U.S. patent application number 15/344640 was filed with the patent office on 2017-02-23 for double fabric faced injection molded fixture.
The applicant listed for this patent is MGNT Products Group, LLC. Invention is credited to William M. DeJesus, Larry Meyers, Peter Nielsen.
Application Number | 20170050353 15/344640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51788630 |
Filed Date | 2017-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170050353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeJesus; William M. ; et
al. |
February 23, 2017 |
DOUBLE FABRIC FACED INJECTION MOLDED FIXTURE
Abstract
A method of forming a drain fixture is disclosed along with the
resulting structure. The method includes the steps of aligning two
preformed fabrics on top of each other, with connecting elements
positioned between the fabrics and bonded to each of the two
fabrics, positioning the connected two fabrics in a mold and
centering the connected fabrics inside the mold by means of the
connecting elements, injecting a plastic material through openings
in the connecting elements, and filling the space between the two
fabrics with the plastic material.
Inventors: |
DeJesus; William M.;
(Charlotte, NC) ; Nielsen; Peter; (Purcellville,
VA) ; Meyers; Larry; (Layton, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MGNT Products Group, LLC |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51788630 |
Appl. No.: |
15/344640 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13934304 |
Jul 3, 2013 |
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15344640 |
|
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61816334 |
Apr 26, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 45/14508 20130101;
B29C 45/14631 20130101; B29C 45/0046 20130101; B29C 2045/14532
20130101; F16L 23/12 20130101; B29K 2101/12 20130101; B29C 45/14065
20130101; B29C 2045/14147 20130101; B29K 2713/00 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; F16L 23/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29C 45/00 20060101
B29C045/00; B29C 45/14 20060101 B29C045/14 |
Claims
1. A method of forming a drain fixture comprising: positioning two
aligned preformed fabrics on top of each other, with connecting
elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded to each of the
two fabrics in a mold and centering the connected fabrics inside
the mold by means of the connecting elements; and injecting a
plastic material through openings in the connecting elements to
fill the space between the two fabrics with the plastic
material.
2. A method according to claim 1 comprising superimposing nonwoven
fabrics selected from the group consisting of acrylic, nylon,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE,
polyester, polycarbonate and polyurethane.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said connecting elements
are formed of a polymer resin that has a higher melting temperature
than said plastic material that is injected between said
fabrics.
4. A method according to claim 1 comprising injecting a plastic
material selected from the group consisting of acrylic, nylon,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE,
polyester, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS).
5. A method of forming a double fabric faced injection molded
flange comprising: superimposing a first temperature resistant
fabric on a rigid temperature resistant fixture plate; positioning
a temperature resistant spacer on the first fabric opposite the
fixture plate; placing an alignment pin in the spacer on the fabric
overlying the fixture plate; superimposing a second fabric over the
first fabric and spaced from the first fabric by the spacer while
aligning the second fabric on the alignment pin; and removing the
alignment pins and adding a melted plastic resin into the spacer,
and through the spacer and between the fabrics while the fabrics
and plate are clamped in a mold.
6. A method according to claim 5 comprising superimposing nonwoven
fabrics.
7. A method according to claim 5 comprising positioning a plurality
of spacers and respective alignment pins on the first fabric.
8. A method according to claim 5 further comprising connecting a
drain pan and a pan nipple to said injection molded flange.
9. A method according to claim 8 comprising molding said pan and
pan nipple with said injection molded flange.
10. A method according to claim 5 comprising adding the melted
thermoplastic resin into the spacer between a plurality of spacing
cylinders and thereafter over a support disk and into the space
between said first and second fabrics defined by said spacer.
11. A method according to claim 5 wherein said temperature
resistant spacer is formed of a plastic that has a higher melting
temperature than said plastic resin that is injected between said
fabrics.
12. A method according to claim 5 comprising injecting a
thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of acrylic,
nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl
chloride, PTFE, polyester, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
13-25. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to copending application Ser.
No. ______ filed concurrently herewith for "Integrated Bonding
Flange Support Disk for Prefabricated Shower Tray."
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to the construction of
waterproof systems in the mortar-bonded environment. Such
environments typically include tiled floors and walls and
associated fixtures and drains (e.g., in showers).
[0003] Conventional methods of installing ceramic tile shower
floors have typically included several steps. First, a sloped
mortar bed is installed that slopes from an edge (e.g., a wall, a
curb, or some other border) to the position of a drain in a
subfloor. This mortar bed is typically referred to as sloped fill,
or "pre-slope". A waterproof barrier, commonly referred to as a
shower pan liner, is subsequently positioned over the sloped mortar
bed and fixed to the drain. Conventional shower pan liners are not
designed to bond to a substrate or to ceramic or stone tile and
thus a second non-bonded ("floating") mortar bed must be overlaid
to provide a load distribution layer and bonding surface for the
tile. To have sufficient strength and mass, such non-bonded mortar
beds for shower floors should have a minimum thickness of at least
about 1.50-inches and should be reinforced with galvanized wire
mesh to comply with industry standard guidelines. This method of
shower floor construction has proven over time to be reliable when
properly built, but requires a high degree of trade knowledge and
skill and takes considerable time to construct.
[0004] More recently, changing consumer preferences, designer
influences, and in some cases the unavailability of craftsmen
skilled in these techniques have driven changes in consumer
preferences, and in the manner in which such showers (or equivalent
structures) are constructed. In particular, the trends point toward
simplified shower installation methods and systems.
[0005] To facilitate these trends, integrated systems have recently
been developed that use lighter materials, and that can be
installed using quicker, simplified methods. Much of this progress
has been made possible with the advent of a new generation of
materials that allow each layer to be bonded to the previous. Many
of these materials that have been developed in recent years have
incorporated fabric faces which are integrally molded onto
component faces. In particular, because the relevant mortar
materials mechanically lock to the open three dimensional structure
of the fabric face, the fabric faces enable waterproofing
membranes, drains and other components to be mortar bondable. In
some cases these systems are formed of a prefabricated shower tray
(typically formed of polymer foam) which is mortar bonded to the
subfloor. In some typical systems, a waterproofing membrane,
referred to as a load bearing, bonded waterproof membrane, is fixed
to the foam tray with thin set mortar. The tile is then bonded over
the membrane, again using thin set mortar. Thus, a typical
integrated system could include (in order) substrate/initial mortar
layer/shower tray/second mortar layer/membrane/third mortar
layer/tile.
[0006] As a further convenience, a pre-manufactured flanged drain
fixture can be positioned on the mortar on the tray to provide a
structural location for the drain grate, to provide ample surface
adhesion for the waterproofing membrane, and to connect the drain
to the remainder of the plumbing. In many circumstances, the
flanged drain fixture is formed to include a circular, square or
rectangular flange with the drain opening in the desired location
(typically the center). This flange is typically pressed against
the thin set mortar on the tray and provides the necessary surface
for adhering and bonding the waterproofing membrane. The flange
also helps provide structural support for the final drain fixture
and its grate. In a typical construction, after the flanged drain
fixture is positioned on the foam tray (and mortar), another layer
of thin set mortar is applied over the entire surface, following
which a load bearing, bonded waterproof membrane is added. The
final tile surface is added over the membrane, again using thin set
mortar.
[0007] In order to provide adequate adhesion and form a water tight
seal between the membrane, thin set mortar, and the flanged drain
assembly, the top surface of the drain assembly has typically
included an incorporated fabric layer. For a number of reasons,
including conventional manufacturing techniques, the bottom of the
flanged drain fixture, which likewise must be set with thin set
mortar, has not included such an integrated fabric face. As a
result, such drain flanges lack an adequate bonding surface between
the bottom of the drain flange and to the thin set mortar that
supports the drain flange assembly. Providing and maintaining
support beneath the drain is nevertheless quite important because
the drain area tends to experience much of the loading forces in
this type of structure.
[0008] Accordingly, a need exists for a drain flange fixture that
includes an integrated fabric on all surfaces (typically upper and
lower) that receive or contact thin set mortar.
SUMMARY
[0009] In one aspect the method of the invention includes the steps
of aligning two preformed fabrics on top of each other, with
connecting elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded to
each of the two fabrics, positioning the connected two fabrics in a
mold and centering the connected fabrics inside the mold by means
of the connecting elements, injecting a plastic material through
openings in the connecting elements, and filling the space between
the two fabrics with the plastic material.
[0010] In another aspect the invention is a method of forming a
double fabric faced injection molded fixture. The method includes
the steps of superimposing a first temperature resistant fabric on
a rigid temperature resistant fixture plate, positioning a
temperature resistant spacer on the first fabric opposite the
fixture plate, placing an alignment pin in the spacer on the fabric
overlying the fixture plate, superimposing a second fabric over the
first fabric and spaced from the first fabric by the spacer while
aligning the second fabric on the alignment pin, removing the
alignment pins and adding a melted thermoplastic or thermosetting
resin into the spacer, and through the spacer and between the
fabrics while the fabrics and plate are clamped in a mold.
[0011] In another aspect the invention is a double fabric faced
plumbing fixture. The fixture includes two planar fabric layers
separated by a planar thermoplastic or thermoset core layer with
each planar fabric layer fused to the plastic core layer.
[0012] In another aspect the invention is a spacer for injection
molding. The spacer includes a support plate, a plurality of
spacing uprights on the support plate for defining the spacing
characteristics of the spacer, and with the spacing uprights
defining an injection opening there between, and a pin cylinder
depending from the support plate opposite the spacing uprights.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gate button spacer
according to the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the aluminum fixture plate
used in the method of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the fixture plate with the
bottom face fabric positioned upon it.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the fixture plate with the
bottom face fabric and the gate button spacers.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the fixture plate with the
bottom face fabric and the gate along with the spacers and the
alignment pins.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fixture plate with the
bottom face fabric, the gate spacer buttons, the alignment pins,
and the top face fabric.
[0019] FIG. 7 is the same view as FIG. 6 but showing the alignment
pins removed after the top face fabric is positioned.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the completed fabric
sandwich structure.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the top and bottom
face fabric separated by the gate button spacer
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG.
9.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective, partial cross-sectional
view of stacked gate spacer buttons.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the top and bottom
face fabrics, a gate spacer, and an injected plastic.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a finished flange.
[0026] FIG. 14 is another perspective view of a finished flange and
a cutaway portion illustrating the fabric sandwich.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the gate button spacer
and the top face fabric.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the gate button spacer
and fabric in an injection mold.
[0029] FIG. 17 is another cross sectional view of the gate button
spacer and fabric in an injection mold.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a drain alignment
fixture.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the fabric layers for the
drain alignment fixture.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a niche fixture.
[0033] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the fabric layers for the
niche fixture.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gate button spacer or
connecting element 20 according to the present invention. In order
to accommodate the method of the invention as described herein, the
gate button spacer is formed of a material that will withstand the
temperature required for the injection molding step. In
representative embodiments, the gate button spacer is molded from a
thermoplastic or thermosetting resin that has a higher melting
point than the melting point of the plastic injected to make the
entire flange. The resin for the spacer can be any polymer resin
that can withstand the structural stress of the mold and the
temperature of the injection molded plastic for the flange. The
selection is well understood by the skilled person, but (for
example) thermoplastics with relatively high melting points can
include fluoropolymers, liquid crystal polymers, polyamide,
polyimide, polyarylate, polyether keytone, polyether imide and
polysulfones.
[0035] In detail, the illustrated button spacer concludes a support
disk 21 which carries a plurality (four are illustrated) of spacing
cylinders 22 on its upper side. The spacing cylinders 22 each have
an upper cylinder surface 23 and an inclined edge 24. As
illustrated in FIG. 10, the height of the spacing cylinders 22
defines the thickness of the eventual flange, and thus can be
selected or designed for that purpose.
[0036] A pin 25 depends from the support disk 21 and terminates in
a pin frustum 26. The frustum 26 eases the alignment of the gate
button spacer with the alignment openings (FIG. 4) and helps make
the spacers stackable (FIG. 11). The geometry and positions of the
spacing cylinders 22 define an injection opening 27 centered in the
support disk 21 and that permits the melted resin to be added (FIG.
12).
[0037] In some embodiments the pin 25 is cylindrical and in other
embodiments the pin 25 has a square cross section. When a square
cross section is used, the gate button spacer can be more easily
oriented (or "clocked") to position the spacing cylinders 22 in a
predetermined position. This in turn fixes the flow path of the
melted resin as it is injected between the spacing cylinders (e.g.,
FIG. 12).
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a fixture plate broadly
designated at 30. As illustrated, the plate is generally square
with rounded corners, but it will be understood that the purpose of
the plate is to define the eventual molded fixture. Thus, a
different shape fixture plate can be used to produce a different
shape of flange and the invention (method or structure) is not
limited to the illustrated embodiments. The plate 30 is typically
formed of aluminum, although any material that has the necessary
structural strength, can be formed into the desired shape, and can
withstand molding temperatures, will be appropriate.
[0039] The plate 30 includes a plurality of corner positioning
holes 31 four of which are shown in the illustrated embodiment. The
corner positioning holes 31 receive the gate spacer buttons 20
(FIG. 4).
[0040] The plate 30 includes an incline 28 leading to a lower top
surface 33 from the upper top surface 32. The lower top surface 33
includes a tooling opening 34 illustrated in the center of the
lower top surface 33 and in the center of the overall plate 30.
This position is exemplary rather than limiting, however, as is the
circular shape of the tooling opening.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, but
illustrating the bottom face fabric 35 superimposed on the upper
top surface 32 and the incline 28 of the fixture plate 30. In order
to leave an opening for the eventual drain, the fabric does not
need to cover most of the lower top surface 33 of the plate fixture
30. Alternatively, if the fabric covers the lower surface
initially, the fabric can be trimmed later.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows the fixture plate 30 in the next progressive
step of the method in which the gate button spacers 20 have been
inserted through the bottom face fabric 35 and into the corner
positioning holes 31.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a view identical to FIG. 4 with the additional
illustration of the alignment pins 36. The alignment pins 36 serve
to position the top face fabric 37 in a desired orientation (FIG.
6).
[0044] FIG. 6 is the next step in the progression of the method.
FIG. 6 accordingly shows the fixture plate 30 in the same
orientation as FIGS. 2-5, but also illustrates the top face fabric
37. As will be seen with respect to FIGS. 12-14, the top and bottom
face fabrics 37, 35 are named based upon their eventual position in
the finished flange. In the view of FIG. 6, the bottom face fabric
35 is positioned underneath and spaced apart from the top face
fabric 37 by a distance defined by the spacing cylinders 22 of the
gate button spacers 20. Additionally, the alignment pins help
position the top face fabric 37 in the desired superimposed
relationship over both the bottom face fabric 35 and the fixture
plate 30.
[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates the next step in the progression of the
method in which the alignment pins 36 have been removed. This,
together with the exposed injection openings 27 in the respective
gate button spacers 20 provide a path to the volume between the
fabric sheets 35, 37 for the injected melted plastic (FIG. 12).
[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates the overlying relationship of the fabric
layers 35, 37 with the combination being broadly designated at 40.
The portion of the fixture plate that was not covered by fabric
(e.g., FIGS. 3-7) defines a drain plate opening 42 surrounded by a
drain perimeter 43. The gate spacer buttons 20 remain as a part of
the illustrated combination.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing the
relationship between and among the top face fabric 37, the bottom
face fabric 35, the gate button spacers 20 and their pin cylinders
25, the stepped incline 28, the drain plate opening 42, and the
drain perimeter 43.
[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates the same elements as FIG. 9, but in
cross sectional orientation.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the invention is shown as two
fabric layers with one plastic layer in between. The gate spacer
pins 20 are stackable in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11 so that
fabric assemblies can be (optionally) stacked together prior to
molding.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view illustrating in more
detail the relationship between the top face fabric 37, the bottom
face fabric 35, the gate spacer button 20 and the molded plastic
41. As FIG. 12 illustrates, the melted plastic resin for the core
is injected into the opening 27 in the gate spacer 20 in the
direction illustrated by the arrow 44. This permits the molten
plastic to flow between the spacing cylinders 22 and then between
the top and bottom face fabrics 37, 35. In general, sufficient
molded plastic 41 is added to fill the entire volume between the
fabric faces 35, 37 as defined by the fixture plate 30.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that this is a step of
efficiency and avoids waste rather than an absolute necessity. In
some cases, it may be advantageous to inject slightly less resin 41
and trim excess fabric while in other cases it might be
advantageous to inject surplus resin and trim it rather than the
fabric.
[0051] The plastic core can be formed of any resin that has the
appropriate structural strength (or can be molded to such strength
and that does not otherwise adversely affect other materials in the
overall structure (tile, mortar, membranes, etc.). Based upon the
method, the resin for the core has a melting point lower than the
melting point of the spacers 20 so that the spacers 20 maintain
their structural integrity as the melted core resin is added. In
exemplary embodiments, the core resin is selected from the group
consisting of acrylic, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene,
polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, PTFE, polyester, polycarbonate,
polyurethane and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS").
[0052] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a completed fixture broadly
designated at 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 45
includes the top face fabric 37, the bottom face fabric 35, and the
molded core 41. A pan 46 is molded to the drain opening 42 and
includes a threaded nipple 47. The pan and nipple are exemplary
rather than limiting, however, of the overall structure and method.
A comparison of FIG. 13 with FIG. 10 illustrates that in most
circumstances the pin 25 is removed (typically sheared or clipped)
from the finished fixture.
[0053] FIG. 14 is a slightly different perspective view of these
same elements with an enlarged cut out portion more clearly
illustrating the top fabric surface 37, the bottom 35 and the core
41. FIG. 14 also shows the interior of the pan 46 and the interior
of the threaded nipple 47.
[0054] The invention also includes a method of forming a drain
fixture. In this aspect, the method includes the steps of
positioning two aligned preformed fabrics on top of each other,
with connecting elements positioned between the fabrics and bonded
to each of the two fabrics in a mold and centering the connected
fabrics inside the mold by means of the connecting elements, and
injecting a plastic material through openings in the connecting
elements to fill the space between the two fabrics with the plastic
material.
[0055] In somewhat more detail, the invention includes the steps of
superimposing a first temperature resistant fabric on a rigid
temperature resistant fixture plate, positioning a temperature
resistant spacer on the first fabric opposite the fixture plate,
placing an alignment pin in the spacer on the fabric overlying the
fixture plate, superimposing a second fabric over the first fabric
and spaced from the first fabric by the spacer while aligning the
second fabric on the alignment pin, removing the alignment pins and
adding a melted polymer resin into the spacer, and through the
spacer and between the fabrics while the fabrics and plate are
clamped in a mold.
[0056] The relevant materials used in the method steps are, of
course, those described with respect to FIGS. 1-14.
[0057] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the gate button spacer
20 in relationship to the top face fabric 37. In particular, FIG.
15 illustrates that the preformed fabric 37 covers the inclined
edges 24 around the injection opening 27. This helps provide
additional sealing in the mold so that when melted thermoplastic
plastic is injected into the mold, the pressure that the plastic
exerts will not dislodge the fabric and the fabric will remain
sealed against the gate button spacer 20.
[0058] FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional view illustrating the
gate button spacer 20 in the mold 50. A feed opening 51 (also
referred to as a "sprue") is positioned in alignment over the
injection opening 27. After injection, the thermoplastic core 41 is
positioned in the mold 50 between the bottom face fabric 35 and the
top face fabric 37. FIG. 16 also illustrates that the pin 25 of the
gate button spacer 20 is positioned in an appropriate opening 52 in
the lower portion of the mold 50.
[0059] FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional, partial perspective
view of the fabric layers 35, 37 and the gates spacer in the
context of the injection mold 50. Most of the elements illustrated
in FIG. 17 are the same as those in FIG. 16, with the difference
being that FIG. 17 illustrates that in exemplary embodiments,
enough fabric is included to form a fabric lip 53 that extends
laterally between the upper and lower portions of the mold 50. The
fabric lip serves to enclose melted resin in the mold within the
fabrics 35, 37, but also provides a channel through which gas can
escape from the mold (while blocking melted plastic) as the liquid
plastic is injected from the sprue 51 into the gate spacer button
20.
[0060] Although the invention has been described in terms of the
double faced bonding flange for a shower drain, the method and
resulting structural advantages are helpful for any plastic part
that would normally not adhere well to mortar, but that is
convenient in the mortar bond environment.
[0061] Accordingly, FIG. 18 illustrates a drain alignment flange
broadly designated at 54. Such an alignment flange is typically
used near the drain opening to provide an aligned position for a
drain grate. FIG. 18 shows a current conventional flange body 55
with a plurality of mortar openings 56. The combination of the
flange body 55 and the openings 56 define an overall drain opening
57.
[0062] FIG. 19 illustrates a fabric sandwich entirely analogous to
that illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, but in the form that will mold the
drain alignment flange 54. Accordingly, the bottom face fabric 35
and the top face fabric 37 are both illustrated along with the gate
button spacers 20.
[0063] As illustrated, the drain alignment flange 54 has a
plurality of openings that permit mortar to set within and around
the remainder of the structure, because otherwise the mortar tends
not to adhere to the flange. Using the invention, however, the
fabric present on both faces provides an advantageous improved
adhesion to the thin set mortar. As a result, fewer openings are
necessary, so that in turn the overall fixture is stronger.
[0064] FIGS. 20 and 21 are corresponding illustrations of a niche
fixture broadly designated at 60. The niche fixture 60 is exemplary
of the type used to provide an indented shelf or similar opening in
a tile and mortar surface. The niche 60 can be covered with fabric
on both sides in the same manner as the previously illustrated
drain and flange fixtures. FIG. 20 illustrates that the niche
fixture 60 includes a plurality of walls 61 and a floor 62. The
illustrated embodiment is typical of niche fixtures that has a
width that conveniently fits between normal 16 inch center on
center stud construction. In a similar manner the depth of the
niche fixture (i.e., the width of the walls) is typical of the
depth available between walls in stud based construction. As
illustrated, the niche fixture 60 includes a flange 63 to help
secure it in position.
[0065] FIG. 21 illustrates the preformed fabric components for
molding that form the "sandwich" broadly designated at 64. This is
again formed of a lower fabric face 37, a top fabric face 35, the
gate button spacers 20, and the positioning holes 31.
[0066] In the drawings and specification there has been set forth a
preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms
have been employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the
invention being defined in the claims.
* * * * *