Dual-durometer divided bar

Abstract

A divider bar for use with paneling, has a first and a second portion and a stem portion joining the first and second portions. The first and second portions are shaped and arranged to engage an edge region of at least one panel, and are made of a first and a second material, respectively. The first material is preferably more flexible than that of the second portion, and is such as to provide a good seal with a panel engaged by the divider bar. This characteristic of the divider bar can provide an expansion / contraction joint that maintains the seal even if the panel expands or contracts (e.g., due to temperature changes). Preferably, both materials are transparent and at least the first is colorless, the second in that case optionally having a coloring, or a decorative material being applied to the second portion of the divider bar to be visible through the transparent first portion. It is preferred that the product be made by extrusion, and especially by a co-extrusion process.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of prefabricated construction elements such as construction panels and other elements to be used therewith, and relates more particularly to divider bars used with such panels. [0003] 2. Related Background Art [0004] The use of pre-made panels in the construction of interior walls, ceilings, etc., is well known. Many such panels are commercially available, from a great variety of materials. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (“FRP”) panels have been used for this purpose, and examples of recent developments relating to such panels are disclosed in commonly assigned co-pending applications Nos. 10 / 081,629 and 10 / 360,785, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0005] Fiberglass-reinforced plastic panels are widely used throughout the construction and building materials industry. That material offers a number of significant and advantageous fe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] One aspect of the invention is a divider bar for use with paneling, which comprises a first and a second portion and a stem portion joining the first and second portions. The first and second portions are shaped and arranged to engage an edge region of at least one panel, and the first portion is made of a first material, and the second portion is made of a second material. Preferably, the first material is relatively flexible, while the second material is relatively rigid. In particular, the flexibility of the first material should be such that when the edge of the panel is engaged by the divider bar, the result is a good seal between the panel and the bar even without the use of a caulk or sealant, and this seal is maintained even if the panel expands or contracts (for example, under the influence of temperature). The first and second materials are also preferably transparent, or at least the first is. A colorant may be added to the second material, or a decorative material may be applied underneath the transparent portion, so as to be visible through the transparent portion.

Problems solved by technology

A conventional divider bar is quite functional in appearance, however, and may detract from the esthetic appearance of such a decorative panel, the exposed surface of which may bear a decorative pattern.

Painting or similarly tinting a conventional division molding, however, has the disadvantage that the painted or tinted surface is exposed to the air.

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