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Title:
RECEPTACLE SEAL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1998/040234
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
A sealing assembly is disclosed which is adapted to maintain a sealed joint between relatively vertical and horizontal surfaces, being either straight linear or corner joints, whereby the vertical and horizontal boundaries defining such joints are subject to differential movement, creating joint expansion. The sealing assembly comprises a wall trim (10) adapted to be fixed and/or sealed to relatively vertical and adjacent horizontal surfaces (A and B), side trim (30) and side trim mitre pieces (40) adapted to sealingly engage the wall trims (10), and sealingly engageably connect across two wall trims (10) meeting together respectively, and while remaining sealingly engaged to the wall trims, are sealingly elongatable together. All three seal members (10, 30, 40) sealing co-operate to compensate for vertical movement by acting in a 'curtain', 'rail' and 'pelmet' like manner. The upper boundaries of the wall trims (10) act sealingly as a 'pelmet'. The complementary engagement points act as a 'rail', and the side trim and side trim (30) mitre pieces (40) combine to act telescopically as a wrap around overlapping 'curtain' to sealingly telescopically elongate as differential vertical surface movement dictates. An elastic horizontal sealing material is located between the wall trim (10) and the horizontal surface (A) to sealingly elongate to compensate for differential horizontal surface movement.

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Inventors:
ROBINSON GERARD FRANCIS (IE)
Application Number:
PCT/IE1998/000017
Publication Date:
September 17, 1998
Filing Date:
March 02, 1998
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ROBINSON GERARD FRANCIS (IE)
International Classes:
A47B77/02; A47K3/00; E04F19/04; (IPC1-7): B60J/
Foreign References:
DE3408784A11985-09-12
GB2289924A1995-12-06
GB2301153A1996-11-27
DE3201083A11983-07-28
DE3315485A11984-11-08
US4706427A1987-11-17
GB999829A1965-07-28
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MACLACHLAN & DONALDSON (Dublin 2, IE)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:
1. A sealing assembly adapted to maintain a sealed joint between relatively vertical and horizontal surfaces, being either straight linear or corner joints, whereby the vertical and horizontal boundaries defining such joints are subject to differential movement, creating joint expansion, the sealing assembly comprising a first seal member being a wall trim adapted to be fixed and/or sealed to relatively vertical and adjacent horizontal surfaces, second and third seal members being side trim and side trim mitre pieces adapted to sealingly engage the wall trims, and sealingly engagably connect across two wall trims meeting together respectively, and while remaining sealingly engaged to the wall trims, are sealingly elongatable together, whereby all three seal members sealingly cooperate to compensate for vertical movement by acting in a"curtain","rail"and"pelmet"like manner, wherein the upper boundaries of the wall trims act sealingly as a"pelmet", the complementary engagement points act as a"rail", and the side trim and side trim mitre pieces combine to act telescopically as a wrap around overlapping"curtain"to sealingly telescopically elongate as differential vertical surface movement dictates, with an elastic horizontal sealing material being located between the wall trim and the horizontal surface to sealingly elongate to compensate for differential horizontal surface movement.
2. A sealing assembly as claimed in Claim 1, in combination with a fourth seal member being a side trim/side trim coupler or side trim/side trim mitre piece coupler, adapted to remain sealingly and telescopically engaged with two meeting butt jointed side trims, or a side trim butt jointed to a side trim mitre piece, while assembled upon the wall trim.
3. A sealing assembly as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in combination with a fifth seal member being a left and/or right end cap/universal end cap adapted to sealingly engage all sides within the end cavity between the wall trim and side trim.
4. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a sixth seal member being a top trim with an optional tile support element adapted to sealingly engage the uppermost boundaries of the wall trim and/or the adjacent vertical surface.
5. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a seventh seal member being a top trim mitre piece with an optional tile support element adapted to sealingly engagably connect across the upper corner boundaries of two meeting wall trims and/or two top trims and/or the adjacent vertical surface, and while remaining sealingly engaged to the wall trims are sealingly elongatable together to compensate for differential vertical surface movement.
6. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a eighth seal member being a sealing material consisting of typically though not exclusively, an extrudable flexible self curing silicone type sealing compound and/or a roll of'tacky'preextruded cross linked pliable butyl rubber tape on siliconised paper and/or a preextruded highly flexible butyl rubber type material.
7. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a ninth seal member being a seal cutting mitre guide adapted to define the desired cutting line of the of the wall trim and/or side trim, when butt jointed together in either a straight line or at a typical right angle.
8. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall trim is a relatively linear Lshape in section through the provision of having substantially a first upper limb and a second outer limb.
9. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim, the outside face of the first limb has a plurality of ridges and/or contact points which contact the generally vertical surface, and/or at least one rebate to act as a reservoir for an adhesive and/or sealing material, and the outside face of the second limb is adapted to contact and grip a sealing material.
10. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall trim first and/or second limbs are adapted to sealingly releasably engage at least once with other seal members.
11. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second limbs of the wall trim are adapted to drain off water that may fall thereon.
12. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim, there extends outwardly and downwardly across the uppermost boundary of the first limb, a limb adapted to drain off water that may fall thereon and/or engage with other seal members.
13. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim there extends below the first and second limb, a removable limb adapted to set a predetermined space between the outside face of the second limb and the generally horizontal surface.
14. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim there extends downwardly across the outer boundary of the second limb, a limb adapted to set a predetermined space between the outside face of the second limb and the generally horizontal surface.
15. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim, the first limb is adapted to assist fixing through the provision of holes, and/or pilot holes, and/or a drilling guide line.
16. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim, one or both of the second limb butt jointed interfaces of connecting wall trims are'notched'to accommodate the continuous sealing transfer of a sealing material between the outside faces of the second limbs and the generally horizontal surfaces, through these'notches', and surfacingly over this interface joint on the inner faces of both second limbs.
17. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim, the outermost boundary of the second limb is adapted to engage the side trim.
18. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the wall trim, the uppermost boundary of the first limb is adapted to sealingly engage the vertical surface typically though not exclusively through the provision of a co extruded flexible nitrile modified vinyl edge.
19. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement locations of the wall trim for other seal members, are adapted to co operatingly accommodate sealed parallel lateral movements, and to sealingly telescopically allow side trim and side trim mitre piece elongation as differential vertical surface movements dictates.
20. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall trim is a two part assembly.
21. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the side trim is adapted to be pressed into sealed releaseable engagment with the wall trim and other seal members.
22. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims whereby, when the side trim is assembled upon the wall trim, a cavity is formed or may be formed between them, adapted to accommodate other seal members of parts thereof.
23. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the lower inside face of the side trim, there is an engaging arm adapted to cooperate with the outermost boundary of the second limb of the wall trim.
24. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the side trim the length of the'wall trim engaging arm'is set to predetermine a gap between the outermost boundary of the second limb of the wall trim and the lower inside face of the side trim, in accordance with the side trim mitre piece type requirements.
25. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the side trim, the'wall trim engaging arm'is adapted to channel moisture out of the side trim/wall trim cavity.
26. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the side trim at least one'wall trim engaging arm'is adapted to be snapped off/cut off or be otherwise modified for easy removal if required.
27. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging arm of the side trim is attached to the main inside wall of the side trim with a coextruded modified vinyl.
28. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower most boundary of the side trim is adapted to sealingly engage the horizontal surface typically though not exclusively through the provision of a coextruded flexible nitrile modified vinyl.
29. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third seal member being a side trim mitre piece is adapted to sealingly connect, and be pressed into sealed releaseable engagment with, two meeting wall trims and/or two meeting side trims, and while connected thereupon and/or therein, each connecting side trim mitre piece arm may sealingly slide independently parallel with the adjacent connected seal members.
30. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side trim mitre piece is adapted with at least one projecting arm to be releasably engagable with at least one complementary attachment point on the wall trim and/or side trim.
31. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side trim mitre piece is adapted to be surface mounted through the provision of being sealingly and sandwichingly retained between the upper interface boundaries of the assembled wall trim and side trim and/or at least one other engagement point on the wall trim and/or side trim, and sealingly engagably connect across the corner boundaries of two meeting butt jointed and assembled wall trims and side trims, and while remaining sealingly engaged thereon, may sealingly slide independently parallel with the adjacent connected seal members, to provide a sealed elongatable surface with the side trim, when engaged on the wall trim.
32. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each arm of the side trim mitre piece is adapted to be partially recessed under and/or partially overlap, each joining side trim, through the provision of stepped recessed and/or overlapping flanges extending outward from each arm respectively, whereby each recessed flange is overlapped by each joining side trim and/or each overlapping flange overlaps each joining side trim respectively, to provide a sealed telescopic joint together, and with the wall trim when engaged thereon.
33. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side trim mitre piece is adapted to be wholly recessed behind and sealingly overlapped by two butt jointed side trims meeting in a corner, to provide a sealed elongatable substantially flush side trim butt joint, when engaged on the wall trim.
34. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side trim mitre piece is adapted to be butt jointed with the side trims.
35. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side trim mitre piece is adapted to be semirecessed through the provision of a stepped recessed flange extending out from below each arm from the upper boundary to the lower boundary, whereby each recessed flange is overlapped by a side trim to provide a sealed elongatable substantially flush joint when engaged on the wall trim.
36. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein while the side trim and side trim mitre piece are sealingly engaged together on the wall trim, all three seal members remain sealingly telescopically engagable together.
37. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer profile of the side trim and side trim mitre piece are substantially concave and/or convex and/or planar.
38. A sealing assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side trim and/or side trim mitre piece is adapted to provide a drain outlet from inside the cavity formed between the assembled wall trim, side trim and/or side trim mitre piece, to outside the said cavity.
39. A sealing member comprising a substantially L shaped wall trim adapted to be fixed and/or sealed to relatively vertical and adjacent horizontal surfaces, wherein on the wall trims, the second lower limb of butt jointed square cut or mitred interfaces, are 'notched'to accommodate the continuous sealing passage of a sealing material between the outside faces of the second limbs and the generally horizontal surfaces, through these'notches', and surfacingly over this interface joint on the inner faces of both second limbs.
Description:
RECEPTACLE SEAL The present invention relates to a seal for sealing the junction between two contiguous surfaces disposed at an angle to each other, such as but not limited to the junction between a tiled wall and a shower tray.

The main prior art methods of sealing the junction of tiled walls and horizontal surfaces (such as shower trays and worktops) which are subjected to regular soaking are as follows- METHOD A: A semi rigid (typically uPVC) quadrant type sealtrim, has an inner upstanding perforated flange and a curved outer limb with a flexible bottom outer lip. This sealtrim is located over the junction. The flange is positioned against the adjacent wall and the bottom outer lip on the receptacle. The sealtrim is perforated to accommodate the trowelling of tile adhesive or sealant. Thus, the sealtrim is held in position through the flanges being sandwiched between the tiles and the wall, and sometimes, installers lay sealant inside the'quadrant'cavity.

METHOD B: A semi-rigid (typically uPVC) dual purpose quadrant type seal trim has an upstanding flange with a flexible top lip, and a flexible bottom quadrant outer lip. This sealtrim is located over the junction. The sealtrim can be fixed (A) before or (B) after tiling. (A) When installed before tiling the inner face of the sealtrim flange is placed against the wall and a peel off adhesive fixing tape is laid along the outer side of the flange.

Thus, when the tiles are pressed over this fixing tape, the sealtrim is held in position through the flange being sandwiched between the wall adhesive and the tiles. (B) When installed after tiling, a peel off fixing tape is positioned along the inner face of the sealtrim upstanding flange. The sealtrim flange is pressed onto the tiles over the junction. The sealtrim is held in position through the adhesive qualities of the fixing tape.

METHOD C: A semi-rigid (typically uPVC) double lipped scotia type profile, or double lipped angular profile surface is located over the junction. The double lipped scotia type profile is fixed through a'clip on'action over a frame (fixed onto wall or receptacle)

hidden inside the cavity. Alternatively the double lipped profile is fixed through the use of double sided adhesive tape fixed on the inner side of both flanges.

METHOD D: A quadrant type tile is laid over the junction, either onto the wall directly, or surface mounted over the existing wall surface, and grout or a sealant is used between the receptacle and the underside of the tile.

METHOD E: Recent solutions have attempted to solve this problem through the introduction of a'rim'or an'upstanding flange'integrated into or fixed onto the receptacle which would be overlapped by the wall covering.

METHOD F: The cavity between the receptacle and the adjacent wall is filled with a sealant.

METHOD G: Yet further sealing methods exist by way of providing multi component strip sealing systems, incorporating 90 degree corner mouldings that are designed to be overlapped behind and/or butt jointed between or overlap the front of sealing strip (s) in corner locations. The engagement location profile of these corner mouldings substantially follow the adjacent sealing strip profile. These sealing assemblies rely on a sealant, glue or a non-setting non dilutable compounds to maintain a seal between the corner moulding and the adjoining components. Seal components may be retained in position on, or over the main sealing strip with the aid of clipping limbs or flanges extending therefrom, and butt jointed to complementary engagement points thereon.

METHOD H: A sealing assembly comprises two preformed, liquid-impervious strips having respective interlocatable members, whereby one strip is sealed to wall and the other strip is sealed to the receptacle thus allowing a vertically sliding or telescopic movement between them. 90 degree corner mouldings with one or more projecting tongues are engaged into the ends of recesses in the strips. These 90 degree corner mouldings are two part components, each arm of the upper part is sealed onto each adjacent wall, while each

arm of the lower part is sealed onto each adjacent receptacle surface. Apart from the projecting tongues the corner mouldings are butt jointed to the sealing strips.

There are numerous problems associated with the prior art sealing methods.

Most common and most frequent limitations to these methods are that sealants and grouts, and particularly under the rigours of shower activities, are not elastic enough to maintain a water tight bond in the event of the relative movement between horizontal surfaces and walls. Movement can occur due to timber stud partition shrinkage, timber floor joist shrinkage, structural settlement, movement under weight especially in acrylic baths and shower trays, thermal movement and vibrations.

The sealtrims are dependent on that part of the outer sleeve that is flexible, remaining in contact with the horizontal surface. (a) The pressure exerted by the sealtrim at this contact point reduces with age and depreciation allowing water penetration. (b) The sealtrim at this contact point is not robust enough to prevent the lodging of debris that may occur through wiping or accident, which also results in water penetration.

If the sealant behind this contact point is not bonded continuously to the tray, water penetration will occur. If the sealant is not bonded to the sealtrim, moisture penetration will occur through capillary action and evaporation. The condition of this sealant inside the sealtrim is not visible. Water lodged permanently on the tray between the sealtrim and the sealant accelerates the deterioration process inside.

The wall tiles overhang the upstand of this sealtrim. This sealtrim detail relies on the bonding of materials together at this point, (tiles, sealant, sealtrim, grout and adhesive) to form a waterproof junction. Sealant is used to surface fill the void between the tiletrim and the bottom porous edge of the tile. When subjected to the rigours of a shower enclosure over a period of time, the sealant is first to deteriorate and lose its bonding properties.

Water penetration occurs by way of capillary action along the porous edges and rear side of the tile, and the tile adhesive, and general deterioration follows across the adjoining tiles.

Once water penetration has occurred between the sealtrim and receptacle, biological deterioration is rapid. Re-sealing is impossible as the surfaces develop a scum, to which the sealant will not bond. The only method of re-sealing is to remove the tiles.

When the void between the wall and receptacle is fitted with a quadrant tile by means of tile adhesive and grout, any movement, often as a little vibration can break the seal resulting in water penetration.

When the void between the wall and receptacle is fitted with a quadrant tile by means of sealant, the effect under movement is often the parting of the quadrant tile from the walls, sometimes pulling the tile with it, as the bond the sealant creates between the receptacle quadrant tile, and tile is usually stronger than the bond between the tile and wall.

The use of integrated tray'rims'and'flanges'have two problems. Firstly in the event of movement between the tray and the wall, the bottom tile is retained inside the protruding flange while the remainder of the tile is pulled with the wall. The result is water penetration through the tile joints and the tile/tray junction. Secondly the receptacle flange is positioned on the outer perimeter of the receptacle ledge. The tiles are located against this flange and rest the distance of a tile joint above this ledge. Water lodges on this ledge and clings onto this tile/tray junction. The problem that arises over time are those as detailed in the fourth previous paragraph.

Many sealtrims are critically dependent on the outer'soft lips'remaining in contact with the adjacent surfaces. The problems are (a) lips are fresh and elastic when installed, elasticity reduced with age and lip pressure is lost, (b) lips shrink and harden with age as plastersizor migration occurs (c) debris lodges between lip and adjacent surface through wiping, (d) lip pressure upon tiled surfaces is lost when it crosses a recessed grouted joint, (e) water running down a tiled surface causes the lip to curl outward, (f) lip pressure is lost as differential movement occurs inside a shower area.

The problem with the sealing assembly described as method G, is that sealant is applied between the interfaces of the corner moulding to two sealing strips. If movement such as shrinkage occurs in either or both adjoining walls in the corner, stresses are created on the corner moulding that cause it to tear away from one or other of the sealing strips leading to leaks between the corner moulding and/or sealing strips and/or wall.

The problem with the sealing assembly described as method H, is that the upper section of the corner moulding is sealed onto two different wall surfaces, if movement such as shrinkage occurs in either or both adjoining walls in the corner, stresses are created on the corner moulding that cause it to tear away from one or other of the wall surfaces and the attached sealing strips, leading to leaks between the corner moulding and/or sealing strips and/or wall and/or the receptacle. Secondly the corner moulding is (excluding the tongues) butt jointed to the sealing strips, whereby thermal movement alone may cause leakage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a receptacle seal and installation method which will overcome and substantially reduce the aforementioned problems.

This object is achieved by the provision of a sealing assembly and method the features of which are defined in the appended claims 1 to 39 which are incorporated into this description by reference.

The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only, embodiments of the seal according to the invention. In the drawings:- Figure 1 is an exploded side view showing two principal components of the seal assembly, namely the wall trim and side trim.

Figure 2 is an exploded side view showing an alternate detail of the two principal components of the seal assembly, as in Figure 1, but with attached co-extruded vinyl edges.

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the wall trim, side trim and left hand end cap.

Figure 4 is an isometric view of the wall trim, side trim and left hand end cap, as in Figure 3, but with attached co-extruded vinyl edges.

Figure 5 is an perspective view showing the third principal component of the seal assembly, namely the recessed side trim mitre piece, which is a recessed side trim mitre piece.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an alternate detail of the side trim mitre piece, which is a semi-recessed side trim mitre piece.

Figure 7 is an isometric view showing both left and right hand end caps.

Figure 8 is an isometric view showing a recessed side trim coupler.

Figure 9 is an perspective view showing an alternate detail of the side trim mitre piece, which is a surface mounted side trim mitre piece.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a top trim mitre piece.

Figure 11 is a sectional side view of the assembled wall trim and side trim with attached co-extruded vinyl outer boundaries in a typical installation detail, with a sealing tape sandwiched between the wall trim lower limb and a horizontal surface, and a sealant sandwiched between the wall trim upper limb and a vertical surface Figure 12 is a sectional side view of the assembled wall trim and side trim, as in Figure 11 but without the attached co-extruded vinyl outer boundaries of the wall trim and side trim.

Figure 13 is a sectional side view of a wall trim, with recessed side trim mitre piece attached, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 14 is a sectional side view of a wall trim, side trim and recessed side trim mitre piece assembly, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 15 is a sectional side view of a wall trim, with a semi-recessed side trim mitre piece attached, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 16 is a sectional side view of a wall trim, side trim and semi-recessed side trim mitre piece assembly, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 17 is a sectional side view of a wall trim, with a recessed side trim mitre piece and top trim mitre piece attached, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 18 is a sectional side view of a wall trim, side trim, recessed side trim mitre piece, wall trim, and a surface mounted side trim, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 19 is an isometric sectional view of two meeting wall trims, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 20 is an isometric sectional view following on from Figure 19 of two meeting wall trims, detailing the route of the sealing tape along the underside of the wall trim lower limbs, the bonding of the two sealing tapes below the meeting wall trims joint, and the route through the notched butt jointed wall trims, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 21 is an isometric sectional view following on from Figure 20 of two meeting wall trims, detailing the bonding together of two sealing tapes, then sealingly applied over the butt joint inside surface of the meeting wall trims, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 22 is an loose isometric sectional assembly view of wall trims, side trims, end caps, and a recessed side trim mitre piece, located in a corner over a receptacle ledge, in a typical installation detail.

Figure 23 is an loose isometric sectional assembly view of wall trims, side trims, end caps, and a semi-recessed side trim mitre piece, located in a corner over a receptacle ledge, in a typical installation detail.

The invention will hereinafter be more particularly described in detail with references to the accompanying drawings, referring first to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings:- Figure 1 details a wall trim 10 which has a first upper limb 11 for contacting a generally vertical surface A, and a lower outer limb 12 for contacting a generally horizontal surface B. The outer face of the first limb 11 has a series of ridges 13 for gripping the wall surface, and/or holding sealant.

Extending generally upward over the inside face 24 of the first limb 11, the outer face 15 of limb 18 forms sealant reservoir 14 between the upper outer boundary of the first limb 11, and a vertical surface, to accommodate a sealing material. The outer face 15 of limb 18 is ribbed, to ensure strong adhesion of the sealant material. (See Figures 11-18).

The inside face 83 of limb 18 is adapted to throw moisture over the upper boundary 17 and onto the outer face 29 of the side trim 30, when engaged upon the wall trim 10.

The lowermost boundary 84 of limb 18 is adapted to engage the upper outer face 29 of the side trim 30, when engaged upon the wall trim 10.

Extending outwardly and downward over the inside face 24 of the first limb 11, and connecting the main structure of limb 11 to limb 18, is limb 85 which forms a retaining pen 16 with limb 11, into which the uppermost boundary 17 of the side trim 30 is engaged.

The inside face 24 of the first limb has a small rebate 19, indicating the premium location for drilling holes 22, for mechanical fixing onto the vertical surface A.

Extending downward from the lowermost boundary of the first limb 11 is the spacing flange 20, which sets a gap and/or provides support for the wall trim during installation.

The spacing flange is removable (by being snapped off), through the provision of weakening rebate 21.

The wall trim lower outer second limb 12, has an inside face 23 that is splayed outward to aid the run off of any moisture. The outermost boundary of the second limb 12 is divided into two limbs, the upper limb 25 and a lower angular limb 26, both co-operating to engage and retain between them, the complementary outermost point 27 of the engagement arm 36, of the side trim 30.

The lower angular limb 26 is adapted through the length of the downward region 82, to act as a spacing guide to achieve the right compression for the sealing tape 70. (See Figures 1- 21).

The lower outside face 81 of limb 12, is adapted to ensure the strong compressed adhesion of a sealing material 70, against a horizontal surface.

The side trim 30 has an upper boundary point 17 adapted to releasably engage the retaining pen 16 of the wall trim. The side trim engagement arm 36 extending laterally across the lower inside face 28 of the side trim, has an outer ball type boundary 27, adapted to releasably engage between the outermost limbs 25 and 26 of the wall trim limb 12. The engagement arm 36, may be adapted through a weakening rebate 39, to be snapped off the side trim 30.

The outer face of the side trim 29 carries moisture from the uppermost boundary point 17, to the lower most boundary point 31. The wall trim lower limb 12 inside face 23 carries moisture from the uppermost point 35 where it joins the first limbl 1, to the channel 34 formed in the side trim engagement arm 36, by the outermost ball type boundary 27.

Moisture contained in this channel 34 drains out through the outlet gap formed when the

side trim engagement arm 36 meets the side trim mitre piece 40 or 50 engagement arms 41 or 51. (See Figures 11-14).

Figure 2 shows a wall 10 trim with an alternate uppermost boundary detail 33 being a co- extruded flexible nitrile modified vinyl, and side trim 30 with an alternate lowermost boundary detail 32 being a co-extruded flexible nitrile modified vinyl.

Figure 3 and 4 detail a wall trim 10, a side trim 30 and a left hand side end cap 80 assembly. The wall trim and side trim in Figure 4 have additional co-extrusions Figure 5 details a recessed side trim mitre piece 40. The recessed side trim mitre piece is wholly recessed behind the side trim 30 when installed. When installing on the wall trim, the uppermost boundary point 44 of the recessed side trim mitre piece is inserted into the wall trim retaining pen 16, and the non-ball type or ball type short engagement arms 41 are then engaged between the wall trim limbs 25 and 26.

When engaged upon the wall trim 10, the outermost surface 42 and 43 of the recessed side trim mitre piece 40, do not extend beyond the inside face 28 of the side trim 30.

The length of the side trim engagement arm 36 extends from the inner area between the wall trim limbs 25 and 26, to the outer face 43 of the recessed mitre.

The recessed side trim mitre piece 40, may be overlapped by the side trim 30, after the overlapping side trim engagement arms 36 are removed.

Each arm of the recessed side trim mitre piece 40 is able to slide parallel and independently, inside their respective assembled wall trim and side trim cavity 86. (See Figures 13-14).

The movement of one arm (or half) of a side trim or top mitre piece 68 relative to the adjoining and/or enclosing surfaces, be it recessed 40, semi-recessed 50, or surface mounted 63 and 68, is dictated by movement in the opposite arm (or half).

Figure 6 details a semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50. The only difference between the semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50 and the recessed side trim mitre piece 40, is the partial addition of a raised corner type profile 52, to match the profile of two butt jointed side trims 30.

The recessed region of the arms 53 and 54, and engagement arms 51 of semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50, match the respective positions of the recessed side trim mitre piece 40 in section profile.

The semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50 is installed, and can move when installed, in a similar manner to the recessed side trim mitre piece 40. The overlapping side trims 30 however, are cut at right angles and installed over the stepped recessed region 53 and 54 of the semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50 after the overlapping engagement arms 36 are removed. (See Figures 15-16) Figure 7 details left hand 80 and right hand 90 end caps. The end caps are used to close the wall trim/side trim cavity at the end of the seal. There are three flanges attached to each cap 56,57 and 58 and these flanges are encompassed on all sides in the said seal cavity 86.

Flanges 56 and 58 sit against the inside faces of the wall trim first limb 11 and second limb 12 respectively, while the side trim inside face 28 sits over flange 57. The end cap profile 59 matches the assembled seal profile.

Figure 8 details a recessed side trim coupler 60, that is a straight joining piece installed onto the wall trim behind two butt jointed side trims 30 or a side trim and side trim mitre piece.

The engagement arm 61 and sectional profile, is similar to the recessed side trim mitre piece 40, and it is installed onto the wall trim in a similar way, with the overlapping side trim engagement arms being removed. The inside face of the side trim 28, lies sealingly against the outside face 62 of the side trim coupler 60. In a further embodiment (not shown) it may be surface mounted.

Figure 9 details a surface mounted side trim mitre piece 63. This upper regions 64 and 65 are sandwiched between the side trim outside face 29, and wall trim limbs 85 and the lowermost boundary 84 of limb 18, when assembled and butt jointed in a corner.

The lower regions 66 and 67 remain exposed over the side trim 30 after installation. The purpose of this component 63 is as an optional additional measure to use with the side trim mitre pieces. (See Figure 18). These lower regions 66 & 67 may extend downward to the lowermost region 31 of the side trim (not shown).

The upper regions 64 and 65 are maintained in position through a ridge 87, that is complemented to engage the cavity 88 between the outer face 29 of the side trim 30 and the upper undersides of retaining pen 16.

Further embodimentsof side trim corner mitre pieces (not shown) are possible through any combination of embodiments described in the side trim mitre pieces 40,50 and 63.

Figure 10 details a top trim mitre piece 68. This component is installed by being snapped over limbs 18 of two butt jointed wall trims 10 meeting in the corner. The inside face 81 of the top trim mitre piece is substantially concave in section to sealingly engage limb 18 of the wall trim 10, between hook like upper and lower boundaries 78 and 79 respectively.

During installation the lower inside boundary line 79 hooks over the lowermost boundary line of limb 18 of the wall trim, and the upper boundary line 78, hooks over the uppermost boundary line of limb 18 of the wall trim.

The purpose of this component 68 is as an optional additional measure to use with the side trim mitre pieces. A linear length of top trim (not shown) will have a wider cross section than the top trim mitre piece 68, to overlap same.

An upper boundary tile support element (not shown), may be incorporated onto the top trim and top trim mitre piece mitre piece 68. (See Figure 17) Figure 11 details a wall trim 10 and side trim 30, both with co-extrusions 33 and 32 attached respectively. A sealant tape 70 is compressed between the outside face of the wall trim second limb 81 and a horizontal surface B.

The compression rate for the sealing tape 70 is fixed by the length of the downward section 82 of the wall trim limb 26.

A mastic type sealant 71 is contained between the wall trim sealant reservoir 14 and a vertical surface A. A typical installation method for fixing the wall trim onto surface A is by screwing it on, through pre-punched elongated holes 22.

Figure 12 shows similar detail as in Figure 11, except the wall trim 10 and side trim 30 are without attached co-extrusions.

Figure 13 details the recessed side trim mitre piece 40 installed onto the wall trim 10 (without attached co-extrusion). The engagement arm 41 is shorter than the engagement arm 36 of a side trim.

Figure 14 details the recessed side trim mitre piece 40 installed onto the wall trim 10, a side trim 30 installed onto the wall trim, overlapping the recessed side trim mitre piece 40.

The engagement arm 36 of the side trim 30 has been removed to allow the overlap installation. It is the remainder of this side trim engagement arm 36 that retains the side trim 30 in position on the wall trim 10, while the region of the side trim 30 that overlaps

the recessed side trim mitre piece 40, contains the recessed mitre piece 40 on the wall trim, allowing it to slide inside cavity 86, parallel with the wall trim 10 and side trim 30, as may be dictated by movement in the complementary arm. (See Figures 13-14) During installation with a recessed side trim mitre piece 40, the meeting butt jointed overlapping side trims are cut at an angle to suit the corner. (See Figure 22) Figure 15 details the semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50 installed onto the wall trim 10 with attached co-extrusion. The engagement arm 51 is shorter the engagement arm 36 of a side trim.

Figure 16 details the semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50 installed onto the wall trim 10, a side trim 30 installed onto the wall trim 10 and overlapping a region of the semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50.

The engagement arm 36 of the side trim 30 has been removed to allow the overlap installation. It is the remainder of this side trim engagement arm 36 that retains the side trim 30 in position on the wall trim 10, while the region of the side trim 30 that overlaps a region of the semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50, contains the semi-recessed mitre piece 50 on the wall trim, allowing it to slide thereon, parallel with the wall trim 10 and side trim 30, as may be dictated by movement in the complementary arm.

During installation with a semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50, the overlapping side trims do not meet and are cut square to suit the mitre piece 50. (See Figure 23) Figure 17 details a top trim mitre piece 68 installed over limb 18 of the wall trim. The top trim mitre piece 68 sealingly connects two butt jointed wall trim limbs 18 together in a corner. It moves in a similar manner to the side trim mitre pieces.

Figure 18 details a surface mounted side trim mitre piece 63, installed between the outer surface 29 of the side trim 30, and the inside upper surface of the side trim retaining pen 16 of the wall trim 10. It moves in a similar manner to the side trim mitre pieces.

Figures 19, 20 and 21 detail respectively the three stages involved in installing the taped sealing compound between the wall trim 10 and the horizontal surface B.

Figure 19 shows the notched 72 wall trims 10 butt jointed in a typical corner detail.

Figure 20 details the passage of sealing tape between the wall trims 10 and the horizontal surface B, the joining together 75 of two sealing tapes below the notches 72 (maintaining full and complete contact with the horizontal surface), and the passage and termination 73 of the sealing tapes (partially bonded) through the notches 73.

Figure 21 details the two sealing tapes bonded together and sealingly laid 74 over a region of the wall trim mitred joint.

Thus a continuos seal exists along the outer side of the lower wall trim limb 81 and the horizontal surface B, through the wall trim lower limbs 12, and surfacingly back over the butt joint of the inside face of the wall trim lower limbs 23, and up to sealingly engage a region of the inside face of the wall trim upper limbs 24.

Figure 22 details a loose assembly of wall trims 10, side trims 30, end caps 80 and 90, and a recessed side trim mitre piece 40, all positioned in a corner over a horizontal surface, to reflect an optional assembly detail.

Figure 23 details a loose assembly of wall trims 10, side trims 30, end caps 80 and 90, and a semi-recessed side trim mitre piece 50, all positioned in a corner over a horizontal surface, to reflect an optional assembly detail.

Typical locations for this seal in either recessed, surface mounted or replacement installations are in shower enclosures, wherein the seal is installed longitudinally onto wall over the joint created by the tray or bath.

A typical installation method will now be described, taking by way of a subject, a replacement installation in an existing shower, being a shower tray with a faulty seal fixed to three walls. This installation will incorporate the typical use of wall trims, side trims, recessed side trim mitre pieces, end caps, sealant tape, sealant mastic and stainless steel screws.

In replacement installations, firstly all the existing seal and sealant materials are cut away so the tiles and tray may be cleaned. The cleaning is done using methylated spirits. It will be assumed that the existing tiles are well bonded, and in sound condition.

Three lengths of seal are required, a first length will have two mitre cuts and be installed between two corners, while a second and third lengths will have one mitre cut each, to complement each end of the first seal length.

Measure the first length and cut a mitre on each end, measure and cut the second and third lengths, cutting the complementary mitres on one end, and a square cut on the other.

Place the three lengths loose on the shower tray, adjust the first seal length into the proposed fixing position, and mark the position of the elongated hole on the tiles. Remove the first seal and in the middle of the marks, break the glaze on the tiles, and drill through the tile (and wall if required). Temporally screw fix the seal to the wall (using plugs if required).

Carry out the same procedure for the second and third seal lengths, and then mark and remove matching notches from the mitre cuts (if not already provided). Remove seals from the walls.

Taking the first seal, apply the sealing tape (leaving the siliconized paper in tact), firmly along the underside surface, leaving 45mm overhang on each end. Each sealant overhang is returned over the mitred edges via the notch, and the end is lightly temporally stuck onto the inside face.

The siliconized paper is removed and the seal offered against the wall over the proposed joint to be sealed, lowered, and pressed firmly down onto the tray, maintaining it tight against the wall in the process, and compressing the sealant tape between the tray and underside of the seal. Fix the seal to the wall permanently with stainless steel screws.

Carry out the same procedure for the second and third seal lengths making sure to butt joint the mitres together, prior to compressing the sealant onto the tray.

The sealant protrusions are compressed into the notches to insure a sound bond is achieved with the tray thereunder. The sealant protrusions are then bonded together, and onto/over the face of the mitre joints, and up into the corners.

The two recessed side trim mitre pieces are installed onto the wall trims.

The end caps are installed with a bed of sealant mastic between the attached flanges and the encompassing wall trim and side trim.

The side trims are snapped onto the wall trims, hiding the recessed side trim mitre pieces.

A sealant is then extruded into the sealant reservoir, between the upper boundary of the wall trim and the adjacent wall.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.