WO2016090456A1

WO2016090456A1 - Accessory holder for railing system

Info

Publication number: WO2016090456A1
Application number: PCT/CA2014/000888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Walker; Craig R. LAWSON
Original assignee: Peak Innovations Inc.
Priority date: 2014-12-11
Filing date: 2014-12-11
Publication date: 2016-06-16

Abstract

An accessory holder for securing an accessory (such as a light strip) on a structure comprises a railing portion and a gasket portion. The railing portion comprises a planar portion and two surfaces extending from the planar portion. The gasket portion comprises an attachment portion and a compartment. The accessory is held within the compartment. The attachment portion attaches the gasket portion to the railing portion by engaging with ridges located on the interior faces of the surfaces.

Description

TITLE

Accessory Holder for Railing System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of railings, and in particular, to an attachment to a railing for holding accessories, such as light strips.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Railing systems for any number of outdoor applications are well-known. For example, residential decks, pool decks, playgrounds all utilize any number of conventional railing systems. A conventional railing system typically comprises one or more elongated railings, with one or both ends of the railings supported by generally vertical posts. The posts and the railings may be attached together using a variety of connectors or fasteners. One exemplary railing system is the RailBlazers® system manufactured by Peak Innovations Inc. and generally disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,677,000 to Walker. This railing system comprises upper and lower aluminum railings with vertical aluminum posts on either ends of the railings. The posts comprise an open-ended head and a lower rail support to snugly receive the upper and lower railings, respectively. One or more vertical pickets may span the upper and lower railings.

It may sometimes be desirable to incorporate accessories (e.g. illumination) to a railing system. For example, illumination may provide a safety benefit by increasing visibility around the railing system, especially at night. Alternatively, illumination may increase the overall aesthetic appeal of the railing system. Other accessories may include hangers for ornaments or other decorative features. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for securing an accessory to a structure comprises a first elongated member and a second elongated member. The first elongated member comprises a planar portion and one or more surfaces. The planar portion comprises two substantially longitudinal edges and one or more openings adapted to receive fasteners for attachment of the planar portion to the structure. The one or more surfaces extend from each of the longitudinal edges, and each comprises a substantially longitudinal ridge spaced apart from the longitudinal edge. The planar portion and the surfaces define a channel, and the ridges extend inwardly into the channel. The second elongated member is fitted in the channel and comprises an attachment portion and a compartment for holding the accessory. The attachment portion comprises a plurality of attachment walls, wherein each of the attachment walls is contoured to engage with one of the ridges. The compartment is attached to the attachment portion and is at least partially open on one side.

In another embodiment, each of the surfaces extends beyond both sides of the longitudinal ridge.

In a further embodiment, the compartment comprises a compartment upper wall and one or more compartment side walls extending from the compartment upper wall. In yet a further embodiment, the compartment side walls extend substantially perpendicularly from the compartment upper wall.

In still yet a further embodiment, the compartment further comprises one or more lips. The lips extend away from the compartment side walls and inwardly into the channel. In another embodiment, the first elongated member is made of metal. The second elongated member is made of plastic.

In yet another embodiment, the lips are made of flexible plastic, and the attachment portion, compartment upper wall, and the compartment side walls are made of rigid plastic.

In a further embodiment, the surfaces extend beyond the compartment side walls.

In still a further embodiment, the attachment walls slidably engage with the ridges.

In another embodiment, the surfaces extend substantially perpendicularly to the planar portion.

In still another embodiment, each of the ridges is in contact with at least one of said attachment walls and with said compartment upper wall. In a further embodiment, the compartment upper wall and the attachment walls define a second channel.

In yet a further embodiment, each of the attachment walls comprises one or more bends.

In still yet a further embodiment, wherein the one or more surfaces extending from each of the longitudinal edges is one surface extending from each of the longitudinal edges. In another embodiment, the plurality of attachment walls is two attachment walls. In another embodiment, wherein the plurality of compartment side walls extending from the compartment upper wall is two compartment side walls extending from the compartment upper wall.

In still another embodiment, the compartment upper wall comprises two longitudinal upper edges, and the compartment side walls extend from the upper edges. In a further embodiment, each of the compartment side walls are in contact with at least a portion of one of the surfaces.

In yet a further embodiment, the attachment walls are adapted to bend inwardly when a force substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second elongated member is applied on said attachment walls.

In still yet a further embodiment, the attachment walls are adapted to revert to an original orientation when the force is no longer applied. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a holder of a light strip for a railing comprises a rail portion and a gasket portion. The rail portion comprises a planar portion and one or more surfaces. The planar portion comprises two substantially longitudinal edges and one or more openings adapted to receive fasteners for attachment of the planar portion to the railing. The one or more surfaces extend from each of the longitudinal edges, and each comprises a substantially longitudinal ridge spaced apart from the longitudinal edge. The planar portion and the surfaces define a channel, and the ridges extend inwardly into the channel. The gasket portion is fitted in the channel and comprises an attachment portion and a compartment for holding the light strip. The attachment portion comprises a plurality of attachment walls, wherein each of the attachment walls is contoured to engage with one of the ridges. The compartment is attached to the attachment portion and is at least partially open on one side.

The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Moreover, this summary should be read as though the claims were incorporated herein for completeness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view showing an accessory holder in accordance with present invention attached to a railing system;

Fig. 2 is a partial bottom view showing the accessory holder of Fig. 1 attached to the railing system;

Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view showing the accessory holder of Fig. 1 attached to the railing system;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the accessory holder of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the accessory holder of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the accessory holder of Fig. 1 , showing the insertion of the gasket portion into the rail portion; Fig. 7 is an elevational view of the accessory holder of Fig. 1, with the gasket portion inserted into the rail portion; and

Fig. 8 is an embodiment of the accessory holder of Fig. 1, holding a light strip .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Fig. 1 , an accessory holder 10 according to the present invention is attached to an exemplary railing system 1. The railing system 1 comprises one or more upper railings 2 and lower railings 3 spanning one or more substantially vertical posts 4. In the railing system 1 depicted in Fig. 1, the posts 3 comprise open-ended heads 5 and lower rail supports 6 shaped to receive the upper railings 2 and lower railings 3, respectively. However, it is understood that other means of connecting the upper and lower railings 2, 3 to the posts 4 are also possible, such as by connectors or brackets. In addition, one or more substantially vertical pickets 7 may also span the upper and lower railings 2, 3.

The accessory holder 10 is preferably attached to one or both of the upper and lower railings 2, 3 and extends for at least a portion of their lengths. For example, in the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the accessory holder 10 is attached to the underside of the upper railing 2 and extends for almost the entire length of the upper railing 2, save for the ends of the upper railing 2. The accessory holder 10 may be cut to length to accommodate railings 2, 3 of various lengths. Alternatively, instead of a single, long accessory holder 10 attached to the railings 2, 3, a number of shorter accessory holders 10 may be attached to the railings 2, 3 (e.g. attached in a substantially end-to-end arrangement along the railings 2, 3).

Furthermore, the accessory holder 10 is preferably attached in such a manner as to not interfere with the pickets 7. By way of example, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the pickets 7 extend approximately along the midlines of railings 2, 3. Therefore, it is preferable that the accessory holder 10 be attached proximal to one of the sides of the railings 2, 3, especially if the accessory holder 10 is attached to the underside of the upper railing 2 or to the upper side of the lower railing 3. In Figs. 2 and 3, the lower railings 3 have been removed for ease of viewing. Referring to Figs. 4 to 7, the accessory holder 10 comprises an elongated rail portion 12 and an elongated gasket portion 14. The rail portion 12 is preferably made from a metal (e.g. aluminum), while the gasket portion 14 is preferably made from a more pliable material (e.g. plastic). In Figs. 4 and 5, the rail portion 12 and the gasket portion 14 are shown broken in the middle to signify that they may be any length (and may accordingly be cut to length, as discussed earlier).

The rail portion 12 comprises a substantially planar portion 16. The planar portion 16 comprises one or more openings 18 that extend through the planar portion 16. The openings 18 are sized and adapted to receive fasteners 20 (as in Fig. 8) that secure the planar portion 16 to the railings 2, 3. The fasteners 20 may include screws, bolts, or the like.

The planar portion 16 further comprises two longitudinal edges 22. One or more surfaces 24 extend from each of the longitudinal edges 22. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, one surface 24 extends from each of the longitudinal edges 22 for substantially the entire length of the planar portion. Alternatively, instead of a single surface 24 extending for substantially the entire length of the planar portion, there may be a number of shorter surfaces 24 extending from the longitudinal edges 22 (e.g. arranged in a substantially end-to-end manner or in a spaced configuration).

Preferably, the surfaces 24 extend substantially perpendicularly from the planar portion 16, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The surfaces 24 and the planar portion 16 generally define an open channel 26. The surfaces 24 comprise a lower edge 28 and a ridge 30. Preferably, the ridge 30 extends for the length of the surface 24 and is located between the lower edge 28 and the longitudinal edge 22 (i.e. where the surface 24 meets with the planar portion 16). The ridge 30 may be generally triangular (as depicted in Figs. 4 to 7) or it may be some other shape (e.g. rounded) that protrudes into the interior of the channel 26. In this manner, the ridges 30 on opposing surfaces 24 are oriented towards each other, facing inwardly into the channel 26. Referring back to Fig. 5, where the ridge 30 is generally triangular, an angled surface 31 may be present.

The gasket portion 14 may be fitted within the rail portion 12 and comprises an attachment portion 32 and a compartment portion 34. The compartment portion 34 is at least partially open on one side. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the compartment portion 34 may accommodate one or more light strips 36. The light strips 36 may comprise a series of illumination sources 38 (e.g. light emitting diodes or LEDs) electrically connected together to form an elongated package.

Referring again to Figs. 4 to 7, the attachment portion 32 helps to secure the gasket portion 14 to the rail portion 12. Preferably, the attachment portion 32 comprises a plurality of attachment walls 40. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the gasket portion 14 comprises two opposed attachment walls 40, with each of the attachment walls 40 extending for substantially the entire length of the gasket portion 14. Alternatively, instead of the attachment walls 40 extending for substantially the entire length of the gasket portion 14, there may be a number of shorter attachment walls 40, each extending for a portion of the length of the gasket portion 14 (e.g. arranged in a substantially end-to-end manner or in a spaced configuration).

The attachment walls 40 are preferably contoured in such a way as to engage with the ridges 30. The contouring may be effected by one or more bends 42 in the attachment walls 40. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7, the attachment walls 40 comprise two bends 42, such that when the gasket portion 14 is fitted within the rail portion 12, at least a portion of the attachment walls 40 rest on the angled surfaces 31. The two bends 42 result in the attachment walls 40 having an upper bent section 43 and a lower bent section 45. Other arrangements of the attachment walls 40 may be possible, depending on the shape and orientation of the ridges 30. Preferably, the geometry of the attachment walls 40 and the geometry of the ridges 30 allow for the attachment walls 40 to slide longitudinally along the ridges 30.

The compartment portion 34 is attached to the attachment portion 32. The compartment portion 34 preferably comprises a compartment upper wall 44 with compartment upper edges 46. The attachment walls 40 may be fixedly attached to the compartment upper wall 44, as shown in Figs. 4 to 7. In this embodiment, the attachment walls 40 extend substantially perpendicularly from the top of the compartment upper wall 44. Preferably, the attachment walls 40 extend a distance away from the compartment upper edges 46. However, the attachment walls 40 are preferably not so far away from the compartment upper edges 46 that they interfere with the fasteners 20. For example, if screws are used as the fasteners 20, the heads of the screws may be located on the inner surface of the planar portion 16. If the attachment walls 40 extend too far away from the compartment upper edges 46 (i.e. too close to the center of the compartment upper wall 44), the upper ends of the attachment walls 40 may come into contact with and interfere with the fasteners 20.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 7, the ridge 30 may engage a portion of the attachment wall 40 and a portion of the compartment upper wall 44.

The compartment portion 34 further comprises one more compartment side walls 48 extending from the compartment upper wall 44 in an opposite direction to the attachment walls 40. Preferably, the compartment side walls 48 extend substantially perpendicularly from the compartment upper wall 44 at the compartment upper edges 46. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7, there are two opposed compartment side walls 48, each extending for substantially the entire length of the gasket portion 14. Alternatively, instead of the compartment side walls 48 extending for substantially the entire length of the gasket portion 14, there may be a number of shorter compartment side walls 48, each extending for a portion of the length of the gasket portion 14 (e.g. arranged in a substantially end-to-end manner or in a spaced configuration). The compartment side walls 48 comprise compartment lower edges 50. Preferably, when the gasket portion 14 is fitted within the rail portion 12, the compartment side walls 48 will either engage with or be in close proximity to the surfaces 24. Furthermore, the surfaces 24 will preferably extend beyond the compartment lower edges 50 of the compartment side wall 48, thereby hiding much of the gasket portion 14 from view.

The compartment upper wall 44 and the compartment side walls 48 generally define a compartment channel 52 that accommodates the light strip 36. In order to prevent the light strip 36 from falling out of the compartment channel 52, the compartment portion 34 may also comprise one or more lips 54. The lips 54 extend from the compartment side walls 48 and inwardly into the compartment channel 52. Preferably, the lips 54 extend from the compartment side walls 48 at the compartment lower edges 50 and extend slightly upwardly. However, it is possible that the lips 54 extend a distance apart from the compartment lower edges 50. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 to 7, there are two lips 54, each extending for substantially the entire length of the gasket portion 14. Alternatively, instead of the lips 54 extending for substantially the entire length of the gasket portion 14, there may be a number of shorter lips 54, each extending for a portion of the length of the gasket portion 14 (e.g. arranged in a substantially end-to-end manner or in a spaced configuration). The lips 54 define a compartment opening 56.

Referring to Fig. 8, the width of the light strip 36 is preferably greater than the width of the compartment opening 56 but less than the width of the compartment channel 52, such that when the light strip 36 is situated horizontally within the compartment channel 52, the light strip 36 will not fall out. Instead, the light strip 36 would be prevented from falling out by the lips 54.

As discussed above, the gasket portion 14 is preferably made from a more pliable material, such as plastic. The pliability of the material allows for easier insertion of the gasket portion 14 into the rail portion 12. Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, initially, the gasket portion 14 and the rail portion 12 are separate (e.g. as shown generally in Fig. 6). To insert the gasket portion 14 into the rail portion 12, the gasket portion 14 is positioned within the channel 26, with the attachment walls 40 just below the ridges 30. Because the ridges 30 protrude into the interior of the channel 26, the ridges 30 will prevent the upper bent section 43 of the attachment walls 40 from freely passing further into the channel 26. However, since the gasket portion 14 is made from a pliable material, an upward application of force by the attachment walls 40 against the ridges 30 will cause the upper bent sections 43 (and consequently the attachment walls 40 as a whole) to be forced inward slightly (because of the angled orientation of the upper bent sections 43) and to slide along the ridges 30. As the upper bent sections 43 slide along the ridges 30, the upper bent sections 43 (and the attachment walls 40) are forced inward more and more. After the upper bent sections 43 have slid past the ridges 30, the attachment walls 40 revert back to their original postures, and the lower bent sections 45 engage the ridges 30. Because of the angled orientation of the lower bent sections 45 (different from that of the upper bent sections 43), the gasket portion 14 is held in place within the rail portion 12, as shown in Fig. 7.

In order to remove the gasket portion 14 from the rail portion 12, sufficient downward force must be applied on the gasket portion 14 such that the lower bent sections 45 (and consequently the attachment walls 40 as a whole) are forced inward. As downward force is continued to be applied, the lower bent sections 45 slides down the angled surfaces 31 while at the same time, the lower bent sections 45 (and the attachment walls 40) continue to be forced inward. After the lower bent sections 45 have slid past the angled surfaces 31 , the upper bent sections 43 can then be easily slid past the ridges 30. The gasket portion 14 is now free from the rail portion 12.

The pliability of the gasket portion 14 also allows for the insertion of the light strip 36. The light strip 36 may be inserted into the compartment channel 52 by placing a light strip 36 at the compartment opening 56 and applying an upward force on the light strip 36. This upward force will cause the lips 54 to deflect upwards and the sides of the light strip 36 to slide along the lips 54. Once the light strip 36 has slid past the lips 54, the lips 54 will revert to their original postures, and the light strip 36 will be prevented from falling out of the compartment channel 52 by the lips 54. It is envisioned that the insertion and removal of the gasket portion 14 from the rail portion 12 will happen less often than the insertion and removal of the light strip 36 from the gasket portion 14. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the gasket portion 14 is made from at least two different pliable materials. The attachment walls 40 are made from a less pliable material than the lips 54. For example, the attachment walls 40 may be made from a rigid plastic, while the lips may be made from a more flexible form of plastic.

The size of the compartment channel 52 allows for the accommodation of light strips 36 of various thicknesses. Because the compartment channel 52 is enclosed on the side by the compartment side walls 48, much of the light strip 36 is hidden from view; however, the compartment opening 56 still allows for light to radiate from the accessory holder 10.

Since the gasket portion 14 is separated into the attachment portion 32 and the compartment portion 34, the light strips 36 can be placed physically closer to the compartment opening 56, potentially allowing more light to be radiated from the accessory holder 10.

In another embodiment, instead of light strips 36, the accessory holder 10 may be adapted to hold other accessories for the railing system 1. For example, the compartment portion 34 may be adapted to hold one or more hooks or hangers. These hooks or hangers may be used to hang ornaments or other decorative features from the accessory holder 10. In a further embodiment, the accessory holder 10 may be attached to other structures besides railings 2, 3. For example, the accessory holder 10 may be attached to a banister or a handrail. Furthermore, the accessory holder 10 may also be attached to a beam or a table. The accessory holder 10 may be attached to any suitable structure capable of receiving the fasteners 20 through the openings 18. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment has been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for securing an accessory to a structure, said apparatus comprising: a first elongated member comprising: a planar portion comprising: two substantially longitudinal edges; and one or more openings adapted to receive fasteners for attachment of said planar portion to said structure; and one or more surfaces extending from each of said longitudinal edges, each of said surfaces comprising a substantially longitudinal ridge spaced apart from said longitudinal edge; wherein said planar portion and said surfaces define a channel and wherein said ridges extend inwardly into said channel; and a second elongated member fitted in said channel, comprising: an attachment portion comprising a plurality of attachment walls, wherein each of said attachment walls is contoured to engage with one of said ridges; and a compartment for holding said accessory, wherein said compartment is attached to said attachment portion and wherein said compartment is at least partially open on one side. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of said surfaces extends beyond both sides of said longitudinal ridge.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said compartment comprises a compartment upper wall and one or more compartment side walls extending from said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said attachment walls are attached to said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said compartment side walls extend substantially perpendicularly from said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said compartment further comprises one or more lips, said lips extending away from said compartment side walls and inwardly into said channel.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said first elongated member is made of metal.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said second elongated member is made of plastic.

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said lips are made of flexible plastic and wherein said attachment portion, said compartment upper wall, and said compartment side walls are made of rigid plastic.

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said surfaces extend beyond said compartment side walls.

1 1. The apparatus of claim I , wherein said attachment walls slidably engage with said ridges.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly to said planar portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of said ridges is in contact with at least one of said attachment walls and with said compartment upper wall.

14. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said compartment upper wall and said compartment side walls define a second channel.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of said attachment walls comprises one or more bends.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said one or more surfaces extending from each of said longitudinal edges is one surface extending from each of said longitudinal edges.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of attachment walls is two attachment walls.

18. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said plurality of compartment side walls extending from said compartment upper wall is two compartment side walls extending from said compartment upper wall.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said compartment upper wall comprises two longitudinal upper edges and said compartment side walls extend from said upper edges. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said each of said compartment side walls are in contact with at least a portion of one of said surfaces.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said attachment walls are adapted to bend inwardly when a force substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said second elongated member is applied on said attachment walls.

The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein said attachment walls are adapted to revert to an original orientation when said force is no longer applied.

A holder of a light strip for a railing, said holder comprising: a rail portion comprising: a planar portion comprising: two substantially longitudinal edges; and one or more openings adapted to receive fasteners for attachment of said planar portion to said railing; and one or more surfaces extending from each of said longitudinal edges, each of said surfaces comprising a substantially longitudinal ridge spaced apart from said longitudinal edge; wherein said planar portion and said surfaces define a channel and wherein said ridges extend inwardly into said channel; and a gasket portion fitted in said channel, comprising: an attachment portion comprising a plurality of attachment walls, wherein each of said attachment walls is contoured to engage with one of said ridges; and a compartment for holding said light strip, wherein said compartment is attached to said attachment portion and wherein said compartment is at least partially open on one side.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of said surfaces extends beyond both sides of said longitudinal ridge.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said compartment comprises a compartment upper wall and one or more compartment side walls extending from said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said attachment walls are attached to said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said compartment side walls extend substantially perpendicularly from said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said compartment further comprises one or more lips, said lips extending away from said compartment side walls and inwardly into said channel.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said rail portion is made of metal. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said gasket portion is made of plastic. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said lips are made of flexible plastic and wherein said attachment portion, said compartment upper wall, and said compartment side walls are made of rigid plastic.

The apparatus of claim 28, wherein said surfaces extend beyond said compartment side walls.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said attachment walls slidably engage with said ridges.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said surfaces extending substantially perpendicularly to said planar portion.

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein each of said ridges is in contact with at least one of said attachment walls and with said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said compartment upper wall and said compartment side walls define a second channel.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein each of said attachment walls comprises one or more bends.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said one or more surfaces extending from each of said longitudinal edges is one surface extending from each of said longitudinal edges.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said plurality of attachment walls is two attachment walls. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said plurality of compartment side walls extending from said compartment upper wall is two compartment side walls extending from said compartment upper wall.

The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said compartment upper wall comprises two longitudinal upper edges and said compartment side walls extend from said upper edges.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said each of said compartment side walls are in contact with at least a portion of one of said surfaces.

The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said attachment walls are adapted to bend inwardly when a force substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said gasket portion is applied on said attachment walls.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said attachment walls are adapted to revert to an original orientation when said force is no longer applied.