim 15, wherein the hook is substantially U-shaped.
18. A threshold seal according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the hook shape is adapted to resist lateral movement of the seal carrier relative to the hook.
19. A threshold seal according to any of claims 9 to 18, wherein the threshold seal includes a pin which couples the seal carrier to the leaf spring.
20. A threshold seal according to any of claims 9 to 19, wherein the stabilising element acts to bias the seal carrier towards the retracted position.
21. A threshold seal according to any of claims 9 to 20, wherein the stabilising element is fixed to a stabilising element mounting block which is fixed to the casing.
22. A threshold seal according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 10 and claim 8, wherein the stabilising element follows a single substantially continuous curve between the stabilising element mounting block and the hook.
23. A threshold seal according to any of claims 9 to 22, wherein the casing has open ends in its longitudinal direction which are covered by end plates.
24. A method for assembling a threshold seal having a seal carner which is movable with respect to a casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the method comprising the steps of: pivotally connecting a first actuation element to the seal carrier at a first location, pivotally connecting a stabilising element to the seal carrier at a second location spaced from the first location, and then connecting the first actuation element and the stabilising element to the casing.
25. A method according to claim 24. wherein the first actuation element and the stabilising element are pivotally connected to the seal carrier before the first actuation member and the stabilising element are inserted into the casing.
26. A method according to any of claims 24 to 25, wherein the stabilising element is a spring rod or leaf spring.
27. A method according to any of claims 24 to 26, wherein the stabilising element is coupled to a mounting block, wherein the stabilising element is connected to the casing by inserting the mounting block into the casing, positioning the mounting block within the casing, and fixing the mounting block to the casing.
28. A method according to any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the first actuation element is movably mounted to the casing via a guide block, wherein the guide block is connected to the casing by sfiding the guide block into the casing.positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the casing.
29. A method according to any of claims 24 to 28, wherein the first actuation element is connected to the casing by pivotally coupling the first actuation element to an actuation member and slidably mounting the actuation member within the casing.
30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the actuation member is slidably mounted to the casing by a guide block, wherein the guide block is connected to the casing by sliding the guide block into the casing. positioning the guide block within the casing, and fixing the guide block to the casing.
31. A method according to claim 27, 28 or 30, wherein the mounting block andlor the guide block is connected to the casing by boring a hole through the casing and into the mounting block or guide block and attaching the mounting block or guide block to the casing using a fastener.
32. A method according to claim 28 or claim 30. the method comprising the step of aligning the mounting block or the guide block with a pre-existing hole in the casing, boring a hole into the mounting block or the guide block aligned with the pre-existing hole, and attaching the mounting block or guide block to the casing using a fastener.
33. A method according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the fastener passes through a wall of the casing at a region of increased wall thickness.
34. A method according to claim 33, wherein the region of increased wall thickness is a corner reinforcement region at an interface between two adjacent walls of the casing.
35. A threshold seal comprising a casing, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and a connecting wall extending between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel section, wherein at least one of the side walls includes a region of increased wall thickness adjacent the connecting wall.
36. A threshold seal according to claim 35, further comprising at least one mounting block or guide block for mounting another component to the casing, wherein the mounting block or guide block is attached to the casing by a mechanical fastener passing through the region of increased thickness and through the mounting block or guide block.
37. A threshold seal according to claim 36, wherein the region of increased thickness provides a lip or shouMer against which the mounting block or guide block sits.
38. A threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal member, wherein the seal member is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position and adapted to seal against a floor surface external to the threshold seal when in its extended position, wherein the casing has a side wall with an inner face, wherein the seal member indudes a wiper element which is integrally formed with the seal member, and wherein the wiper element is in sliding contact with the inner face of the side wall as the seal member moves between the retracted position and the extended position.
39. A threshold seal according to claim 38, wherein the seal member has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the wiper element extends along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
40. A threshold seal according to claim 39, wherein the wiper element is adapted to foim a substantially continuous seal between the seal member and the casing along substantially the entire length of the seal member in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
41. A threshold seal according to any of claims 38 to 40, wherein the wiper element is tapered away from the seal member and towards the inner face of the side wall.
42. A threshold seal according to any of claims 38 to 41, wherein the seal member has a height in the direction of movement between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein a contact patch defined between the wiper element and the inner face of the side wall has a width in the direction of movement between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the width of the contact patch is less than 20% of the height of the seal member, preferably tess than 10% and most preferably less than 5% or less than 1%.
43. A threshold seal according to any of claims 38 to 42, wherein the seal member is carried on a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing to move the seal member between the retracted position and the extended position.
44. A threshold seal according to daim 43. wherein the seal carrier comprises a pair of opposing side walls having outer surfaces extending substantially along its length, and wherein the seal member comprises a pair of side walls which extend along the outer surfaces of the respective side walls of the seal carder.
45. A threshold seal according to claim 44. wherein the wiper element is integrally formed with one of the seal member side walls.
46. A threshold seal according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the wiper element is located adjacent an upper edge of the seal member side wall with which it is integrally formed.
47. A threshold seal according to any of claims 44 to 46, wherein the seal carrier side walls have a height in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier, wherein the seal calTier side walls extend substantially over the height of the seal carrier side walls.
48. A threshold seal according to any of claims 43 to 47, wherein the seal member includes a projection which extends into a recess provided in the seal carrier to retain the seal member relative to the seal carrier.
49. A threshold seal according to claim 48, wherein the projection is adjacent the wiper element.
50. A threshold seal according to any of claims 38 to 49, wherein the material of the seal member includes an elastomeric material.
51. A threshold seal according to any of claims 38 to 50, wherein the material of the seal member includes a silicone based compound.
52. A threshold seal according to any of claims 38 to Si, wherein the casing comprises first and second opposing side walls each having an inner face, wherein the seal member includes first and second wiper elements, wherein the first wiper element is adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the first side wall as the seal carrier moves within the casing, and wherein the second wiper element is adapted to be in sliding contact with the inner face of the second side wall as the seal carrier moves relative to the casing.
53. A threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier which is movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, the threshold seal further comprising an actuation cable which is operable in tension to pull the seal carrier from the extended position towards the retracted position and operable in compression to push the seal carrier from the retracted posiflon towards the extended position.
54. A threshold seal according to claim 53. wherein the actuation cable has a first end which is attached to the seal carrier and a second end which is attached to an actuation member, the actuation member being movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal carrier and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier.
55. A threshold seal according claim 54, further comprising biasing means for biasing the actuation member towards its first position.
56. A threshold seal according claim 55, wherein the biasing means is a compression spring.
57. A threshold seal according claim 56, wherein the compression spring acts between a retaining block fixed relative to the casing and the actuation member, wherein the compression spring is captive in the retaining block.
58. A threshold seal according to any of claims.3 to 57, wherein the actuation cable is part of a Bowden pushlpull cable assembly comprising a hollow outer sheath through which the actuation cable slides.
59. A threshold seal according to claim 58, wherein the hollow outer sheath is fixed relative to a retaining block which is fixed relative to the casing.
60. A threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier, the seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein at least one of the side walls has a projecting portion extending towards the other side wall, wherein the projecting portion includes an arm which extends away from the projecting portion towards the open face, and wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal carrier is in the extended position.
61. A threshold seal according to claim 60 having a ongitudinal axis and a ength in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the arm extends substantially along the length of the threshold seal.
62. A threshold seal having a longitudinal axis and a length in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the threshold seal comprising a casing and a seal carrier, the seal carrier being movable relative to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the casing has first and second opposing side walls and an open face through which the seal carrier passes as it moves between the first and second positions, wherein the casing comprises an insert having at least one arm extending towards the open face, wherein the arm extends along substantially along the length of the threshold seal, and wherein at least a portion of the seal carrier overlaps with the arm when the seal calTier is in the extended position.
63. A threshold seal according to any of claims 60 to 62, wherein the seal calTier compnses first and second side walls, wherein the arm is located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the extended position.
64. A casing according to any of claims 60 to 63, wherein the casing comprises first and second arms and the seal carrier comprises first and second side walls, wherein the arms are located between the side walls of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the extended position.
65. A casing according to any of claims 60 to 64. further comprising a connecting wall opposing the open face which extends between the first and second side walls to define a substantially U-shaped channel.
66. An dongate seal member having a substantially A-shaped profile portion formed by first and second struts extending from a common apex to first and second feet respectively and a linking section extending between the first and second struts, wherein a first contact point is defined in the linking section between the first and second struts and second and third contact points are defined by the first and second feet respectively, the seal member being arranged such that, when the first contact point is deflected towards the apex due to engagement with a surface, the second and third contact points are moved inwardly towards the first contact point and are compressed into the surface.
67. A seal member according to claim 66 including a resiliently deformable material.
68. A seal member according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the first contact point is in the form of a bead or region of increased thickness formed in the linking section.
69. A seal member according to any of claims 66 to 68, wherein the first, second and third contact points extend substantially along the entire length of the seal member.
70. A seal member according to any of claims 66 to 69, wherein the linking section has a convex shape extending outwardly away from the apex.
71. A seal member according to claim 70, wherein the first contact point is provided at an outer-most point of the linking section with respect to the apex.
72. A threshold seal comprising a seal member according to any of claims 66 to 71.
73. A threshold seal according to claim 72, wherein the seal member is carried on a seal carrier which is movable with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the seal catTier comprises a pair of opposing side walls having outer surfaces extending substantially along its length, and wherein the seal member comprises a pair of side walls which extend along the outer surfaces of the respective side walls of the seal carrier.
74. A threshold seal according to claim 73, wherein the seal carrier side walls have a height in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the seal carrier, wherein the seal carrier side walls extend substantially over the height of the seal carrier side walls.
75. A threshold seal comprising a seal carrier and an actuation dement operable to move the seal carrier between a retracted position and an extended position, the actuation element having at least one engagement surface which is adapted to come into engagement with at least one surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier is in the retracted position, thereby acting as an end stop.
76. A threshold seal according to claim 75, wherein the engagement surface only comes into contact with the surface of the seal carrier when the seal carrier reaches the retracted position.
77. A threshold seal according to claim 75 or 76, wherein the engagement of the engagement surface with the upper surface of the seal carrier prevents movement and/or vibration of the seal calTier within a casing when the seal calTier is in the retracted position.
78. A threshold seal according to any of claims 75 to 77, wherein the engagement surface is provided by a recess formed in a side face of the actuation element.
79. A threshold seal according to claim 78 wherein first and second engagement surfaces are provided by first and second recesses formed in opposing side faces of the actuation element, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are adapted to come into engagement with corresponding first and second surfaces of the seal carrier.
80. A threshold seal according to any of claims 75 to 79, wherein the actuation element is a lever which is pivotally connected to the seal carrier.
81. A threshold seal comprising a casing. a seal carrier, and an actuation mechanism which is operable to move the seal carner with respect to the casing between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein the actuation mechanism includes a first actuation element and an actuation member; wherein the actuation member is movable relative to the casing between a first position corresponding to the retracted position of the seal camer and a second position corresponding to the extended position of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is pivotally connected to the seal carrier and pivotally connected to the actuation member and is adapted to rotate and translate relative to the casing under the action of the actuation member to control deployment of the seal carrier; wherein the first actuation element is provided with one or more wheels or bosses which run in one or more corresponding tracks provided in the casing.
82. A threshold seal according to claim 81, wherein the first actuation element is provided with two wheels or bosses on alternate sides of the first actuation element.
83. A threshold seal according to claim 81 or 82, wherein the wheels or bosses are co-axially aligned with a pivot axis of the pivotal connection between the first actuation element and the actuation member.
84. A threshold seal according to any of claims 81 to 83, wherein the first actuation element is pivotally connected to the actuation member by a pin, and wherein the wheels are mounted on the pin.
85. A thresh&d seal according to any of claims 81 to 84, wherein the casing has a longitudinal axis and wherein the tracks are substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis.
86. A threshold seal according to claim 85, wherein the seal member is deployed and retracted along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the casing, wherein the wheels or bosses and the tracks cooperate to allow the first actuation element to translate in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the casing but substantially prevent translational movement of the first actuation element in the direction of the second axis.
87. A threshold seal according to any of claims 81 to 86. wherein the wheels or bosses and the tracks cooperate to hold the first actuation element spaced apart from one or more inner surfaces of the casing as the actuation mechanism is operated.