ATTACHMENT IN MILLWORK APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to building products, and more particularly to a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Finishing trim products have been widely used in the construction industry. These products are designed so that imperfections in the fit of building components can be covered in order to produce a more aesthetically pleasing finished product. Finishing trim products provide an advantage in that rather than having to have all components of a building (e.g., drywall, window frames, etc.) fit perfectly, these components can be roughly finished, saving time in construction and as a result, reducing the cost of the finished building. Currently, most finishing trim pieces such as, for example, baseboards, window casings, are cut to length and mounted in a fitting manner. Unfortunately, in order to provide a good fit between adjacent finishing trim pieces, the same have to be cut to exact length, as well as exact straight cuts or exact miter cuts, resulting in a time-consuming process and associated cost. Typically, the cuts cannot be performed to such an accuracy that there are no gaps between adjacent finishing trim pieces due to tolerances in the measurements and in-accuracies of the building components, thus marring the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the finished product and likely requiring the gaps to be filled and/or painted in order to make the gaps less obvious to the eye. A further disadvantage is that over time the gaps become more obvious to the eye due to expansion/contraction of the building components as well as degradation of the fill and/or paint.

It is desirable to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece.

It is also desirable to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece that allows expansion/contraction between the finishing trim piece end cover and the at least a finishing trim piece. It is also desirable to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece that is easy to install.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece that allows expansion/contraction between the finishing trim piece end cover and the at least a finishing trim piece.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece that is easy to install.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece. The finishing trim piece end cover system comprises at least a mounting element having an inner surface, inner side surfaces, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the mounting element is configured to be secured to a building structure. A finishing trim piece end cover element comprises at least an outer surface, at least an inner trim piece end covering portion, and at least an inner mounting portion. The at least an outer surface comprises a substantially finished ornamental

configuration. The at least an inner trim piece end covering portion is configured for

substantially covering the end portion of a respective finishing trim piece. The at least an inner mounting portion comprises an inner surface and inner side surfaces. The inner surface and inner side surfaces of the at least an inner mounting portion are configured to receive the inner surface and inner side surfaces of the at least a mounting element, respectively, installable on the at least a mounting element. The finishing trim piece end cover element is installed on the at least a mounting element. The at least a mounting element and the end portion of the at least a finishing trim piece are substantially concealed by the finishing trim piece end cover element.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a finishing trim system. The finishing trim system comprises at least a finishing trim piece having at least an outside surface. The at least an outside surface comprises a substantially finished ornamental configuration. The finishing trim system further comprises at least a mounting element having an inner surface, inner side surfaces, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the mounting element is configured to be secured to a building structure. A finishing trim piece end cover element comprises at least an outer surface, at least an inner trim piece end covering portion, and at least an inner mounting portion. The at least an outer surface comprises a substantially finished ornamental configuration. The at least an inner trim piece end covering portion is configured for substantially covering the end portion of a respective finishing trim piece of the at least a finishing trim piece. The at least an inner mounting portion comprises an inner surface and inner side surfaces. The inner surface and inner side surfaces of the at least an inner mounting portion are configured to receive the inner surface and inner side surfaces of the at least a mounting element, respectively, installable on the at least a mounting element. The finishing trim piece end cover element is installed on the at least a mounting element. The at least a mounting element and the end portion of the at least a finishing trim piece are substantially concealed by the finishing trim piece end cover element.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a finishing trim. At least a finishing trim piece is secured to a building structure. The at least a finishing trim piece has at least an outside surface comprising a substantially finished ornamental configuration. At least a mounting element is secured to a building structure. The at least a mounting element comprising an inner surface, inner side surfaces, and an outer surface. The outer surface of the mounting element is configured to be secured to a building structure. A finishing trim piece end cover element comprises at least an outer surface, at least an inner trim piece end covering portion, and at least an inner mounting portion. The at least an outer surface comprises a substantially finished ornamental configuration. The at least an inner trim piece end covering portion is configured for substantially covering the end portion of a respective finishing trim piece of the at least a finishing trim piece. The at least an inner mounting portion comprises an inner surface and inner side surfaces. The inner surface and inner side surfaces of the at least an inner mounting portion are configured to receive the inner surface and inner side surfaces of the at least a mounting element, respectively, installable on the at least a mounting element. The finishing trim piece end cover element is installed onto the at least a mounting element such that the at least a mounting element and the end portion of the at least a finishing trim piece are substantially concealed by the finishing trim piece end cover element.

The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece that allows

expansion/contraction between the finishing trim piece end cover and the at least a finishing trim piece.

A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a finishing trim piece end cover system for concealing an end portion of at least a finishing trim piece that is easy to install.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a perspective view a finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures lb and lc are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a rear view and a side view, respectively, a finishing trim piece end cover element of the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures ld to lf are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a side view, a rear view, and a front view, respectively, the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figures 2a and 2b are simplified block diagrams illustrating in rear views a finishing trim piece system with the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3a and 3b are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the finishing trim piece end cover system being adapted to form a corner element;

Figures 3c and 3d are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the finishing trim piece end cover system being adapted to form a transition element; Figure 3e is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a rear perspective view the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the finishing trim piece end cover system being adapted to form a convex corner element; Figure 3f is a simplified block diagram illustrating in a front perspective view the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the finishing trim piece end cover system being adapted to form a concave corner element; Figures 3g and 3h are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a front perspective view and a rear view, respectively, the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the finishing trim piece end cover system being adapted to form an end cap element; and, Figures 4a and 4b are simplified block diagrams illustrating in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, the finishing trim piece end cover system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with the finishing trim piece end cover system being adapted to form a window header or window sill. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. Referring to Figures la to lf, a finishing trim piece end cover system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is provided. The finishing trim piece end cover system 100 comprises at least a mounting element 103 and a finishing trim piece end cover element 102. The mounting element 103 comprises inner surface 114, inner side surfaces 116, and outer surface 118. The outer surface 118 of the mounting element 103 is configured to be secured to a building structure. The mounting element 103 is easily installed in any location of the building structure such as a bottom end of a wall adjacent to a floor 10 or a wall surrounding a door or window using conventional fasteners used in construction such as, for example, nails, screws, or staples. Preferably, fasteners 16 are used that extend through the overlaying drywall material 12 into the underlying stud 14 for providing substantially secure attachment of the mounting element 103, as illustrated in Figure ld. Alternatively, the mounting element 103 is secured to the drywall 12 using fasteners 16, or secured to a wall surface using an adhesive.

The finishing trim piece end cover element 102 comprises at least an outer surface 104, at least an inner trim piece end covering portion 106, and at least an inner mounting portion 108. It is noted that, while Figures la and lf illustrate the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 adapted to form a joiner element comprising only one inner mounting portion 108, for simplicity, the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 may comprise more than one inner mounting portion 108, for example, when adapted to form a corner element, as illustrated in Figures 3e and 3f hereinbelow. Preferably, the at least an outer surface 104 is provided having a substantially finished ornamental configuration. The inner trim piece end covering portion 106 is configured to provide sufficient cover distance DEC such that it substantially covers the end portion 18 A,

18B of the respective finishing trim piece with sufficient overlap Do, as illustrated in Figures lb, le, and lf. The inner mounting portion 108 comprises inner surface 110 and inner side surfaces 112. The inner surface 110 and the inner side surfaces 112 are configured to receive the inner surface 114 and the respective inner side surfaces 116 of the mounting element 103, installable on the at least a mounting element, as illustrated in Figures ld and le. When the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is installed on the mounting element 103, the at least a mounting element 103 and the end portion 18 A, 18B of the finishing trim piece are substantially concealed by the finishing trim piece end cover element 102.

Preferably, the mounting element 103 and the inner mounting portion 108 of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 comprise corresponding gripping structures. The gripping structures are, for example, an arrangement of corresponding tongue and groove disposed in the inner side surfaces 112, 116 of the inner mounting portion 108 of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 and the mounting element 103, respectively. Alternatively, the inner side surfaces 116 may comprise a gripping bead adapted for engaging a respective groove 120 or detent disposed in the corresponding inner side surfaces 112, or vice versa. Preferably, the gripping structures are designed such that during installation of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 onto the mounting element 103 the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 can be snapped into place by simply placing the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 onto the mounting element 103 and applying sufficient force to flex the outer edges of the inner mounting portion 108 of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 sufficiently to allow the groove 120 or detent to engage the tongue or gripping bead. Further alternatively, the inner side surfaces

116 may comprise bias loaded members such as, for example, spring-loaded balls 120 for engaging a respective groove 120 or detent disposed in the corresponding inner side surfaces 112, or vice versa. When the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is fitted onto the mounting element 103, the balls 120 compress and engage the groove 120 or detent and secure the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 to the mounting element 103.

The provision of gripping structures allows simple removal and re-attachment of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 from the mounting element 103. For example, re-painting of walls, doors, windows is substantially facilitated by enabling removal of the finishing trim prior painting and re-attachment thereafter.

Optionally, for additionally securing the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 to the mounting element 103 adhesive 126 is disposed, for example, between the inner surface 110 of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 and the inner surface 114 of the mounting element 103 for bonding the same together. The adhesive may be disposed on one or both of the inner surfaces 110 and 114 during manufacture of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 and the mounting element 103 for the same to be readily connected together during installation. Alternatively, an installer applies the adhesive 126 during the installation process. A variety of conventional adhesives such as tapes and glues can be readily adapted for use with the finishing trim piece end cover system 100.

Further optionally, the gripping structures are omitted and the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is secured to the mounting element 103 using only adhesive 126.

Preferably, the inner trim piece end covering portion 106 comprises an inner surface 124 that is configured for substantially conforming to a finished outer ornamental surface of the end portion 18 A, 18B of the respective finishing trim piece, thus minimizing or avoiding a gap therebetween resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the transition from the finishing trim piece to the finishing trim piece end cover element 102. For example, the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 is provided as a component of a finishing trim system with the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 being designed together with the finishing trim piece for providing an optimal fit. Alternatively, the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 is adapted to be fitted with other commercially available finishing trim pieces by adapting the size of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 and the inner surface 124 to conform therewith.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is provided as a component of a finishing trim system comprising finishing trim pieces 218 having at least an outside surface comprising a substantially finished ornamental configuration (not shown), an inner surface 210 and inner side surfaces 212. The inner surface 210 and inner side surfaces 212 are configured to receive the inner surface 114 and inner side surfaces 116 of the mounting element 103. Preferably, the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 and the finishing trim pieces 218 are configured to be able to engage a same mounting element 103, for example, a single mounting element 103 extending substantially the length of the finishing trim piece 218 and protruding an end thereof, as illustrated in Figure 2a, or one of a plurality of mounting elements 103 A, 103B, ... of shorter length placed along the finishing trim piece 218, as illustrated in Figure 2b with mounting element 103 A protruding an end of the finishing trim piece 218.

A finishing trim comprising the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 is easily installed. First, the finishing trim pieces are measured and cut to an approximate length such that the cover distance DEC of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is sufficient for concealing the end portions thereof when installed. The finishing trim pieces are then - for example, directly secured to the building structure followed by securing one or more mounting elements 103 to the building structure at the appropriate location(s). The finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is then installed onto the one or more mounting elements 103, for example, by simply placing the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 onto the one or more mounting elements 103 and applying sufficient force until the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is snapped into place.

Alternatively, mounting elements 103 are secured to the building structure at the appropriate location(s). The finishing trim pieces are then installed onto the mounting elements 103, for example, by simply placing the finishing trim pieces onto the mounting elements 103 and applying sufficient force until the finishing trim pieces are snapped into place, followed by the installation of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 onto one or more mounting elements 103, for example, with the one or more mounting elements 103 protruding one or more finishing trim pieces. Employment of the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 requires only measuring and cutting of the finishing trim pieces to an approximate length such that the cover distance DEC of the finishing trim piece end cover element 102 is sufficient for concealing the end portions thereof when installed, thus obviating the need for measuring and cutting the finishing trim pieces to an exact length for providing exact straight cuts and/or exact miter cuts that enable accurate fitting of the cut finishing trim pieces, while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance of the finished product. Furthermore, the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 enables relative movement between the finishing trim pieces due to expansion/contraction of the finishing trim pieces as well as other building components while maintaining the aesthetically pleasing appearance by concealing the end portions of the finishing trim pieces.

While, Figures la and lf illustrate the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 adapted to form a baseboard joiner element, for simplicity, the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 may be adapted to form a large variety of different finishing trim elements, some of which will be described hereinbelow. As will become evident to one skilled in the art, the finishing trim piece end cover system 100 is not limited thereto and may be adapted to form various other finishing trim elements in various applications in building construction such as, for example, surrounds for windows and doors, baseboards, and crown moldings to provide an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a corner element 302 of a window frame joining window finishing trim pieces 318 at a right angle. Figures 3c and 3d illustrate a transition element 402 of a door frame joining baseboard finishing trim piece 418.1 and door frame finishing trim piece 418.2 at a right angle. The inner trim piece end covering portions 106.1 and 106.2 are adapted to conform with the different size - and optionally different shape - of the baseboard finishing trim piece 418.1 and the door frame finishing trim piece 418.2. Figures 3e and 3f illustrate a convex corner element 502 and a concave corner element 602, respectively. It is noted that the corner elements 502 and 602 may be provided having different angles than the right angles as illustrated. Figures 3g and 3h illustrate an end cap element 702.

The finishing trim piece end cover system 100 may also be adapted to form a larger finishing trim component such as, for example, a window header or window sill 802, as illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b.

The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments.

However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.