US20120055391A1 - Compositions and Methods for Sealing - Google Patents
Compositions and Methods for Sealing Download PDFInfo
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- US20120055391A1 US20120055391A1 US13/252,805 US201113252805A US2012055391A1 US 20120055391 A1 US20120055391 A1 US 20120055391A1 US 201113252805 A US201113252805 A US 201113252805A US 2012055391 A1 US2012055391 A1 US 2012055391A1
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- Prior art keywords
- seal
- present
- seals
- edge
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
- F16J15/00—Sealings
- F16J15/02—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces
- F16J15/06—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces
- F16J15/10—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with non-metallic packing
- F16J15/104—Sealings between relatively-stationary surfaces with solid packing compressed between sealing surfaces with non-metallic packing characterised by structure
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S277/00—Seal for a joint or juncture
- Y10S277/921—Closure or weather strip seal
Definitions
- the present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods.
- the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces.
- the present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.).
- the present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.
- compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals are known in the art.
- existing seal technologies have limitations with regard to creating insulating edge seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials to hard surfaces.
- the art is in need of novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide improved contact surfaces for more secure attachment and better insulation when used to facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials to hard surfaces.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods.
- the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces.
- the present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.).
- the present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.
- the present invention provides compositions for creating insulating edge seals.
- the material used to create the seal comprises rubber.
- the material used to create the seal comprises plastic.
- the material used to create the seal comprises metal, ceramic, or other materials.
- the material used to create the seal comprises ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), but it should be understood that the compositions and methods of the present invention are applicable and intended for use with a wide variety of similar materials.
- the material used to create the seal is shaped by an extrusion process. In other embodiments, the material used to create the seal is shaped by a molding process. In particularly preferred embodiments, the material used to create the seal retains flexibility after forming. In some embodiments, the material used to create the seal is capable of being securely attached to the surface of an object.
- the seals of the present invention may be attached to the surfaces of objects by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the seal may be attached to one or more flexible objects or materials, such as fabrics, plastics, rubbers, metals, or papers. In other embodiments, the seal may be attached to one or more rigid objects or hard surfaces, such as plastics, rubbers, metals, or woods.
- the seal may be simultaneously attached to multiple objects.
- the seal may be attached to one or more objects by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, Velcro, or any suitable means.
- the present invention contemplates seals of various shapes, sizes, and configurations.
- the seal is configured to have at least one contact surface for attachment to the surface of an object.
- the seal has more than one contact surface for attachment to one or more surfaces of an object.
- the seal has at least three contact surfaces for attachment to three or more surfaces of a first object, and one or more surfaces of a second object.
- FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention, in which the seal is configured to have three contact surfaces (labeled 4 , 5 , and 6 ) for attachment to the surface of a first object, and at least one contact surface for attachment to the surface of a second object (labeled 8 ).
- an insulated edge seal is created comprising a seal configured to have three contact surfaces for attachment to the surface of a first object, and at least one contact surface for attachment to the surface of a second object.
- the seal is attached to a first object having a rigid surface, and a second object having a flexible surface.
- the present invention is particularly useful for providing an insulated edge seal by which a flexible covering material may be attached to a rigid surface material.
- the flexible covering material is comprised of fabric, plastic, metal, or paper
- the rigid surface material is comprised of plastic, metal, rubber, or wood.
- the present invention provides an insulated edge seal that is used to attach a removable, flexible top covering (such as a convertible top on an automobile, marine vessel, or aircraft), to the body, hull, fuselage, or other suitable rigid surface of a land, water, or air vehicle.
- a removable, flexible top covering such as a convertible top on an automobile, marine vessel, or aircraft
- the seals of the present invention may be provided in different colors (e.g., to match or complement an associated flexible covering material or rigid surface material).
- the present invention also provides compositions comprising flexible materials affixed to seals, as well as such flexible materials attached via seals to other objects.
- the present invention provides methods of creating an insulated edge seal by which a flexible covering material may be attached to a rigid surface material.
- the present invention provides methods of creating an insulated edge seal that is used to attached a removable, flexible top covering (such as a convertible top on an automobile, marine vessel, or aircraft), to the body, hull, fuselage, or other suitable rigid surface of a land, water, or air vehicle, in a manner that provides insulation against outside environmental elements such as water, wind, heat, and cold.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the seal of the present invention.
- the seal 1 is approximately one to two inches in width (although the present invention is not so limited), and comprises a left edge 2 and a right edge 3 , both of which are curved downward to provide a concave exterior lower surface comprising a curved left portion 4 , a flat central portion 5 , and a curved right portion 6 .
- the upper surface of the seal comprises a downward curved left portion 7 , a flat central portion 8 , and a downward curved right portion 9 .
- the thicker left edge 2 is approximately 0.5 inches in thickness
- the thinner right edge 3 is approximately 0.2 inches in thickness, although in some embodiments the left and right edges are the same thickness. In other embodiments, they differ in thickness.
- the left edge 2 is curved downward such that the total height of the seal from the lower-most surface of the left edge 2 to the upper-most surface of the top portion 8 is approximately 0.7 inches.
- the lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.
- Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, and portions 4 and 6 are placed in contact with the side edge surfaces of the object, forming a seal with three contact surfaces.
- the seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro.
- FIG. 1 shows a snap fastener 10 placed through an appropriately shaped hole 11 through the upper and lower surfaces of the flat central portion of the seal.
- the seal may be attached via one or more snap fasteners to an edge surface of an object, providing a seal that is secure, yet easily removable.
- One or more additional objects may be attached to the upper surfaces 7 , 8 , or 9 of the seal.
- the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal.
- FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the seal of the present invention.
- the seal 1 is approximately one to two inches in width (although the present invention is not so limited), and comprises a left edge 2 and a right edge 3 , both of which are curved downward to provide a concave exterior lower surface comprising a curved left portion 4 , a flat central portion 5 , and a curved right portion 6 .
- the upper surface of the seal comprises a downward curved left portion 7 , a flat central portion 8 , and a downward curved right portion 9 .
- the curved right portion 9 has a short, angled protruding surface 12 , and a right edge surface 13 .
- the thicker left edge 2 is approximately 0.5 inches in thickness
- the thinner right edge 3 is approximately 0.2 inches in thickness, although in some embodiments the left and right edges are the same thickness. In other embodiments, they differ in thickness.
- the left edge 2 is curved downward such that the total height of the seal from the lower-most surface of the left edge 2 to the upper-most surface of the top portion 8 is approximately 0.7 inches.
- the lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.
- Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, and portions 4 and 6 are placed in contact with the side edge surfaces of the object, forming a seal with three contact surfaces.
- the seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro.
- One or more additional objects may be attached to the upper surfaces 7 , 8 , 9 , or 12 of the seal.
- the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal.
- FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- the seal 1 is approximately one to two inches in width, and comprises a left edge 2 and a right edge 3 , both of which are angled downward to provide a concave exterior lower surface comprising a curved left portion 4 , a flat central portion 5 , and angled right portion 14 .
- the upper surface of the seal comprises a flat central portion 8 and a downward angled right portion 15 .
- the seal has a left side surface 16 that is angled perpendicularly from the flat top surface 8 .
- the thicker left edge 2 is approximately 0.5 inches in thickness, and the thinner right edge 3 is approximately 0.2 inches in thickness.
- the left edge 2 is angled downward such that the total height of the seal from the lower-most surface of the left edge 2 to the upper-most surface of the top portion 8 is approximately 0.7 inches.
- the lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.
- Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, and portions 4 and 14 are placed in contact with the side edge surfaces of the object, forming a seal with three contact surfaces.
- the seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro.
- One or more additional objects may be attached to the upper surfaces 8 or 15 of the seal.
- the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal. Any of the seals of FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 may be prepared with the left or right side missing, such that the seal forms two points of contact with the rigid object.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- the seal 1 comprises an outer left portion 17 , an inner left portion 18 , and a right portion 3 , all three of which are curved downward to provide an indented groove 19 between the outer left portion 17 and the inner left portion 18 , and a concave main exterior lower surface comprising a curved left portion 4 , a flat central portion 5 , and a right portion 6 .
- the upper surface of the seal comprises a flat central portion 8 and a downward curved right portion 9 .
- the curved right portion 9 has a short, angled protruding surface 12 , and a right edge surface 13 .
- the seal has a left side surface 16 that is angled perpendicularly from the flat top surface 8 .
- the primary lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.
- Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, and portions 4 and 6 are placed in contact with the side edge surfaces of the object, forming a seal with three contact surfaces.
- the indented groove 19 provides an additional contact surface.
- the seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro.
- One or more additional objects may be attached to the upper surfaces 8 , 9 , or 12 of the seal.
- the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal.
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention.
- the upper surface of the seal 1 comprises a downward curved left portion 7 , a flat central portion 8 , and a downward angled right portion 15 .
- the concave lower surface comprises a curved left portion 4 , a flat central portion 5 , and a curved right portion 6 .
- the top and bottom surfaces are joined by a flattened left edge 20 and a flattened right edge 21 .
- the lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.
- Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, and portions 4 and 6 are placed in contact with the side edge surfaces of the object, forming a seal with three contact surfaces.
- the seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro.
- One or more additional objects may be attached to the upper surfaces 7 , 8 , or 15 of the seal.
- the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal.
- FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- the seal 1 comprises a curved top exterior surface 22 , a curved exterior bottom surface 23 , a curved left portion 24 , and a flattened right portion 25 .
- the seal slopes downward and decreases in thickness from left to right.
- the lower surface 23 of the seal is designed to provide a curving point of contact with an object such as a side wall, for example, of a marine vessel hull.
- the seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro.
- One or more additional objects may be attached to the upper surface 22 of the seal.
- the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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- Gasket Seals (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces. The present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.). The present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/103,850 filed Apr. 12, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/561,441, filed Apr. 12, 2004, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces. The present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.). The present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.
- Compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals are known in the art. However, existing seal technologies have limitations with regard to creating insulating edge seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials to hard surfaces. The art is in need of novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide improved contact surfaces for more secure attachment and better insulation when used to facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials to hard surfaces.
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FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a third embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a fifth embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a seal in a sixth embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creating insulating seals for use in a variety of applications, and to seals created by such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating insulating edge seals that provide multiple contact surfaces. The present invention further provides seals that facilitate attachment of flexible covering materials (such as fabrics, plastics, metals, etc.) to hard surfaces (such as plastics, metals, woods, etc.). The present invention is particularly useful for creating insulating edge seals that provide a means of attachment for removable covers for vehicles (such as tops for automobiles, watercraft, and aircraft), structures, and objects.
- The following discussion provides a description of certain preferred illustrative embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The description is provided in the following sections:
- The present invention provides compositions for creating insulating edge seals. In preferred embodiments, the material used to create the seal comprises rubber. In other embodiments, the material used to create the seal comprises plastic. In yet other embodiments, the material used to create the seal comprises metal, ceramic, or other materials. In particularly preferred embodiments, the material used to create the seal comprises ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), but it should be understood that the compositions and methods of the present invention are applicable and intended for use with a wide variety of similar materials.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the material used to create the seal is shaped by an extrusion process. In other embodiments, the material used to create the seal is shaped by a molding process. In particularly preferred embodiments, the material used to create the seal retains flexibility after forming. In some embodiments, the material used to create the seal is capable of being securely attached to the surface of an object. The seals of the present invention may be attached to the surfaces of objects by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the seal may be attached to one or more flexible objects or materials, such as fabrics, plastics, rubbers, metals, or papers. In other embodiments, the seal may be attached to one or more rigid objects or hard surfaces, such as plastics, rubbers, metals, or woods. In preferred embodiments, the seal may be simultaneously attached to multiple objects. In yet other embodiments, the seal may be attached to one or more objects by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, Velcro, or any suitable means.
- The present invention contemplates seals of various shapes, sizes, and configurations. In some embodiments, the seal is configured to have at least one contact surface for attachment to the surface of an object. In preferred embodiments, the seal has more than one contact surface for attachment to one or more surfaces of an object. In particularly preferred embodiments, the seal has at least three contact surfaces for attachment to three or more surfaces of a first object, and one or more surfaces of a second object.
FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention, in which the seal is configured to have three contact surfaces (labeled 4, 5, and 6) for attachment to the surface of a first object, and at least one contact surface for attachment to the surface of a second object (labeled 8). - The seals of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of applications. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an insulated edge seal is created comprising a seal configured to have three contact surfaces for attachment to the surface of a first object, and at least one contact surface for attachment to the surface of a second object. In particularly preferred embodiments, the seal is attached to a first object having a rigid surface, and a second object having a flexible surface. For example, the present invention is particularly useful for providing an insulated edge seal by which a flexible covering material may be attached to a rigid surface material. In preferred embodiments, the flexible covering material is comprised of fabric, plastic, metal, or paper, and the rigid surface material is comprised of plastic, metal, rubber, or wood. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides an insulated edge seal that is used to attach a removable, flexible top covering (such as a convertible top on an automobile, marine vessel, or aircraft), to the body, hull, fuselage, or other suitable rigid surface of a land, water, or air vehicle. The seals of the present invention may be provided in different colors (e.g., to match or complement an associated flexible covering material or rigid surface material). The present invention also provides compositions comprising flexible materials affixed to seals, as well as such flexible materials attached via seals to other objects.
- The present invention provides methods of creating an insulated edge seal by which a flexible covering material may be attached to a rigid surface material. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods of creating an insulated edge seal that is used to attached a removable, flexible top covering (such as a convertible top on an automobile, marine vessel, or aircraft), to the body, hull, fuselage, or other suitable rigid surface of a land, water, or air vehicle, in a manner that provides insulation against outside environmental elements such as water, wind, heat, and cold.
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FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the seal of the present invention. For convenience, the discussion focuses on a particular orientation of the seal in space, but it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any spatial orientation. Theseal 1 is approximately one to two inches in width (although the present invention is not so limited), and comprises aleft edge 2 and aright edge 3, both of which are curved downward to provide a concave exterior lower surface comprising a curvedleft portion 4, a flatcentral portion 5, and a curvedright portion 6. The upper surface of the seal comprises a downward curvedleft portion 7, a flatcentral portion 8, and a downward curvedright portion 9. As shown, the thickerleft edge 2 is approximately 0.5 inches in thickness, and the thinnerright edge 3 is approximately 0.2 inches in thickness, although in some embodiments the left and right edges are the same thickness. In other embodiments, they differ in thickness. Theleft edge 2 is curved downward such that the total height of the seal from the lower-most surface of theleft edge 2 to the upper-most surface of thetop portion 8 is approximately 0.7 inches. The lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, andportions FIG. 1 shows asnap fastener 10 placed through an appropriately shapedhole 11 through the upper and lower surfaces of the flat central portion of the seal. The seal may be attached via one or more snap fasteners to an edge surface of an object, providing a seal that is secure, yet easily removable. One or more additional objects may be attached to theupper surfaces -
FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the seal of the present invention. For convenience, the discussion focuses on a particular orientation of the seal in space, but it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any spatial orientation. Theseal 1 is approximately one to two inches in width (although the present invention is not so limited), and comprises aleft edge 2 and aright edge 3, both of which are curved downward to provide a concave exterior lower surface comprising a curvedleft portion 4, a flatcentral portion 5, and a curvedright portion 6. The upper surface of the seal comprises a downward curvedleft portion 7, a flatcentral portion 8, and a downward curvedright portion 9. The curvedright portion 9 has a short, angled protrudingsurface 12, and aright edge surface 13. As shown, the thickerleft edge 2 is approximately 0.5 inches in thickness, and the thinnerright edge 3 is approximately 0.2 inches in thickness, although in some embodiments the left and right edges are the same thickness. In other embodiments, they differ in thickness. Theleft edge 2 is curved downward such that the total height of the seal from the lower-most surface of theleft edge 2 to the upper-most surface of thetop portion 8 is approximately 0.7 inches. The lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, andportions upper surfaces -
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the discussion focuses on a particular orientation of the seal in space, but it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any spatial orientation. Theseal 1 is approximately one to two inches in width, and comprises aleft edge 2 and aright edge 3, both of which are angled downward to provide a concave exterior lower surface comprising a curvedleft portion 4, a flatcentral portion 5, and angledright portion 14. The upper surface of the seal comprises a flatcentral portion 8 and a downward angledright portion 15. The seal has aleft side surface 16 that is angled perpendicularly from the flattop surface 8. The thicker leftedge 2 is approximately 0.5 inches in thickness, and the thinnerright edge 3 is approximately 0.2 inches in thickness. Theleft edge 2 is angled downward such that the total height of the seal from the lower-most surface of theleft edge 2 to the upper-most surface of thetop portion 8 is approximately 0.7 inches. The lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, andportions upper surfaces FIGS. 1 , 2, and 3 may be prepared with the left or right side missing, such that the seal forms two points of contact with the rigid object. -
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the discussion focuses on a particular orientation of the seal in space, but it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any spatial orientation. Theseal 1 comprises an outerleft portion 17, an innerleft portion 18, and aright portion 3, all three of which are curved downward to provide anindented groove 19 between the outerleft portion 17 and the innerleft portion 18, and a concave main exterior lower surface comprising a curvedleft portion 4, a flatcentral portion 5, and aright portion 6. The upper surface of the seal comprises a flatcentral portion 8 and a downward curvedright portion 9. The curvedright portion 9 has a short, angled protrudingsurface 12, and aright edge surface 13. The seal has aleft side surface 16 that is angled perpendicularly from the flattop surface 8. The primary lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, andportions indented groove 19 provides an additional contact surface. The seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro. One or more additional objects may be attached to theupper surfaces -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the discussion focuses on a particular orientation of the seal in space, but it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any spatial orientation. The upper surface of theseal 1 comprises a downward curvedleft portion 7, a flatcentral portion 8, and a downward angledright portion 15. The concave lower surface comprises a curvedleft portion 4, a flatcentral portion 5, and a curvedright portion 6. The top and bottom surfaces are joined by a flattenedleft edge 20 and a flattenedright edge 21. The lower surface of the seal is designed to provide three points of contact with an object such as a side wall of a marine vessel hull.Portion 5 is placed in contact with a top edge surface of an object, andportions upper surfaces -
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the discussion focuses on a particular orientation of the seal in space, but it will be understood that the present invention may be used in any spatial orientation. Theseal 1 comprises a curved topexterior surface 22, a curved exteriorbottom surface 23, a curvedleft portion 24, and a flattenedright portion 25. The seal slopes downward and decreases in thickness from left to right. Thelower surface 23 of the seal is designed to provide a curving point of contact with an object such as a side wall, for example, of a marine vessel hull. The seal may be attached to the surface of an object using any suitable means, such as by means of gluing, stitching, nailing, bolting, tacking, fastening, snapping, bonding, or Velcro. One or more additional objects may be attached to theupper surface 22 of the seal. In preferred embodiments, the upper surface of the seal is used to attach one or more objects that comprise a flexible top covering for the object attached to the lower surface of the seal.
Claims (6)
1. A composition comprising a fabric material attached to a seal, wherein said seal comprises a first and second surface, said first surface attached to said fabric material, said second surface having a central portion parallel to said first surface, and a left portion and a right portion not parallel to said first surface, wherein said central, left, and right portions are each configured to form a distinct contact surface with an object contacted by said seal.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said seal is rubber.
3. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said fabric comprises a flexible top covering for a marine vessel.
4. A method of creating a seal comprising: (a) attaching a fabric material to a seal, wherein said seal comprises a first and second surface, said first surface attached to said fabric material, said second surface having a central portion parallel to said first surface, and a left portion and a right portion not parallel to said first surface, wherein said central, left, and right portions are each configured to form a distinct contact surface with an object contacted by said seal, and (b) attaching said seal to an object under conditions such that said central, left, and right portions of the seal each form a distinct contact surface with the object.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein said seal is rubber.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein said fabric comprises a flexible top covering for a marine vessel.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/252,805 US20120055391A1 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2011-10-04 | Compositions and Methods for Sealing |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US56144104P | 2004-04-12 | 2004-04-12 | |
US11/103,850 US8028640B2 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2005-04-12 | Compositions and methods for sealing |
US13/252,805 US20120055391A1 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2011-10-04 | Compositions and Methods for Sealing |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/103,850 Continuation US8028640B2 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2005-04-12 | Compositions and methods for sealing |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20120055391A1 true US20120055391A1 (en) | 2012-03-08 |
Family
ID=35135261
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/103,850 Expired - Fee Related US8028640B2 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2005-04-12 | Compositions and methods for sealing |
US13/252,805 Abandoned US20120055391A1 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2011-10-04 | Compositions and Methods for Sealing |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/103,850 Expired - Fee Related US8028640B2 (en) | 2004-04-12 | 2005-04-12 | Compositions and methods for sealing |
Country Status (2)
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US (2) | US8028640B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005099999A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP3569431B1 (en) | 2017-01-11 | 2023-09-13 | Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited | Glass plate module |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005099999A2 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
US20050236102A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
WO2005099999A3 (en) | 2007-04-19 |
US8028640B2 (en) | 2011-10-04 |
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