Patent Publication Number: US-2016243974-A1

Title: Bottom seal for use with rv slide out rooms and windows

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/119,557 filed Feb. 23, 2015. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to devices for facilitating the sealing of perimeters of slide-out rooms and other structures associated with recreational vehicles (RVs) and other mobile products. 
     2. Background Art 
     The general concept of employing means for facilitating sealing of joints in the construction of structures such as towable trailers, motorized recreational vehicles, buildings (particularly metal buildings) and similar structures is known in the prior art. For many of these types of structures, a substantially rigid frame is provided, which consists of structural support members, such as studs. The structural support members of the frame support and mount walls on the exterior of the frame. The walls are formed as pre-fabricated panels placed on the exterior of the frame formed by the structural support members. Corners are formed at the junctures of adjacent panels lying in different, but typically perpendicular planes. Also, typically, one of the adjacent panels is intended to overlap the adjacent support members by the thickness of the adjacent panel. In this manner, the adjacent panels lie in perpendicular planes which meet at a butt joint. Concepts associated with technologies associated with corner rail extrusions are disclosed in Goode, U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,891 issued Jun. 15, 2010. 
     Resilient seals are often placed along the abutting edges of parts, and one such application is found in the field of mobile living quarters having slide-out rooms. A seal is commonly placed along the interface between the slide-out room and the opening in the sidewall of the mobile living quarters to prevent water, debris, and excessive air drafts from entering the interior of the mobile living quarters from the outside. This seal often includes two sub-parts, a bulb seal and a wiper seal, each extending along a side of the opening. The bulb seal is usually placed on either the exterior edge of the sidewall or the interior edge of a flange portion of the slide-out room wall to form a resilient seal between the sidewall and the flange portion of the slide-out room when the room is closed. A separate wiper seal is usually placed along the edge of the sidewall and flexibly protrudes against the adjacent sidewall of the slide-out room so as to be in constant contact with the sidewall at all positions of the room between its open and closed positions. A typical example of such an arrangement can be seen in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2002/0078634 A1, published Jun. 27, 2002. A problem with this type of seal arrangement is that the bulb seal and wiper seal must be mounted separately. 
     Another known seal arrangement used for the slide-out room includes a pair of bulb seals on opposite sides of a mounting portion, and a wiper seal protruding from an adjacent side of the mounting portion between the bulb seals, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,016. The mounting portion is mounted to the edge of the sidewall of the mobile living quarters between the two opposite sides with a clip such that the wiper seal maintains flexible contact with the sidewall of the slide-out room. The two bulb portions contact one of two flange portions at either end of the slide-out room at both its open and closed positions to create a seal. This arrangement, however, may not be suitable for easy adaptation to be installed on different slide-out room configurations due to its unitary construction. Another problem is that, after long usage, the seal may disengage from the clip and fall off. If the seal falls off the clip, it can be difficult to access the clip for reinstalling the seal without taking the slide out room completely out of the wall. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a multi-piece room seal that can be easily adapted for installation on different room configurations. It would also be desirable for the seal to be easily assembled on the exterior of the sidewall during installation to provide a single seal portion providing both a wiper seal for wiping against the sidewall of the slide-out room and a bulb seal for contacting the flange around the outside edge of the slide-out room when it is closed. 
     One prior art reference directed to the concepts associated with seals for slide-out rooms is Ksiezopolki, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,590 issued Nov. 22, 2005. For purposes of background art, the reference is duplicated in substantial part in the following paragraphs and in  FIGS. 1-4 . Referring now to prior art drawings in  FIGS. 1-4 , a mobile living quarters  10 , such as a recreational vehicle, is shown having a slide-out room  12 . Mobile living quarters  10  include a sidewall  14  having an opening  16  through which the slide-out room  12  shifts. Slide-out room  12  is of well known form including an interior space generally defined by four sidewalls  18  and an end wall  20 . Slide-out room  12  fits through opening  16  and extends perpendicular to sidewall  14  such that its end wall  20  is adjacent the sidewall of the mobile living quarters when the slide-out room is retracted and spaced from the sidewall when the slide-out room is extended. A flange  22  extends outwardly from the peripheral edge of end wall  20  of the slide-out room to overlap with sidewall  14  of the mobile living quarters when slide-out room  12  is retracted. 
     A resilient seal  24  is located along the periphery of opening  16  to prevent dirt, water, and other materials from passing from the exterior of the mobile living quarters  10  to its interior. Seal  24  may be made of any sufficiently resilient material such as thermoplastic elastomer. Seal  24  includes a generally flat mounting portion, or clip portion,  26  with a lip  27  fitted about the edge of sidewall  14  and a wiper seal portion  28  protruding transversely from the mounting portion toward sidewall  18  of the slide-out room. Wiper seal portion  28  is a flexible, generally planar section with its distal end opposite mounting portion  26  in resilient contact with sidewall  18  such that the wiper seal is flexed against the sidewall to maintain an effective seal with the sidewall at all times during extension or retraction of the slide-out room. Seal  24  further includes a bulb seal portion  30  having a bulb part  33  and a clip part  35  which is slidably connected to mounting portion  26 . 
     Mounting portion  26  includes oppositely extending, rail-like tabs  36 ,  38  which form a tongue  44  separated from the body of the mounting portion by a groove  46 . Clip part  35  of bulb seal portion  30  includes tabs  32 ,  34  which form a groove  42  defined in part by opposing flanges  40 . When mounting portion  26  and clip part  35  are connected together, tongues  44  fits into grooves  42 . Tabs  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  all extend lengthwise along seal  24  such that, once fitted together, bulb seal portion  30  may be slid along the length of mounting portion  26 , and are flexible enough to allow them to snap past each other for assembly. Alternatively, clip part  35  of bulb seal portion  30  may be slid into mounting portion  26  from an end of the seal  24 . Preferably, seal  24  is constructed such that mounting portion  26  is more rigid than wiper portion  28 , and such that web  31  and tabs  32 ,  34  are more rigid than bulb part  33 . 
     To install seal  24  onto the mobile living quarters about opening  16 , pressure tape  52  having adhesive on both sides is applied to the exterior side of sidewall  14  along the edge of the opening where mounting portion  26  is to be attached. Mounting portion  26  is then located along the exterior edge of opening  16  in the sidewall  14  of the mobile living quarters by abutting lip  27  against the edge of the opening with tabs  36 ,  38  extending outwardly from the exterior side of sidewall  14  and wiper seal portion  28  extending toward sidewall  18  of the slide-out room. Next, pressure is applied to mounting portion  26  to press the mounting portion against pressure tape  52  to adhere the mounting portion to the sidewall. Fasteners  50  are then inserted through mounting portion  26  into sidewall  14  to firmly secure the mounting portion to the sidewall. Fasteners  50  are preferably screws driven through mounting portion  26  in the space between tabs  36 ,  38  so as to be hidden behind bulb seal portion  30  when in its mounted position. Next, clip part  35  of bulb seal portion  30  is mounted to mounting portion  26  by either snap fitting grooves  42  about tongues  44  or sliding the bulb seal portion at its groove about the tongue of the mounting portion from one end of the mounting portion. Bulb seal portion  30  is then adjusted in location along mounting portion  26  by sliding the bulb seal portion along the mated tongue  44  and groove  42  connection to its desired final location relative to mounting portion  26 . Bulb seal portion  30  may be secured in its final position along mounting portion  26  by placing a fastener  48 , preferably a screw, at an angle through only the internal web  31  of the bulb seal portion and the mounting portion near the end of the seal section. Fastener  48  preferably does not penetrate the bulb part  33  of bulb seal  30  in order to maintain a better seal with room flange  22 . Bulb seal portion  30  may be subsequently replaced by removing fasteners  48  and installing a new section of bulb seal portion without having to replace the wiper portion. 
     Seal  24  may be easily adapted to fit to different slide-out room configurations by cutting to any necessary length. A variety of different comer configurations in the opening  16  may be easily adapted to by cutting the bulb seal portion  30  to a different length than the mounting portion  26 , and the wiper seal portion  28  may be cut to a third length if necessary. A variety of different gaps between the mobile living quarter&#39;s sidewall  14  and the slide-out room sidewalls  18  may be easily adapted to by adjusting the lateral position of the mounting portion  26  relative to the sidewall  14  or trimming back the wiper seal portion  28 . By mounting the mounting portion  26  and the bulb seal portion  30  to the exterior side of sidewall  14 , subsequent repair and replacement of worn seal parts may be easily performed without having to remove the slide out room  12  from the opening  16  in wall  14 . 
     In general, a number of the seal systems being used for slide-out rooms, utilize a semi-rigid plastic jacket as a “base element” to build a sealing system. Many of these known systems offer the relatively same physical configurations, with respect to the overall dimension of the wipe height, and bulb heights. However, a number of these known systems suffer some common disadvantages. For example, even with the use of a corner piece, many of these systems cannot provide a single, continuous seal around the perimeter of the slide-out room (in this case, the term “perimeter” means the sides and top of the slide-out room opening, excluding the bottom portion of the opening). That is, the known systems are required to have parts which will somehow splice together or simply overlap, but again do not provide for a single continuous seal. 
     With respect to a number of these known systems, the structure and function of the jacket instruction results in certain disadvantages. For example, the use of these jackets can result in the creation of a gap which is formed when there is an attempt to compress the jacket over the sidewall of an RV or some other vehicle. That is, the shoulders of the jacket are typically wider than the wall. Further, the legs of the jacket will “angle in” so as to create a compression of the edge of the sealing lip. Such a design essentially opens a gap from the shoulder, down to the sealing lip. Such a gap creates a potential leak path, when the same is installed. This is a substantial problem, particularly with respect to the vertical installation on the sidewalls. 
     To date, a D-bulb has been the ideal solution for sealing all windows, baggage doors, entry doors and also on slide-out seals. The seals have been made of sponge EPDM, solid EPDM and thermoplastics such as TPE and TPV. Despite the material that these are made of, the D-bulbs have inherent flaws, such as the following:
         1. The seal relies on one contact point. If not compressed enough, the seal will allow wind and water to “slide” over the bulb, as shown in  FIG. 26 .   2. The “D” profile doesn&#39;t always compress straight down and the bulb tends to shift. This can open up the seal for compression failure or cause accelerated wear.   3. If the “D” profile has to bend or follow a 90 degree turn to the side, the profile will pucker and distort, and not create a seal.   4. The “D” shape has to fold into itself to compress. If you try and use a higher durometer (i.e., hardness) to improve the wear, the harder the seal is to compress.   5. If the seal is not compressed all the way flat (i.e., line to line or top to bottom), the higher the wind and water force, the more likely the seal is to leak. The seal cannot accommodate for pressure change to a great extent.   6. On a vertical application, a “D” profile allows water to build up along the sealing edge and run back and forth until it finds a way to pass. That is, the radius top allows the water to flow to the sealing point when applied to an application where the profile will be vertical. The water can run over the radius and gather along the sealing edge and run back and forth until the water finds a way to seep.       

     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, a “sigma”-shaped seal profile element is provided, which can accommodate and substantially correct many of the flaws of the D-bulb, by changing the profile and the manner in which the seal collapses. The seal has three sealing lips along the non-bonded first style, which is shown in  FIG. 29 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 30 , the sealing lips can be pressed in place. The lips create additional sealing points, and the contoured sides act as a gutter to divert water away from the sealing points. The contoured sides also act like a pneumatic seal (U-cup) when installed between two making parts. When the wind or water pressure increases, it positively actuates the contoured cup and energizes the sealing lips. The higher the pressure, the greater the seal. 
     The contoured sides of the sigma seal allow the sealing edge to collapse straight down, and not rock from side to side, or cause distortion to the sealing area. The inside of the legs will have a wedge shape removed to promote correct compression, or the legs can also have situations to perform the same function. This design will allow for a higher durometer of material to be used, since the design allows for lower compression force and will extend the life of the seal. 
     In accordance with other concepts of the invention, the contoured side also allow for the seal to make direction installation possible. When the seal has to bend around a corner or make a 90 degree turn, the contoured side will not kink or distort in a fashion like the D-bulb, and will still make a complete seal around the entire perimeter. 
     The sigma seal will also create a positive seal, even when not under full compression. The D-bulb works solely on complete compression and doesn&#39;t create much of a seal, unless compressed down to line to line. The contoured sides positively force the sealing lips with the sigma seal against the substrate, like a spring. As previously stated, when air or water pressure is added to the uncompressed, or compressed, seal, the seal positively actuates with more energy against both substrates. A contoured side to the seal can act as a gutter, when installed vertically. Water can flow into the cup or contour and run away from the sealing lips and exit correctly. 
     Further in accordance with the invention, a bottom seal is provided above the wheel wells of the RV vehicle. An area where the bottom seal can be installed is typically recessed by three to four inches, and can reside over the wheels of the RV. Slide-out boxes can also exist in other areas, but the seal in accordance with the invention is typically used over the wheel area. 
     Further in accordance with the invention, the typical corner cups can be eliminated, where the corner cups were typically in the front and behind the area to be sealed. The bottom seal in accordance with the invention can be cut along a 90 degree angle in the jacket, and then folded at a 90 degree angle so as to make a cup characterized as a bottom seal corner cup. This one piece design in accordance with the invention actually overlaps the underneath of the RV floor and creates a superior seal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a prior art mobile living quarters with a slide-out room in an extended position surrounded by the seal; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmentary detail perspective view of the room and seal of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmentary cross sectional view as seen along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed cross section of the resilient seal parts separated from each other; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the buildable seal assembly for slide-out rooms in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a prospective view of a mobile living quarters, having a slide-out room in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 7  is a prospective view similar to  FIG. 6 , but showing the slide-out room in an extended position, and surrounded by a sealing system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a prospective view of an RV vehicle similar to that of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , but showing the slide-out room in an fully extended position; 
         FIG. 9  is a front, sectional view of a jacket in accordance with the invention, in a standalone configuration, and showing the D-bulbs in a position to be positioned in the jacket sections, and further showing a living hinge in associated wipes position between the jacket sections; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view showing the jacket in place, and taken along section lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 10 , but showing the jacket in a position taken along section lines  11 - 11  of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a further sectional view of the jacket with a D-bulb compressed against a wall of the slide-out room of the RV; and 
         FIG. 13A  is a sectional, standalone view of an embodiment of the continuous snap in track system in accordance with the invention, showing the jacket being captured around a wall of the trailer body in the same manner as shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 13B  is a standalone and sectional view of a replacement wipe component in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 13C  is a cross sectional view of a portion of the continuous snap in track assembly similar to  FIG. 13A , but showing how the replacement wipe is inserted and captured by the jacket assembly; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial prospective and partial cross sectional view of a molded corner component for use with the continuous snap in track assembly; 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a portion of the continuous snap in track assembly, showing the relative positioning of the corner component; 
         FIG. 16  is a prospective and a partially exploded view of a corner showing the relative positioning of the jacket and the molded corner piece; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded, top view of the corner component with two jacket assemblies; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the corner component shown in  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is an underside, prospective view of one of the full jacket assemblies, showing use with a living hinge, and further showing a structure of the jacket assembly prior to positioning on the RV; 
         FIG. 20  is a prospective view of a half section of the continuous snap in track assembly, showing a half section jacket component, and having a slide for positioning an LED tape light for providing aesthetic illumination for the assembly; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross sectional view showing the relative positioning of a half section of the jacket assembly as it is connected to a section of the RV body; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross section view similar to  FIG. 21 , but showing the half section being used with a replacement wipe; 
         FIG. 23  is a prospective and partially exploded view showing a pair of cooperating half section jacket components; 
         FIG. 24  is a partially cross sectional view of the cooperating jacket assemblies shown in  FIG. 23 , but showing their relative position as the half section jacket components are brought together in a overlapping configuration; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross sectional view similar to  FIG. 24 , but showing the half section jacket assemblies in a final conducting configuration, with the jacket legs also being secured to the RV wall; 
         FIG. 26  is a prior art view of a D-bulb previously used as a seal; 
         FIG. 27  is a cross sectional view of a sigma seal in accordance with the invention, showing its position relative to a wall or a static surface, having a top phalange; 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a U-cup which can also be used in accordance with other aspects of the invention; 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a first embodiment of a sigma seal in accordance with the invention, showing the use of a tape or other high bond or transfer surface; and 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a second embodiment of a sigma seal in accordance with the invention, where a dart is used to press the seal into place; 
         FIG. 31  is a top view of an RV floor, showing the position of the bottom seal in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a photograph showing a front view of a corner cup; 
         FIG. 33  is a rear view of a corner cup; 
         FIG. 34  illustrates an installation of a corner cup; 
         FIG. 35  illustrates a bottom view of the bottom seal corner cup; 
         FIG. 36  illustrates the bottom seal corner cup in a folded configuration; and 
         FIG. 37  is a diagrammatic view of the bottom seal associated with an RV vehicle in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a continuous snap in track system shown in several embodiments as illustrated in  FIGS. 6-25 . The various embodiments which may be constructed in accordance with the invention include a rigid design for the jacket components of the system. More specifically, the jacket components are positioned so that the legs of the jacket are essentially parallel with sides of the vehicle wall, thereby creating a “positive” seal. That is, the jacket legs engage the wall at an angle of 0 degrees. The gap that would typically be created in the prior art by a compression jacket is replaced with straight legs that actually seal against the sides of the vehicle wall. Other features of the invention as illustrated in the drawings will be made apparent from the written description and the subsequent paragraphs herein. However, before setting forth detail of embodiments in accordance with the invention, the inventor wishes, for purposes of further understanding and background, to describe what is characterized as a buildable seal assembly, shown as buildable seal assembly  100  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The buildable seal assembly illustrated in  FIG. 5  and described in the immediately following paragraph is the subject of this inventor&#39;s own U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/106,965, titled BUILDABLE SEAL FOR SLIDE-OUT ROOMS, filed Jan. 23, 2015. The following paragraphs describe this buildable seal assembly  100 , with respect to  FIG. 5 . Thereafter, continuous snap in track systems in accordance with the invention will be described with respect to  FIGS. 6-25 . 
     The buildable seal assembly  100  is used in association with a jacket  102  as also shown in  FIG. 5 . The buildable seal assembly  100  can be characterized as a three-piece design which allows the user to snap the seal assembly into place, without the requirement of any type of sliding movement. The buildable seal assembly  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 5  as showing the use of one bulb  152  and one wiper  146 . However, seal assembly  100  is buildable in that multiple wiper components  146  and/or multiple bulbs  152  can be utilized. An advantage in accordance with the invention is that the OEM can choose the particular design, in terms of the number of bulbs and wiper components, yet still retain use of the same jacket  102 . Still further, not only can the number of bulbs and wiper components be modified, but various lengths of wipers and sizes of bulbs can also be utilized. 
     Turning specifically to  FIG. 5 , the jacket  102  is shown in a “stand alone” version, and would be connected to the sidewall and slide-out room of a conventional RV or similar mobile equipment. The jacket  102  includes a first side  104 . The first side  104  includes, extending from one surface therefrom, a pair of insert tabs  110 . The insert tabs  110  include a first insert tab  112 , and a second insert tab  114 . The insert tabs are positioned in an opposing relationship and are utilized to capture nubs  140  of the buildable seal assemblies  100 . The insert tabs  110  can each have an inwardly extending hook  111  for purposes of capturing the nubs  140 . 
     In addition to the foregoing elements, the jacket also includes a first leg  106  which extends at an angle from one end of the first side  104  of the jacket  102 . Correspondingly, a second leg  108  extends at an angle from the opposing end of the first side  104  of the jacket  102 . It should be noted that the legs  106  and  108  of the jacket  102  will not necessarily be at right angles relative to the side  104  of the jacket  102 , but instead may actually be angled inwardly greater than 90°, so as to apply a compressive force to the sealing lips  123  and  125 . That is, this angling feature essentially provides the jacket  102  to be positively actuated with respect to the lips  123  and  125 . 
     Positioned on the first leg  106  and second leg  108  are a pair of locator/retention lips  116 . The locator/retention lips  116  include a first locator/retention lip  118  positioned on the outer side of the first leg  106 , and a second locator/retention lip  120  positioned on the outer side of the second leg  108 . The retention lips  116  are utilized in cooperation with the buildable seal assembly  100  to capture the seal assembly  100  in a “snap-in” relationship. 
     In addition to the locator/retention lips, the jacket  102  also includes a pair of retention tabs  122 . The retention tabs  122  act so as to provide for retaining of one leg of the seal assembly  100 . It is apparent that if two seal assemblies are utilized, then both retention tabs  122  would be used simultaneously. The retention tabs  122  comprise a first retention tab  124  located on the second leg of the jacket  102 , and a second retention tab  126  located on the first leg  106  of the jacket  102 . Positioned inwardly from the ends of the first and second legs  106 ,  108  of the jacket  102  are a pair of compression lips  123  and  125 . Compression lip  123  extends inwardly from the end of the first leg  106  of jacket  102 , while the other compression lip  125  extends inwardly from the end of the second leg  108  of the jacket  102 . The compression lips  123 ,  125  serve to maintain position and seal of the jacket  102 . 
     The buildable seal assembly  100  further includes a snap-in seal assembly  130 , as also shown in  FIG. 5 . It should be emphasized that the snap-in seal assembly  130  is only one embodiment of seal assemblies in accordance with the invention. For example, multiple seal assemblies  130  may be utilized with the jacket  102 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , the seal assembly  130  includes a right-angled seal element  132 . The right-angled seal element  132  comprises the basic seal element which will be coupled to the jacket  102  in a snap-in configuration. The right-angled seal element  132  includes a pair of legs, identified in  FIG. 5  as side leg  134  and angled leg  136 . Each of the legs  134 ,  136  is configured at a 90 degree angle relative to the other leg. At the distal end of the side leg  134  is a nub  140 . The nub  140 , when the assembly  130  is coupled to the jacket  102 , will be positioned so as to essentially be captured under the lip  111  of the first insert tab  112 . Alternatively, the seal assembly  130  can be configured so that the nub  140  would be captured under the lip  111  of the second insert tab  114 . 
     Positioned on one side of the angled leg  136 , and essentially centered with respect thereto, is a slot  142 . The slot  142 , with the right-angled seal element  132  being resilient, is configured so as to capture the locating/retention lip  118  in a snap-in configuration. 
     Further with respect to the right-angled seal element  132 , positioned at a distal end of the angled leg  136  is a tab  144 . When assembled, the tab  144  is captured within the first retention tab  124 , or the second retention tab  126 . This configuration serves to stabilize the snap-in seal assembly  130  when coupled to the jacket  102 . 
     The buildable seal assembly  100  can also include a wiper component  146  as further shown in  FIG. 5 . The wiper component  146  is flexible in nature, and facilitates the maintaining of an effective seal with the side wall (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) at all times during extension or retraction of an associated slide-out room (not shown). The wiper component  146  includes an elongated wiper  148 . Positioned at the distal end of the elongated wiper  148  is a bead  150 . With respect to connection of the wiper component  146  to the right-angled seal component  132 , the wiper component  146  can be molded onto the right-angled seal element  132  in line, while the same is being extruded. 
     In addition to the foregoing components, the snap-in seal assembly  130  can include a bulb  152  having a configuration as shown in cross-section in  FIG. 5 . It should be noted that the right-angled seal element  132  can be used with or without the wiper component  146 , and also with or without the bulb  152 . Still further, it can also be noted that the length of the wiper components  146  and the bulb sizes can be changed, in accordance with the invention. 
     In summary, the embodiments of the invention are utilized to create relatively water-tight seals around the perimeters of slide-out rooms of RV&#39;s and similar vehicles. The slide-out boxes on RV&#39;s telescope out of the wall, creating more square footage inside the unit. Since the room is dynamic, there is a requirement to have a seal around a perimeter, so as to stop the intrusion of light, water, and debris. The embodiments in accordance with the invention provide for several advantageous features. 
     For example, with the jacket  102  separate from the snap-in sealing element  132 , an actual mitered corner can be achieved by cutting the jacket at a 45 degree angle. Other embodiments require the top seal to overlap the sides. This feature offers a significant performance advantage, by preventing leak paths due to the overlap, as well as providing a cosmetic advantage. The jacket  102  will allow the end consumer to trim the snap-in seal so as to match the mitered corner, or so as to use a molded insert. 
     Further, by having the insert tabs  110  and the retention tabs  122 , an end consumer may repair a damaged snap-in seal with relative simplicity, by pressing the tab back and removing the same. Other systems require a complete removal of the jacket. 
     Of primary importance, the embodiments are buildable and the OEM can choose the design. In the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the OEM can utilize one or two bulbs  152 , and one or two wiper components  146 . Further, the OEM can build different units on the same line, and use the same jacket and add or remove different snap-in seals, so as to accommodate the unit. Further, modifications can be made in the height of the wiper component or the size of the bulbs  152 , and in the different combinations of the same. This provides a significant manufacturing advantage for line speed and tooling costs. 
     As earlier stated, some applications may just require the seal component  132 . In such an event, the jacket  102  can be made thinner and trimming is facilitated. 
     The principles of the invention will be described in the following paragraphs, with respect to  FIGS. 6-25 . As earlier stated, numerous known sealing systems have jackets which result in a gap being created when the jackets tend to be compressed over the side walls of an RV. The shoulders of the jacket are wired in the wall, and the legs of the jacket “angled in” to create a compression on the edge of the sealing lip. Such a design opens up a gap from the shoulder, down to the sealing lip. 
     In accordance with the invention, the jackets are of a rigid design which engage the RV walls in a parallel configuration with the same, and create a positive seal. That is, the gap which typically exist with known systems no longer exists. 
     Further, another feature in accordance with the invention relates to the use of a molded corner. The installation with the molded corner allows for the horizontal and vertical jacket assemblies of the track system to be cut in a straight line at the corner, rather than having to be mitered. This feature will substantially increase the speed of installation, because no notching is required to have a top piece overlapping side pieces. Further, there is no need for trimming of inserts which can be involved in making a mitered corner. 
     Another feature in accordance with the invention relates to the concept that the track system allows an end consumer to repair the bulb or the wipe independently. That is, the bulb is a creative press fit design and can be removed and replaced without substantial effort. The wipes can be replaced by trimming off old wipes, and then using a replacement wipe piece on a living hinge structure. A rear of the replacement seal is tucked under the retention clip, and the front is taped down with a structural high bond tape, which fits into the recessed area. 
     Still further, with a two piece jacket assembly, the jacket allows the rigid design to fit on any wall width. 
     Another embodiment in accordance with the invention can utilize a one piece jacket component, with a living hinge. Such a configuration can utilize essentially the same two piece design which is utilized with a full section configuration. However, both jacket components are connected with a living hinge which will accommodate differences in wall widths. The living hinge creates a type of convolute or pleat. 
     Another advantage in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention relates to the capability of using what can be characterized as a half jacket component. In this regard, a number of individuals in the industry are of the opinion that water will always find a way into the sealing unit. Therefore, the best way to combat this issue is to give the water a way to evaporate out of the sealing system. A half jacket design in accordance with the invention allows the OEM to use either a half wall design, or use two together and leave the gap or other side of the wall open for the water to evaporate out. This featured configuration is identified in the following paragraphs as the “half section” configuration. 
     Still further, another feature in accordance with the invention relates to the use of a full outer lip seal. Having an outer sealing lip on the jacket, and also on the corner piece, offers a significant performance advantage by eliminating any need for caulking processes. In addition, the use of the outer sealing lip is advantageous in that it creates a correct watershed. Still further, a feature in accordance with certain concepts of the invention relate to the use of an interlocking corner design. This design relates to the manner in which corner tabs fit into the opening on a rigid jacket. Of particular importance is the fact that water intrusion can be eliminated by this interference fit. 
     Turning to the various embodiments of a continuous snap in track system in accordance with the invention, a continuous snap in track system  200  is initially illustrated in  FIGS. 6-13C . The track system  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8  as being used with a residential vehicle or “RV”  202 . With the exception of the track system  200 , the RV  202  is conventional in design and well known throughout the tourism industry. As with many RV&#39;s, the RV  202  is equipped with a slide-out room  204  protruding through at least one sidewall of the RV. The slide-out room  204  includes an outer room wall  206 . When the slide-out room  204  is in a retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), the outer room wall  206  is essentially flush with an RV side wall  207 . 
     Through conventional means, the slide-out room  204  can be released from its retracted position and be moved outwardly, so as to provide for additional interior RV space.  FIG. 7  illustrates the slide-out room  204  in an intermediate, extended position. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the slide-out room  204  includes room sidewalls  206  (only one of which is shown in  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the slide-out room  204  in a fully extended position. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , as the slide-out room  204  is extended, a gap  208  is apparent between the slide-out room wall  206  and the RV sidewall  207 . To protect against water damage and to essentially seal the various gaps  208  around the perimeter of the slide-out room  204 , seal systems can be utilized, such as those described in prior paragraphs hereof. In this particular instance, the seal is in the form of a continuous snap and track system  200 . The snap in track system  200  includes a vertical seal assembly  210  and a horizontal seal assembly  212 . The horizontal seal assembly  212  will run along the top wall or ceiling (not shown in  FIG. 6, 7 or 8 ). As described in subsequent paragraphs herein, the vertical seal assembly  210  and horizontal seal assembly  212  are coupled together through the use of a corner seal assembly  214 . 
     The continuous snap in track system  200  will now be described, primarily with respect to  FIGS. 9-19 . With reference first to  FIG. 9 , the snap in track system  200  includes a pair of jacket assemblies  220 , comprising a first jacket assembly  222  and a second jacket assembly  224 . The jacket assemblies  220  are coupled together through the use of a flexible hinge assembly  226 . Each jacket assembly  220  includes a jacket leg  230  having a cross-sectional configuration as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . As shown therein, each jacket leg  230  has an arcuate main body  232  with respect to an outer surface of each of the legs  230 . Each leg  230  also includes a straight edge  234 . Positioned in the outer arcuate edge of each of the jacket legs  230  is a D-bulb channel  236 . The D-bulb channels  236  are adapted to receive D-bulb components  238 , shown in a partially exploded configuration in  FIG. 9 . Each D-bulb component  238  includes a D-bulb  240  having the cross-sectional configuration shown in  FIG. 9 . Integral with the D-bulb  240  is a dart component  242 . The D-bulb component  238  is adapted to “snap in” to the D-bulb channel  236  of each jacket leg  230 , through the insertion of the dart  242 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 9 , each of the jacket legs  230  includes an outer sealing lip  244 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-13C , the sealing lip  244  can cooperate with corresponding lips on corner pieces (as described in subsequent paragraphs herein), so as to offer a significant performance advantage by eliminating the need for any type of a caulking process. The outer sealing lip  244  will also assist in forming an appropriate water shed. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 9-13C , snap in track system  200 , as earlier stated, includes a flexible hinge assembly  226 . The flexible hinge assembly utilizes living hinges which can accommodate differences in wall width. The living hinge assembly  226  creates a type of pleat. 
     The living or flexible hinge assembly  226  includes a main hinge body  246 , with the hinge body  246  having the cross-sectional configuration as particularly shown in  FIG. 9 . Coupled to the hinge body  246  by any suitable means are a pair of hinge components or living hinges  248 . The living hinges  248  derive for flexibility and function in accordance with teachings previously described herein. The living hinges  248  are each coupled to opposing ends of the jacket legs  230 . For purposes of securing and supporting the living hinge assembly  228  a central hinge pad  250  is secured to the central portion of the hinge body  246 . Correspondingly, outer hinge pads  252  are secured to outer portions of the main hinge body  246 . 
     For purposes of appropriately securing and positioning the jacket legs  230 , each of the legs  230  includes a central jacket tape  254 . Such tape can be one of a number of different commercially available tapes, such as 3M DHB (high bond tape). Correspondingly, each of the jacket legs  230  includes a pair of jacket pads  256 . The jacket pads  256  can be constructed of a number of different types of materials, such as 30 Duro TPV. The jacket pads  256  assist in positioning and maintaining the position of the flexible hinge assembly  228 . 
     In addition to the foregoing elements of the flexible hinge assembly  228 , the assembly  228  also includes a pair of wipes  258 . The wipes are secured to one wall of the main hinge body  246 . Also positioned on the same side of the main hinge body  246  is a recessed tape area  260 , and a retention clip  262 . The purpose of these elements, related to replacement of wipes, will be explaining in the following paragraphs. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the continuous snap in track system  200  as it is positioned and captures a trailer wall  266 . Also,  FIG. 20  illustrates the position of the snap in track system  200  relative to the slide wall  264 . The configuration shown in  FIG. 28  would correspond to the position of the slide room shown in  FIG. 6 , with the slide room in a fully retracted position. Correspondingly,  FIG. 11  is an illustration showing the continuous snap in track system  200  positioned on the trail wall  266 , and with the slide room being moved outwardly so as to partially extended, such as is shown in  FIG. 7 . Correspondingly,  FIG. 11  is a view of the continuous snap in track system  200  with the slide room in a fully extended position, such as is shown in  FIG. 8 . It should be noted that the jacket legs  230  are secured to the trailer wall  266  through a pair of bolts, self-tape in connecting screws or similar connecting means  268  which extend through apertures  270 . It should also be noted, for example, with respect to  FIG. 10 , that one of the D-bulbs  240  is actually compressed against the slide wall  264  when the slide room is in the retracted position. Correspondingly, when the slide room is in the fully extended position, the other of the pair of D-bulbs  38  is compressed against a slide wall  264 . Further,  FIGS. 10-12  show the relative positioning of the wipes  258  as the slide room is moved from a retracted to an extended position. 
       FIG. 13A  illustrates a situation where the wipes  258  have been broken or otherwise worn beyond their useful lives. In such a case, and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, a replacement wipe assembly  272  is provided. A cross-sectional configuration of a replacement wipe assembly  272  in accordance with the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 13B . As shown therein, the replacement wipe assembly  272  includes a replacement wipe base  274  having the cross-sectional configuration shown in  FIG. 13B . Secured to one side of the replacement wipe base  274  is a replacement wipe tape  276 . The replacement wipe tape  276  can be any of a number of commercially available tapes, such as 3M VHB. 
     The replacement wipe assembly  272  also includes a pair of parallel wipes  278  which can be made substantially identical to the original wipes  258 . To utilize the replacement wipe assembly  272 , the assembly is coupled to the continuous snap in system  200  as shown in  FIG. 13C . Specifically, one edge of the replacement wipe assembly  272  is designated as edge  280 . Such designation is also shown in  FIG. 13B . With the replacement wipe assembly  272  positioned at an angle relative to the continuous snap in track system  200 , the user can essentially slide the retention edge  280  into the slot formed by the previously described retention clip  262 . When the retention edge  280  is sufficiently positioned within the retention clip  262 , the replacement wipe assembly  272  can be moved as shown by the arrows of  FIG. 13C , so that the tape  276  is positioned within the recessed tape area  260 . In this manner, replacement wipes can be readily and easily assembled for substitution. 
     In addition to the foregoing features in accordance with the invention, continuous snap in track systems in accordance with the invention include a system which employs a molded corner assembly with a lip  282 . The molded corner assembly  282  is described in the following paragraphs, and illustrated in  FIGS. 14-18 . With reference to these drawings, the molded corner assembly  282  is formed so as to provide a seal and a path of travel for a D-bulb assembly in a slide-out configuration. With this configuration, and with co-axial D-bulb channels, an OEM will be able to use one continuous piece of D-bulb assemblies, without any breaks. This configuration will allow the OEM to build whatever size D-bulb is needed, and not have to worry about inventory of additional jackets. Further, the molded corner tabs of the channel pieces will fill the voids of the extruded jacket legs, and will prevent water intrusion. The corner assemblies will also complete a finished product, and complete the track for the D-bulb to be inserted. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 14-18 , the molded corner assembly  282  includes a first continuous snap in assembly  284 , and a second continuous snap in assembly  286 , positioned perpendicular to each other are provided with each track assembly. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the continuous snap in track assembly is positioned adjacent a slot in wall  290 , a slide room top  292 . D-bulb channels  294  extend through both of the track assemblies  284 ,  286 , as well as through the corner assembly  282 . 
     Each of the continuous snap in track assemblies  284 ,  286  include what can be characterized as jacket assemblies  296  shown in  FIG. 16 . Positioned at the ends of the corner assembly  282  are a pair of water shed tabs  298 . As earlier mentioned, with the use of full outer lip seals on the jackets and on the corner assembly  282  offers a significant performance advantage by eliminating the need for any type of caulking or similar securing process. The outer sealing lips will also create a corrected water shed. 
       FIG. 16  further illustrates the use of two of the corner assemblies  282 , each connected to different jacket legs of different jacket assemblies. Connection is made through the use of connector tabs  300  which are positioned within the arcuate bodies  302 . As particularly shown in  FIG. 16 , two of the corner pieces can be used, with each corner assembly  282  being fitted within a pair of the jacket legs associated with the snap in track assemblies  284 ,  286 . As earlier stated, the molded corner assemblies  282  will fill the voids of the extruded jacket legs, and will prevent water intrusion. The corner assemblies  282  will also complete a “finished” look and also complete the track for the D-bulb to be inserted. 
     To date a D-bulb has been the ideal solution for sealing all windows, baggage doors, entry doors and also on slide-out seals. The seals have been made out of sponge EPDM, solid EPDM and thermoplastics such as TPE and TPV. Regardless of the material that they are made of, the D-bulb always has inherent flaws, as follows; 
     1. The seal relies on one contact point. If not compressed enough the seal will allow wind and water by. (illustrated on “d-bulb” picture) 
     2. The “D” profile doesn&#39;t always compress straight down and the bulb tends to shift. This can open up the seal for compression failure or cause accelerated wear. 
     3. If the “D” profile has to bend or follow a 90 degree turn to the side the profile will pucker and distort and not create a seal. 
     4. The “D” shape has to fold into itself to compress and if you try and us a higher durometer (hardness) to improve the wear the harder the seal is to compress. 
     5. If the seal is not compressed all the way flat (line to line or top to bottom) the higher the wind and water force the more likely the seal is to leak. The seal can&#39;t accommodate for pressure change well. 
     6. On a vertical application a “D” profile allows water to build up along the sealing edge and run back and forth until it finds a way passed. Another way to put it is that the radius top allows the water to flow to the sealing point when applied to an application where the profile will be vertical. The water can run over the radius and gather along the sealing edge and run back and forth until it finds a way in. 
     Intellectual Property—To get around the issues stated above the “Sigma Seal” profile can accommodate and correct all of the issues by changing the profile and how the seal collapses. 
     The Sigma Seal (SS) has three sealing lips along the non-bonded (style  1 ) or pressed in place (style  2 ) side. The three sealing lips create additional sealing points and the contoured sides act as a gutter to divert water away from the sealing points. The contoured sides also act like a pneumatic seal (u-cup) when installed between to mating parts. When the wind or water pressure increases it positively actuates the contoured cup and energizes the sealing lips. The higher the pressure the greater the seal. 
     The contoured sides of the SS allow the sealing edge to collapse straight down and not rock from side to side or cause distortion to the sealing area. The inside of the legs with have a wedge shape removed to promote correct compression or the legs can also have striations to perform the same function. This design will allow for a higher durometer of material to be used since the design allows for lower compression force and will extend the life of the seal. 
     The contoured sides also allow for the seal to make direction installation possible. When the has to bend around a corner or maker a 90 degree turn the contoured side will no kink or distort in a fashion like the D-bulb does and will still make a complete seal the entire perimeter. 
     The SS will create a positive seal even when not under full compression. The d-bulb works solely on complete compression and doesn&#39;t create much of a seal unless compressed down to line to line. The contoured sides positively force the sealing lips against the substrate like a spring. As mentioned prior, when air or water pressure is added to the uncompressed, or compressed, seal it positively actuates the seal with more energy against both substrates. 
     The contoured sides of the seal act as a gutter when installed vertically. Water can flow into the cup or contour and run away from the sealing lips and exit correctly. 
     A first embodiment of a sigma seal in accordance with the invention is illustrated as sigma seal  400 . As earlier described, the seal  400  has three sealing lips  402  which will abut the top phalange  406  of an RV room or the like. The sigma seal  400  also includes, at the sides thereof, concave sections  404  which will operate to collapse when the seal is squeezed between a wall or a static surface  410  and the top phalange  406 . A side of the moving RV room is also shown in  FIG. 27  as said  408 . 
     Another embodiment in accordance with the invention is a U-cup  420  shown in  FIG. 28 . The cup  420  includes sealing positions or edges  422  and  424 . An upper section  426  is provided to abut the top phalange (not shown). The pressure in the interior  428  of the U-cup  420  will cause the cup to essentially inflate. 
     A further view of a first embodiment of the sigma seal in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIG. 29  as seal  430 . The seal  430  has three sealing lips  432 . At an interior of the seal  430  are a set of striations  434 . To seal the sigma seal  430  against a wall or static surface (not shown), a tape or high bonding medium or transfer medium  436  is shown. In addition, the seal includes concave sections  438  which will collapse as the seal  430  is compressed. 
     A further embodiment of a seal in accordance with the invention is shown in  FIG. 30  as seal  440 . Therein, the seal also includes three sealing lips  442 , and concave side sections  438 . However, instead of using a tape or other high bonding medium to seal the sigma seal against the wall or static surface, a dart  440  can be used. 
     In accordance with the invention,  FIG. 31  illustrates the use of bottom seals  500 , rollers  502  for an RV floor  503 . The seals  500  are positioned above a wheel well having RV wheels  504 . Illustrations of the bottom seal assemblies and their construction are illustrated in the photographs of  FIGS. 32-36 .  FIG. 37  illustrates bottom seals  500  in a diagrammatic view showing their relative position with respect to a wheel well  510 . The bottom seals  500  include a wipe  506  positioned at one side, and a wipe  508  positioned on the other side. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of the invention can be designed. That is, the principles of the invention are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention.