U.S. patent application number 10/788800 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-01 for transition strip for covering layers on a support surface.
Invention is credited to Chassee, Jeffrey D..
Application Number | 20050189723 10/788800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34887085 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050189723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chassee, Jeffrey D. |
September 1, 2005 |
Transition strip for covering layers on a support surface
Abstract
The combination of a support having an upwardly facing surface,
a transition strip on the support, and first and second layers
against the upwardly facing support surface. The transition strip
has a single piece that defines a horizontal wall, an upright wall
projecting angularly and upwardly away from the horizontal wall and
having first and second oppositely facing surfaces, and a cap on
the upright wall. The cap, horizontal wall and first surface on the
upright wall cooperatively define a U-shaped first receptacle
opening in one horizontal direction. The cap, second surface on the
upright wall, and upwardly facing surface on the support
cooperatively defining a U-shaped second receptacle opening
oppositely to the one horizontal direction. The first layer is
placed against the upwardly facing support surface and has a first
edge that nests in the U-shaped first receptacle. The second layer
is placed against the upwardly facing surface and has a second edge
that nests in the U-shaped second receptacle. The upright wall and
cap are substantially rigid and rigidly interconnected so that the
upright wall and cap have a substantially fixed relative
orientation.
Inventors: |
Chassee, Jeffrey D.; (Elk
Grove, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
34887085 |
Appl. No.: |
10/788800 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
277/411 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 19/061 20130101;
E04F 2019/0427 20130101; A47G 27/045 20130101; A47G 27/0462
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
277/411 |
International
Class: |
F01D 011/02 |
Claims
1. In combination: a support having an upwardly facing surface, a
transition strip on the support, the transition strip comprising a
single piece defining: a) a horizontal wall; b) an upright wall
projecting angularly and upwardly away from the horizontal wall and
having first and second oppositely facing surfaces; and c) a cap on
the upright wall, the cap, horizontal wall and first surface on the
upright wall cooperatively defining a U-shaped first receptacle
opening in one horizontal direction, the cap, second surface on the
upright wall and upwardly facing surface on the support
cooperatively defining a U-shaped second receptacle opening
oppositely to the one horizontal direction; a first layer placed
against the upwardly facing support surface and having a first edge
portion that nests in the U-shaped first receptacle; and a second
layer placed against the upwardly facing surface and having a
second edge portion that nests in the U-shaped second receptacle,
wherein the upright wall and cap are substantially rigid and
rigidly interconnected so that the upright wall and cap have a
substantially fixed relative orientation.
2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the first layer
comprises a rigid material.
3. The combination according to claim 2 wherein the rigid material
comprises at least one of plastic, wood, metal, stone, and a
composite.
4. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the first layer
comprises a flexible material.
5. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the second layer
comprises a rigid material.
6. The combination according to claim 5 wherein the rigid material
comprises at least one of plastic, wood, metal, stone, and a
composite.
7. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the second layer
comprises a flexible material.
8. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the single piece
comprises metal.
9. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the single piece
comprises a non-metal material.
10. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
first portion that projects a first distance from the upright wall
in the one horizontal direction and a second portion that projects
a second distance from the upright wall oppositely to the one
horizontal direction, and the first and second distances are
different.
11. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the horizontal
wall has oppositely facing flat surfaces respectively within first
and second reference planes and the horizontal wall is weakened so
that the horizontal wall is reconfigurable within a space between
the first and second reference planes.
12. The combination according to claim 1 wherein there are tack
prongs on the horizontal wall.
13. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the transition
strip is formed by an extrusion process.
14. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the upright wall,
cap and at least a part of the horizontal wall are substantially
rigid and rigidly interconnected so that the upright wall, cap and
at least part of the horizontal wall have a substantially fixed
relative orientation.
15. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the horizontal
wall, upright wall, and cap each have a thickness and the
thicknesses of the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are
substantially the same.
16. The combination according to claim 15 wherein the thicknesses
of the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are on the order of
0.055 inches.
17. The combination according to claim 15 wherein the thicknesses
of the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are in the range of
0.03-0.08 inches.
18. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
downwardly facing surface and the downwardly facing surface and
first surface on the upright wall meet at a radiused surface
portion.
19. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
downwardly facing surface and the downwardly facing surface and
second surface on the upright wall meet at a line.
20. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
downwardly facing surface and at least a part of the downwardly
facing surface at the first receptacle is spaced from the support a
first distance and at least a part of the downwardly facing surface
at the second receptacle is spaced from the support a second
distance that is different than the first distance.
21. The combination according to claim 20 wherein the second
distance is greater than the first distance.
22. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a
portion that is disposed at an angle to horizontal and the angle is
less than 25.degree..
23. The combination according to claim 22 wherein the angle is in
the range of 10-15.degree..
24. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the cap has a free
end that is rounded.
25. The combination according to claim 22 wherein the portion of
the cap terminates at a free end that is rounded.
26. The combination according to claim 1 wherein the transition
strip resides between first and second spaced, horizontal reference
planes and the transition strip is reconfigurable in a space
between the first and second planes.
27. In combination: a support having an upwardly facing surface, a
transition strip on the support, the transition strip comprising a
single piece defining: a) a horizontal wall; b) an upright wall
projecting angularly and upwardly away from the horizontal wall and
having first and second oppositely facing surfaces; and c) a cap on
the upright wall, the cap, horizontal wall and first surface on the
upright wall cooperatively defining a U-shaped first receptacle
opening in one horizontal direction, the cap, second surface on the
upright wall and upwardly facing surface on the support
cooperatively defining a U-shaped second receptacle opening
oppositely to the one horizontal direction; a first layer placed
against the upwardly facing support surface and having a first edge
portion that nests in the U-shaped first receptacle; and a second
layer placed against the upwardly facing surface and having a
second edge portion that nests in the U-shaped second receptacle,
wherein the first layer comprises a flexible material and the
second layer comprises a rigid material.
28. The combination according to claim 27 wherein the flexible
material comprises carpet.
29. A transition strip for accommodating adjacent edge portions of
layers on a horizontal support surface upon which the transition
strip is operatively placed, the transition strip comprising: a
horizontal wall; an upright wall projecting angularly and upwardly
away from the horizontal wall and having first and second
oppositely facing surfaces; and a cap on the upright wall, the cap,
horizontal wall, and first surface on the upright wall
cooperatively defining a U-shaped first receptacle opening in one
horizontal direction to receive an edge portion of one layer on a
support surface upon which the transition strip is operatively
placed, the cap, second surface on the upright wall and an upwardly
facing surface on a horizontal support upon which the transition
strip is operatively placed cooperatively defining a U-shaped
second receptacle opening oppositely to the one horizontal
direction to receive an edge portion of another layer on a support
surface upon which the transition strip is operatively placed,
wherein the upright wall and cap are substantially rigid and
rigidly interconnected so that the upright wall and cap have a
substantially fixed relative orientation.
30. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the
transition strip is defined as a single piece.
31. The transition strip according to claim 30 wherein the single
piece comprises metal.
32. The transition strip according to claim 30 wherein the single
piece comprises a non-metal material.
33. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the cap
projects a first distance from the upright walls in the one
horizontal direction and a second distance from the upright wall
oppositely to the one horizontal direction and the first and second
distances are different.
34. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the
horizontal wall has oppositely facing flat surfaces respectively
within first and second reference planes and the horizontal wall is
weakened so that the horizontal wall is reconfigurable within a
space between the first and second reference planes.
35. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein there are
tack prongs on the horizontal wall.
36. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the
transition strip is formed by an extrusion process.
37. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the
horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are substantially rigid and
rigidly interconnected so that the horizontal wall, upright wall,
and cap have a substantially fixed relative orientation.
38. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the
horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap each have a thickness and
the thicknesses of the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are
substantially the same.
39. The transition strip according to claim 29 wherein the
thicknesses of the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are on
the order of 0.03-0.08 inches.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to covering layers on support
surfaces, and, more particularly, to a transition strip that is
useable between adjacent, distinct covering layers.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] In many different residential and commercial environments,
floor treatments are applied in a manner that covering layers of
different color, composition, and/or thickness are transitioned
from one to the other over a contiguous expanse. In many
environments, high traffic areas are covered with hard/rigid
materials, such as wood, plastics, stone, composites, etc. Adjacent
areas may be carpeted.
[0005] It has long been known to use transition strips at locations
where the different floor coverings merge. One known transition
strip has a generally J-shaped configuration in cross section. A
longer horizontal wall is applied directly to the underlying
support surface, as by fasteners. An upright wall projects
angularly and upwardly away from the longer horizontal wall and
merges into a shorter, horizontal wall. The longer and shorter
horizontal walls, and one surface of the upright wall,
cooperatively define a horizontally opening, U-shaped receptacle
which is particularly suitable for receiving an edge portion of a
carpeting layer. By nesting in this receptacle, the edge of the
carpet is shielded by the shorter horizontal wall in such a manner
that there is neat edge appearance for the carpeting. The edge of
the carpeting is also shielded so that it is not prone to fraying,
tearing, or unraveling under the rigors of traffic.
[0006] The surface of the upright wall, facing oppositely to the
surface that bounds the receptacle, serves as an abutment for an
adjacent covering layer, such as tile, wood, or other rigid
material. The rigid covering layer has a corner defined at the
juncture of an exposed, upwardly facing surface thereon, and the
edge surface thereon that abuts to the upright wall. This corner
remains exposed. Because the corner remains exposed, installers are
required to precisely form the corner so that it has a neat
appearance. This may be particularly difficult in the event that
the edge surface of the rigid covering layers is contoured. Often,
the edge is unsightly. Alternatively, a significant amount of
additional time may be required to precisely form the corner on
site. This potentially adds to the overall expense of a
project.
[0007] Additionally, by reason of being exposed, the corner is
prone to being worn down, chipped, or otherwise marred in a manner
that the aesthetic aspects thereof are compromised. This is
particularly a problem in applications where the height of the
rigid floor covering layer exceeds that of the transition strip.
Alternatively, if the rigid floor covering has a lower profile than
that of the transition strip, the edge of the transition strip
represents a potential obstacle that could be tripped over by those
traversing the area around the transition location.
[0008] It is also known to form transition strip assemblies with at
least two joinable parts. A first anchoring part is secured to the
subjacent support surface and has connecting structure therein that
cooperates with connecting structure on a separate cap part. The
connecting structures are mated by moving the cap and anchoring
parts vertically against each other. This allows the cap part to be
installed in a simple press fit step. This two-part transition
strip assembly has a number of drawbacks.
[0009] Typically, the exposed, cap part of the transition strip
assembly is made form plastic, or other formable material. The
individual lengths of the cap material are prone to shrinking in a
lengthwise direction, which produces visible gaps between adjacent
lengths. Also, the plastic, or other material defining the cap
part, is prone to be cracked under the repetitive, anticipated
loading applied to the transition strip. In the worst case,
fragments of the cap may actually break off. All of the above
conditions may account for a generally unsightly appearance for the
transition strip.
[0010] Generally, two piece transition strip assemblies are
designed to be permanently installed. In the event that the cap
part is damaged, it may be difficult or impossible to separate the
cap part from the anchoring part for replacement thereof. A
decision may have to be made to either keep the damaged cap in
place or replace the entire transition strip assembly, including
the anchoring part.
[0011] Often the separate parts of the multi-part transition strip
assemblies are complex in configuration. As a result, the
manufacture thereof may be costly, as compared to single piece
transition strips that can be made by an extrusion process.
[0012] An additional potential problem with the multi-part
transition strip assembly arises with those constructions that
utilize a ratchet type connection. With this construction,
increased downward pressure on the cap causes the parts to engage
with a progressively increasing gripping force on the covering
layers. After initial installation, a concentrated loading force
may be unintentionally applied that increases the gripping force
beyond what is intended or practical. This may cause the cap to
have an irregular, wave pattern. Excessive force application by the
cap on a flexible layer, such as a carpet, may produce an unwanted
depression or bulging of the carpet in the vicinity of the cap
part.
[0013] Generally, while the multi-part transition strip assemblies
provide some flexibility at time of installation, they also
introduce the possibility of inconsistent, potentially less than
optimum, installation configurations.
[0014] Another problem with these types of transition strip
assemblies is that the parts are often made relatively flexible.
Under some conditions, this flexibility can cause a relative
shifting between the transition strip parts and the covering
layer(s), which could have a detrimental effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In one form, the invention is directed to the combination of
a support having an upwardly facing surface, a transition strip on
the support, and first and second layers against the upwardly
facing support surface. The transition strip has a single piece
that defines a horizontal wall, an upright wall projecting
angularly and upwardly away from the horizontal wall and having
first and second oppositely facing surfaces, and a cap on the
upright wall. The cap, horizontal wall and first surface on the
upright wall cooperatively define a U-shaped first receptacle
opening in one horizontal direction. The cap, second surface on the
upright wall, and upwardly facing surface on the support
cooperatively define a U-shaped second receptacle opening
oppositely to the one horizontal direction. The first layer is
placed against the upwardly facing support surface and has a first
edge that nests in the U-shaped first receptacle. The second layer
is placed against the upwardly facing surface and has a second edge
that nests in the U-shaped second receptacle. The upright wall and
cap are substantially rigid and rigidly interconnected so that the
upright wall and cap have a substantially fixed relative
orientation.
[0016] In one form, the first layer is made from a rigid
material.
[0017] The rigid material may be at least one of plastic, wood,
metal, stone, and a composite.
[0018] In one form, the first layer is made from a flexible
material.
[0019] In one form, the second layer is made from a rigid
material.
[0020] The rigid material may be at least one of plastic, wood,
metal, stone, and a composite.
[0021] In one form, the first layer is made from a flexible
material.
[0022] In one form, the single piece is made from metal.
[0023] The single piece may be made from a non-metal material.
[0024] In one form, the cap has a first portion that projects a
first distance from the upright walls in the one horizontal
direction and a second portion that projects a second distance from
the upright wall oppositely to the one horizontal direction. The
first and second distance may be different.
[0025] In one form, the horizontal wall has oppositely facing flat
surfaces within first and second reference planes and the
horizontal wall is weakened so that the horizontal wall is
reconfigurable within a space between the first and second
reference planes.
[0026] In one form, there are tack prongs on the horizontal
wall.
[0027] In one form, the transition strip is formed by an extrusion
process.
[0028] In one form, the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are
substantially rigid and rigidly interconnected so that the
horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap have a substantially fixed
relative orientation.
[0029] In one form, the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap each
have a thickness and the thicknesses of the horizontal wall,
upright wall, and cap are substantially the same.
[0030] In one form, the thicknesses of the horizontal wall, upright
wall, and cap are each on the order of 0.055 inch.
[0031] In one form, the thicknesses of the horizontal wall, upright
wall, and cap are on the order of 0.03-0.08 inches.
[0032] In one form, the cap has a downwardly facing surface and the
downwardly facing surface and first surface on the upright wall
meet at a radiused surface portion.
[0033] In one form, the cap has a downwardly facing surface and the
downwardly facing surface and second surface on the upright wall
meet at a line.
[0034] In one form, the cap has a downwardly facing surface and at
least a part of the downwardly facing surface at the first
receptacle is spaced from the support a first distance and at least
a part of the downwardly facing surface at the second receptacle is
spaced from the support a second distance that is different than
the first distance.
[0035] In one form, the first distance is greater than the second
distance.
[0036] In one form, the cap has a portion that is disposed at an
angle to horizontal, and the angle is less than 25.degree..
[0037] In one form, the angle is in the range of 10-15.degree..
[0038] In one form, the cap has a free end that is rounded.
[0039] In one form, the portion of the cap terminates at a free end
that is rounded.
[0040] In one form, the transition strip resides between first and
second spaced, horizontal reference planes and the transition strip
is reconfigurable in a space between the first and second
planes.
[0041] The invention is further directed to the combination of a
support having an upwardly facing surface, a transition strip on
the support, and first and second layers against the upwardly
facing support surface. The transition strip has a single piece
defining a horizontal wall, an upright wall projecting angularly
and upwardly away from the horizontal wall and having first and
second oppositely facing surfaces, and a cap on the upright wall.
The cap, horizontal wall and first surface on the upright wall
cooperatively define a U-shaped first receptacle opening in one
horizontal direction. The cap, second surface on the upright wall
and upwardly facing surface on the support cooperatively define a
U-shaped second receptacle opening oppositely to the one horizontal
direction. The first layer has a first edge portion that nests in
the U-shaped first receptacle. The second layer has a second edge
portion that nests in the U-shaped second receptacle. The first
layer is made from a flexible material with the second layer made
from a rigid material.
[0042] In one form, the flexible material is carpet.
[0043] The invention is further directed to a transition strip for
accommodating adjacent edge portions of layers on a horizontal
support surface upon which the transition strip is operatively
placed. The transition strip has a horizontal wall, an upright
wall, projecting angularly and upwardly away from the horizontal
wall and having first and second oppositely facing surfaces, and a
cap on the upright wall. The cap, horizontal wall, and first
surface on the upright wall cooperatively defining a U-shaped first
receptacle opening in one horizontal direction to receive an edge
portion of a one layer on a support surface upon which the
transition strip is operatively placed. The cap, second surface on
the upright wall and an upwardly facing surface on a horizontal
support upon which the transition strip is operatively placed
cooperatively define a U-shaped second receptacle opening
oppositely to the one horizontal direction to receive an edge
portion of another layer on a support surface upon which the
transition strip is operatively placed. The upright wall and cap
are substantially rigid and rigidly interconnected so that the
upright wall and cap have a substantially fixed relative
orientation.
[0044] In one form, the transition strip is defined as a single
piece.
[0045] In one form, the single piece is made from metal.
[0046] In one form, the single piece is made from a non-metal
material.
[0047] In one form, the cap projects a first distance from the
upright wall in the one horizontal direction and a second distance
from the upright wall oppositely to the one horizontal direction.
The first and second distance may be different.
[0048] In one form, the horizontal wall has oppositely facing flat
surfaces within first and second reference planes and the
horizontal wall is weakened so that the horizontal wall is
reconfigurable within a space between the first and second
reference planes.
[0049] In one form, there are tack prongs on the horizontal
wall.
[0050] In one form, the transition strip is formed by an extrusion
process.
[0051] In one form, the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap are
substantially rigid and rigidly interconnected so that the
horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap have a substantially fixed
relative orientation.
[0052] In one form, the horizontal wall, upright wall, and cap each
have a thickness and the thicknesses of the horizontal wall,
upright wall, and cap are substantially the same.
[0053] In one form, the thicknesses of the horizontal wall, upright
wall, and cap are each on the order of 0.03-0.08 inches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a transition strip,
according to the present invention, operatively placed on a support
surface and in operative relationship with two different covering
layers;
[0055] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art transition
strip associated with separate covering layers, with one of the
layers being rigid and the other being a flexible carpet;
[0056] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a transition
strip, according to the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the transition strip of
FIG. 3 upon a support and operatively engaged with separate
covering layers, in the form of a rigid material and a carpet;
[0058] FIG. 5 is a view as in FIG. 4 of a modified form of
transition strip, made of a plastic material and incorporating a
tack strip for carpet;
[0059] FIG. 6 is a view as in FIG. 5 of a further modified form of
transition strip, according to the present invention, and made from
a composite material;
[0060] FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan view of a modified
form of transition strip, according to the present invention, and
including weakening cuts to allow bending thereof;
[0061] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the transition strip in FIG.
7 with the strip in a bent configuration;
[0062] FIG. 9 is a view as in FIG. 7 of a further modified form of
weakening to allow reverse bending from that which is allowed with
the FIG. 7 configuration;
[0063] FIG. 10 is a view as in FIG. 9 wherein the transition strip
has been bent/reconfigured;
[0064] FIG. 11 is a view as in FIG. 6 of a further modified form of
transition strip, according to the present invention, and including
integral tack prongs;
[0065] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of another
form of transition strip, according to the present invention, and
having a modified cap configuration at the top thereof;
[0066] FIG. 13 is a view as in FIG. 12 with a further modified form
of cap configuration; and
[0067] FIG. 14 is a view as in FIGS. 12 and 13 of a still further
modified form of cap configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0068] The present invention is directed to a transition strip, as
depicted schematically in FIG. 1 at 10. The transition strip 10 is
intended to be used at the juncture of any two different covering
layers 12, 14 which are placed against an underlying, upwardly
facing surface 15 on a support 16. The covering layers 12, 14 may
be different by reason of their composition, thickness, color, etc.
Alternatively, it may be desirable, in some locations, to use the
transition strip 10 at the merger of the same type and color of
layers 12, 14. The covering layers 12, 14 may each be, for example,
any of carpeting, tile, wood, stone, plastic, or composite,
etc.
[0069] An exemplary, prior art transition strip is depicted in FIG.
2 at 18. The transition strip 18 has a horizontal wall 20, an
upright wall 22 projecting angularly and upwardly away from the
horizontal wall 20, and a cap 24. The cap 24, one surface 26 on the
upright wall 22, and the horizontal wall 20 cooperatively define a
horizontally opening U-shaped receptacle at 28 for the edge 30 of a
carpet layer 32. A rigid covering layer 34, which may be tile,
stone, wood, etc. is butted, or placed in close proximity, to the
surface 36 of the upright wall 22 facing oppositely to the one wall
surface 26. Commonly, the covering layer 34 has a thickness to
project up to, or as shown, vertically beyond, the top 38 of the
cap 24. This creates an exposed corner 40 which is contacted by
traffic over the transition strip 18 and prone to being worn,
chipped, marred, or otherwise altered over time.
[0070] The inventive transition strip 10, as shown in FIGS. 3 and
4, has a horizontal wall 44, an upright wall 46, projecting
angularly and upwardly away from the horizontal wall 44, and a cap
48. The upright wall 46 is preferably orthogonal to the horizontal
wall 20. This orthogonal relationship is not required, however. The
upright wall 46 has oppositely facing first and second surfaces 50,
52. The cap 48 has first and second portions 54, 56, respectively,
projecting generally horizontally and oppositely away from the
upright wall 46.
[0071] The first portion 54 of the cap 48, the first surface 50 of
the upright wall 46, and the horizontal wall 44 cooperatively
define a horizontally opening, U-shaped receptacle 58. The
horizontal wall 44 has a flat, downwardly facing surface 60 that
can be placed facially against the upwardly facing surface 15 of
the support 16 and suitably fixed thereto by a means, indicated at
64. The fixing means 64 might be separate fasteners, an adhesive,
integrating structure on the support 16, etc.
[0072] The receptacle 58 accepts the covering layer 12. While the
nature of the covering layer 12 is not critical, this receptacle
configuration is particularly suitable for receiving the edge
portion 66 of a carpet layer 68. The free edge 70 of the carpet
layer 68 may abut, or be placed in close proximity to, the first
surface 50 of the upright wall 46. The first portion 54 of the cap
48 covers the edge portion 66 so that a finished appearance results
without requiring a precise shaping and dimensioning of the free
edge 70 of the carpet layer 68. At the same time, the free edge 70
of the carpet layer 68 is not exposed to traffic, and thus not
prone to detrimentally shedding or unraveling, as might otherwise
initiate progressive deterioration of the carpet layer 70 over
time.
[0073] The first portion 54 of the cap 48 has a cantilevered
construction with a first straight section 72 that departs from the
upright wall 46 at substantially a right angle thereto. The first
section 72 merges into a second, straight section 74 that extends
downwardly from the first section 70 at an angle .alpha., which is
on the order of 15.degree., and preferably in the range of
10-20.degree. The section 74 terminates at a rounded free end 76.
The precise value for the angle .alpha. is not critical and can be
outside of the above-stated range, at either end thereof. The
angled orientation of the section 74 is desirable as it facilitates
a captive connection of a reconfigurable cover layer, such as the
depicted carpeting layer 68. At the same time, this construction
does not present an edge that is likely to being tripped upon as
the transition strip 18 is traversed.
[0074] The first portion 54 of the cap 48 has a downwardly facing
surface 78 which merges with the first surface 50 of the upright
wall 46 at a concavely radiused corner 80. The radiused corner 80
tends to deflect the inserted edge portion 66 of the carpet layer
68 in such a manner that the free edge 70 of the carpet layer 68
will not hang up on the transition strip 10, as it is directed into
the first receptacle 58. Additionally, by deflecting the edge
portion 66 of the carpet layer 58, the carpet layer 68 becomes
wedged in the receptacle 58 so that installation thereof is
facilitated and the carpet edge portion 66 is not prone to escaping
from the receptacle 58 after installation.
[0075] The second portion 56 of the cap 48 projects in cantilever
fashion from the upright wall 46, preferably substantially
orthogonally thereto. With the transition strip 10 secured to the
support 16, the second portion 56 of the cap 48, the second surface
52 on the upright wall 46, and the upwardly facing surface 15 on
the support 16 cooperatively define a horizontally opening,
U-shaped receptacle 82 that opens oppositely to the direction of
opening of the U-shaped receptacle 58. The covering layer 14, shown
in this embodiment as made from wood, is directed into the
receptacle 82 so that a free edge 84 thereon resides adjacent, or
abuts to, the second surface 52 on the upright wall 46. The second
portion 56 of the cap 48 has a downwardly facing surface 86 which
meets with the second surface 52 at a corner 88 along a line 90.
This sharp inside corner 88 allows a squared external corner 92 of
the cover layer 14 to be nested flushly therein. The second portion
56 of the cap 48 terminates at a free end 94.
[0076] In this embodiment, the first portion 54 of the cap 48
projects a first distance A from the upright wall 46, with the
second portion 56 of the cap 48 projecting a second distance B from
the upright wall 46. The distance A is less than the distance B in
this embodiment so that the receptacles 58, 82 have different
horizontal depths. This is desirable in part because of the
flexible nature of the carpet layer 58 which can be compressed into
the receptacle 82. Carpeting does not lend itself to precise edge
cutting on site and thus installers are offered a greater margin
for cutting error with this design.
[0077] On the other hand, a rigid form for the covering layer 14,
as depicted, is more conveniently cuttable on site to a precise
shape. The edge 84 of the layer 14 need not extend deeply into the
receptacle 82 for integrity purposes. All that is required is that
either a) the free end 94 of the second portion 56 of the cap 48
vertically overlie the cover layer 14, or b) the free end 94 be in
sufficiently close proximity to the edge 84 of the layer 14 that
contact in this region resulting from traffic thereagainst does not
produce a localized force on the corner 94 as might cause damage
thereto or undue wear thereon.
[0078] In one preferred form, the cap 48 and upright wall 46 are
sufficiently rigid, and rigidly interconnected so that the relative
orientations of the cap 48 and upright wall 46 are substantially
maintained. It is also desirable that the upright 46 and at least a
part of the horizontal wall 44 be sufficiently rigid, and rigidly
interconnected, so that the relative orientation of the part of the
horizontal wall 44 and upright wall 46 is substantially maintained.
This is preferably achieved by having a single piece define each of
the cap 48, upright wall 46, and at least a part of the horizontal
wall 44.
[0079] In the embodiment shown, the entire transition strip 10 is
formed as one piece. The transition strip 10 lends itself to
formation by an extrusion process. The depicted transition strip 10
has its primary components; the cap 48, upright wall 46, and
horizontal wall 44, formed with a substantially uniform thickness
over the majority of their extent. In one form, this thickness C is
on the order of 0.055 inches, and preferably in the range of
0.03-0.08 inches. The thickness C, as well as all other dimensions
for the transition strip 18, are dependent upon the particular
application and the nature of the material used. In the depicted
embodiment, exemplary dimensions are indicated below:
[0080] A=0.125 inch;
[0081] B=0.226 inch;
[0082] C=0.055 inch;
[0083] D=0.320 inch;
[0084] E=0.234 inch;
[0085] F=0.383 inch; and
[0086] G=1.00 inch.
[0087] The dimensions are intended only to be exemplary for a metal
construction, such as one using aluminum. The transition strip 10
could be made from other metal materials, including non-metal
materials, such as plastic (FIG. 5), composites (FIG. 6), etc.
[0088] By extrusion forming the transition strips 10, uniformity of
appearance is assured. The extrusion process also lends itself to
custom coloring batches of the transition strip 10 by pre-coloring
the extruded material. Alternatively, the extruded lengths can be
appropriately coated using conventional techniques. The extruded
lengths can be cut on site using conventional tooling.
[0089] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the transition strips, shown in a
modified form at 10', can be preweakened to facilitate
reconfiguration thereof to accommodate non-straight transition
regions, at which the covering layers 12, 14 meet. In this
embodiment, weakening lines 96 are formed through the horizontal
wall 44', preferably over the entire widthwise dimension thereof as
measured from the upright wall 46' to a free edge 98. Similar
weakening lines 100 may be formed over part, or the entirety, of
the width of the first cap portion 54'. This allows the transition
strip 10' to be bent and reconfigured within a space 102 bounded by
spaced, parallel reference planes P, P1, which bound the thickness
of the transition strip 18'. The horizontal wall 44' likewise
deforms in a space between two planes spaced by a distance equal to
the thickness of the wall 44'. More specifically, the transition
strip 18' can be bent from the straight configuration of FIG. 7
into a curved configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. As this occurs,
the horizontal wall 44' and cap portion 54' open into "V" shapes to
accommodate this reconfiguration. The upright wall 46' functions as
a hinge region. Optional cutouts, shown in dotted lines at 104 in
the second cap portion 56', may be pre-formed to accommodate this
bending.
[0090] Potential reverse bending is accommodated by strategically
providing weakening lines 106 in the second cap portion 56", and
weakening cutouts 108 in the first cap portion 54" and horizontal
wall 44", respectively, shown for a representative transition strip
10" in FIGS. 9 and 10, to allow the transition strip 10" to hinge
at the upright wall 46", as shown in FIG. 9.
[0091] By providing weakening cuts and cutouts on each of the
horizontal wall 44, upright wall 46, and cap sections 54, 56, a
universal design can be offered which can be bent in complexly, and
oppositely, curved shapes, as desired.
[0092] The invention also contemplates that tack prongs 112 may be
integrally formed with the horizontal wall 44'", as shown on the
transition strip 10'" in FIG. 11, to perform the function of a
conventional tack strip for the edge portion of a carpet layer. Of
course, a separate tack strip, as shown at 114 in FIG. 5, could
also be integrated into the transition strip 10.
[0093] The above description has been made to set out the basic
functional features contemplated by the invention and is intended
to be exemplary in nature only. Many different configurations and
dimensional variations from what is shown in FIGS. 1-11, and
described hereinabove, are contemplated. Representative, but not
all inclusive, examples of certain of these variations are
described below, with reference to FIGS. 12-14.
[0094] As seen in FIG. 12, a further modified form of transition
strip 10"" is shown with an upright wall 46"", which has a cap 48""
at the top thereof. The cap 48"" has first and second cap portions
54"", 56"", which each have the same construction, that is similar
to the cap portions 54, 56, described with respect to FIGS. 3 and
4, above.
[0095] In FIG. 13, a transition strip 10.sup.5x' is shown wherein a
cap 48.sup.5x' has first and second portions 54.sup.5x', 56.sup.5x'
having the same configuration, which is the same as, or similar to,
the configuration of the cap portion 54 described with respect to
FIGS. 3 and 4, above.
[0096] In FIG. 14, a further modified form of transition strip is
shown at 10.sup.6x' wherein a first cap portion 54.sup.6x' has the
same configuration as the previously described cap portion 56, with
the cap portion 56.sup.6x' having the same configuration as the
previously described cap portion 54.
[0097] The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended
to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the
invention.
* * * * *