# US 10,501,934 B2 · Method and apparatus for producing a universal profile element > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,501,934 B2 - Document ID: US10501934B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/550,629 - Filed: 2016-02-12 - Published: 2018-02-08 - Granted: 2019-12-10 - Earliest claimed: 2015-02-13 - Assignees: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft - Applicants: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft - Inventors: Walter Braunmueller; Manfred Klein - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10501934B2 ## CPC - E04B 2/82: characterised by the manner in which edges are connected to the building; Means therefor; Special details of easily-removable partitions {as far as related to the connection with other parts of the building} - B29C 44/324: {the preformed parts being tubular or folded to a tubular shape} - E04B 1/68: of joints, e.g. expansion joints (packing for joints in roads or airfields E01C11/02; expansion joints for bridges E01D19/06; sealing joints between foundation piles E02D5/14; joints in foundation structures E02D29/16; devices for sealing the spaces or joints between roof-covering elements E04D1/36; sealing joints between roof-covering elements E04D3/38; {construction of joints for flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements E04F15/02005}; construction of joints for flooring or floor layers made of masses in situ E04F15/14) - E04B 1/82: specifically with respect to sound only ({of floors or ceilings E04B9/001;} noise damping in ducts or channels E04F17/00; noise damping in general G10K11/16) - E04B 1/948: {Fire-proof sealings or joints (for doors or windows E06B5/164)} - E04B 2/7411: {Details for fire protection} - E04B 2/7457: {with wallboards attached to the outer faces of the posts, parallel to the partition (E04B2/7459 takes precedence)} - B29K 2075/00: Use of {PU, i.e.} polyureas or polyurethanes {or derivatives thereof}, as moulding material - B29L 2031/26: Sealing devices, e.g. packaging for pistons or pipe joints - E04B: GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of opening in walls, floors or ceilings E06B1/00; {electromagnetic shielding H05K9/0001}) - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) - B29K: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR {MOULDS, } REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS - B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES ## Abstract A method for producing a profile element for sealing building joints, particularly for sealing them with regard to noise and smoke and, if applicable, with regard to fire is described, as is an apparatus for producing such a profile element, as well as use of the profile element produced according to the invention for acoustical, smoke-proof and/or fire-proof sealing of connection joints in drywall walls, above all of expansion joints. In particular, an improved method for continuous and endless production of a universal profile element for different profile dimensions is described. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for producing a profile element for sealing a building joint, comprising: a) providing a first film on a conveyor belt, b) applying a reaction mixture capable of flow on a top side of the first film, wherein the reaction mixture comprises an intumescent material, c) connecting a first side edge region of the first film with a second side edge region of the first film to produce an essentially cylindrical profile element and thereby obtaining a connection element, wherein a volume of the reaction mixture capable of flow to be applied is metered in such a manner that the reaction mixture corresponds to an inside volume of the profile element produced, in the reacted state, and wherein the film completely encloses the reaction mixture, d) perforating the profile element, wherein perforating the profile element comprises perforating the connection element, thereby forming a perforated region capable of separation, tearing apart, or pulling apart of the first side edge region and the second side edge region. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising: e) allowing the reaction mixture capable of flow to foam, f) optionally, shaping the desired profile geometry, g) venting the profile element, and h) optionally, cutting the profile element to the desired length. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising: e) making a second film available, f) connecting the second film, in the form of a loop, with an upper outer side or a lower outer side of the first film. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method according to claim 3, wherein c) and f) comprise a connecting process by thermal welding. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The method according to claim 3, wherein the first film and/or the second film comprise(s) plastic. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the first film comprises polyethylene and is optionally perforated. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the reaction mixture capable of flow is a polyurethane mixture. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the profile element comprises an elongated connection element and at least two sealing regions, which are positioned on the connection element, on the outer edge, running at a distance from and next to one another in the longitudinal direction of the connection element. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is a continuous and endless method. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A profile element produced according to the method according to claim 1. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) An acoustical, smoke-proof and/or fire-proof sealing, comprising the profile element of claim 10; wherein said sealing is of a connection joint in a drywall wall. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The acoustical, smoke-proof and/or fire-proof sealing according to claim 11, wherein the profile element is positioned in the upper region of the connection joint and configured for externally sealing the joint. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, further comprising: replacing the shaping shoulder with another shaping shoulder with a different shape to form another profile element having a different shape or size. ### Claim 14 An apparatus for producing a profile element, for sealing a building joint, having a casting system for mixing and applying a reaction mixture capable of flow, comprising a) a first feed apparatus for supplying a first film, b) optionally, a roll for perforating the first film, c) at least one conveyor for laying the first film flat and conveying the first film, d) a shaping shoulder for shaping the first film, e) a metering system for applying a reaction mixture capable of flow, f) a first thermal welding system for connecting a first side edge region of the first film with a second side edge region of the first film, thereby obtaining a connecting element, g) a reaction segment for allowing the reaction mixture capable of flow to foam, h) conveying technology for precise guidance of the first film, i) optionally, at least one conveyor belt or profile for shaping the desired profile geometry, j) a perforation unit for venting the profile element, k) a perforation unit for perforating the connection element, thereby forming a perforated region capable of separation, tearing apart, or pulling apart of the first side edge region and the second side edge region, and l) optionally, a cutting unit for cutting the profile element to the desired length. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising m) a second feed apparatus for supplying a second film, n) a shaping shoulder for shaping the second film, and o) a second thermal welding system for connecting the second film with an upper outer side or a lower outer side of the first film. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising an unrolling apparatus for applying adhesive tapes to the profile element. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the first feed apparatus and the second feed apparatus comprises at least one roll. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a conveying technology for precise guidance of the first film comprises a conveyor belt having guide elements.