Patent Publication Number: US-11383739-B2

Title: Seal retention device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to sealing assemblies on door panels for transit vehicles, such as subway and commuter railcars. More particularly, the present invention relates to a sealing assembly in which a sealing member is assembled within a C-shaped channel member. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Several designs of transit door panels fitted with rubber edge seals have been described in the prior art and utilized on transit railcars. In several of these designs, the door panel structure is made from extruded profiles, most frequently aluminum profiles. The extruded profile easily lends itself to providing a continuous built-in retention feature for the rubber seal member. One example of such a built-in retention feature for the rubber seal member applied to the extruded profile is disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0305247, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     A prior art example of a retention feature applied to channel members is shown in  FIG. 1 . When stock stainless steel C-shaped channel members are used as structural members of the panel, a different method must be used to create the retention feature on the channel members. The retention feature is implemented in this example by bending the edges of wings of the C-shaped channel member toward the inside of the C-shaped channel member to form two retention hooks for retaining the seal member on the channel member. This method, while inexpensive to manufacture, does not provide optimum results because it is difficult to obtain consistent and accurate bending angles and lengths of the wings. Moreover, the wings do not entirely fill the mating groove of the rubber seal member. These drawbacks can cause a loose assembly of the seal member on the channel member, which allows the seal member to rock sideways, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     An alternative example of a retention feature is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this example, the rubber seal member is rigidly fastened to a second C-shaped channel member known as a seal carrier. The seal carrier has slots on its side disposed at an angle with respect to its length. These slots mate with pins disposed in the first C-shaped channel member that is part of the door panel structure, so that the seal carrier/rubber seal member assembly is hung on the door panel edge. This solution provides good seal retention but has the disadvantage of adding to the overall weight of and cost of the door panel, including substantial additional labor for assembly, due to the need for the additional seal carrier and pins inserted into the first C-shaped channel member on the door panel edge. The cost of the seal carrier is also increased when the door panel profile is curved. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an example of the present disclosure, a rubber edge seal retention device is provided that features both cost-effectiveness and repeatable and excellent retention performance for transit door panels using a stainless steel C-channel structure. The device adds little to no extra weight to the door panel. The device requires only one C-shaped channel member. Instead of bending the C-shaped channel member to create retention wings and hooks, as described above, a punch and die is used to create depressions in the C-shaped channel member. Each depression is a few inches long and spaced apart by a few inches. The width of the depression is adjusted to be substantially the same as the width of the mating groove of the rubber seal member. The punch and die manufacturing process is inexpensive, highly repetitive, and achieves good manufacturing tolerances. The rubber seal member may be removed for maintenance purposes. The device provides sufficient retention on the rubber seal member to preclude ridership vandalism, while being easily installed. The device may be installed on stainless steel structure door panels used on railcar transit and commuter vehicles. 
     According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a rubber edge seal retention device is provided. The device includes a rubber seal made up of a front section and a back section. The back section has a wedge and two rectangular retention grooves having a depth and a width disposed on each side of the wedge. The device also includes a metallic C-channel made up of first and a second wings, the wings being substantially parallel, and a section joining the parallel wings. The C-channel has depressions disposed on both the first and the second wing of the channel along its long axis with the depressions on the first wing substantially facing the depressions on the second wing. The depressions are created using a punch and die tool or alternate method of producing the same with substantially similar accuracy. Each depression is made of one straight section parallel to its associated wing and located substantially away from its associated wing and toward its opposite wing so as to define the depth of the depression, and two curved sections joining the straight section with its associated wing. The straight and curved sections are obtained by making two cuts, both parallel to the edge of the C-channel and spaced apart by the width of the straight section and by plastic displacement of the material located between the two cuts. The depth and width of each depression is substantially same as the depth and width of the mating rubber seal retention groove. The C-channel may have adjacent depressions on the same wing or substantially spaced-apart depressions. The rubber seal may have a cavity disposed within the wedge cross section to facilitate insertion of the rubber seal into the C-channel. 
     According to a particular example of the present disclosure, a sealing system for an openable panel on a vehicle is provided. The sealing system comprises a channel member configured to be disposed on the openable panel and extending along a longitudinal axis. The channel member comprises at least two side portions extending substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis and a recess defined between the at least two side portions. The at least two side portions each comprise a plurality of depressions defined therein extending along the longitudinal axis and into the recess of the channel member, the depressions arranged facing each other along the longitudinal axis. The system also comprises a seal member fastened to the channel member and extending along the longitudinal axis. The seal member comprises a proximal portion disposed within the recess of the channel member and a distal portion extending away from the channel member. The proximal portion of the seal member has grooves defined on opposing sides thereof extending along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of depressions on each side portion of the channel are received in a respective groove on the seal member to fasten the seal member to the channel member. 
     According to another particular example of the present disclosure, an openable panel for a vehicle is provided. The openable panel comprises a rigid panel configured to be movably connected to a vehicle wall in an opening defined in the vehicle wall, and a sealing system disposed on at least one side of the rigid panel. The sealing system comprises a channel member configured to be disposed on the openable panel and extending along a longitudinal axis. The channel member comprises at least two side portions extending substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis and a recess defined between the at least two side portions. The at least two side portions each comprise a plurality of depressions defined therein extending along the longitudinal axis and into the recess of the channel member, the depressions arranged facing each other along the longitudinal axis. The system also comprises a seal member fastened to the channel member and extending along the longitudinal axis. The seal member comprises a proximal portion disposed within the recess of the channel member and a distal portion extending away from the channel member. The proximal portion of the seal member has grooves defined on opposing sides thereof extending along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of depressions on each side portion of the channel are received in a respective groove on the seal member to fasten the seal member to the channel member. 
     According to another particular example of the present disclosure, a method for assembling the above-described sealing system is provided. The method comprises providing the channel member, forming the plurality of depressions in the side portions of the channel member by punching inward the side portions of the channel member at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis, and inserting the proximal portion of the seal member into the recess of the channel member such that the plurality of depressions engages the grooves in the opposing sides of the seal member. 
     These and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a retention mechanism for a door panel member according to a prior art example; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view and cross-sectional view of a retention mechanism for a door panel seal member according to another prior art example; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a portion of a transit vehicle having an openable door panel according to an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a channel member of a sealing system for an openable door panel according to an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of the channel member taken from area V shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the channel member of  FIG. 4  with door skins mounted on the channel member; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the sealing system with a seal member fastened to the channel member of  FIG. 4  according to an example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the sealing system of  FIG. 7  taken along lines VIII-VIII shown in  FIG. 7 ; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the sealing system of  FIG. 7  taken along lines IX-IX shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “end”, “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments or aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , a transit vehicle  10 , such as a subway car, trolley car, other rail transit vehicle, or similar vehicle, is shown according to an example of the present disclosure. The vehicle  10  includes a door assembly that includes a pair of outside bi-parting rigid openable panels or doors  12 ,  14  and a door operator system  22 . As shown, the openable panels  12 ,  14  are closed and the transit vehicle  10  is stopped at a platform  16 . The openable panels  12 ,  14  cover a passenger portal or opening  18  formed in a wall  20  of the transit vehicle  10 . The openable panels  12 ,  14  are disposed adjacent to the wall  20  and are slidably suspended from the door operator system  22 , which is disposed on the wall  20  above the door opening  18 . The door operator system  22  moves the pair of openable panels  12 ,  14  in opposing directions along the door opening  18  between open and closed positions. According to another example of the present disclosure, only a single openable panel  12  may be provided to the opening  18 . The door operator system  22  moves the single openable panel  12  between the open and closed positions. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-9 , one or both of the openable panels  12 ,  14  has a sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device according to an example of the present disclosure disposed on at least one side thereof for sealing an engagement between the openable panels  12 ,  14  and/or an engagement between one openable panel  12  and the wall  20  of the transit vehicle  10  and/or for sealing a gap between one or two openable panels and the wall  20  of the transit vehicle  10 . Such a gap may be formed between the top of the openable panel  12 ,  14  and the wall  20  of the transit vehicle  10  or between the trailing edge of the openable panel  12 ,  14  and the wall  20  of the transit vehicle  10 . It is to be appreciated that the openable panel, described below with reference to  FIGS. 4-9 , may be a window or other type of panel other than a door for entry and exit of passengers from the transit vehicle  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the sealing system includes a metallic C-shaped channel member  50  where the two side portions or wings  51 ,  52  of the channel member  50  have been punched with depressions  53  extending over the whole length of the channel member  50 . The channel member  50  is configured disposed on an openable panel, such as one of the openable door panels  12 ,  14  described above with reference to  FIG. 3 , and extends along a longitudinal direction or axis Z. The wings  51 ,  52  extend substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis Z, and a recess is defined between the two wings  51 ,  52 . Both wings  51 ,  52  include a plurality of the depressions  53  defined therein extending along the longitudinal axis Z and into the recess of the channel member  50 . The depressions  53  are arranged facing each other or at least substantially facing each other along the longitudinal axis Z. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , which provides a detailed view of a single depression  53 , each depression is formed by a straight rectangular section  54  joined to the respective wing  51  of the channel member  50  by two curved sections  55 ,  56  disposed at either end of the straight section  54 . The straight section  54  has a width A and a length C and defines a depression depth B. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the plurality of depressions  53  in each wing  51 ,  52  have a repetition pitch D. The depressions  53  on one wing  51  of the channel member  50  are positioned to be substantially facing, i.e., level in the Z and X directions of  FIG. 4 , the depressions  53  in the other wing  52 . This layout causes maximum retention force of the rubber seal member  60 , which is pinched between the facing depressions  53 , as shown in  FIGS. 7-9 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , door panel skins  57 ,  58  are fastened to the channel member  50  on each wing  51 ,  52 . The depressions  53  are formed in the wings  51 ,  52  along a line in each wing  51 ,  52  that is located in the X direction sufficiently away from the edge of each wing  51 ,  52  so that the door panel skins  57 ,  58  can be bent around the edges of the wings  51 ,  52  and allow for connection of the door skins  57 ,  58  to the channel member  50 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the channel member  50  may be formed from any material, such as stainless steel or aluminum, found to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. The channel member  50  and the wings  51 ,  52  may also have a different shape configuration other than C-shaped, which is found to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. The depressions  53  may also be formed with different configurations, at different sizes, and at different positions and spacing along the X, Y, and Z directions of the channel member  50  as found to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. According to an alternative example of the present disclosure, the depressions  53  have a minimal pitch spacing D along the longitudinal axis Z such that the depressions  53  are formed substantially adjacent to each other. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the rubber seal member  60  is mounted on and fastened to the channel member  50  disposed on the edge of the openable panel  12  and extends along the longitudinal axis Z of the channel member  50 . The seal member  60  is retained on the channel member  50  by the depressions  53  engaged within the retention grooves  61 ,  62  formed in the seal member  60 . The seal member  60  includes a proximal portion disposed within the recess of the channel member  50  between the wings  51 ,  52  and a distal portion extending away from the channel member  50 . The proximal portion of the seal member  60  includes a wedge profile  64  facing the bottom of the channel member  50 . The seal member  60  may also have a cavity  63  defined within the wedge  64 . The wedge  64  is provided to facilitate assembly of the seal member  60  on the openable panel  12  by forcing the wedge  64  into the recess of the channel member  50 . This can be accomplished using a mallet or similar tool. The cavity  63  additionally facilitates insertion of the wedge  64  into the recess of the channel member  50 . The retention grooves  61 ,  62  are defined on opposing sides of the proximal portion of the seal member  60  adjacent to the wedge  64  and extend along the longitudinal axis Z. 
     Each depression  53  is received within and mates with the respective retention groove  61 ,  62  of the seal member  60  to fasten the seal member  60  to the channel member  50 . Each depression  53  is mated within the respective retention groove  61 ,  62  without a substantial void being formed between the depression  53  and the retention groove  61 ,  62  with respect to both the width F and the depth E of the retention groove  61 ,  62 . According to a particular example of the present disclosure, the depth B and width A of each depression  53  is equal to or substantially equal to the depth E and the width F of the respective groove  61 ,  62  in the seal member  60 . 
     It is to be appreciated that the seal member  60  may be formed from rubber or any other material found to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. It is also to be appreciated that the seal member  60 , including the wedge  64 , the cavity  63 , and the retention grooves  61 ,  62 , may be formed according to any shape configuration found to be suitable to those having ordinary skill in the art. According to some examples, the proximal portion of the seal member  60  may be formed without the wedge  64 , and/or the proximal portion may be formed without the cavity  63 . 
     According to an example of the present disclosure, a method of assembling the above-described sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device is provided. A plurality of depressions  53  is formed in the side portions or wings  51 ,  52  of the channel member  50  by punching the wings  51 ,  52  inward at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis Z. According to a particular example, the depressions  53  are formed using a punch and die. This method provide typical dimensional tolerances of +/−0.005 inch along the X and Y directions, which are the most important axes for controlling a precise mating of the depressions  53  with the retention grooves  61 ,  62 . Tolerance control along the Z direction is of lesser importance. It is to be appreciated that any other method and tooling that provides similar dimensional control and tolerances may be utilized in place of a punch and die system and method. 
     After the depressions  53  are formed in the channel member, the proximal portion of the seal member  60  is inserted into the recess of the channel member  50  such that the plurality of depressions  53  engages the retention grooves  61 ,  62  in the opposing sides of the seal member  60 . 
     According to a particular example of the present disclosure, the channel member  50  and the seal member  60  can be applied to openable panels  12 ,  14  having curved edges so long as the radius of curvature is sufficiently large. The depressions  53  are first formed in a straight channel member  50 . The channel member  50  is then bent to obtain the desired curvature profile corresponding to the curved edge of openable panels  12 ,  14 . For openable panels  12 ,  14  having a profile with two sections joined by a sharp bend, the depressions  53  may be located in the Z direction so that they do not overlap with the sharp bend and so that they still substantially face each other after bending of the channel member  50 . 
     According to another particular example of the present disclosure, a fastening means is provided at the extremities of the assembled channel member  50  and seal member  60  to further solidify the assembly and prevent unwanted disconnection of the seal member  60  from the channel member  50 . Examples of such fastening means are provided in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0305247. 
     According to the above-described examples of the present disclosure, the extraction force of the seal member  60  from the channel member  50  is important to the overall construction and functioning of the sealing system. The extraction force should be sufficiently high such that the seal member  60  cannot be pulled away from the channel member  50  by hand pulling. However, it should also be possible to remove the seal member  60  from the channel member  50  with a reasonable amount of force to allow for periodic replacement of the seal member  60 . This removal of the seal member  60  can normally be accomplished by accessing the upper or lower ends of the assembled channel member  50  and seal member  60  and prying off the seal member  60  at one of the ends. Assistance can be provided by a tool inserted between the channel member  50  and the wedge  64  of the seal member  60  to facilitate initiation of the removal of the seal member  60 . 
     According to a particular example of the present disclosure, the configuration and dimensions of the depressions  53  of the channel member  50  and the retention grooves  61 ,  62  of the seal member  60  are optimized to obtain an appropriate balance between an insertion force that is sufficiently low and an extraction force that is sufficiently high to prevent unwanted removal, but sufficiently low to allow for removal during regular maintenance. The main parameters controlling the insertion and extraction forces include the dimensions of the straight section  54  of each depression  53 , including the width A, the length C, the depth B, and the pitch D between adjacent depressions  53 . The width A and depth B should substantially correspond to the width F and depth E of the retention grooves  61 ,  62  of the seal member  60 . The main parameters also include the duro hardness of the seal member  60 , the angled shape of the wedge  64 , and the shape and configuration of the cavity  63  within the wedge  64 , if present. In any given example of the present disclosure, all of these parameters are selected to obtain the desired insertion and extraction forces. 
     According to the above-described examples, a sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device is provided that adds minimal weight to the openable panels  12 ,  14 . The sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device has a low material and manufacturing cost. The sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device provides for easy installation of the seal member  60  on the openable panels  12 ,  14  and allows for calibration of the extraction force required to remove the seal member  60  from the channel member  50 . The sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device provides for good control of manufacturing tolerances for repeatable retention performance. The sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device accommodates openable panels  12 ,  14  having curved profiles. The sealing system or rubber edge seal retention device can be used for installing the seal member  60  on the leading edges, the trailing edges, and/or the top edges. 
     Further examples of the present disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses. 
     Clause 1: A sealing system for an openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) on a vehicle ( 10 ), comprising: a channel member ( 50 ) configured to be disposed on the openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Z), the channel member ( 50 ) comprising at least two side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) extending substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis (Z) and a recess defined between the at least two side portions ( 51 ,  52 ), and the at least two side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) each comprising a plurality of depressions ( 53 ) defined therein extending along the longitudinal axis (Z) and into the recess of the channel member ( 50 ), the depressions ( 53 ) arranged facing each other along the longitudinal axis (Z); and a seal member ( 60 ) fastened to the channel member ( 50 ) and extending along the longitudinal axis (Z), the seal member ( 60 ) comprising a proximal portion disposed within the recess of the channel member ( 50 ) and a distal portion extending away from the channel member ( 50 ), the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) having grooves defined on opposing sides thereof extending along the longitudinal axis (Z), and the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) on each side portion ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel being received in a respective groove ( 61 ,  62 ) on the seal member ( 60 ) to fasten the seal member ( 60 ) to the channel member ( 50 ). 
     Clause 2: The sealing system according to clause 1, wherein the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) is formed in the side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel member ( 50 ) by a punch and die. 
     Clause 3: The sealing system according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein each of the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) comprises a straight section ( 54 ) extending parallel to the side portion ( 51 ,  52 ) and two curved sections ( 55 ,  56 ) connecting the straight section ( 54 ) to the side portion ( 51 ,  52 ). 
     Clause 4: The sealing system according to any one of clauses 1-3, wherein a depth (B) and width (A) of each of the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) in the channel member ( 50 ) is substantially the same as a depth (E) and width (F) of the respective groove ( 61 ,  62 ) in the seal member ( 60 ). 
     Clause 5: The sealing system according to any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the depressions ( 53 ) in each side portion ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel member ( 50 ) are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (Z). 
     Clause 6: The sealing system according to any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) comprises a wedge ( 64 ). 
     Clause 7: The sealing system according to clause 6, wherein the wedge ( 64 ) comprises a cavity ( 63 ) defined therein to facilitate insertion of the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) into the recess of the channel member ( 50 ). 
     Clause 8: The sealing system according to any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) is formed in the side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel member ( 50 ) at positions configured to allow for connection of door skins ( 57 ,  58 ) to the channel member ( 50 ). 
     Clause 9: The sealing system according to any one of clauses 1-8, wherein the channel member ( 50 ) is a C-shaped channel member. 
     Clause 10: An openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) for a vehicle ( 10 ), comprising: a rigid panel configured to be movably connected to a vehicle wall ( 20 ) in an opening ( 18 ) defined in the vehicle wall ( 20 ); and a sealing system disposed on at least one side of the rigid panel ( 12 ,  14 ), the sealing system comprising: a channel member ( 50 ) configured to be disposed on the openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) and extending along a longitudinal axis (Z), the channel member ( 50 ) comprising at least two side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) extending substantially parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis (Z) and a recess defined between the at least two side portions ( 51 ,  52 ), and the at least two side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) each comprising a plurality of depressions ( 53 ) defined therein extending along the longitudinal axis (Z) and into the recess of the channel member ( 50 ), the depressions ( 53 ) arranged facing each other along the longitudinal axis (Z); and a seal member ( 60 ) fastened to the channel member ( 50 ) and extending along the longitudinal axis (Z), the seal member ( 60 ) comprising a proximal portion disposed within the recess of the channel member ( 50 ) and a distal portion extending away from the channel member ( 50 ), the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) having grooves defined on opposing sides thereof extending along the longitudinal axis (Z), and the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) on each side portion ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel being received in a respective groove ( 61 ,  62 ) on the seal member ( 60 ) to fasten the seal member ( 60 ) to the channel member ( 50 ). 
     Clause 11: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to clause 10, wherein the rigid panel comprises a vehicle door panel. 
     Clause 12: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to clause 10 or clause 11, wherein each of the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) comprises a straight section ( 54 ) extending parallel to the side portion ( 51 ,  52 ) and two curved sections ( 55 ,  56 ) connecting the straight section ( 54 ) to the side portion ( 51 ,  52 ). 
     Clause 13: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to any one of clauses 10-12, wherein a depth (B) and width (A) of each of the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) in the channel member is substantially the same as a depth (E) and width (F) of the respective groove ( 61 ,  62 ) in the seal member ( 60 ). 
     Clause 14: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to any one of clauses 10-13, wherein the depressions ( 53 ) in each side portion ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel member ( 50 ) are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis (Z). 
     Clause 15: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to any one of clauses 10-15, wherein the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) comprises a wedge ( 64 ). 
     Clause 16: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to clause 15, wherein the wedge ( 64 ) comprises a cavity ( 63 ) defined therein to facilitate insertion of the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) into the recess of the channel member ( 50 ). 
     Clause 17: The openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ) according to any one of clauses 10-16, wherein the channel member ( 50 ) is a C-shaped channel member. 
     Clause 18: A method for assembling the sealing system according any one of clauses 1-9, comprising: providing the channel member ( 50 ); forming the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) in the side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel member ( 50 ) by punching inward the side portions ( 51 ,  52 ) of the channel member ( 50 ) at a plurality of locations along the longitudinal axis (Z); and inserting the proximal portion of the seal member ( 60 ) into the recess of the channel member ( 50 ) such that the plurality of depressions ( 53 ) engages the grooves ( 61 ,  62 ) in the opposing sides of the seal member ( 60 ). 
     Clause 19: The method according to clause 18, further comprising bending the channel member ( 50 ) to obtain a curvature corresponding to a curved edge of the openable panel ( 12 ,  14 ). 
     Clause 20: The method according to clause 18 or clause 19, wherein the depressions (53) are formed with a width (A) and depth (B) equal to a width (F) and depth (E) of the grooves ( 61 ,  62 ) in the seal member ( 60 ). 
     It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but on the contrary is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope thereof. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment or aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment or aspect.