TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects relate, in general to a door seal and to a seal portion for use in a door seal, and to a kit for a door seal.

BACKGROUND

Seals for doors are commonly used, and can be used to seal against sound and smoke and, in the case of intumescent seals for example, against fire when a door is in a closed configuration. For example, seals arranged around at least a portion of the periphery of a door, or around at least a portion of the periphery of a door frame can be used to provide a sealing effect when the door is closed. Seals can be provided at the bottom of a door, and can engage with a threshold plate when a door is in a closed configuration. A threshold plate, or part of it, may be slightly raised with respect to the level of the floor on either side thereof. Alternatively, a threshold plate may be at substantially the same level as the floor on either side. In either case, a seal at the bottom of a door will typically be arranged to engage with the threshold seal along as much of the length of the threshold plate as possible in order to provide a good sealing effect for the bottom of the door. Accordingly, for such purposes, seals which extend along substantially the whole of the length of the bottom of a door are well known.

SUMMARY

According to an example, there is provided a door seal comprising multiple longitudinal or elongate seal portions arranged in spaced relation in respective multiple rows. The multiple elongate seal portions can be arranged in spaced relation in respective multiple longitudinal rows. For example, the seal portions can extend lengthways along the width of (the bottom of) a door. The seal portions can be gaskets. The seal portions in one row can be offset in a longitudinal direction in relation to the seal portions in an adjacent row. A gap of predefined width between a pair of seal portions in one row can be adjacent to a seal portion in an adjacent row. For example, apertures for receiving seal portions in a row of a bottom plate can be spaced, as well as being separated and offset from apertures in an adjacent row of the plate. A gap of predefined width between a pair of seal portions in one row can be adjacent to the centre of a seal portion in an adjacent row. Alternatively, a gap can be adjacent to any part of a seal portion in an adjacent row. Each seal portion can comprise a flexible body with a lower portion of V-shaped longitudinal cross-section and an upper portion including a fixing structure to affix or attach the seal portion to a door or plate. A seal portion can be made from PVC elastomer or rubber, and can be extruded or an extrusion. The arms of respective seal portions of one row can contact the arms one or more seal portions in an adjacent row at a lower portion thereof. Respective ones of the seal portions can have a preselected height, whereby, in use, to enable the seal portions to contact a threshold plate and/or floor.

Respective seal portions have a preselected length, chosen so as to ensure that a seal portion, if removed from the door seal, does not pose a hazard.

According to an example, there is provided a seal portion for a hinge end of a door, the seal portion comprising a flexible substantially laminar body element, two opposing edges of which have a wedge shaped cross-section, wherein the seal portion for the hinge end is configured to be positioned in a recess of the door such that the two opposing edges extend away from a bottom edge of the door when the body element is introduced into the recess, whereby to form respective seals for the hinge end. The seal portion for a hinge end of a door can be used in the door seal in conjunction with multiple seal portions. The two opposing edges may take various alternative forms, such as being rectangular in cross-section, or simply being extensions to the laminar body. The two opposing edges of the seal portion can be so shaped as to become progressively narrower towards the edges of the seal portion. In an example, the narrowest part, that is the edge, can be in contact with the floor and/or a threshold plate. The seal portion for the hinge end can include a recess in the body element extending across a central portion thereof, parallel to the two opposing edges. The seal portion for the hinge end can include two longitudinal protuberances or channels extending across the seal portion parallel to the two opposing edges in spaced relation to one another, whereby to define a recess which can extend across a central portion of the body element. The recess in the body element can have a width so selected as to fit within the recess of the door. The width of the body element can be so selected such that the two opposing edges to extend away from the bottom of the door and, in use, are operable to contact a threshold plate.

According to an example, there is provided a longitudinal or elongate seal portion for a door seal as provided herein. The preselected length is such as to prevent injury from choking or preclude its use as a ligature and so on should a seal portion be removed from the door seal. The fixing structure can comprise a longitudinal band. The band can include a protuberance. The fixing structure can be configured to engage in a channel of a door seal strip which, in use, can be rebated or provided or fixed into the bottom edge of the door.

According to an example, there is provided a seal portion for use in a door seal, such as a door seal as provided herein, comprising a flexible body with a lower portion of V-shaped cross-section and an upper portion separated from the lower portion by a neck, the upper portion including a fixing structure to affix the seal portion to a door. The seal portion can be affixed to a door by way of a bottom plate within which the seal portion is provided. The seal portion can have a preselected length. In an example, the length is relatively short, such as shorter than the width of a door that a door seal is to be used with. As such, a seal portion presents little, if any, safety hazard in the unlikely event that it can be removed from the seal. The fixing structure can be a generally T-shaped portion with a band having a protuberance. The protuberance can be configured or positioned to extend, in use, above or outside of an opening in a bottom plate. The portion can be extruded from PVC elastomer.

According to an example, there is provided a seal portion for a hinge end of a door as provided herein. The recess therein can be configured to receive a pivot strap portion of a door. In use, respective ones of the two opposing edges of the seal portion can be laterally displaced with respect to the multiple rows of seal portions. Respective ones of the two opposing edges of the seal portion can be closer to the edges of the bottom of a door than the multiple rows of seal portions.

According to an example, there is provided a kit for a door seal, the kit comprising multiple gaskets or longitudinal or elongate seal portions, and a seal portion for a hinge end of a door. Respective ones of the seal portions can be seal portions as provided herein. The seal portion for the hinge end of the door can be a seal portion as provided herein. The kit can further comprise a bottom plate for the door and/or a pivot strap for the hinge end of the door and/or multiple anti-tamper fixings and/or a finger guard for use with a pivot end of the door. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I is a schematic representation of a portion of a door seal according to an example;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a portion of a door seal according to an example; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a door seal according to an example; Figures 4a-c are schematic representations of seal portions according to an example;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a portion of a door seal according to an example; Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a seal door seal portion for a hinge end of a door according to an example; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a seal door seal portion for a hinge end of a door according to an example; and

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a door seal according to an example. DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiments can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

The terminology used herein to describe embodiments is not intended to limit the scope. The articles "a," "an," and "the" are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. According to an example, there is provided a door seal comprising multiple longitudinal seal portions arranged in spaced relation in respective multiple rows. In an example, the seal portions are made from rubber or a PVC elastomeric material. In an example, the seal portions can be made from or include an intumescent material. The door seal can be provided or arranged on the bottom of a door, and may therefore engage with a threshold plate.

Figure I is a schematic representation of a portion of a door seal according to an example. The bottom 1 03 of part of a door (or leaf) 1 00 is shown. A part of a door seal 1 05 that is in situ on the bottom 1 03 of the door 100 is shown. The door seal 1 05 can comprise a set of seal portions or gaskets, which may be mounted or otherwise disposed in or on a plate I 1 5 that can be attached to or is otherwise part of the bottom of the door, such as inside a channel that has been configured to receive the plate for example, whereby to cause the seal portions to extend generally outwardly from the bottom of the door as shown in the figures. The seal portions may, in an example, be attached directly to the bottom of a door without the use of a plate. For example, channels or grooves may be formed in the bottom of the door into which respective seal portions can be fixed or adhered.

In the example shown in figure I , the door seal comprises two rows 1 07, 1 09 of seal portions or gaskets I I I . More than two rows may be provided, but two are shown in the figures for the sake of clarity. The rows are arranged so that they extend, generally side-by-side, along the length of the bottom of the door as shown. In an example, seal portions of respective rows may touch, or there may be a small gap between the portions. The gap may be present when the door is open, but the seal portions of respective rows may come together when the door is closed because the threshold may be slightly above the level of the floor thereby causing the seal portions to deform slightly so as to cause them to splay or spread.

In an example, each seal portion I I I comprises an elongate flexible body with a lower portion of V-shaped cross-section and an upper portion (not shown) including a fixing structure to affix the seal portion to the door 1 00 or plate which attaches or is part of the door. Accordingly, the lower portion is farthest from the bottom of the door and extends generally outwardly away from therefrom, whilst the upper portion is closest to the bottom of the door. The length of seal portions I I I is less than the width of the bottom of the door 1 03. Accordingly, as is depicted, more than one such seal is required in order to provide a sealing effect along the bottom of the door 100. That is, one seal portion would not extend across the full width of the door, and would therefore leave an unsealed portion when the door was in a closed configuration. The seal portions are arranged to extend longitudinally across the bottom of the door.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a portion of a door seal according to an example. Figure 2 shows the same portion of a door seal as figure I , but from a viewpoint looking directly at the bottom of the door 1 00. The width of the door is measured in a direction parallel to W, and the depth of the door is given by D.

As shown in figures I and 2, the seal portions I I I in one row 1 07 are offset in a longitudinal direction parallel to W in relation to the seal portions I I I in an adjacent row 1 09. That is, a gap I I 3 of predefined width is provided between respective pairs of seal portions in a row 107, 1 09. Conveniently, the gap can be used to secure a bottom plate I 1 5 to the bottom of the door 1 03 using screws for example. The provision of a gap between pairs of seal portions in a row enables the seal portions of adjacent rows to be offset from one another, similarly to a course of bricks for example, with gap between a pair of seal portions in one row being positioned generally in the central region of a seal portion in an adjacent row, as shown in figure 2. In the case of more than two rows for example, similar considerations can apply, although it may be that the gaps between pairs of seal portions in one row are so positioned as to be offset from the central regions of seal portions in any adjacent rows.

As shown in figure I for example, the door seal is set back from the short edge I 1 6 of the door 1 00. That is, the door seal is set back from the free edge of the door. The possibility of being able to reach the door seal portions when the door is in situ is therefore minimised, as it will be very difficult to get any purchase on the seal portions. In addition, plate I 1 5 can be fixed to the bottom of the door using anti-tamper fixings I 18 such as tamper-proof screws for example, which, when fixed in place, can sit flush to the plate I 1 5.

As best depicted in figure 2, a gap I I 3 between a pair of seal portions I l i a, I I I b in one row 107 is adjacent to a seal portion I I l c in an adjacent row 1 09. Although seal portion I I l a is shorter than others, it will be appreciated that this is simply because it is provided near the edge I 1 6 of the bottom of the door 1 00, and it may be made by simply cutting a longer seal portion to length. Thus, for example, a gap I I 3 between seal portions I I I c and M i d (only partially shown), which are both longer portions, is adjacent to seal portion 1 M b, which is also longer than portion I l i a. In an example, the gap I I 3 is of predefined width and is adjacent to the centre of a seal portion in an adjacent row. For example, a gap I I 3 may be of the order of 0.75-2.50cm wide. That is, x may vary from of the order of 0.75-2.50cm. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a door seal according to an example. More particularly, figure 3 is a view through section A-A of figure 2, although the door itself is not shown. Seal portions I l i a, I I l c from rows 1 07, 1 09 are shown. Bottom plate I 1 5 is also depicted in cross-section. In use, plate I 1 5 is fixed in place in a rebated section of the bottom 103 of the door 1 00. As such, line 301 shows the level at which the bottom 1 03 of the door 100 would be. Each seal portion I l i a, I I I c comprises a flexible body with a lower portion 303 of generally V-shaped longitudinal cross-section and an upper portion 305 including a fixing structure 307 to affix the seal portion to a door using the plate. As shown in figure 3, respective seal portions of one row contact one or more seal portions in an adjacent row at a lower portion 303 thereof. That is, as shown in figure 3, seal portion I l i a contacts seal portion I I I c at point 309.

In the example of figure 3, the fixing structure 307 comprises a longitudinal band that can extend the length of the seal portion or which may be provided at predetermined points on a seal portion such that the band is effectively interrupted along the length of a seal portion rather than being continuous along its length. The lower portion 303 is separated from the upper portion 305 by a neck (not shown in figure 3, discussed below). The fixing structure 307 is configured to engage in a channel 309 of the door seal strip (plate) I 1 5 which, in use, is rebated into the bottom edge 103 of the door 1 00.

In an example, the band forming the fixing structure may be so dimensioned as to frictionally engage with the inside of side walls 3 1 I and/or upper inwardly extending portions 3 1 3 of the strip 1 1 5. As shown in figure 3, the edges of bands for the seal portions I l i a, I I I c can touch in the centre of the strip I 1 5. Alternatively, they may be separated by a small gap. In the example shown in figure 3, there is a small gap between respective edges of the bands and the inside edges of the side walls 3 1 1 . The band can include a protuberance 321 such that the fixing structure forms a generally T-shaped cross-section as shown in figure 3 (inverted T as shown with portions in place in plate I 1 5). When the seal portions are placed in the plate I 1 5 and the plate is fixed into a recess on the bottom of the door, the protuberances 321 on the portions I I I provide a compression fit against the bottom of the door (i.e. against the bottom of the recess). In this connection, the protuberances may extend slightly above the parts 3 1 3 of the plate I 1 5, and/or the recess in the bottom of the door may be provided with a portion that extends into the gap between the parts 3 1 3 when the plate I 1 5 is fixed, thereby effectively squashing the portions I I I into firm engagement with the plate I 1 5 to provide a firm fit. As the fixing structures compress, they may spread out to fill any voids such as those depicted between the edges of the bands and the parts 3 1 1 . In the event that there are no such voids, any spreading serves to reinforce the firm frictional engagement of the seal portions in the plate I 1 5.

Thus, the fixing structure 307 is so dimensioned as to present a secure compression fit within the plate I 1 5 which can help prevent removal of a seal portion from the plate 1 1 5. In this connection, multiple grooves or apertures (not shown) are provided in the plate I 1 5 through which respective seal portions can be arranged. The neck of a seal portion can be

dimensioned to lie within an aperture. In this connection, figures 4a-c are schematic representations of seal portions according to an example. Figures 4a and 4b show two alternatives for a seal portion in which a neck portion differs. In figure 4a, there is a discontinuity 402 between the lower arms 403, 405 of the seal portion and the fixing structure 407. The neck 401 extends generally straight up from the discontinuity to the structure 407. Alternatively, as shown in figure 4b, the arms 403, 405 may extend directly to structure 407 to form a neck portion 408 which lies between the upper and lower portions of the seal portion. In either case, the neck can rest in a suitable aperture in plate I 1 5, and may be in frictional engagement with the side walls of such an aperture.

The plate I 1 5 may include multiple such apertures to receive respective seal portions, as can be seen in figure 2 for example, where the edges of the apertures are visible. In between the apertures or channels can be holes provided to receive fixing means to secure the plate within the recess at the bottom of the door. Alternatively, the plate may include channels for the multiple rows of seal portions and fixing means may be secured directly through the channel itself. Once the plate is secured into a recess, the deformation of the seal portions will provide a tight fit in the plate which will stop them sliding along the channels.

In figure 4c, the arms 403, 405 are shown 'pinched' together. In this configuration, the arms of the seal portion may be passed through the aperture until the bottom 406 of structure 407 abuts the inside edge of the plate I 15. The arms are biased so as to spread back out from one another in the V-shaped configuration shown in figures 4a and 4b. The biasing can simply be by virtue of the material from which the seal portion are made such that they are unitary members with a natural tendency to revert to their original shape/configuration. The seal members, as noted above, can be made from PVC elastomer or rubber, and can be extruded or be in the form of an extrusion for example that can be cut to length as required.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a portion of a door seal according to an example.

More particularly, figure 5 shows a portion of a door seal in engagement with a threshold plate 501 . Figure 5 shows the underside of the plate 501 , which would normally be fixed to the floor at the threshold between rooms. As depicted, the door seal 502 comes into contact with the plate 501 when the door 503 is in a closed configuration. As shown, the strip I 1 5 is flush with the bottom of the door 503. Accordingly, the fixing structure is configured to engage in a channel (groove or aperture) of the door seal strip which, in use, is rebated into the bottom edge of the door. Respective ones of the seal portions have a preselected height, whereby, in use, to enable the seal portions to contact the threshold plate 501 . In the closed configuration shown, the preselected height of the seal portions may be such as to cause the arms of the seal portions to splay thereby forming a tight contact with the threshold plate. That is, as the threshold plate may extend by a small degree above the level of the floor into or onto which it is arranged or fixed, but the height of the seal portion may be selected to be the same as the difference in height between the bottom of the door and the floor level, when the seal portions come into contact with the threshold plate, they will deform and the arms with be forced outwards from their normal rest position as a result of the reduction in height experienced as they come into contact with the threshold plate.

According to an example, a seal portion has a preselected length. The preselected length can be less than the width of a door with which the seal portion is to be used. The length of respective ones of the seal portions can be of the order to I OO-200mm, and preferably 150mm. Shorter portions, such as I l i a of figure 2, can be cut from longer portions or provided as standalone portions of shorter length, such as 40-70mm long portions for example. The length can be selected so that it cannot be used as a ligature that may enable strangulation and so on in the event that a seal portion is removed from a strip I 1 5 in a door. That is, broadly speaking, the length of respective ones of the seal portions are such as to be manifestly unsuitable for the purposes of providing a length of material that could be used to cause strangulation and so on.

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a door seal portion for a hinge end of a door according to an example. A hinge end 601 of a door 603 is depicted, and the bottom 605 of the door 603 is shown with a door seal as described above in place. A seal portion 607 for the hinge end 601 of the door 603 is shown in situ in door 603 and is provided in conjunction with a pivot strap 609 for the door 603.

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a seal door seal portion for a hinge end of a door according to an example. The seal portion 701 comprises a flexible substantially laminar body element 703. Two opposing edge regions 705, 707 of the portion 701 have a generally wedge shaped cross-section. The seal portion 701 for the hinge end is configured to be positioned in a recess of the door 603 such that the two opposing edges 705, 707 extend away from a bottom edge 605 of the door 603, whereby to form respective seals 61 1 , 61 3 for the hinge end 601 of the door. Edges 709, 71 I engage with a threshold plate when the door is closed. Thus, when the seal portion is introduced into a recess, the edge regions come into contact with the sides of the recess and are forced to bend inwards towards the centre of the body element thereby causing them extend generally outwardly away from the bottom of the door. That is, pushing the body into the recess bends the edge regions so that they form the seal portions for the hinge end of the door. In an example, the two opposing edges 707, 705 of the seal portion 701 are so shaped as to become progressively narrower towards the edges 709, 71 I of the seal portion. In an example, the seal portion for the hinge end can include a recess in the body element 703 extending across a central portion thereof, parallel to the two opposing edges. Alternatively, the seal portion for the hinge end can include two longitudinal protuberances or channels 71 3, 71 5 extending across the seal portion parallel to the two opposing edges in spaced relation to one another, whereby to define or demarcate a recess or central portion 71 7. The width of the recess 71 7 can be selected so as to fit within a corresponding recess or rebated portion (not shown) of the door 603, and the width of the body element 701 is so selected such that the two opposing edges 707, 705 extend away from the bottom 605 of the door 603 by a desired amount to provide respective seal portions or preselected height which, in use, are operable to contact a threshold plate I 1 5 as described above.

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a door seal according to an example. Seal portions I I I (only one of which is labelled for clarity) and seal portion 607, 701 are shown. As depicted in figure 7, respective ones of the two opposing edges 709, 71 I of the seal portion 607 are laterally displaced with respect to the multiple rows of seal portions I I I . That is, the two opposing edges of the seal portion 607 are closer to the edges 801 , 803 of the bottom 805 of a door 807 than the multiple rows of seal portions I I I . As such, the edges of the seal portion 607 will contact a threshold plate at lower point compared to portions I I I , in the case that a threshold plate is curved as depicted in figure 5 for example such that it is higher at a central region than at its edges. Accordingly, the amount that seal 607 extends from the bottom of the door can be greater than the amount by which the portions I I I extend from the bottom of the door. In an example, portions I I I can extend by 8.50- 1 0.50mm and preferably 9.50mm and portion 607 can extend by 9.50- 1 1 .50mm and preferably 10.80mm.

In an example, a kit of parts can be provided comprising multiple gaskets and a seal portion for a hinge end of a door as described herein. The kit may also comprise a plate I 1 5 and/or a pivot strap and suitable anti-tamper fixings for both parts. The kit can include a finger guard for use with a pivot end of the door.

Accordingly, a kit for a door seal may comprising multiple longitudinal seal portions that, in use, can be arranged in spaced relation in respective multiple rows on a plate to be fixedly attached to the bottom of a door, and a seal portion for a hinge end of a door, which comprises a flexible substantially laminar body element. The plate can be provided with suitable apertures therein to receive the seal portions. A pivot strap portion as depicted in figure 6 for example can be provided, which includes multiple fixing holes to receive anti- tamper fixings. The plate and the gaskets and seal portion can all be cut to a desired size/length during installation.

The present inventions can be embodied in other specific apparatus and/or methods. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. In particular, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the description and figures herein. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.