Sealing tape for sealing a joint

The sealing tape for sealing a joint comprises two foam strips of flexible foam, which are not formed as integral parts of each other, and which are arranged next to each other in the functional direction of the sealing tape. A film strip is arranged between the foam strips and is bonded to both foam strips. Adhesion sites between the film strips and the first foam strip are arranged only in an upper area of the first foam strip and in a lower area of the first foam strip, whereas, in an intermediate area between the upper area and the lower area of the first foam strip, the film strip is not adhesively bonded to the first foam strip.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority based on European patent application EP 14 182 237.9 filed Aug. 26, 2014. The entire disclosure and contents of this application are incorporated by reference into the present application.

FIELD

The invention relates to elements for supporting and insulating window frames.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a sealing tape for sealing joints. Sealing tapes unwound from sealing tape rolls are usually used to seal joints between the frame profile of a window, for example, or of a door and the wall of a building to seal off the joints against drafts and driving rain. Films additionally provided on a side surface of the sealing tape, furthermore, increase the impermeability of the tape to water vapor; see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,401,716, US 2010/0009118 A1 or US 2010/0003465 A1. Nevertheless, films which are attached externally to the sealing tape suffer from the disadvantage that they can be damaged during the transport or installation of the sealing tape.

A sealing tape roll which comprises at least one barrier layer extending in the radial direction and which is arranged between two layers of the foam and thus in the interior of the sealing tape roll is known from DE 196 41 415 A1. As a result, the barrier layer is protected more effectively from damage. The barrier layer consists of an adhesive or of a lamination material. To produce a sealing tape of this type, large two-dimensional barrier layers are formed on sheets of an open-pore foam material by lamination or adhesive bonding. Several layers of foam sheets and barrier layers are stacked to form laminate blocks. These laminate blocks are cut into plates at right angles to the large two-dimensional barrier layers. The plates are then wound up into wide rolls in such a way that the barrier layers and the foam material are arranged in a row in the axial direction on the circumference of the rolls. A wide roll of this type is then cut into disks between the individual barrier layers to obtain several sealing tape rolls. This method requires many complicated work steps, and the length of the sealing tapes produced is limited by the size limitation imposed by the laminate blocks, which must be small enough to be processed by machine.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sealing tape with an inner film strip, which can be produced easily and reliably with reduced energy consumption and which can expand without restriction after it has been compressed.

According to an aspect of the invention, the sealing tape for sealing a joint comprises two longitudinal side surfaces, wherein a direction transverse to the side surfaces defines a functional direction of the sealing tape. The sealing tape comprises at least a first foam strip and a second foam strip of flexible foam which recovers after compression. The at least two foam strips are not configured as integral parts of each other and are arranged next to each other in the functional direction, wherein each foam strip has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner side surface facing the other foam strip. The sealing tape also comprises a film strip, which is arranged between the first foam strip and the second foam strip in such a way that it reduces the permeability of the sealing tape to the diffusion of water vapor in the functional direction, wherein the film strip is adhesively bonded both to the first foam strip and to the second foam strip. Adhesion sites between the film strip and the first foam strip are arranged only in an upper area of the first foam strip, on the top surface of the first foam strip, and/or on the inner side surface of the first foam strip near the top surface of the first foam strip, and also in a lower area of the first foam strip, on the bottom surface of the first foam strip, and/or on the inner side surface of the first foam strip near the bottom surface of the first foam strip, whereas, in the intermediate area between the upper area and the lower area of the first foam strip, the film strip is not bonded to the first foam strip.

With this configuration, a sealing tape is created which can be produced easily and at low cost, in which a barrier layer is arranged protectively in the interior of the foam strip, and in which the sealing tape can expand without restriction in spite of the barrier layer.

The adhesion sites between the film strip and the first foam strip are preferably only on the inner side surface of the first foam strip near the top surface of the first foam strip and on the inner side surface of the first foam strip near the bottom surface of the first foam strip. In this way, it is sufficient, during the production of the sealing tape, merely to heat briefly from above and from below to form the adhesion sites.

A longitudinal pocket is preferably formed between the first foam strip and the second foam strip at the level of the intermediate area of the first foam strip. The film strip forms at least one of the sides of the pocket, which is completely enclosed on at least four sides. This pocket has the advantage that a desired additional material can be accommodated in it in order to give the sealing tape special properties.

In a preferred concrete variant, the pocket is enclosed by the film strip and the first foam strip. In this way, if the adhesion sites between the film strip and the first foam strip are located only in the upper and lower areas of the first foam strip, the pocket is produced automatically during the production of the sealing tape.

In special embodiments, the entire surface of the film strip can be bonded to the inner side surface of the second foam strip.

Alternatively or in addition, the film strip can be bonded to the top surface and/or to the bottom surface of the second foam strip.

An especially simple process for producing the sealing tape is obtained by arranging the adhesion sites between the film strip and the second foam strip only on the inner side surface of the second foam strip near the top surface of the second foam strip and on the inner side surface of the second foam strip near the bottom surface of the second foam strip. In this way, the adhesion sites between the film strip and the first foam strip and the adhesion sites between the film strip and the second foam strip can be produced simultaneously in the same process step.

In another embodiment, the entire surface of the film strip can be bonded to the inner side surface of the second foam strip, and the adhesion sites between the film strip and the first foam strip are arranged on the top surface and on the bottom surface of the first foam strip.

In an alternative embodiment, the sealing tape according to the invention for sealing a joint again comprises two longitudinal side surfaces, wherein a direction transverse to the side surfaces defines a functional direction of the sealing tape. The sealing tape comprises at least a first foam strip and a second foam strip of flexible foam capable of recovering after compression, which two strips are not configured as integral parts of each other and which are arranged next to each other in the functional direction, wherein each foam strip comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner side surface facing the other foam strip. The sealing tape comprises a first film strip, which is arranged between the first foam strip and the second foam strip in such a way that it reduces the permeability of the sealing tape to the diffusion of water vapor, wherein the first film strip is adhesively bonded to the first foam strip. In addition, a second film strip is provided, which is adhesively bonded to the second foam strip, and the first film strip is adhesively bonded to the second film strip. Adhesion sites between the first film strip and the second film strip are arranged only in an area near the top surface of the first foam strip and in an area near the bottom surface of the first foam strip, whereas, in an intermediate area between the adhesion sites, the first film strip and the second film strip are not bonded to each other.

In this way, the foam strips can already be equipped with the first film strip and the second film strip in an upline production step, and the bonding of the two so-equipped foam strips together is achieved simply by bonding the two film strips together in a later method step.

At least one longitudinal pocket is preferably formed in the intermediate area between the adhesion sites and thus between the first film strip and the second film strip, which pocket is completely enclosed on at least four sides. This has the advantage that a suitable additional material can be introduced into the pocket to give the sealing tape additional desired properties.

In a special embodiment, the first film strip is bonded to the top surface and to the bottom surface of the first foam strip, and the second film strip is adhered to the top surface and to the bottom surface of the second foam strip.

Alternatively or in addition, the entire surface of the first film strip can be bonded to the inner side surface of the first foam strip, and the entire surface of the second film strip can be bonded to the inner side surface of the second foam strip.

In all of the embodiments, it is preferable for the adhesion sites to be configured as longitudinal adhesion lines. This ensures that the two foam strips are bonded to each other continuously along their lengths, a step which is also easy to accomplish.

In preferred embodiments, the pocket is filled with an additional material.

An especially easy way of producing the sealing tape according to the invention is obtained by forming the adhesion sites by melting and then solidifying a bonding material, especially an adhesive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1-12show cross-sectional schematic diagrams of examples of various embodiments of the sealing tape2according to the invention in the completely expanded state. It should be pointed out that the individual elements of sealing tape2shown in the figures are drawn as if they were a certain distance apart for the sake of clarity and so that the individual elements can be labeled more clearly. In reality, the individual elements of sealing tape2lie closely against each other.

The adhesion sites132, for the sake of clarity, are drawn as block-shaped elements, but in reality they are usually flat, nearly dot-like, linear, or two-dimensional formations, which allow the adjacent elements in question to lie very closely together. Adhesion sites132can also be integrated into an element adjacent to them or can be fused to such an element.

The embodiments of sealing tape2shown inFIGS.1-12can be produced as sealing strips or preferably as a sealing tape roll. In both cases, sealing tape2extends farther in a direction proceeding into the plane of the drawing (longitudinal direction) than in the transverse direction, which extends from the left side surface104of sealing tape2to the right side surface104. In the case of a sealing tape roll, sealing tape2is wound up in compressed form into a coil, wherein adjacent turns of the sealing tape roll rest directly against each other.

The embodiment of sealing tape2shown inFIGS.1-2comprises a first foam strip114and a second foam strip116, which are arranged next to each other in the functional direction F. Functional direction F defines the direction in which the passage of air and/or the permeability to vapor diffusion through sealing tape2is to be reduced. Functional direction F in the present case proceeds in the transverse direction of sealing tape2from one side surface104of sealing tape2to the other side surface104of sealing tape2.

The width of sealing tape2in the transverse direction between outer side surfaces104is usually in the range between 5 millimeters and 20 centimeters, and preferably in the range of 1-12 centimeters. The width of foam strip114,116is preferably in the range of 2.5-150 millimeters, and more preferably in the range of 10-80 millimeters. The thickness of foam strip114,116in the expanded state is usually in the range of 5-150 millimeters, and more preferably in the range of 10-80 millimeters. Inside sealing tape2, first foam strip114can also have a different width and/or thickness than second foam strip116.

Any of the known open-cell, mixed-cell, or closed-cell flexible foams of, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene which recover after compression can be used as foam for foam strips114,116.

For the further adaptation of the sealing properties of sealing tape2, first foam strip114can be made of a foam material which is different from that of second foam strip116. First foam strip114and second foam strip116can also be impregnated with different impregnation agents, or only first foam strip114or only second foam strip116can be impregnated. In another exemplary embodiment, first foam strip114can have a different color than second foam strip116. This makes it possible, for example, to identify the preferred installation direction of sealing tape2.

In the present example, first foam strip114and second foam strip116are essentially identical in form; in particular, they have the same thickness and the same width. The two foam strips114,116are not formed as integral parts of one another; that is, there is no connecting web of foam material between the two foam strips114,116. Instead, two foam strips114,116are merely bonded, directly or indirectly, to each other.

In the example shown here, first foam strip114comprises a rectangular cross section. First foam strip114comprises a top surface118, a bottom surface120, and an inner side surface122facing second foam strip116. Opposite inner side surface122of first foam strip114, first foam strip114comprises an outer side surface, which coincides with side surface104of sealing tape2. In the example show here, second foam strip116also comprises a rectangular cross section. Second foam strip116comprises a top surface124, a bottom surface126, and an inner side surface128facing first foam strip114. Outer side surface of second foam strip116opposite inner side surface128simultaneously forms second side surface104of sealing tape2.

In addition to the rectangular cross-sectional shape shown, each of foam strips114,116could also have a different cross-sectional form, in which top surface118,124of one or both foam strips114,116is provided with a profile of any desired shape.

Between first foam strip114and second foam strip116, a film strip130is arranged in such a way that it reduces or even completely blocks the permeability of the sealing tape to vapor diffusion in functional direction F.

Film strip130is preferably made of plastic (polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc.). Other materials which are adapted to reducing the passage of air or the diffusion of vapor through sealing tape2can also be used. It is possible to block the passage of air the diffusion of vapor completely, but this is not absolutely necessary. It can be advisable for film strip130to be “moisture-variable,” in the sense that it is more resistant to diffusion at high humidity than at low humidity or vice versa.

With respect to the materials usable for film strip130, reference can be made, for example, to EP 2 733 271 A1, the content of which is fully incorporated by reference in the present application.

In the example ofFIG.1, film strip130runs vertically down the entire inner side surface128of second foam strip116. In the example shown, the entire surface of film strip130is bonded by way of an adhesive surface131to inner side surface128of second foam strip116. Adhesive surface131is preferably formed by lamination.

Conversely, film strip130is connected to first foam strip114merely by means of certain adhesion sites132. Adhesion sites132in the example ofFIG.1are located merely in an upper area117of first foam strip114, i.e., on inner side surface122of first foam strip114near top surface118of first foam strip114, and in a lower area119of first foam strip114, i.e., on inner side surface122of first foam strip114near bottom surface120of first foam strip114. In an intermediate area121between upper area117and lower area119of first foam strip114, however, film strip130is not bonded to first foam strip114.

Upper area117, intermediate area121, and lower area119of first foam strip114are made clear by the dotted lines. In the expanded state of sealing tape2, the height of intermediate area121is preferably equal to at least 10% of the thickness of the entire sealing tape2and more preferably to at least 20%-60%. Upper area117and lower area119, conversely, are preferably less high/less thick and are preferably essentially of the same thickness.

Adhesion sites132are preferably formed as continuous adhesion lines in the longitudinal direction of sealing tape2, so that, between adhesion sites132a pocket134is formed which is enclosed by other elements of sealing tape2on at least four sides. In the example shown, film strip130and inner side surface122of first foam strip114(supported by adhesion sites132) form the boundaries of pocket134.

It should be mentioned that pocket134does not have a large transverse dimension. On the contrary, pocket134will in practice be noticeable only as a narrow slot between two foam strips114,116. Pocket134will usually be accessible from the front and from the rear, that is, in the direction extending out from the plane of the drawing and in the direction extending into the plane of the drawing.

Adhesion sites132are preferably formed by melting and then solidifying an adhesive. It is especially preferred that the hot-melt adhesive be integrated as a component, especially in the form of a layer, into film strip130, so that it can be activated during the production process merely by heating it and then allowing it to solidify. In this way, the step of applying an additional adhesive material can be omitted. It is also preferable for film strip130itself to have thermoplastically adhesive properties, so that the material of film strip130can be heated to melt it, whereupon film strip130can be bonded adhesively to adjacent elements, and the material can then be solidified.

In addition to the properties of reducing or preventing vapor diffusion, it is especially important that each barrier layer130be permanently elastic, so that, even after storage of sealing tape roll2in the compressed state, it continues to behave elastically during the recovery of sealing tape2and at all times rests tightly against the sides of the joint after sealing tape2has been installed in a joint.

Adhesive layer80, covered by a peel-off film81, furthermore, is applied to bottom surface126of sealing tape2. Adhesive layer80serves to attach sealing tape2to the structural component to be sealed, as will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.13. Adhesive layer80of this type with peel-off film81is preferably also present in the embodiments ofFIGS.2-12, but for the sake of clarity is not illustrated in those cases.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.2corresponds essentially to the embodiment ofFIG.1. Here, however, film strip130does not only extend over inner side surface128of second foam strip116but is also folded over top surface124and bottom surface126of the second foam strip116, where it is then also bonded in place by means of adhesive areas131.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.3is essentially the same as the embodiment ofFIG.2, except that here film strip130is bonded only to top surface124and to bottom surface126of second foam strip116, whereas it is no longer bonded to inner side surface128of second foam strip116.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.4is essentially the same as the embodiment ofFIG.1, except that here the entire surface of film strip130is no longer bonded to inner side surface128of second foam strip116but instead is bonded merely by way of adhesion sites132. These adhesion sites132are arranged on inner side surface128of second foam strip116, i.e., near top surface124of second foam strip116, and on inner side surface128of second foam strip116, i.e., near bottom surface126of second foam strip116. Thus, sealing tape2has a mirror-symmetric configuration with respect to the plane of film strip130. In the intermediate area between adhesion sites132, film strip130is not bonded to second foam strip116.

In the embodiment shown here, it is advantageous for film strip130to have been already equipped on both sides with a layer of hot-melt adhesive and/or for the film strip itself to be thermoplastically adhesive, so that, when it is heated and then solidified, all of adhesion sites132are formed simultaneously.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.5is essentially the same as the embodiment ofFIG.4, except that, here, a second film strip136is introduced between film strip130and second foam strip116; this second strip is itself bonded by way of adhesion sites132to second foam strip116. The material of second film strip136is preferably selected from the same materials as those which can be considered as material for film strip130.

By means of adhesion sites132, second film strip136is thus bonded on one side to second foam strip116and on the other side to film strip130. It is also possible for the bond between second film strip136and second foam strip116to be achieved by bonding the entire surface of the film strip to inner side surface128of second foam strip116. In the embodiment shown inFIG.5, therefore, in addition to pocket134, which is arranged between film strip130and first foam strip114, two additional pockets are formed: one between two film strips130and136, and another pocket between second film strip136and second foam strip116.

In the variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.6, the configuration is similar to that of the embodiment ofFIG.5; here, however, only one film strip130is provided, which is arranged in the shape of a “U” between two foam strips114,116, and the side surfaces of which are bonded by way of adhesion sites132to inner side surface122of first foam strip114and to inner side surface128of second foam strip116. In addition, as shown inFIG.6, the two side surfaces of film strip130can also be bonded to each other by means of an additional adhesion site132in an upper area of sealing tape2.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.7is essentially the same as the embodiment ofFIG.1, except that film strip130is not bonded to inner side surface122of first foam strip114but rather only to first foam strip114by adhesion sites132, which are arranged on top surface118and bottom surface120of first foam strip114.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.8is the same as the embodiment ofFIG.1, wherein pocket134is filled with an additional material140. Cohesive materials, which can be introduced in one piece into pocket134, are especially suitable as additional material140.

Pourable or liquid materials come under consideration primarily when pocket134is also sealed in the directions proceeding out of the plane of the drawing and into the plane of the drawing, that is, when pocket134is enclosed on all six sides, or when in the case of a pocket134enclosed on four sides, sealing tape2is used in long pieces, so that the amount of material which escapes from the open ends is insignificant overall.

Materials for fire protection (e.g., expanded graphite, noncombustible solids, CO2emitters, etc.), materials for insulation (e.g., polyurethane foam, resins, sealants, etc.), materials for sealing out moisture (e.g., hydrophobic or hydrophilic substances, substances which swell on contact with water, etc.), sound-damping materials, materials for controlled venting (e.g., catalysts, etc.), hygienic materials (e.g., disinfectants, etc.), and/or materials for initiating the expansion of the sealing tape (e.g., blowing agents, heat sources, etc.).

The introduction of an additional material140into pocket134is possible in principle in all of the embodiments of sealing tape2according to the invention.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.9is essentially the same as the embodiment ofFIG.1, wherein the entire surface of first film strip130is bonded to inner side surface122of first foam strip114by means of an adhesive surface131. In addition, a second foam strip136is provided, the entire surface of which is bonded to an inner side surface128of second foam strip116by means of an adhesive surface131. In this embodiment, first film strip130and second film strip136are bonded to each other by adhesion sites132, which are arranged only in an area near top surface118of first foam strip114and in an area near bottom surface120of first foam strip114, whereas, in an intermediate area138between adhesion sites132, first film strip130and second film strip136are not bonded to each other.

When adhesion sites132are for their own part configured as continuous, longitudinal adhesion lines, longitudinal pocket134is formed in intermediate area138between adhesion sites132and thus between first film strip130and second film strip136, this pocket again being completely enclosed on at least four sides.

The variant of sealing tape2according to shown inFIG.10is essentially the same as the configuration described in conjunction withFIG.9, except that here first film strip130is also folded over onto top surface118and onto bottom surface120of first foam strip114and bonded there by means of adhesive surfaces131. In addition, second foam strip136is also folded over onto top surface124and onto bottom surface126of second foam strip116and bonded there by means of adhesive surfaces131.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.11is essentially the same as the embodiment ofFIG.10, except that here first film strip130is no longer bonded to inner side surface122of first foam strip114, and second film strip136is no longer bonded to inner side surface128of second foam strip116.

The variant of sealing tape2according to the invention shown inFIG.12is the same as the embodiment ofFIG.9, except that here pocket134is now filled with an additional material140, as previously explained above with reference toFIG.8.

In principle, the properties explained in conjunction withFIG.1apply to all of adhesive surfaces131and to all of adhesion sites132in all of the embodiments.

In principle, it would also be possible to arrange several foam strips114,116next to each other and to bond them in the manner according to the invention. In any case, at least one film strip130should be arranged between each pair of foam strips114,116. In principle, sealing tapes2of any desired configuration can be produced, wherein foam strips114,116and film strips130preferably alternate in functional direction F, and a foam strip114,116is preferably arranged at each edge of sealing tape2.

It is also conceivable that, in a tape with more than two foam strips114,116, two outer foam strips114,116could be only half as wide as inner foam strips114,116.

FIG.13shows an installation situation of a sealing tape2according to the invention, which has been unwound from a sealing tape roll. The installation situation is intended in principle to apply to all embodiments of sealing tape2according to the invention. To this extent, reference number30stands here in general for a barrier layer, which is formed in most of the exemplary embodiments by film strip130, but which can also be formed by a combination of film strips130and additional material140, and also by a combination of a film strip130and a second film strip136or by a combination of a film strip130, a second film strip136, and additional material140. Instead of additional material140, pocket134can simply be filled with air alone. All of these possibilities are summarized by the term “barrier layer30”.

For the purpose of installation, sealing tape2will usually have to be unrolled from the sealing tape roll first and then cut into strips of the desired length. The length of the sealing tape strips will usually be adapted to the external contours of the window frame or door frame to be sealed. Sealing tape2is then preferably attached to window frame112or door frame by means of adhesive layer80or by means of other adhesive layers, adhesive tape strips, or other suitable means. When a double-sided adhesive tape strip is used as adhesive layer80, therefore, it is necessary merely to remove peel-off film81, before sealing tape2can be attached directly to window frame112.

In the installation situation shown inFIG.13, sealing tape2is accommodated between a window frame112and masonry110to seal off the joint between them. Barrier layer30is accommodated for protection between foam strips114,116, as a result of which damage to sealing tape2during storage, transport, and installation is avoided. Sealing tape2is to be installed in such a way that at least one barrier layer30extends from window frame112to masonry110and thus essentially at a right angle to functional direction F of sealing tape2. Functional direction F extends here from the outside of the room (on the left inFIG.13) to the inside of the room (on the right inFIG.13), parallel to the surfaces of window frame112and of masonry110forming the joint to be sealed. In this way, a reliable seal against drafts and vapor diffusion can be guaranteed.

InFIGS.14-16, a first possible way of producing a sealing tape2according to the invention is shown. This method is adapted in particular to the embodiments ofFIGS.1and9.

FIG.14shows first optional steps of the possible production method. A flexible foam in the form of a wound-up foam web20is provided on a roll10. The flexible foam is provided on the roll10in long lengths of up to 200 meters, preferably of 5-100 meters, and more preferably of 10-60 meters. Foam web20may already have been impregnated before the further processing but preferably it has not been impregnated.

Because foam web20is provided in the form of a roll10, it can be transported and processed very easily. As a rule, foam web20is present on roll10in an uncompressed state or in an only slightly compressed state. It is also possible for foam web20to be on roll10in a compressed state, but then, after it has been unwound from roll10, it must be ensured that the foam material will recover its original shape in time during the course of the process. The width of foam web20will usually be in the range between 1 centimeter and 5 meters, and preferably in the range of 1.0-1.5 meters.

Alternatively, it is equally possible to provide individual foam webs20which are not wound up into a roll10, as a result of which, however, a larger amount of space is required to provide them.

After foam web20has been unwound from roll10, it is moved in a first conveying direction, as identified by arrow V1. Then a film web16is applied to top surface21of foam web20to form a lined foam web34.

InFIG.14, film web16is provided on a film supply roll26. Film web16is preferably applied from above to top surface21of foam web20. This is usually done in the area of a first bonding unit, which is indicated schematically by roller28. Film web16is preferably laminated to foam web20. The bonding step usually comprises, in general, a step of pressing film web16and foam web20against each other.

Film web16itself can also comprise a layer of an adhesive tape strip or a layer of a hot-melt adhesive. It is also possible to apply a spray adhesive to film web16.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, film web16can also be applied from below to bottom surface22of foam web20. According to another exemplary embodiment, film webs16are applied to top surface21and to bottom surface22of foam web20.

By means of at least one knife38, preferably several parallel knives38, at least one continuous cut40, preferably several parallel continuous cuts40, are introduced into lined foam web34in the longitudinal direction of lined foam web34, and preferably parallel to longitudinal edges23of lined foam web34. Longitudinal edges23are the edges of the lined foam web34which are parallel to the conveying direction V1and at a right angle to the axial direction of roll10. To introduce the at least one continuous cut40into foam web20, it is possible to use, instead of knives38, any of the methods known to the person skilled in the art for cutting foam webs20such as cutting by means of saws, heated wires, laser cutting devices, or water-jet cutting devices.

Continuous cuts40produce a plurality of second foam strips116, each of which is provided with a film strip130. Second foam strips116produced by the at least one cut40can be of different widths, but preferably they are all of the same width. Second foam strips116can be wound up at this point onto a supply roll (not shown), so that they can be stored until needed for further processing, which thus allows the length of the production line to be reduced, or they can be sent on directly to further processing. Overall, through the use of supply rolls as intermediate storage, the number of successive steps in the production line can be varied, and thus the length of the individual subsections of the production line can be adapted as appropriate to the amount of space available.

It is also conceivable that foam web20could be cut first into foam strips116, and individual foam strips116could then be equipped with film strips130. In this case, it would also be possible to produce other embodiments of sealing tape2according to the invention.

FIG.15shows an example of an optional sequence of steps in the production of first foam strips114. For this purpose, a foam web58of flexible foam is provided, preferably uncompressed, on a roll55. After the foam web58has been unwound from roll55it is moved in a second conveying direction V2. As for the type of foam, the above about foam web20also applies here.

By means of at least one knife56, preferably several parallel knives56, at least one continuous cut59, preferably several parallel continuous cuts59, are introduced into foam web58in a direction parallel to the longitudinal edges of foam web58. The at least one continuous cut59thus produces a plurality of first foam strips114. Here as well, instead of knives56, any other method known to the person skilled in the art for cutting foam webs can be used, such as cutting by means of saws, heated wires, laser cutting devices, or water jet cutting devices. It is also possible here to provide foam web58without having wound it up into a roll55first. First foam strips114can be wound up at this point into a supply roll (not shown) or sent on directly for further processing. Finally, first foam strips114can also be provided individually. First foam strips114, furthermore, can also be provided with a film strip130on at least one side surface, in the same way as second foam strips116are so provided.

FIG.16shows the essential steps of the possible first production method, which can follow the steps ofFIG.1orFIG.2. In principle, it is possible that second foam strips116equipped with at least one film strip130may have been prefabricated already, e.g., at some other location or by another manufacturer, and that they are used simply in this finished form within the scope of the production method. This also applies to first foam strips114.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.16, a second foam strip116and a first foam strip114of flexible foam are assembled in such a way that a foam-barrier layer web70is formed, in which a barrier layer30is arranged between adjacent foam strips114,116. Foam strip116is for this purpose preferably rotated 90° around its longitudinal axis by a suitable deflecting device, wherein the longitudinal axis extends in a third conveying direction V3. As a result of this rotation, film strip24is now on a side surface of foam strip116facing foam strip114. As soon as they have been assembled, second foam strip116and first foam strip114are moved further along jointly in conveying direction V3. It is also possible to assemble several second foam strips116with one or more first foam strips114, or several first foam strips114can be assembled with one or more second foam strips116. The at least one second foam strip116can also be provided in such a way that no rotation of second foam strip116is necessary. The important point in all cases is that the side surface of second foam strip116equipped with film strip130must face adjacent first foam strip114.

After foam strips114,116have been assembled, the bonding of foam strips114,116requires additional measures. In a bonding unit36, the step of applying heat and possibly a step of pressing foam strips114,116against each other are carried out. A preferred configuration of bonding unit36is described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.18. Heating device43present in any case in bonding unit36is specifically set up to bond only the upper and lower edge areas of foam strips114,116firmly together, in that the location of the heat source, the temperature, and/or the heating time is adjusted accordingly.

In all cases, after foam strips114,116have been assembled and bonded to each other, film strip130forms barrier layer30.

Foam-barrier layer web70can now be impregnated, for example, to delay its recovery. For this purpose, an impregnation unit44can be used, for example, which is followed by a drying unit49, as will be described in greater detail below with reference toFIG.19. The impregnation step can also be carried out at other points of the production process, however, or it can even be omitted entirely.

After assembly and the bonding of at least one second foam strip116to at least one first foam strip114to obtain a foam-barrier layer web70and the optional impregnation, a common adhesive layer80is applied to all of foam strips114,116of foam-barrier layer web70. Common adhesive layer80is applied to a surface of foam-barrier layer web70which is perpendicular to the at least one barrier layer30.

Adhesive layer80is preferably provided on a supply roll76and is applied to foam-barrier layer web70in the area of an application station, indicated schematically here by the roller78, where it is preferably pressed down or rolled down firmly. The use of a double-sided adhesive tape strip as adhesive layer80is especially suitable. This has the advantage that it is easy to apply to foam-barrier layer web70, and simultaneously an adhesive surface is provided on the side facing away from foam-barrier layer web70, by means of which sealing tape2can be attached to a frame profile of a window during installation. This second adhesive surface of the double-sided adhesive tape strip on the side facing away from foam-barrier layer web70is lined initially with a peel-off film81to prevent it from sticking to anything during further processing. Adhesive layer80can also contain textile fabric or non-woven layers.

After common adhesive layer80has been applied to all foam strips114,116of foam-barrier layer web70, the web is compressed and wound up into a sealing tape roll1. One or more pairs of compression rollers84, for example, can be used to compress the web. Alternatively or in addition, a compression roller (not shown) can also cooperate directly with sealing tape roll1as sealing tape2is being wound up into a roll.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a foam-barrier layer web70consisting of a plurality of foam strips116and barrier layers30and a foam strip114can be compressed and wound up into a wide roll (not shown) after the application of a common adhesive layer80; this wide roll is then cut by means of at least one knife or at least one saw into sealing tape rolls1of the desired width, as will be described in greater detail below on the basis ofFIG.20.

Depending on the arrangement of the subsections of the production line, the conveying directions V1, V2, and V3can be the same or different.

FIGS.17-20show a second exemplary embodiment of a possible production method for the embodiments of the sealing tape according toFIGS.1and9but pertain especially to the sealing tape according toFIG.4.

Foam strips114,116are again to be provided prior to the steps shown inFIG.17. These foam strips114,116can be produced in the same way as foam strips114inFIG.15. Foam strips114,116can be of different widths, but preferably they are all of the same width.

A desired number of individual foam strips114,116is now assembled by suitable traction means and guide elements. Film strip130, furthermore, is introduced into the intermediate space between each pair of adjacent foam strips114,116. Each film strip130is for this purpose preferably provided in the form of a coil18or roll and is preferably introduced into the intermediate space by suitable guide elements. Each coil18can be arranged in any desired position relative to foam strips114,116, wherein each film strip130will always be introduced essentially in the conveying direction V1into the associated intermediate space. Deflecting elements such as deflecting shoulders or deflecting pulleys can also be used. It is also conceivable that a film web (preferably in the form of a roll) can be provided, and that this could be cut into individual film strips130, which are then introduced into the intermediate spaces between foam strips114,116.

It is also conceivable that each coil18could be arranged in such a way that film strip130can be introduced into the associated intermediate space without being deflected. In addition, it is possible for film strip130to be provided and introduced in any other suitable form such as strips of predetermined length.

After film strip130has been introduced into the intermediate space between each pair of adjacent foam strips114,116, all of film strips130are bonded to two adjacent foam strips114,116, preferably in the area of bonding unit36. The bonding step usually comprises in general a step of applying heat and possibly a step of pressing foam strips114,116against each other. To bond film strip130to foam strips114,116, film strip130preferably comprises a solid layer of a hot-melt adhesive on both sides.

In principle, foam-barrier layer web70is produced which comprises at least one barrier layer30originating from film strip130.

FIG.18shows a view of a detail of a possible bonding unit36. Bonding unit36preferably comprises a pair of pressing rollers41, which are arranged on the two narrow sides of foam-barrier layer web70and which press individual foam strips114,116against each other. Each of the pressing rollers41is preferably rotatably supported around a vertical axis, wherein two pressing rollers41rotate in opposite directions. A pair of traction rollers42is also preferably arranged in bonding unit36; these rollers extend across the width of foam-barrier layer web70and form a gap through which foam-barrier layer web70passes. Two traction rollers42are driven in opposite directions around a horizontal axis, and they thus pull foam-barrier layer web70through bonding unit36. Such pairs of traction rollers42can also be used at other points of the production process. In bonding unit36, traction rollers42could also be arranged upstream of pressing rollers41.

In all cases bonding unit36comprises a heating device43, which is merely suggested inFIG.18. Heating device43can preferably comprise a housing, which surrounds foam-barrier layer web70. Heating device43can be configured to produce heat in any desired way. Heating device43can be used in combination with pressing rollers41. It is also possible to provide only heating device43in bonding unit36. Heating device43is specifically set up to bond only the upper and lower edge areas of foam-barrier layer web70permanently together, in that the location of the heat source, the temperature, and/or the heating time is adjusted accordingly.

Downstream from bonding unit36, foam-barrier layer web70can be wound up into a supply roll. It is also possible, however, for foam-barrier layer web70to be sent continuously to the further processing steps. As a result, the number of steps occurring successively in the production line can be varied, and thus the length of the individual subsections of the production line can be adapted as appropriate to the amount of space available.

If foam strips114,116have already been impregnated previously or if sealing tape is to remain unimpregnated, intermediate roll57ofFIG.20or even the end product itself, i.e., sealing tape roll1, can be obtained right at this point.

If this is not the case, then the additional steps of the second production method are carried out as shown inFIG.19. For this purpose, foam-barrier layer web70, previously wound up into a supply roll40, is first unwound again. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG.19, foam-barrier layer web70is guided in the next step through an impregnation unit44in a second conveying direction V2, which, depending on the arrangement of the subsections of the production line, can be the same as or different from V1. Two rollers45guide foam-barrier layer web70into a bath of a suitable impregnation agent48, and foam becomes completely saturated with the impregnation agent. Conventional impregnation agents and methods for impregnating foams are known to the person skilled in the art. Foam-barrier layer web70is preferably compressed between rollers45so that the subsequent recovery of the foam supports the uptake of impregnation agent48. After the impregnation in impregnation unit44, impregnated foam-barrier layer web70is dried in a drying unit49. In this unit, impregnated foam-barrier layer web70is dried by known means, e.g., by a hot-air blower or radiant heater. Then foam-barrier layer web70is wound up into an intermediate roll57, preferably by the use of compression rollers51,52. It can be sufficient to use only one compression roller51directly at the transition to intermediate roll57, or a pair of compression rollers52can be used beforehand to compress foam-barrier layer web70. In the example shown, both options are used in combination. Foam-barrier layer web70on intermediate roll57is in a highly compressed state.

If no heating device43was used previously, drying unit49following impregnation unit44can, in a special embodiment, also function as a heating device for the permanent bonding of all the elements of foam-barrier layer web70. In this way, it would be possible to eliminate a heating step. This also applies to the embodiment according toFIG.16.

In addition, an adhesive layer80such as double-side adhesive tape lined on one side with a peel-off film is preferably also applied to foam-barrier layer web70. Adhesive layer80is again stored in the form of a supply roll76or a supply coil and is pulled from it. The application of adhesive layer80to foam-barrier layer web70is preferably done simultaneously with the winding-up of foam-barrier layer web70into intermediate roll57, wherein compression roller51produces the pressure required to bond adhesive layer80to foam-barrier layer web70.

The impregnation of the foam can also be carried out at other points of the production method. The impregnation of the foam, furthermore, can be completely omitted, or it can already have been done before foam strips114,116are provided. The impregnation of the foam preferably takes place, however, after the introduction of film strip130into the intermediate space between each pair of adjacent foam strips114,116, because each film strip130adheres better to foam which has not been impregnated and can therefore be bonded more effectively to it.

According to the variant of the second production method as illustrated inFIG.20, intermediate roll57is cut in the axial direction at one or more points to produce a plurality of sealing tape rolls1, which are less wide than intermediate roll57. Cutting of intermediate roll57is preferably carried out by one or more parallel saws72. Only one saw72is shown inFIG.20, and an additional parallel cut for cutting intermediate roll57is indicated in broken line. Here, too, other suitable methods for cutting the roll can also be used (e.g., knives, heated wires, laser cutting devices, water-jet cutting devices).

Intermediate roll57is cut into sealing tape rolls1in such a way that foam strips114,116and the at least one barrier layer30alternate in the axial direction of sealing tape roll1. In a sealing tape roll1, each radially-extending barrier layer30is accommodated between two foam strips114,116, as a result of which sealing tape2provides a more effective seal against drafts and/or the diffusion of water vapor, and each barrier layer30is simultaneously protected from external damage. For reasons of clarity, the preferably provided double-sided adhesive layer80lined with peel-off film is not shown here.

In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.20, sealing tape rolls1with exactly one barrier layer30are produced. Sealing tape rolls1with multiple inner barrier layers30can also be produced. In this case, barrier layers30of a sealing tape2can comprise different resistances to the diffusion of water vapor. For the formation of barrier layers30, film strips130can be used whose vapor diffusion resistance is adapted variably to the environmental conditions. The step of cutting intermediate roll57into individual sealing tape rolls1can also be omitted if the entire intermediate roll57is already intended to be used as a sealing tape roll1. In this case, it can nevertheless also be effective, for the sake of a smoother outer surface of sealing tape roll1, to cut off the edge areas of intermediate roll57. Otherwise, sealing tape roll1is produced as shown by way of example on the right inFIG.16.

FIG.21shows another alternative possibility for the final processing of foam-barrier layer web70for the production of sealing tape rolls1. In addition to the variant shown on the right inFIG.19, foam-barrier layer web70can also be cut in the longitudinal direction by one or more knives66or saws in the area of at least one foam strip114,116. As a result, at least one cut68is made into foam-barrier layer web70, as a result of which at least two foam-barrier layer strips69are obtained. Each foam-barrier layer strip69can then be wound up into a finished sealing tape roll1. In addition, a double-sided adhesive layer80lined with a peel-off film as shown inFIG.19(not shown inFIG.21) is preferably also applied. In this way, the step of cutting up an intermediate roll57into pieces as shown inFIG.20can be omitted. Here, too, compression rollers52can preferably be used to precompress the individual foam-barrier layer strips69.

As an alternative to the introduction of film strips130between two foam strips114,116, the variant shown inFIG.22can also be used. Here a foam web20is first unwound from the starting roll10and moved in a conveying direction indicated by the arrow V1. By means of at least one knife38, preferably several parallel knives38, at least one continuous cut40, preferably several parallel continuous cuts40, are introduced into the foam web20in a longitudinal direction of the foam web20, preferably parallel to longitudinal edges11of foam web20. Longitudinal edges11are the edges of foam web20which are parallel to the conveying direction V1and are at a right angle to the axial direction of starting roll10. To introduce the at least one cut40into foam web20, it is possible to use any of the methods known to persons skilled in the art for cutting foam webs20instead of knives38.

Each continuous cut40produces an intermediate space between two adjacent foam strips114,116. In a subsequent step, a film strip130is introduced into each intermediate space. Each film strip130is preferably provided for this purpose on a coil95or a roll and is preferably introduced into the intermediate space by way of at least one deflecting element96. Each coil95can therefore be oriented in any position relative to foam web20, wherein each film strip130will always be deflected by the associated deflecting element96and introduced into the associated intermediate space in essentially the conveying direction V1. Deflecting shoulders, for example, or deflecting pulleys can be used as deflecting elements96. It is also conceivable that a film web (preferably in the form of a roll) could be provided, and that it could be cut longitudinally into individual film strips130, which are then introduced into intermediate spaces between foam strips114,116.

Because individual foam strips114,116rest closely against each other, it is advantageous with respect to the insertion of film strip130for each intermediate space to be widened beforehand by a spreading element97. As spreading elements97, it is possible to use, for example, projections in the form of a ship's prow, which expand in the conveying direction V1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, deflecting elements96are configured as integral parts of spreading elements97, but they can also be separate components.

It is also conceivable that each coil95could be arranged in such a way that film strip130can be introduced into the associated intermediate space without deflection. It is also possible for film strip130to be provided and introduced in any other suitable form such as strips of predetermined length.

After film strip130has been introduced into intermediate space between two adjacent foam strips114,116, all of film strips130are bonded to two adjacent foam strips114,116, preferably in the area of a bonding unit36as before. Heating device43present in all cases in bonding unit36is specifically set up to bond only the top and bottom edge areas of foam strips114,116firmly together, in that the location of the heat source, the temperature, and/or the heating time is adjusted as appropriate.

The two variants described on the basis ofFIGS.14-16and inFIGS.17-21differ only with respect to the production of foam-barrier layer web70. After that, all of the additional processing steps can be carried out in identical fashion. In all of the production examples, wider intermediate rolls57can be produced, which are then divided into individual sealing tape rolls1(seeFIG.20). Narrow sealing tape rolls1can also be produced directly in all of the production examples without the need to produce a wide intermediate roll57(seeFIG.16). The variant ofFIG.21is also possible in all of the production examples.

In addition to the tensile forces caused by the downstream winding-up process, all of the foam webs, foam strips, foam-barrier layer webs, or foam-barrier layer strips are preferably moved forward by rollers, especially preferably by pairs of counter-rotating rollers. Traveling belts can also be used. Such transport means can also be used for the film strips and film webs.

The heating devices mentioned in the exemplary embodiments are usually configured as hot-air blowers. Radiant heating can also be considered, however, such as heating by means of infrared heaters or microwave heaters.