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.

1 . A divider bar for use with paneling, said divider bar comprising a first and a second portion and a stem portion joining said first and said second portions, said first and second portions being shaped and arranged to engage an edge region of at least one panel, and said first portion being made of a first material, and said second portion being made of a second material.  
     
     
         2 . A divider bar according to  claim 1 , wherein said first material is more flexible than is said second material.  
     
     
         3 . A divider bar according to  claim 2 , wherein said first material is sufficiently flexible that when the edge region of the panel is engaged by said divider bar, the flexibility of said first material provides a seal between the panel and said divider bar.  
     
     
         4 . A divider bar according to  claim 3 , wherein said first material is sufficiently flexible that when the panel engaged by said divider bar expands or contracts, the flexibility of said first material maintains the seal between the panel and said divider bar.  
     
     
         5 . A divider bar according to  claim 1 , wherein said first material is transparent.  
     
     
         6 . A divider bar according to  claim 5 , wherein said second material is transparent.  
     
     
         7 . A divider bar according to  claim 1 , wherein said stem portion is made of said first material.  
     
     
         8 . A divider bar according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and said second portions extend at least generally parallel to each other and are shaped to engage the edge region of the panel between them.  
     
     
         9 . A divider bar according to  claim 8 , wherein said first portion extends from said stem portion, and arcs generally toward said second portion.  
     
     
         10 . A divider bar according to  claim 1 , made by means of an extrusion process.  
     
     
         11 . A divider bar according to  claim 10 , wherein said extrusion process is a co-extrusion process.