U.S. patent application number 14/208613 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for precompressed sealing tape.
This patent application is currently assigned to ISO-Chemie GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is ISO-Chemie GmbH. Invention is credited to Martin Deiss.
Application Number | 20140193602 14/208613 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42184091 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140193602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Deiss; Martin |
July 10, 2014 |
Precompressed Sealing Tape
Abstract
The precompressed sealing tape for sealing a joint has an
elastically reexpandable foam strip, a wrapping, which at least
partially surrounds the foam strip, and a strip-shaped element,
which is made of stiff foam. The strip-shaped element is arranged
in an area of the first transverse surface of the foam strip. A
fastening means for attaching the strip-shaped element to a
building component is arranged in an area of the strip-shaped
element. A first section of the wrapping is arranged between the
first transverse surface of the foam strip and the strip-shaped
element.
Inventors: |
Deiss; Martin; (Abtsgmuend,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ISO-Chemie GmbH |
Aalen |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
ISO-Chemie GmbH
Aalen
DE
|
Family ID: |
42184091 |
Appl. No.: |
14/208613 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12728808 |
Mar 22, 2010 |
|
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14208613 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/43 ;
428/304.4; 428/317.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/15 20150115;
E04B 1/6812 20130101; Y10T 428/249982 20150401; Y10T 428/249953
20150401; E06B 1/62 20130101; Y10T 428/249983 20150401; E06B
2001/626 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/43 ;
428/304.4; 428/317.3 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/68 20060101
E04B001/68 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2009 |
EP |
09178899.2 |
Claims
1. A precompressed sealing tape for sealing a joint, comprising: an
elastically re-expandable foam strip, extending farther in a
longitudinal direction than in a transverse direction, which
comprises two lateral surfaces and first and second transverse
surfaces, which connect the two lateral surfaces to each other, a
wrapping, which at least partially surrounds the foam strip, a
strip-shaped element, which is made of stiff foam and has a greater
flexural strength in the transverse direction than the foam strip,
wherein the strip-shaped element is arranged in an area of the
first transverse surface of the foam strip; and fastening means for
attaching the strip-shaped element to a component to be installed
in a building; wherein a first section of the wrapping is arranged
between the first transverse surface of the foam strip and the
strip-shaped element, and wherein the fastening means is arranged
in an area of the strip-shaped element.
2. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the first
transverse surface of the foam strip is fixedly connected to the
strip-shaped element.
3. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the fastening
means for fastening the strip-shaped element to the structural
component is provided in an area of a side of the strip-shaped
element which faces away from the first transverse surface of the
foam strip.
4. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 3 wherein the fastening
means is formed as a double-sided adhesive strip.
5. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the first
section of the wrapping extends between the first transverse
surface of the foam strip and the strip-shaped element all the way
across the first transverse surface.
6. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the first
section of the wrapping is arranged between the first transverse
surface and the strip-shaped element only across a first part of
the first transverse surface of the foam strip.
7. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 6 wherein a second
section of the wrapping is arranged between the first transverse
surface and the strip-shaped element across a second part of the
first transverse surface of the foam strip, the second part being
opposite the first part.
8. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the
strip-shaped element has a flexural strength of more than 250
kPa.
9. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the
strip-shaped element has a flexural strength of more than 400
kPa.
10. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the
strip-shaped element has a flexural strength of more than 1,000
kPa.
11. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the wrapping
comprises a tear-off tab extending in the longitudinal direction,
which serves as a pulling element for releasing the foam strip and
allowing its expansion.
12. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the wrapping
is provided with at least one predetermined tear site extending in
the longitudinal direction.
13. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 12 wherein the at least
one predetermined tear site is a perforation line.
14. The precompressed sealing tape of claim 1 wherein the sealing
tape is wound up into a roll.
15. A structural component to be installed in a building, the
structural component with a precompressed sealing tape fastened to
it, the precompressed sealing tape comprising: an elastically
re-expandable foam strip, extending farther in a longitudinal
direction than in a transverse direction, which comprises two
lateral surfaces and first and second transverse surfaces, which
connect the two lateral surfaces to each other, a wrapping, which
at least partially surrounds the foam strip, a strip-shaped
element, which is made of stiff foam and has a greater flexural
strength in the transverse direction than the foam strip, wherein
the strip-shaped element is arranged in an area of the first
transverse surface of the foam strip, and fastening means for
attaching the strip-shaped element to the structural component,
wherein a first section of the wrapping is arranged between the
first transverse surface of the foam strip and the strip-shaped
element, and wherein the fastening means is arranged in an area of
the strip-shaped element.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/728,808, filed Mar. 22, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. ______.
The entire contents of such application is incorporated herein by
reference. This application also claims priority based on European
patent application EP 09 178 899.2, filed Dec. 11, 2009.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a precompressed sealing tape for
sealing a joint such as that between a frame profile of a window or
a door and the wall of a building.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A precompressed sealing tape, which consists of an
elastically reexpandable foam strip of rectangular cross section,
which, in the compressed state, is completely surrounded by a
wrapping formed by a sheet of plastic, is known from EP 1 131 525
B1. The sheet of plastic forms a tear-off tab extending in the
longitudinal direction of the sealing tape, for which purpose the
sheet is bonded to itself to form a predetermined tear site. To
hold the foam strip inside the pocket formed in this way, it is
adhesively bonded on its bottom surface to the wrapping, and the
bottom surface of the wrapping in turn can be adhered to a frame
profile by separate adhesive means such as double-sided adhesive
tape.
[0004] Sealing tapes of this type are bonded to the frame profile
to be sealed, and after the frame profile has been installed in the
rough opening in the wall of the building, the wrapping is torn
open to allow the foam strip to recover elastically and thus to
seal off the frame profile against the wall. In the case of these
known sealing tapes, however, it is disadvantageous that they can
be produced only in relatively narrow widths, because otherwise the
recovery force of the precompressed sealing tape produces an
oval-to-round shape inside the wrapping, which is unsuitable for
installation. In association with the continually increasing
requirements on sealing in buildings, however, it is desirable to
provide precompressed sealing tapes in any desired width to achieve
higher sealing values, better thermal insulation, and better sound
damping.
[0005] WO 98/45565 A describes a sealing strip of foam material,
which is surrounded by a wrapping. A stiff layer of cardboard or
plastic can also be provided in the wrapping. After the sealing
strip has been loosely laid in the joint to be sealed, the
sheet-like wrapping is opened, and the foam strip expands slightly
into the joint.
[0006] These embodiments suffer from the disadvantage that the
stiff layer remaining in the joint does not meet high demands on
thermal insulation, nor does it provide high sealing values, and
therefore the overall sealing element is unsuitable for long-term
use.
[0007] A sealing tape which consists of a surface strip for
attachment to a frame profile with a foam strip arranged on top of
the surface strip is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,373. The foam
strip is covered by a sheet of paper or plastic, which is adhered
to the surface strip and holds the foam strip in the compressed
state. Rip cords, which can be used to tear open the sheet after
the frame profile equipped with the sealing tape has been installed
in the building structure, extend along the edge of the cover
sheet.
[0008] The problem with this design is to be found in particular in
the large amount of space which the sealing tape occupies on both
sides.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
precompressed sealing tape which is simple in design and easy to
handle, which can be delivered in any desired width, and which can
be applied and transported more easily.
[0010] According to an aspect, the sealing tape comprises an
elastically reexpandable foam strip, extending farther in a
longitudinal direction than in a transverse direction, which
comprises two lateral surfaces and first and second transverse
surfaces, which connect the lateral surfaces to each other. It
further comprises a sheet-like wrapping, which at least partially
surrounds the foam strip, and a strip-like or strip-shaped element
made of stiff foam which has a greater flexural strength in the
transverse direction than the foam strip, wherein the strip-like
element is arranged in an area of the first transverse surface of
the foam strip. Fastening means for attaching the strip-shaped
element to a component to be installed in a building is included
and arranged in the area of the strip-shaped element. A first
section of the sheet-like wrapping is arranged between the first
transverse surface of the foam strip and the strip-like
element.
[0011] It is guaranteed as a result that the compressed rectangular
shape of the foam strip remains preserved even when the sealing
tape is very wide, whereas the amount of space occupied by the
sealing tape before it is used is minimal in all directions.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first transverse surface of
the foam strip is permanently connected to the strip-shaped
element. This produces a reliable connection between the two layers
and prevents the layers from slipping with respect to each
other.
[0013] So that the tape can be attached to the frame component to
be sealed, a fastening means for fastening the strip-shaped element
to the structural component is provided in the area of the side of
the strip-shaped element which faces away from the first transverse
surface of the foam strip. Thus the sealing tape can be pre-mounted
on the frame component, and after the frame component has been
inserted into the opening in the building, the only additional step
necessary is to open the wrapping to allow the foam strip to
expand.
[0014] An especially simple way of attaching the sealing tape to
the structural component is to use a double-sided adhesive strip as
the fastening means. This adhesive strip can itself be covered by a
cover sheet before the sealing tape is attached.
[0015] In one embodiment, the first section of the wrapping can be
arranged between the first transverse surface of the foam strip and
the strip-shaped element all the way across the first transverse
surface.
[0016] In another embodiment, the first section of the wrapping can
be arranged between the first transverse surface of the foam strip
and the strip-shaped element only across a first part of the first
transverse surface of the foam strip. Thus it is possible to
produce a simple connection between the foam strip and the
strip-shaped element, because most of the first transverse surface
of the foam strip is available as a fastening surface.
[0017] In this case, the sealing tape can be precompressed
especially effectively by arranging a second section of the
wrapping between the first transverse surface of the foam strip and
the strip-shaped element across a second part of the first
transverse surface of the foam strip, namely, a part which is
opposite the first part.
[0018] The sealing tape offers improved sealing properties if the
strip-shaped element is made of foam and has a higher flexural
strength than the foam strip.
[0019] It is advantageous for the strip-shaped element to have a
flexural strength of more than 200 kPa, and preferably of more than
250 kPa. In another preferred embodiment, the strip-shaped element
has a flexural strength of more than 300 kPa, and preferably of
more than 400 kPa. In an especially preferred embodiment, the
strip-shaped element has a flexural strength of more than 500 kPa,
preferably of more than 1,000 kPa, and even more preferably of more
than 2,000 kPa. In this way, the deformation of the sealing tape is
effectively minimized even in the case of tapes of considerable
width.
[0020] The wrapping preferably comprises a tear-off tab extending
in the longitudinal direction, which serves as a pull element for
opening the wrapping. Thus, after the sealing tape has been
pre-mounted on the frame component to be sealed, the wrapping can
be easily opened by the user.
[0021] It can be advantageous in each case for the wrapping to be
provided with at least one predetermined tear site extending in the
longitudinal direction of the sealing tape, preferably a
perforation line, which makes it easier to open the wrapping.
[0022] In one embodiment, the sealing tape can be wound up into a
roll, which greatly simplifies the transport and storage of the
sealing tape.
[0023] If the structural component has already been equipped with
an attached length of the sealing tape, installing the component at
the construction site is extremely easy and uncomplicated. The
structural component, furthermore, is then also provided with
additional protection during transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The invention is explained in greater detail below by
reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the
drawings.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one
embodiment of the precompressed sealing tape for sealing a
joint;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the precompressed sealing tape for sealing a joint,
the tape being fastened to a structural component;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the precompressed sealing tape for sealing a
joint;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the precompressed sealing tape for sealing a
joint;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the sealing tape for sealing a joint; and
[0030] FIG. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the precompressed sealing tape for sealing a joint,
the tape being fastened to a structural component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] In some cases, the foam strips, wrappings, adhesive tapes,
strip-like elements, strip-shaped elements and cover sheets are
shown in the drawings as if they were a certain distance apart, so
that the individual elements which form the sealing tape can be
clearly distinguished from each other. In reality, these elements
lie directly on top of each other.
[0032] FIGS. 1-6 show a foam strip 2, which, in the present
example, has a rectangular cross section, is partially surrounded
by a sheet-like wrapping 4, and is held in a precompressed state.
Foam strip 2 can be made of any desired open-cell or closed-cell
soft foam, such as polyurethane or polyethylene, and can be
impregnated to delay its recovery. A multi-layer arrangement of
several different foam materials laminated onto each other is also
conceivable, as is the arrangement of an impregnated foam layer on
or next to a foam layer which is not impregnated. Different foam
layers can be arranged adjacent to each other especially in the
transverse direction of the sealing tape to give the sealing tape a
different permeability to air in the inner area than in the outer
area, for example, or to create a vapor diffusion gradient. Foam
strip 2 extends farther in its longitudinal direction than in its
transverse direction and comprises two lateral surfaces 6 and first
and second transverse surfaces 8, 9 (top surface 8 and bottom
surface 9), which connect the two lateral surfaces 6 to each
other.
[0033] The material of wrapping 4 can be a sheet material or film
material, a mesh fabric, paper, or some other material suitable for
the application cited. Laminated sheets consisting of a layer of
plastic laminated to a backing material (e.g., a nonwoven) or
fabric-reinforced sheets can also be used. All these materials are
described by the term "sheet-like". Combinations of these materials
are also possible. A thermoplastic sheet or a heat-shrink sheet,
which contracts under the action of heat, however, is preferred.
The last-mentioned effect can also be applied to only parts of
wrapping 4, e.g., in the area of top surface 8 of foam strip 2, to
make it taut and free of wrinkles It is also possible for wrapping
4 to comprise reinforcement only in the area of top surface 8 of
foam strip 2.
[0034] In the area of at least one transverse surface--in the
present example, the bottom surface 9 of foam strip 2--a strip-like
or strip-shaped element 10 is arranged, which has a certain
flexural strength in the transverse direction. The flexural
strength should be high enough that strip-shaped element 10 can
absorb the force which proceeds from the attempt of foam strip 2 to
expand and which would under normal circumstances lead to a
deformation of flexible wrapping 4, causing it to resemble a tube
with an oval or even a round cross section, without strip-shaped
element 10 itself undergoing any significant deformation.
[0035] A foam which has a much higher flexural strength than foam
strip 2 is provided as the material for strip-shaped element 10.
This is discussed in greater detail below. Cardboard and any other
possible stiff material such as rigid plastic can also be used.
[0036] In certain embodiments, strip-shaped element 10 should be
flexible enough in the longitudinal direction that the sealing tape
can be wound up into a roll.
[0037] In the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, a tear-off tab 22
is provided, which is formed by two sections of wrapping 4, which
are joined to each other. It is also possible to provide only one
flag-like, extended section of the wrapping 4 to serve as a
tear-off tab. The sheet-like wrapping 4 is opened by pulling on the
tear-off tab, and foam strip 2 is thus free to expand. For this
purpose, at least one predetermined tear site 14, preferably a
perforation line, can be provided in wrapping 4 in the area of
lateral surface 6 from which tear-off tab 22 projects. The
positions of predetermined tear sites 14 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5,
and 6, however, are preferred, because in this case, after wrapping
4 has been opened, little or no material remains on the left
lateral surface 6, and most of wrapping 4 slides along expanding
foam strip 2 and arranges itself across right lateral surface 6.
Advantage can be taken of this effect when, for example, wrapping 4
comprises special sealing properties which serve to provide a
special sealing effect for right lateral surface 6, possibly in the
form of a vapor diffusion barrier. Many other positions, however,
can be imagined for predetermined tear sites 14 within the scope of
the invention.
[0038] Wrapping 4 can also be reinforced in the area next to
predetermined tear site 14 by thermal hardening of the sheet, for
example, by additional application of an adhesive strip, or by the
thermal lamination of a strip of plastic sheet. As a result, a
mechanism is created which limits to the extent to which the
wrapping 4 can tear, so that, after the wrapping has been separated
at predetermined tear site 14, it will not continue to tear in an
uncontrolled manner in the area next to predetermined tear site
14.
[0039] Wrapping 4 can also to be torn open by pulling on tear-off
tab 22 without the need for a predetermined tear site 14 if
wrapping 4 does not withstand large tensile forces. Wrapping 4 can
also be torn open with a rip cord, or it can be cut open with a
knife or some other tool. Finally, the entire wrapping can be
removed if the wrapping can be detached from foam strip 2 or from
strip-shaped element 10 by pulling on it.
[0040] Tear-off tab 22, as shown, can be arranged on the outside
surface (on the left in the Figs.), but, for reasons of better
accessibility after installation of the structural component 12
(e.g., for installations in a facade or outside wall), it can also
be arranged on the inside surface (on the right in the Figs.). Two
tear-off tabs 22 can also be provided, one on the inside surface
and one on the outside surface, so that wrapping 4 can be opened
from the inside or alternatively from the outside.
[0041] In the examples shown, double-sided adhesive tape 16 is
arranged between one of the transverse surfaces of foam strip 2,
here the bottom surface 9, and strip-shaped element 10 and connects
the two elements tightly together. The tight connection between
foam strip 2 and strip-shaped element 10 can also be achieved by
other means, such by thermoplastic lamination.
[0042] A fastening means 18, which serves to attach the sealing
tape to a component 12 such as a frame profile of a window to be
installed in a building (see FIGS. 2 and 6) is arranged in the area
of strip-shaped element 10. In the embodiments according to FIGS.
1-5, fastening means 18 is in the form of an adhesive strip, the
outside surface of which, i.e., the downward-facing surface,
preferably is kept covered by a peel-off cover sheet 20, such as
silicone paper or the like, until the sealing tape is to be
attached to component 12.
[0043] It should be emphasized at this point that, in practice, the
adhesive strip is very often realized by a layer of adhesive, which
has been applied to a piece of silicone paper or the like, and
which has then been laminated in this form to strip-like or
strip-shaped element 10. In some cases, a scrim or a support film,
nonwoven fabric, or the like can also be embedded in this adhesive
layer to increase the tensile strength. The expression "adhesive
strip" used above should therefore also include adhesive layers of
the type just described. The same applies to the term "adhesive
tape".
[0044] A first section 24 of sheet-like wrapping 4 is always
arranged between the first transverse surface 9 of foam strip 2 and
strip-shaped element 10.
[0045] In the examples of FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the wrapping covers
two lateral surfaces 6 and top surface 8 of foam strip 2. In the
area of bottom surface 9 of foam strip 2, there is in each case a
first section 24 of wrapping 4 which extends over part of the
bottom surface of foam strip 2. In addition, a second section 26 of
wrapping 4 extends between first transverse surface 9 and
strip-shaped element 10 over a second part of the first transverse
surface, here bottom surface 9 of foam strip 2, namely, the part
which is opposite the first part. Two sections 24, and 26 of
wrapping 4 therefore extend around the two lower edges of foam
strip 2, are folded over toward the inside, and are attached there
to foam strip 2, preferably bonded with an adhesive or laminated or
welded to foam strip 2. Between two sections 24, 26 of wrapping 4,
bottom surface 9 of foam strip 2 remains uncovered by wrapping 4.
In FIG. 1, this is where the double-sided adhesive tape 16 is
attached. Adhesive tape 16 can also extend over two sections 24, 26
of wrapping 4, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6.
[0046] In principle, the sealing tape can be produced in the form
of strips or in the form of rolls. In the case of especially stiff
materials of strip-shaped element 10, however, the strip form is
the only possibility.
[0047] FIGS. 2 and 6 show a structural component 12, to which the
sealing tape has been attached. In a configuration such as this,
component 12 can be delivered to the construction site as a
ready-to-install assembly. The connection between the sealing tape
and component 12 is produced by fastening means 18. In FIG. 2, this
fastening means 18 is the adhesive strip, from which cover sheet 20
has been previously peeled off. In FIG. 6, fastening means 18 is a
keder or plug-in profile, which ensures a reliable connection and
which preferably is connected by pushing the side of the tape onto
the component or engaging it in the component.
[0048] The sealing tape is usually fastened to the frame component
12 by fastening means 18 before the component is installed or
possibly even before it is transported. After it has been installed
on-site in the intended opening in the building, the only step then
required is to open wrapping 4 by cutting it with a knife or by
pulling on the tear-off tab 22. Strip-shaped element 10 (which is
not usually expandable) fastened to frame component 12 remains
unchanged, whereas foam strip 2 expands upward and produces the
desired sealing effect in the joint. As this is happening, the part
of wrapping 4 remaining in the joint slides along expanded foam
strip 2 and ultimately covers preferably at least part of its right
lateral surface 6 in the final state.
[0049] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is usable only as roll
material. In this case, first section 24 of wrapping 4 is arranged
on the right outer edge area of bottom surface 9 of foam strip 2
and is bonded in place firmly there. Wrapping 4 covers right
lateral surface 6 of foam strip 2 and at least part of top surface
8 of the foam strip 2. In the area of top surface 8, wrapping 4 is
folded back on itself to form a first loop. A second section 26 of
wrapping 4 located at the end of the loop is adhered tightly to top
surface 9 of foam strip 2. The loop therefore forms a reserve of
material for the displacement of wrapping 4, the amount of which
corresponds to the maximum desired expansion of foam strip 2.
[0050] After the sealing tape has been unwound from the roll, there
is only a limited amount of time available to attach the sealing
tape to component 12 and to insert component 12 into the opening in
the wall provided for it before the delayed expansion of foam strip
2 makes the sealing tape too large to insert into the opening.
Because current impregnating materials make it possible to delay
the expansion of foam strip 2 by several hours, however, this does
not represent a significant limitation.
[0051] In the elaborated embodiment shown in FIG. 4, second
wrapping 28 surrounds sealing tape shown in FIG. 3. In this case,
the sealing tape can also be produced in the form of a strip.
Second wrapping 28 can also comprise a tear-off tab or be
accessible to any other desired type of opening mechanism. Second
wrapping 28 extends continuously along the bottom surface of
strip-shaped element 10 and is bonded to it by means of an
adhesive, for example, or by welding or by lamination, possibly
only at one or two points. In this embodiment, adhesive strip 18
for fastening the sealing tape to component 12 is attached directly
to second wrapping 28.
[0052] In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, first section 24 of
wrapping 4 extends all the way across between foam strip 2 and
strip-shaped element 10. First section 24 is attached to bottom
surface 9 of foam strip 2 by a piece of double-sided adhesive tape
16, whereas another piece of double-sided adhesive tape 27 produces
the connection between first section 24 of wrapping 4 and
strip-shaped element 10. Instead of using adhesive tapes 16, 27 to
fasten wrapping 4 to foam strip 2 and to the strip-shaped element
10, the wrapping can also be bonded adhesively in some other way or
welded or laminated in place. As also is the case in the
embodiments described above (except for that of FIG. 3), wrapping 4
prevents foam strip 2 from expanding and holds it in the
precompressed state.
[0053] Many other embodiments of the present invention are also
conceivable. The details discussed with reference to any one of
FIGS. 1-6 can also be used in any of the other embodiments. Other
designs are also conceivable, as long as at least one section of
wrapping 4 is arranged between strip-shaped element 10 and foam
strip 2.
[0054] In practice, foam strips 2 are usually precompressed in such
a way that, when they expand, they increase preferably by up to
about 5-10 times the thickness which they had in the precompressed
state. Often, use is made of only about half of this possible
expansion to guarantee that the tape will rest reliably against the
building component facing the profile element to be sealed.
[0055] A foam which has a greater flexural strength than foam strip
2, usually a much higher flexural strength, is provided as the
material for strip-shaped element 10. The strip-shaped element has
a flexural strength of more than 200 kPa, preferably of more 250
kPa, and in a preferred embodiment the strip-shaped element has a
flexural strength of more than 300 kPa, preferably of more than 400
kPa. In an especially preferred embodiment, the strip-shaped
element has a flexural strength of more than 500 kPa, preferably of
more than 1,000 kPa, and even more preferably of more than 2,000
kPa. In this way, the deformation of the sealing tape is
effectively minimized even in the case of very wide tapes.
[0056] The material of foam strip 2, however, has a flexural
strength of less than 150 kPa, preferably of less than 125 kPa, and
even more preferably of less than 100 kPa.
[0057] The flexural strength of the material of strip-shaped
element 10 and of foam strip 2 is determined on the basis of the
3rd edition of the standard ISO 1209-2 from the year 2007. This
international standard is usually used to determine the flexural
strength of plastics, but it is also excellent in a somewhat
modified form for determining the flexural strength of foam
materials.
[0058] A steadily changing force is applied perpendicularly to the
center of a test piece resting on two supports. The test piece
therefore undergoes a certain deflection. The flexural strength is
calculated from the measured force-versus-deformation curve (see
Section 3 of ISO 1209-2). The testing device is described in detail
in Section 4 (FIG. 1). An example of a suitable testing device is
model BZ2.5/TN1S from the Zwick Company in Ulm, Germany. The load
cell used here can be, for example, the KAP-Z model for forces of
up to 200 N.
[0059] The supports consist of two parallel cylindrical support
elements, which are arranged on the same horizontal plane, and each
of which has a radius of 15.+-.1 mm. The support elements are
longer than the test pieces are wide, and in the present case they
are 80 mm long.
[0060] In the case of the present measurement, the distance L
between the support elements is set at 85.+-.2 mm and thus deviates
from the value according to ISO 1209-2. The force-transmitting
element has the same shape as the support elements. The other
dimensions given in Section 5.1 of ISO 1209-2 have also been
changed for the special application of measuring foams. Each
measured foam test piece is a block with an edge length 12 of
150.+-.3 mm, a width b of 40.+-.2 mm, and a thickness d of 3.+-.0.2
mm. The first set of test conditions described in Section 6 of ISO
1209-2 is used, i.e., measurement at 23.+-.2.degree. C. and
50.+-.10% relative humidity. In contrast to the velocity of the
movement of the force-transmitting element stated in Section 7 of
ISO 1209-2, here it is moved downward at a speed of only 10.+-.1 mm
per minute. In addition, the force is measured up to a maximum
deflection of the foam of 20 mm, and the maximum value F.sub.R of
the force which occurs during the course of the measurement is
recorded.
[0061] The calculation of the flexural strength R (in kPa) is
carried out as described in Section 8.1 of the ISO 1209-2, i.e., by
the use of the formula R=1.5F.sub.RL/bd.sup.210.sup.6, where
F.sub.R is the maximum applied force in kN; L is the distance
between the support elements in mm; b is the width of the test
piece in mm; and d is the thickness of the test piece in mm.
[0062] At the specified values for L, b, and d, the measured force
F.sub.R for the material of strip-shaped element 10 and the foam
strip 2 results in the values given above.
[0063] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6 are illustrated with a
cross section of foam strip 2 of more-or-less idealized shape. In
reality, top transverse surface 8 of foam strip 2 will extend at
least slightly in the direction of a dome-like shape as a result of
the pressure acting from within, so that the cross section of foam
strip 2 in the precompressed state will assume a form which
deviates to a certain extent, but not too severely, from that of a
rectangle. A certain transverse bending (outward curvature) of
stiff strip-shaped element 10 can also be observed in practice,
especially in the case of very wide sealing tapes.
[0064] The invention has been described above on the basis of foam
strip 1 with a rectangular cross section by way of example, because
this makes it much easier to explain the invention and its various
features. The term "rectangular" can also mean "square". The person
skilled in the art will see, however, that the invention can also
be realized in a corresponding manner with foam strips which have
cross sections different from that of a rectangle. The
cross-sectional shape of foam strip 2 indicated above should
therefore not be understood as limiting in any way.
[0065] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," "a preferred embodiment" or similar language means
that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described
in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one
embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "in a preferred
embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification
may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0066] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or
more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments of the invention.
[0067] While the present invention and its principles have been
shown and described in connection with certain exemplary or
specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications, alternatives,
modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Any such changes, modifications,
alternatives, modifications, equivalents and the like may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *