Self-sealing joint sealing system

Abstract

An integrated self-sealing joint sealing system that is incorporated into the factory edges of a sheathing panel prior to installation at a job site, eliminating the need to secondarily apply tapes or similar fluid-applied sealants, as the joints will become sealed when mated and installed next to adjacent sheathing panels. The system works with a variety of joint types, including, but not limited to, bead-and-cove joints, cove-and-cove, and cove-and-butt joints, with matching corresponding joint profiles along panel edges. A compressible sealant, adhesive or gasket material is applied to surfaces in one or both profiles at the factory during the manufacturing process. During field installation, the matching corresponding joint profiles are placed together so the sealant material is compressed, forming a complete watertight and airtight joint.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An integrated self-sealing joint system, comprising:
 a first panel with an outer face, an inner face, and a first edge with a first joint profile extending a first length of the first edge;   a second panel with an outer face, an inner face, and a second edge with a second joint profile extending a second length of the second edge;   wherein the first panel and second panel are arranged in adjoining position to form a joint between the first joint profile and the second joint profile;   wherein the first joint profile comprises a cove element, said cove element comprising an outermost face of the first edge and a recess in a portion of the first edge;   wherein the first joint profile comprises a factory-installed seam sealant affixed to some or all of the first joint profile and extending beyond the outermost face of the first edge;   wherein the factory-installed seam sealant is configured to be compressed and seal the joint formed when the second joint profile is moved towards the first joint profile; and   further wherein when the joint is formed, the factory-installed seam sealant is compressed laterally and expands vertically outward to or beyond the outer surface of the first panel.   
     
     
         2 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , wherein the second joint profile comprises a bead element, said bead element comprising a portion of the second edge extending outward and configured to fit within at least a portion of the corresponding cove element recess when the joint is formed. 
     
     
         3 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , wherein the first joint profile comprises a lower shoulder contiguous with the first panel inner face and extending outward from the first edge to form the outermost face of the first edge, with the recess above the lower shoulder. 
     
     
         4 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 3 , wherein the first joint profile comprises an upper shoulder contiguous with the first panel outer face and extending outward from the first edge. 
     
     
         5 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 4 , wherein the upper shoulder and lower shoulder extend outward from the first edge the same distance, with the recess disposed therebetween. 
     
     
         6 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 3 , wherein the recess is rectilinear, and extends to the outer face of the first panel. 
     
     
         7 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 3 , wherein the recess is curved at least in part, and extends to the outer face of the first panel. 
     
     
         8 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 4 , wherein the upper shoulder extends outward from the first edge a lesser distance than the lower shoulder, with the recess disposed therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 8 , wherein the recess is curved at least in part. 
     
     
         10 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , wherein the second joint profile comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive is configured to adhere to the factory-installed seam sealant when the joint is formed. 
     
     
         11 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , further comprising a release-liner on the pressure-sensitive adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure sensitive-adhesive is factory-applied. 
     
     
         13 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , wherein the second joint profile comprises a cove element. 
     
     
         14 . The integrated self-sealing joint system of  claim 1 , wherein the second joint profile comprises a butt joint element. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a weather resistant barrier overlaying the outer face of the first panel. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the weather resistant barrier is integrated with the first panel. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the seam sealant is circular or elliptical in cross-section. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the seam sealant is rectilinear in cross-section. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the seam sealant is affixed closer to the outer face of the first panel than the inner face. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the seam sealant does not expand beyond the lower shoulder toward the inner face.