U.S. patent application number 10/950182 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for corner molding for wall covering assembly.
Invention is credited to Hintze, Peter A..
Application Number | 20050102959 10/950182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34576632 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050102959 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hintze, Peter A. |
May 19, 2005 |
Corner molding for wall covering assembly
Abstract
A corner molding for a solid wall covering includes a base
section and a cap section. The cap section is attached to the base
section, and together with the base section, defines a first
channel and a second channel, the channels configured to accept the
solid wall covering. The cap section is configured to project over
an edge of the solid wall covering.
Inventors: |
Hintze, Peter A.; (Hudson,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DICKE, BILLIG & CZAJA, P.L.L.C.
FIFTH STREET TOWERS
100 SOUTH FIFTH STREET, SUITE 2250
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
34576632 |
Appl. No.: |
10/950182 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60505460 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/716.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 19/061 20130101;
E04F 19/022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/716.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A corner molding for a solid wall covering comprising: a base
section; and a cap section attached to the base section and
together with the base section defining a first channel and a
second channel, the channels configured to accept the solid wall
covering, wherein the cap section is configured to project over an
edge of the solid wall covering.
2. The corner molding for a wall covering of claim 1, wherein the
base section and the cap section are wood.
3. The corner molding for a wall covering of claim 2, wherein the
base section and the cap section are solid.
4. The corner molding of claim 1, wherein the base section is
configured to be positioned at an interior junction of two
intersecting walls.
5. The corner molding of claim 1, wherein the base section is
configured to be positioned at an exterior junction of two
intersecting walls.
6. The corner molding of claim 1, wherein the cap section is
configured to project over an uneven edge of the solid wall
covering.
7. The corner molding of claim 1, wherein the solid wall covering
is a tongue and groove wall covering.
8. A wall covering assembly comprising: at least one interior
corner molding having an interior cap section and defining at least
one interior corner channel; at least one exterior corner molding
having an exterior cap section and defining at least one exterior
corner channel; at least one section of a solid wall covering
configured to extend between the at least one interior corner
channel and the at least one exterior corner channel; wherein the
interior and exterior corner channels are configured to accept the
solid wall covering; and wherein the interior cap section and the
exterior cap section are configured to project over respective
edges of the solid wall covering.
9. The wall covering assembly of claim 8, wherein the solid wall
covering is selected from the group consisting of knotty pine
board, hardwood board, particle board, laminated board, and
composite board.
10. A method of attaching a solid wall covering to a wall
comprising: affixing a first portion of the solid wall covering to
the wall; affixing, to the wall, a sequence of adjacent solid wall
covering portions extending from the first portion including:
affixing a last portion of the solid wall covering to the wall, the
last portion completing the sequence of adjacent solid wall
covering portions extending from the first portion; and affixing a
corner molding over an edge of the last portion of the solid wall
covering, wherein the corner molding includes a cap section
attached to a base section and defines at least one channel
configured to accept the solid wall covering, the cap section
configured to project over the edge of the last portion of the
solid wall covering.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: affixing an
interior corner molding having an interior cap section and defining
at least one interior corner channel to an interior corner of the
wall.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein affixing a first portion of the
solid wall covering to the wall includes coupling a first edge of
the solid wall covering to the interior corner channel.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein affixing a corner molding
includes affixing an exterior corner molding over an edge of the
last portion of the solid wall covering.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein affixing a corner molding
includes affixing a solid wood corner molding.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein affixing a corner molding
includes affixing a corner molding over an uneven edge of the last
portion of the solid wall covering.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein affixing a corner molding
includes gluing a base section of the corner molding to the
wall.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein affixing a corner molding
includes nailing a cap section of the corner molding to the solid
wall covering and to the wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit
of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/505,460 filed Sep. 24, 2003, entitled "CORNER MOLDING FOR WALL
COVERING ASSEMBLY."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A recent resurgence in the housing market has resulted in an
increase in new home construction and the remolding of existing
homes. A feature common to both new home construction and the
remolding of existing homes is the attachment of wall coverings to
walls.
[0003] One particularly favored wall covering includes paneling.
Paneling, in general, includes composite structures and wooden
structures, including, for example, solid wood structures such as
knotty pine boards. The paneling can incorporate a variety of
surface textures and visual features that appeal to consumers'
decorating preferences.
[0004] With this background in mind, the paneling is applied to a
wall area, generally spanning the width of the wall and extending
from floor to ceiling. In - this tegard, not all walls are smooth
and square. Consequently, any variation in the wall surface will
result in a corresponding visibly noticeable variation in the wall
covering, most often discernable along edges of the wall covering.
Understandably, members of the building trades and consumers of
home remolding products have a desire to efficiently and
beautifully attach finished wall coverings that are aesthetically
pleasing and simple to install. Therefore, advancements in the
simple installation of aesthetically pleasing solid wall coverings
are desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a corner
molding for a solid wall covering. The corner molding includes a
base section and a cap section. The cap section is attached to the
base section, and together with the base section, defines a first
channel and a second channel. The channels are configured to accept
the solid wall covering. The cap section is configured to project
over an edge of the solid wall covering.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of
attaching a solid wall covering to a wall. The method includes
affixing a first portion of the solid wall covering to the wall.
The method includes affixing, to the wall, a sequence of adjacent
solid wall covering portions extending from the first portion,
including affixing a last portion of the solid wall covering to the
wall, the last portion completing the sequence of adjacent solid
wall covering portions extending from the first portion. The method
includes affixing a corner molding over an edge of the last portion
of the solid wall covering. The corner molding includes a cap
section attached to a base section and defines at least one channel
configured to accept the solid wall covering. The cap section is
configured to project over the edge of the last portion of the
solid wall covering.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wall covering assembly
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wall covering
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an interior corner
molding according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior corner molding
of FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exterior corner
molding according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exterior corner molding
of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which
is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional
terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading,"
"trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the
Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the
present invention can be positioned in a number of different
orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of
illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that
other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to
be taken in a limiting sense.
[0014] One embodiment of a wall covering assembly 20 is generally
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of
the wall covering assembly 20 and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view
of the wall covering assembly 20. With reference to FIG. 1, the
exemplary wall covering assembly 20 includes an interior corner
molding 22, an exterior corner molding 24, a first wall covering
section 26, and a second wall covering section 28. In one
configuration, wall covering sections 26 and 28 are solid and
couple together at a joint 30. In one embodiment, joint 30 is a
tongue and groove joint. Joint 30 ca take various forms. For
example, joint 30 can be a mitered joint, a lap joint, a butt
joint, or any other suitable joint that couples first wall covering
section 26 with second wall covering section 28. Additionally, wall
covering sections 26 and 28 are illustrated as being distinct from
one another. However, in other embodiments, the first and second
wall covering sections 26 and 28 are substantially identical in
conformation, such that first wall covering section 26 is
substantially a replicate of second wall covering section 28.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 2, a wall 40 has an interior corner 42 and
an exterior corner 44. In accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention, first and second wall covering sections 26 and
28 extend between interior corner molding 22 and exterior corner
molding 24. Wall covering section 26 includes edges 46 and 47, and
wall covering section 28 includes edges 48 and 49. Generally, edges
46, 47, 48, and 49 of wall covering sections 26 and 28 are formed
individually. Accordingly, accurate and exact edges 46, 47, 48, and
49 are labor intensive to craft. Alternately, edges 46, 47, 48, and
49 can be quickly formed, often resulting in gaps and inaccurate
joints 30, which affect both the appearance and the alignment of
wall covering sections 26 and 28 and joint 30. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, interior corner molding 22 and exterior corner molding 24
are configured to project over edges 46, 47, 48, and 49 of
respective wall covering sections 26 and 28 to create an aligned
and an aesthetically pleasing finished wall covering assembly 20 on
wall 40.
[0016] A cross-sectional view of interior corner molding 22
according to one embodiment of the present invention is generally
illustrated in FIG. 3. Interior corner molding 22 includes a base
section 50 and a cap section 52. Cap section 52 is attached to base
section 50, and together they define a first channel 54 and a
second channel 56. First and second channels 54 and 56 are
configured to accept a wall covering, such as wall covering
sections 26 and 28 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In one embodiment,
base section 50 defines an angle A that is configured to occupy the
space between adjacent walls. In one embodiment, angle A is
approximately 90 degrees such that base section 50 occupies the
space between orthogonal walls (shown in FIG. 2). When interior
corner molding 22 is employed as a portion of wall covering
assembly 20, cap section 52 is configured to project over edges 46
and 47 (shown in FIG. 2) of wall covering sections 26 and 28. In
one embodiment, the edges 46 and 47 are uneven (i.e., edges 46 and
47 have variations that impair alignment with other portions of
wall coverings) and the cap section 52 is configured to project
over, and visually hide, edges 46 and 47.
[0017] Interior corner molding 22 is configured to cooperate with
exterior corner molding 24 (shown FIGS. 1 and 2) and first and
second wall covering sections 26 and 28 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in
forming a visually pleasing finished solid wall covering assembly
20 on walls 40. With reference to FIG. 3, interior corner molding
22 has a specific geometry. For example, interior corner molding 22
defines channels 54 and 56 that have a channel width indicated by
arrows 60 selected to accommodate a width of wall covering sections
26 and 28. Channels 54 and 56 of interior corner molding 22 also
each have a channel depth indicated by arrows 62, which corresponds
to the amount of overhang, or the amount that cap section 52
projects over edges 46 and 47. Further, for aesthetic and
functional reasons, cap section 52 has a fascia width indicated by
arrows 64. Interior corner molding 22 has a molding width indicated
by arrows 66, that corresponds to the planform size employed to
fabricate interior corner molding 22. In one embodiment, interior
corner molding 22 is fabricated in a one-pass cutting operation to
simultaneously form channel width 60, channel depth 62, and fascia
width 64.
[0018] In one example embodiment, interior corner molding 22 is
sized to accommodate approximately 3/8 inch tongue and groove #2
knotty pine wall covering sections 26 and 28. In this example
embodiment of interior corner molding 22, channel width 60 is
selected to be approximately 3/8 of an inch, channel depth 62 is
selected to be approximately 1/4 inch, and fascia width 64 is
selected to be approximately 1/4 inch. In this example embodiment,
molding width 66 is selected to be approximately 7/8 inch such that
the planform of interior corner molding 22 can be fabricated by a
cutting machine in one pass.
[0019] In another example embodiment, interior corner molding 22 is
configured to accommodate approximately 3/4 inch tongue and groove
#2 knotty pine wall sections 26 and 28. In this example embodiment,
channel width 60 is selected to be approximately 3/4 inch, channel
depth 62 is selected to be approximately 1/4 inch, and fascia width
64 is selected to be approximately 1/4 inch. In this example
embodiment, molding width 66 is selected to be approximately 1/8
inch such that the planform of interior corner molding 22 can be
fabricated in a one pass cutting operation.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of interior
corner molding 22 which is formed of solid material. In particular,
base section 50 and cap section 52 are solid. Together, base
section 50 and cap section 52 define first channel 54 and second
channel 56, channels 54 and 56 being configured to accept wall
covering sections 26 and 28. In one embodiment, channels 54 and 56
are rigidly supported by base section 50 and cap section 52, such
that channels 54 and 56 resist collapse and deflection.
Additionally, solid base section 50 and solid cap section 52 permit
molding 22 to be fastened with mechanical or chemical fasteners.
For example, fasteners such as glues, epoxies, and nails and/or
screws, can be employed in attaching molding 22 to wall 40 (shown
in FIG. 2) without deformation, warping, or denting of molding 22.
In one embodiment, interior corner molding 22 is fabricated from a
synthetic material, such as plastic. Alternately, interior corner
molding 22 can be fabricated from a composition of material
including a blend of natural wood and synthetic materials.
[0021] A cross-sectional view of exterior corner molding 24
according to one embodiment of the present invention is generally
illustrated in FIG. 5. Exterior corner molding 24 includes a base
section 80 and a cap section 82. Cap section 82 is attached to base
section 80, and together they define a first exterior corner
channel 84 and a second exterior corner channel 86. First and
second exterior corner channels 84 and 86 are configured to accept
wall covering sections 26 and 28 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). In one
embodiment, base section 80 defines an angle B that is configured
to occupy the space between adjacent walls (e.g., exterior corner
44 shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, angle B is approximately 90
degrees such that base section 80 occupies the space between
orthogonal walls. As illustrated in FIG. 2, base section 80
occupies an exterior corner 44 between two adjacent walls such that
cap section 82 is configured to extend beyond base section 80 and
project over edges 48 and 49.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, exterior corner
molding 24 defines a primary channel width 90 sized to accommodate
a width of wall covering sections 26 and 28. Exterior corner
molding 24 defines a primary channel depth indicated by arrows 92,
a primary fascia width indicated by arrows 94, and a fascia depth
indicated by arrows 96. As illustrated in FIG. 5, cap section 82
includes primary fascia width 94 comprising primary channel depth
92 and fascia depth 96, and as such, cap section 82 is configured
to project over edges (for example edges that are imprecisely
formed) 48 and 49 of wall covering section 28. Exterior corner
molding 24 has an exterior molding width indicated by arrows 98
that characterizes the dimension of raw material from which
exterior corner molding 24 is formed. In one embodiment, exterior
corner molding 24 is fabricated in a one-pass cutting operation
such that primary channel width 90, primary channel depth 92,
primary fascia width 94, and fascia depth 96 are formed
simultaneously.
[0023] Exterior corner molding 24 is configured to accept wall
covering sections 26 and 28 of varying sizes. In one example
embodiment, exterior corner molding 24 is sized to accommodate
approximately 3/8 inch tongue and groove #2 knotty pine wall
covering sections 26 and 28. In this example embodiment, primary
channel width 90 is selected to be approximately 3/8 inch, primary
channel depth 92 is selected to be approximately 1/4 inch, primary
fascia width 94 is selected to be approximately 13/8 inch, fascia
depth 96 is selected to be approximately 1/4 inch, and exterior
mold width 98 is selected to be approximately 15/8 inch.
[0024] In another example embodiment, exterior corner molding 24 is
sized to accommodate approximately 3/4 inch tongue and groove #2
knotty pine wall covering sections 26 and 28. In this example
embodiment, primary channel width 90 is selected to be
approximately 3/4 inch, primary channel depth 92 is selected to be
approximately 1/4 inch, primary fascia width 94 is selected to be
approximately 13/4 inch, fascia depth 96 is selected to be
approximately 1/4 inch, and exterior molding width 98 is selected
to be approximately 2 inch.
[0025] In one embodiment, exterior corner molding 24 is fabricated
from natural wood. In an alternate embodiment, exterior corner
molding 24 is fabricated from a synthetic material, for example,
plastic. In yet another embodiment, exterior corner molding 24 is
fabricated from a combination of natural and synthetic
materials.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of exterior
corner molding 24 formed of solid material. In particular, base
section 80 and cap section 82 are solid. Together, base section 80
and cap section 82 define first exterior corner channel 84 and
second exterior corner channel 86, exterior corner channels 84 and
86 being configured to accept wall covering sections 26 and 28. In
this embodiment, exterior corner channels 84 and 86 are rigidly
supported by base section 80 and cap section 82, such that exterior
corner channels 84 and 86 resist collapse and deflection.
Additionally, solid base section 80 and solid cap section 82 permit
molding 24 to accept a variety of chemical and mechanical
fasteners. For example, molding 24 can be attached to wall 40
(shown in FIG. 2) with glues, epoxies, and/or nails and/or screws,
without deformation or denting. In one embodiment, exterior corner
molding 24 is fabricated from a synthetic material, such as
plastic. Alternately, exterior corner molding 24 can be fabricated
from a composition of material including a blend of natural wood
and synthetic materials.
[0027] With reference to FIG. 2, wall 40 can be non-uniform (i.e.,
wavy), which is especially the case for older walls 40 in need of a
wall covering. An expert, such as a carpenter, can craft wall
covering sections having joints that precisely meet at interior
coiner 42 and exterior corner 44. However, precise joints between
adjoining wall covering sections crafted by a non-expert require
great effort and time, and still often result in a less than
pleasing finished wall covering.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 2, wall 40 includes a solid wall
covering assembly 20 having no visible imperfections that can be
quickly assembled by any do-it-yourself person. It is desired that
wall covering sections 26 and 28 be positioned on wall 40 in a
level and plumb manner. Specifically, it is desired that joint 30
is substantially vertical and wall covering sections 26 and 28 are
pleasingly aligned. Additionally, wall covering sections 26 and 28
should terminate precisely at corners 42 and 44. However, because
wall 40 is non-uniform, achieving the desired joint 30 and mating
sections 26 and 28 at corners 42 and 44 can be difficult, if not
impossible, for many do-it-yourself persons. This problem is solved
by one embodiment of the present invention where interior corner
molding 22 and exterior corner molding 24 are configured to accept
wall covering sections 26 and 28 such that cap sections 52 and 82
project over edges 46, 47, 48, and 49. Consequently, edges 46, 47,
48, and 49 can be formed quickly and without exacting precision
because cap sections 52 and 82 cover the imperfections. The
resulting solid wall covering assembly 20 is uniform in appearance,
and corners 42 and 44 are capped by the uniform and pleasing cap
sections 52 and 82.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 2, in an example embodiment, interior
corner molding 22 is fastened into interior corner 42. Wall
covering section 26 is selected and an edge 47 is coupled to
channel 54 (shown in FIG. 3). A second wall covering section 28 is
positioned adjacent to wall covering section 26 such that joint 30
is vertical and precise. In configuring joint 30 to be vertical and
precise, edge 47 can vary from a vertical orientation. However,
this variation is visually obviated by cap section 52 (shown in
FIG. 3).
[0030] In one wall covering process, wall covering section 26 is
fixed in place. Second wall covering section 28 is then cut to a
desired size, which forms edge 48. Wall covering section 28 is then
positioned and fixed in place. Vertical joint 30 is established,
but edge 48 can be non-vertical (i.e., wavy, or not uniform).
Exterior corner molding 24 is positioned and attached to wall 40
such that edge 48 is engaged by channel 86 (shown in FIG. 5). Edge
48 is covered by cap 82 (shown in FIG. 5). In this example
embodiment, joint 30 is vertical and precise, and cap sections 52
and 82 project over edges 47 and 48, respectively, to create a
visually pleasing finished wall covering assembly 20 on wall 40. In
one embodiment, edges 47 and 48 can vary by as much as
approximately {fraction (2/8)} inches from plumb (or from a linear
line) and still be covered by cap sections 52 and 82. Other
dimensions are possible for moldings 22 and 24 that will permit
even larger variations in edges 47 and 48.
[0031] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific corner moldings
shown and described without departing from the scope of the present
invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or
variations of the corner moldings discussed herein. Therefore, it
is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and
the equivalents thereof.
* * * * *