Sealing Tape

Abstract

The sealing tape includes at least one base body of flexible foam capable of recovery after compression. In the area of the bottom surface of the sealing tape, an adhesive layer for bonding to a frame profile of a window or door is arranged. The sealing tape has a continuous barrier structure for reducing the permeability to the diffusion of water vapor and/or the permeability to air in the functional direction of the sealing tape, the barrier structure extends from the top surface to the bottom surface and also extends over an area of the top surface. The barrier structure includes, at least in the area of the top surface, a closed-cell flexible foam or consists of closed-cell flexible foam. The barrier structure, at least in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, has a thickness of between 10 μm and 5 mm.

Claims

1. A sealing tape comprising at least two base bodies of flexible foam capable of recovery after compression, wherein the sealing tape comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second side surfaces, which connect the top surface and the bottom surface to each other, wherein the side surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a functional direction of the sealing tape; wherein an adhesive layer for bonding to a frame profile of a window or door is arranged in an area of the bottom surface; wherein the sealing tape comprises a continuous barrier structure for reducing the permeability to the diffusion of water vapor and/or the permeability to air in the functional direction; wherein the barrier structure extends from the top surface to a bottom surface of the sealing tape; wherein the at least two base bodies are arranged next to each other in the functional direction of the sealing tape, wherein, in a transition area between the two adjacent base bodies, the barrier structure extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the sealing tape, and wherein the two base bodies are adhered permanently to each other in the transition area by the barrier structure or an additional adhesive layer between the base bodies; wherein the barrier structure also extends over an area of the top surface of the sealing tape and, at least in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, comprises closed-cell flexible foam or is made of closed-cell flexible foam.

2. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the barrier structure on the top surface of the sealing tape extends over at least 10% of the width of the sealing tape.

3. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the barrier structure on the top surface of the sealing tape extends over the entire width of the sealing tape.

4. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the closed-cell flexible foam of the barrier structure is made of polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, or polypropylene and has a density of between 15 and 200 kg/m.sup.3.

5. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the closed-cell flexible foam of the barrier structure has a compression hardness of between 2 kPa and 15 kPa, based on a compression of 40% versus the original thickness (CV40) according to DIN EN ISO 3386:2015.

6. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the closed-cell flexible foam of the barrier structure has an air permeability of no more than 50 l/(m.sup.2 s) measured according to DIN EN ISO 9237:1995 for a test area of 100 cm.sup.2 at a measurement pressure (negative pressure) of 1.0 mbar by the use of a model 21443 Frank test device.

7. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the closed-cell flexible foam of the barrier structure has an air permeability of no more than 40 l/(m.sup.2 s) measured according to DIN EN ISO 9237:1995 for a test area of 100 cm.sup.2 at a measurement pressure (negative pressure) of 1.0 mbar by the use of a model 21443 Frank test device.

8. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the closed-cell flexible foam of the barrier structure has an air permeability of no more than 30 l/(m.sup.2 s) measured according to DIN EN ISO 9237:1995 for a test area of 100 cm.sup.2 at a measurement pressure (negative pressure) of 1.0 mbar by the use of a model 21443 Frank test device.

9. The sealing tape according to claim 1 wherein the closed-cell flexible foam of the barrier structure has an air permeability of no more than 20 l/(m.sup.2 s) measured according to DIN EN ISO 9237:1995 for a test area of 100 cm.sup.2 at a measurement pressure (negative pressure) of 1.0 mbar by the use of a model 21443 Frank test device.

10. The sealing tape according to claim 1, wherein the barrier structure, in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, has a thickness of between 10 μm and 5 mm.

11. The sealing tape according to claim 1, wherein the barrier structure, in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, has a thickness of between 15 μm and 3 mm.

12. The sealing tape according to claim 1, wherein the barrier structure, in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, has a thickness of between 50 μm and 2 mm.

13. A sealing tape roll comprising a sealing tape wound up into a roll, wherein the sealing tape comprises at least two base bodies of flexible foam capable of recovery after compression, wherein the sealing tape comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second side surfaces, which connect the top surface and the bottom surface to each other, wherein the side surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a functional direction of the sealing tape; wherein an adhesive layer for bonding to a frame profile of a window or door is arranged in an area of the bottom surface; wherein the sealing tape comprises a continuous barrier structure for reducing the permeability to the diffusion of water vapor and/or the permeability to air in the functional direction; wherein the barrier structure extends from the top surface to a bottom surface of the sealing tape; wherein the at least two base bodies are arranged next to each other in the functional direction of the sealing tape, wherein, in a transition area between the two adjacent base bodies, the barrier structure extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the sealing tape, and wherein the two base bodies are adhered permanently to each other in the transition area by the barrier structure or an additional adhesive layer between the base bodies; wherein the barrier structure also extends over an area of the top surface of the sealing tape and, at least in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, comprises closed-cell flexible foam or is made of closed-cell flexible foam; and wherein the sealing tape in the sealing tape roll is in a compressed state in which the top surface and the bottom surface of the sealing tape extend in a substantially straight line.

14. A building section comprising a wall and a building component inserted into an opening in the wall, wherein a sealing tape in a partially compressed installation state is arranged in a joint between the building component and the wall and seals the joint, wherein the sealing tape comprises at least two base bodies of flexible foam capable of recovery after compression, wherein the sealing tape comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and first and second side surfaces, which connect the top surface and the bottom surface to each other, wherein the side surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a functional direction of the sealing tape; wherein an adhesive layer for bonding to a frame profile of a window or door is arranged in an area of the bottom surface; wherein the sealing tape comprises a continuous barrier structure for reducing the permeability to the diffusion of water vapor and/or the permeability to air in the functional direction; wherein the barrier structure extends from the top surface to a bottom surface of the sealing tape; wherein the at least two base bodies are arranged next to each other in the functional direction of the sealing tape, wherein, in a transition area between the two adjacent base bodies, the barrier structure extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the sealing tape, and wherein the two base bodies are adhered permanently to each other in the transition area by the barrier structure or an additional adhesive layer between the base bodies; wherein the barrier structure also extends over an area of the top surface of the sealing tape and, at least in the area of the top surface of the sealing tape, comprises closed-cell flexible foam or is made of closed-cell flexible foam; and wherein, in the partially compressed installed state, the top surface of the sealing tape rests against the wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] FIG. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a sealing tape according to the invention in the fully expanded state;

[0096] FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of the sealing tape according to FIG. 1 after it has been wound up into a sealing tape roll;

[0097] FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0098] FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0099] FIG. 5 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0100] FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0101] FIG. 7 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0102] FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0103] FIG. 9 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0104] FIG. 10 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0105] FIG. 11 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention in a fully expanded state;

[0106] FIG. 12 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an installation situation of the sealing tape according to FIG. 1, in which the sealing tape, in a partially compressed installation state, is arranged in a joint between a structural component and a wall with a sealing action; and

[0107] FIG. 13 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an installation situation of the sealing tape according to FIG. 9, in which the sealing tape, in a partially compressed installation state, is arranged in a joint between a structural component and a wall with a sealing action.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0108] A sealing tape 2 shown in cross section in FIG. 1 comprises a base body 4 of flexible foam, which is capable of recovering after being compressed, and which is preferably impregnated to delay its recovery. Base body 4 originally has a one-piece shape, but, as a result of a permanent compression and/or fusion of the material of base body 4, it is thinner in the middle area than in the areas to the right and to the left.

[0109] Sealing tape 2 illustrated here comprises a top surface 6, a bottom surface 8, and two side surfaces 10, which connect top surface 6 and bottom surface 8 to each other. Side surfaces 10 are substantially perpendicular to a functional direction F of the sealing tape, i.e., the direction in which the sealing tape, when in the later installed state (see FIG. 12), is intended to seal off a joint against the passage of air and/or against the diffusion of water vapor.

[0110] In the area of the bottom surface 8, an adhesive layer 12 is arranged, which, in the example shown here, is flat and serves to adhere the tape to a building component 14 (see FIG. 12) such as a frame profile of a window or door. Adhesive layer 12 is preferably configured as a double-sided adhesive tape and is adhered by its top surface to the adjacent areas of the sealing tape. The adhesive surface of adhesive layer 12 serving to adhere the sealing tape to building component 14 is oriented downward and is usually covered by a peel-off film or a peel-off paper, which can be removed before use. In the example shown here, it is also conceivable that adhesive layer 12 could be configured with adhesive properties in the upward direction only in the areas in which it comes into contact with areas of the sealing tape.

[0111] Top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 comprises a profile with a valley 16 in a middle area between side surfaces 10 of sealing tape 2. The interior space of valley 16 is filled exclusively with air. In the area of valley 16, top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 is curved. In the area of side surfaces 10, top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 is substantially flat. The interior space of valley 16 is defined as the space which is bounded by the curved part of top surface 6 and an extension of the substantially flat section of top surface 6 over valley 16.

[0112] Because of valley 16, which is filled only with air, sealing tape 2 offers the advantage over sealing tapes with a base body with a rectangular cross section that, because of the relatively large quantity of air present in the middle area of sealing tape 2, it has a greater thermal insulation effect. All of the other above-described embodiments of the sealing tape with at least one valley 16 in top surface 6 or bottom surface 8 also offer this advantage.

[0113] In the area of first (right) side surface 10, sealing tape 2 comprises, in the fully expanded state, a first thickness h.sub.1, which corresponds to the thickness h.sub.2 of second (left) side surface 10. At the vertex of valley 16, however, sealing tape 2, when in the fully expanded state, has a third thickness h.sub.3, which is less than the first thickness h.sub.1 and also less than the second thickness h.sub.2. The reduced third thickness h.sub.3 in the fully expanded state of sealing tape 2 is obtained to at least some extent by a permanent compression and/or fusion of the material of base body 4.

[0114] The bottom of base body 4 comprises a profile with a lower valley 28, which is oriented toward top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 and which, in the area of the third thickness h.sub.3, is opposite valley 16 in top surface 6.

[0115] Sealing tape 2 shown in FIG. 1 also comprises a continuous barrier structure 18 for reducing the diffusion of water vapor and/or the permeability to air in functional direction F of sealing tape 2, which structure extends from top surface 6 to bottom surface 8, passing at least partially through the area of third thickness h.sub.3.

[0116] In other embodiments, thickness h.sub.1 can also be different from thickness h.sub.2, as long as both thicknesses h.sub.1, h.sub.2 are greater than thickness h.sub.3.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, barrier structure 18 comprises several subsections, which together form continuous barrier structure 18. First, sealing tape 2 comprises, on top surface 6, a barrier layer 20. This barrier layer 20 extends from the first to the second side surface 10 and covers base body 4 of sealing tape 2 completely. Barrier layer 20 is preferably bonded to base body 4 with an adhesive or laminated to it. Barrier layer 20 on top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 comprises a closed-cell foam or consists of such foam. At least in the area of side surfaces 10, the flat sections of barrier layer 20 on top surface 6 which are intended to rest against the wall preferably comprise a closed-cell foam.

[0118] Sealing tape 2 also comprises an additional barrier layer 22 in the area of the bottom surface of base body 4, which barrier layer also extends from the first to the second side surface 10 and preferably covers the base body completely. Barrier layer 22 is preferably bonded permanently to the base body with an adhesive or is laminated to it. Barrier layers 20, 22 thus, form symmetrically configured boundaries of base body 4 on its top and bottom surfaces.

[0119] A third component of barrier structure 18 is the permanently compressed and/or fused section 24 of sealing tape 2 in the area of valley 16. In this area, barrier layer 20 arranged on top surface 6, barrier layer 22 arranged on bottom surface 8, and the material of base body 4 are jointly compressed and/or fused, as a result of which the reduced third thickness h.sub.3 of sealing tape 2 is obtained. As a result of the compression and/or fusion of the various layers in this area, a seal-producing connection is produced between upper barrier layer 20 and lower barrier layer 22.

[0120] The compression and/or fusion can be achieved in this area by, for example, adhesive bonding after compression, by stitching, by lamination under simultaneous compression, or by partial melting (with or without compression). In all cases, the higher compression and/or the greater material density in the compressed/fused area ensures that, in this section 24, the sealing property of the sealing tape and/or the resistance to the diffusion of water vapor in the functional direction F is significantly increased. The material of the base body 4 can be compressed so strongly or fused to the materials of barrier layers 20, 22 in such a way that it can no longer be distinguished visually from barrier layers 20, 22.

[0121] Continuous barrier structure 18 formed by upper barrier layer 20, compressed/fused section 24, and lower barrier layer 22 thus extends over the entire thickness of the sealing tape (except for adhesive layer 12) and thus ensures a gap-free seal, adjusted to the desired degree, against the passage of air and/or the diffusion of water vapor over the entire thickness in functional direction F.

[0122] In this embodiment, barrier structure 18 begins from first and second side surfaces 10 and extends along top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 to the area in the middle between first and second side surfaces 10; it then proceeds from top surface 6 to bottom surface 8 of sealing tape 2 and extends along the bottom surface of base body 4 from the area in the middle between first and second side surfaces 10 to first and second side surfaces 10.

[0123] In this way, it is possible easily to produce a sealing tape with a continuous barrier structure 18 without the need for the laborious process of introducing a plurality of sealing tape components into cuts in the sealing tape.

[0124] In the embodiment shown, it is also conceivable that adhesive layer 12 would not have to extend continuously over the entire width of sealing tape 2 but instead could extend only in the form of strips in the areas in which it is to be adhered to the other elements of the sealing tape.

[0125] In FIG. 2, sealing tape 2 according to FIG. 1 is shown in a configuration in which it has been wound up into a sealing tape roll 26. Sealing tape 2 is now in a (partially) compressed state, in which top surface 6 and bottom surface 8 of the sealing tape form substantially a straight line, or in which valley 16 is much less pronounced than it is in the fully expanded state. The configuration as a sealing tape roll 26 is also preferred for all of the additional embodiments of the sealing tape according to the invention, and the same relationships pertain.

[0126] The sealing tape shown in FIG. 3 differs from the sealing tape of FIG. 1 in that adhesive layer 12 adheres continuously to lower barrier layer 22 and thus has a profile in the form of a hill, which corresponds to the profile of the bottom surface of the base body with lower valley 28.

[0127] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, only upper barrier layer 20, base body 4, and lower barrier layer 22 are compressed or fused together in the area of compressed/fused section 24, whereas adhesive layer 12 is applied afterwards as a separate strip to sealing tape 2. It is also conceivable that adhesive layer 12 could become a component of compressed/fused section 24 and that it is also compressed and/or fused with the other components of sealing tape 2 present in this area. In this case, the compression/fusion is not carried out until after adhesive layer 12 has been applied.

[0128] Adhesive layer 12 can contribute additionally to barrier structure 18. It is also conceivable that, in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, lower barrier layer 22 could be omitted, in which case adhesive layer 12 takes over the function of the lower barrier layer. It must then be ensured that adhesive layer 12 has properties which reduce the passage of air or the diffusion of water vapor to the desired degree. In this case, barrier structure 18 would be formed by upper barrier layer 20, compressed/fused section 24, and adhesive layer 12.

[0129] Also in the embodiment according to FIG. 3, barrier structure 18 extends along top surface 6 of sealing tape 2, beginning from first and second side surfaces 10 and proceeding to the area between first and second side surfaces 10, from which it then proceeds from top surface 6 to bottom surface 8 of sealing tape 2 and then along the bottom surface of the base body from the area between first and second side surfaces 10 to first and second side surfaces 10.

[0130] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 4 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that upper barrier layer 20 extends only from one side surface 10 to compressed/fused section 24, and that lower barrier layer 22 also extends only from compressed/fused section 24 to one of side surfaces 10, preferably to side surface 10 of the sealing tape other than that from which upper barrier layer 20 extends. This configuration is sufficient to form a continuous barrier structure 18, which is composed of upper barrier layer 20, compressed/fused section 24, and lower barrier layer 22. In this exemplary embodiment, at least upper barrier layer 20 comprises a closed-cell foam for contact with a wall.

[0131] Formulated in general terms, barrier structure 18, in the embodiment shown here, extends along top surface 6 from second side surface 10 (on the left) to the area between first and second side surfaces 10, from which it then proceeds from top surface 6 to bottom surface 8 of sealing tape 2 and along the bottom surface of at least one base body 4 from the area between first and second side surfaces 10 to first side surface 10 (on the right). It is obvious that barrier structure 18 can also extend in a corresponding manner along top surface 6 from first side surface 10 and along the bottom surface of at least one base body 4 to second side surface 10.

[0132] Alternatively, barrier structure 18 on top surface 6 extends from first side surface 10 to the area between first and second side surfaces 10, from which it then proceeds from top surface 6 to bottom surface 8 of the sealing tape and along the bottom surface of the at least one base body from the area between first and second side surfaces 10 to first side surface 10.

[0133] Because the entire thickness of sealing tape 2 is covered over its complete cross section by these components, it is ensured that the air permeability or water vapor diffusion in functional direction F of the sealing tape can be reduced to the desired degree.

[0134] It is also possible for only one of two barrier layers 20, 22 to extend between a side surface 10 and section 24 and for the other one of two barrier layers 20, 22 to extend all the way between the two side surfaces 10.

[0135] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 shown in FIG. 5 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that two compressed/fused sections 24 are provided across the width of sealing tape 2. Between these sections 24, an area of the base body with a substantially oval cross section is arranged, which is preferably surrounded on the top and bottom surfaces by barrier layers 20, 22.

[0136] It is also possible for more than two compressed/fused sections 24 to be provided across the width of the sealing tape. It is also conceivable in all of the embodiments that compressed/fused section or sections 24 could be arranged asymmetrically across the width of the sealing tape.

[0137] Barrier structure 18 in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 is formed by upper barrier layer 20, lower barrier layer 22 (which can be replaced, optionally, by adhesive layer 12), and sections 24. Alternatively, barrier structure 18, in a sealing tape 2 configured in this way, can also be formed only by sections of barrier layers 20, 22 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0138] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 6 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 5 in that the bottom of base body 4 is substantially flat and is adhered over its entire surface to adhesive layer 12. In addition, the shape of valleys 16 can be substantially V-shaped, and compressed/fused sections 24 are located, with respect to the thickness of the sealing tape, not in a middle area of the sealing tape but rather in a lower area of the sealing tape. Such modifications of valley 16 or of compressed/fused section 24 are also conceivable in all of the other embodiments previously described. In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, furthermore, the shape of valleys 16 can also correspond to the shape in the other embodiments, e.g., to those according to FIGS. 1 and 3-5.

[0139] In the example shown here, furthermore, lower barrier layer 22 is omitted; but it could also be added in the case of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6. As an option, adhesive layer 12 can take over this function.

[0140] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 7 comprises two base bodies 4 of flexible foam capable of recovery after compression, which base bodies are preferably impregnated to delay their recovery and which are arranged next to each other in functional direction F of sealing tape 2.

[0141] Sealing tape 2 comprises a top surface 6, a bottom surface 8, and two side surfaces 10, which connect top surface 6 and bottom surface 8 to each other. Side surfaces 10 are substantially perpendicular to a functional direction F of the sealing tape 2, i.e., the direction in which sealing tape 2, when in the installed state to be produced later, is intended to seal a joint against the passage of air and/or the diffusion of water vapor.

[0142] In the area of bottom surface 8, an adhesive layer 12 is arranged, which, in the example shown here, is flat and serves to adhere the sealing tape to a building component 14 (see FIGS. 12, 13), such as a frame profile of a window or door. Adhesive layer 12 is preferably configured as a double-sided adhesive tape and adheres by its top surface to the adjacent areas of the sealing tape. The adhesive surface of adhesive layer 12 serving to attach the sealing tape to the building component is oriented downward, i.e., facing away from the other components of sealing tape 2, and is usually covered by a peel-off film or a peel-off paper, which can be removed before use. In the example shown here, it is also conceivable that adhesive layer 12 could be configured so that it has adhesive properties only in the areas in which it comes in contact with areas of the sealing tape.

[0143] Top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 comprises a profile with a valley 16 in a middle area of sealing tape 2. The interior space of valley 16 is filled exclusively with air. In the area of first side surface 10 (on the right), sealing tape 2, when in the fully expanded state, comprises a first thickness h.sub.1, which corresponds to thickness h.sub.2 of second side surface 10 (on the left). At the vertex of valley 16, however, sealing tape 2, when in the fully expanded state, has a third thickness h.sub.3, which is less than first thickness h.sub.1 and also less than second thickness h.sub.2.

[0144] The area with third thickness h.sub.3 is formed in a transition area 36 between two base bodies 4. In the example shown here, each of two base bodies 4 is obtained by bending a molded body with an originally rectangular cross section, wherein a first or upper leg 30 of base body 4 is bent over by 180° with respect to a second or lower leg 32 of base body 4. The bending site is arranged in the area 36 of the transition to the other base body 4; and, as a result of the bending process, the foam material of base body 4 is compressed into itself in the area of the bending site.

[0145] First and second legs 30, 32 can be adhered to each other at their facing surfaces; they are preferably bonded together by an adhesive or laminated to each other. As a result, a substantially horizontal adhesion surface is obtained between legs 30, 32.

[0146] Each of two base bodies 4 comprises a covering 34, which surrounds it on the top surface, the bottom surface, and the side facing the other base body 4. Depending on the stiffness of this covering 34, covering 34 can in each case contribute additionally to the compression of the material of base body 4 in the area of the bending site. Adhesive layer 12 is adhered permanently to two coverings 34 along their bottom surface.

[0147] It is preferred that covering 34 form a barrier structure 18, which fulfills the same requirements as barrier structure 18 described previously on the basis of FIG. 1. It is even more preferable for covering 34 of at least one base body to be formed out of closed-cell foam, so that the best-possible contact with the wall can be easily achieved in the area of top surface 6 of sealing tape 2.

[0148] Each covering 34 forms its own continuous barrier structure 18, which, considered across the width of sealing tape 2, covers the entire thickness of sealing tape 2 and is thus, able to reduce the air permeability or the passage of water vapor in functional direction F to the desired degree. Barrier structure 18 thus extends along top surface 6 at least from one of the side surfaces, i.e., either the first or second side surface, through transition area 36, and along the bottom surface of the same base body back to same side surface 10, i.e., the first or second.

[0149] The two adjacent base bodies in the present case are permanently adhered together, e.g., by an adhesive layer 37, in transition area 36 via the intermediate presence of the associated sections of coverings 34. Coverings 34 of two base bodies 4, however, can also be fused directly together. An adhesive layer 37 of this type or the adhesive bonding of coverings 34 can also contribute to barrier structure 18.

[0150] The end result is that, in the area of the reduced third thickness h.sub.3, a substantially V-shaped valley 16 is formed in the area of top surface 6 of the sealing tape, and an additional V-shaped valley 28 is formed in the area of bottom surface 8 of the sealing tape, opposite valley 16.

[0151] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 8 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 7 in that only one of base bodies 4 corresponds to one of two base bodies 4 of FIG. 7. The other base body 4 is also a base body of flexible foam, but it represents a pre-cut part with a rectangular cross section. The pre-cut part can also have some other geometric shape.

[0152] The continuous barrier structure 18 is formed in this case only by covering 34 of first base body 4. In transition area 36, the two base bodies 4 merely rest against each other, but they can also be adhered to each other, as described on the basis of FIG. 7.

[0153] The thicknesses of the two base bodies 4 are preferably the same, but they can also be different; this can be the case when, for example, one of two base bodies 4 has a covering 34 and thickness h.sub.1 should nevertheless be equal to thickness h.sub.2. In transition area 36, it is preferred that third thickness h.sub.3 be less than that in the area of each of two side surfaces 10 of sealing tape 2. The arrangement of two base bodies 4 with respect to functional direction F in FIG. 8 can also be reversed. It is also conceivable that, on the side of the free lateral surface of rectangular base body 4, an additional base body 4 with a covering 34 could be arranged, preferably a mirror image of base body 4 in FIG. 8 already described.

[0154] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 according to FIG. 9 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 7 in that each of two base bodies 4 consists of a pre-cut part with a rectangular cross section and are not bent over. The compression of two base bodies 4 near transition area 36 is therefore obtained exclusively by the adhesion of two coverings 34 in transition area 36 and by the stiffness of coverings 34. To form valley 16 and possibly valley 28, it is then essential that adhesive layer 37 between coverings 34 have a lesser thickness than first or second thickness h.sub.1, h.sub.2 at side surfaces 10 of the sealing tape. Because of the stiffness of covering 34, each base body 4 will then be more highly compressed near transition area 36 than it is in the area of side surface 10 when fully expanded. In this embodiment as well, barrier structure 18 is formed by at least one covering 34 and possibly by adhesive layer 37 also.

[0155] It is also possible to combine a base body configured as in FIG. 9 with a conventional base body 4 with a rectangular cross section without a covering 34.

[0156] The embodiment of sealing tape 2 according to FIG. 10 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in that each of the two base bodies consists of a pre-cut part with a rectangular cross section and is not bent over. The one base body 4 (on the left in FIG. 10) corresponds substantially to one of two base bodies 4 according to FIG. 9 and comprises a covering 34, which forms at least part of barrier structure 18. The other base body 4 (on the right in FIG. 10) corresponds substantially to the pre-cut part of flexible foam with a rectangular cross section according to FIG. 8, but it can also have some other geometric shape. Two base bodies 4 can be permanently bonded to each other in transition area 36 by, for example, an adhesive layer 37. Two base bodies 4, however, can also be connected to each other only by adhesive layer 12 in the area of their associated bottom surfaces.

[0157] In contrast to FIG. 9, covering 34 or its adhesion to other base body 4 in this case produces no significant compression of base body 4 in or near transition area 36. Correspondingly, no significant valleys 16, 28 are formed in the top and bottom surfaces of sealing tape 2. As a result, the goal is achieved that sealing tape 2, when in the installed state, rests as completely as possible over its entire width against a building component 14 and the wall. The pressure exerted by sealing tape 2 on the wall is then substantially constant over the width of sealing tape 2.

[0158] To increase the sealing action of sealing tape 2, however, at least the wrapped base body 4 in this embodiment can also be compressed to any desired degree, as previously described in connection with the other embodiments, this compression being achieved, for example, by covering 34.

[0159] Sealing tape 2 according to the invention shown in FIG. 11 comprises two substantially rectangular base bodies 4 of flexible foam. Barrier structure 18 in this case is formed as a continuous, preferably one-piece barrier layer 23, which extends along top surface 6 of sealing tape 2, proceeds from top surface 6 to bottom surface 8 of sealing tape 2, and then extends along the bottom surface of at least one of the two base bodies. Here barrier structure 18 or barrier layer 23 begins from second side surface 10 (on the left), proceeds along top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 and then along the facing side surfaces of base bodies 4 in transition area 36, from which it then proceeds to bottom surface 8 of sealing tape 2, where it extends along the bottom surface of one base body 4 to first side surface 10 (on the right). It is obvious that barrier structure 18 could also begin from first side surface 10, extend along top surface 6 and then proceed along bottom surface 8 to second side surface 10.

[0160] Continuous barrier layer 23 can be formed in part by a barrier layer 20 on top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 and in part by a barrier layer 22 on the bottom surface of at least one base body 4, as described on the basis of FIGS. 1 and 3-5. Barrier layers 20, 22 can extend either only from one of two side surfaces 10 to transition area 36 or over the entire width of sealing tape 2.

[0161] In transition area 36, another barrier layer section 25 is provided, which bonds two barrier layers 20, 22 to each other. Barrier layer section 25 along the facing side surfaces of base bodies 4 is preferably substantially parallel to side surfaces 10 and can be adhered to at least one of two base bodies 4, preferably to both base bodies 4.

[0162] Barrier layer section 25 can be formed as an integral part of barrier layers 20, 22 and can preferably be made of the same material as they are. Barrier layer section 25, however, can also be made of a different material, such as a film or an adhesive layer, or it can be formed by the fusion of the foam of one of the two base bodies to the corresponding side surface of the other base body. Barrier layers 20, 22 and barrier layer section 25 should then be bonded together to produce the seal.

[0163] In general, continuous barrier layer 23 and barrier layer section 25 can, within the scope of the invention, have the same properties and be made of the same materials as those described herein for barrier layers 20, 22 and covering 34. At least upper barrier layer 20 in this case comprises a closed-cell foam.

[0164] Two base bodies 4 can be bonded together by barrier layer section 25, e.g., bonded by an adhesive or laminated together. Alternatively, base bodies 4 can merely hold barrier layer section 25 loosely between them and be bonded permanently together by adhesive layer 12. Adhesive layer 12 can also take over the function of lower barrier layer 22, which can then be omitted accordingly.

[0165] In the embodiments according to FIGS. 7-11, more than two base bodies 4 can also be arranged next to each other appropriately and bonded together in each case.

[0166] There are many different possible ways of combining or modifying the individual embodiments. All such combinations are intended to be disclosed herewith to the extent that they fall under the attached claims.

[0167] FIG. 12 shows sealing tape 2 of FIG. 1 in an installed state. In a section 42 of a building, sealing tape 2 is arranged in a joint 38 in a partially compressed installation state between a building component 14, especially a frame profile of a window or door, and a wall 40 and thus seals joint 38. Top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 rests against wall 40. In the area of top surface 6, sealing tape 2 comprises a barrier structure 18, i.e., in this exemplary embodiment upper barrier layer 20, at least certain parts of which rest against wall 40. Because barrier structure 18 comprises a closed-cell foam in the area of the top surface of sealing tape 2 or consists of such foam, the best-possible conformity of the top surface of sealing tape 2 to the rough surface of the wall is guaranteed.

[0168] As indicated by the broken lines, top surface 6 of sealing tape 2 rests against wall 40 in the area of side surfaces 10 of the sealing tape, whereas, at least in the area of original third thickness h.sub.3 and in the adjacent areas (between the broken lines), top surface 6 does not rest against wall 40. It is also conceivable, however, that third thickness h.sub.3 could be considerably greater and that top surface 6 of the sealing tape could thus also rest against wall 40 in the area of original third thickness h.sub.3, in which case, however, the pressure exerted here will be less than that present in the area of side surfaces 10 of the sealing tape.

[0169] FIG. 13 shows sealing tape 2 of FIG. 9 in a corresponding installation situation. In this case, sealing tape 2 is compressed between building component 14 and wall 40 in section 42 of the building to such a pronounced degree that top surface 6 rests against wall 40 even in the area of the original third thickness h.sub.3 as well as in the adjacent areas (between the broken lines), although the pressure exerted on the wall is less here than in the area of side surfaces 10 of the sealing tape.

[0170] If, however, base bodies 4 of sealing tape 2 shown in FIG. 13 are configured like covered base bodies 4 according to FIG. 10 or if, instead of the illustrated sealing tape 2, sealing tape 2 according to FIG. 10 is used, top surface 6 of the sealing tape will rest against wall 40 substantially over the entire width of sealing tape 2. The pressure exerted by sealing tape 2 on the wall will then be substantially constant over the entire width. A deviation, however, can occur in transition area 36, but it will be negligible because of the small dimensions of adhesion layer 36 or similar materials.