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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
WINDOW CORNICE SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2001/089351
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
The present invention is a decorative window cornice system for the decorative treatment of window areas. The window cornice system comprises a cornice section that is attached to the wall by specially designed hardware. The cornice section is comprised of a relief body and two return pieces that function as the ends of the cornice. The relief body and return pieces include a slit in a back surface that frictionally receives fabric such that the fabric is removable and replaceable. Moreover, the slit receives a portion of the special mounting hardware to securely, but removably, hold the cornice to the wall. Preferably the cornice is made from an expanded polystyrene foam for rigidity and light-weight features.

Inventors:
VAN ESSEN JUDITH
LLOYD PATRICIA ANN
TORRES ARTHUR R
NELSON LINDA MAE
CARBOY KEVIN PATRICK
Application Number:
PCT/US2001/015986
Publication Date:
November 29, 2001
Filing Date:
May 18, 2001
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CREATE IT DECOR INC (US)
International Classes:
A47H2/00; (IPC1-7): A47H2/00
Foreign References:
US1952069A1934-03-27
US2351033A1944-06-13
US2539380A1951-01-23
US5597025A1997-01-28
US5039049A1991-08-13
US5505245A1996-04-09
US4828002A1989-05-09
US3606419A1971-09-20
US4662421A1987-05-05
US5033525A1991-07-23
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
The Halvorson, Law Firm P. C. (AZ, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:
1. 1) A kit for creating a window cornice system comprising the following: a) At least one relief body having two ends, said relief body further having at least one slot in a back surface that extends between the two ends ; b) At least two return bodies, each return body comprising a short leg and a long leg, each of said return bodies being capable of attaching to a respective end of the relief body by either the short leg or the long leg, wherein fabric may be nonpermanently attached to the at least one relief body and at least two return bodies, after they have been assembled, to create a pleasing, decorative motif.
2. The kit of claim 2 further comprising at least two hardware mounts that are capable of being attached to a wall and further capable of being received by the slit in the back of the at least one relief body.
3. The kit of claim 1 further including at least one channel body that is capable of being attached to a front surface of the relief body and the at least two return bodies.
4. The kit of claim 2 further including at least one channel body that is capable of being attached to a front surface of the relief body and the at least two return bodies.
5. The kit of claim 1 wherein the short leg and the long leg each have an end that is angled such that when the angled end of the short leg is attached to the angled end of the long leg, a generally ninety degree angle is formed.
6. The kit of claim 2 wherein the short leg and the long leg each have an end that is angled such that when the angled end of the short leg is attached to the angled end of the long leg, a generally ninety degree angle is formed.
7. The kit of claim 3 wherein the short leg and the long leg each have an end that is angled such that when the angled end of the short leg is attached to the angled end of the long leg, a generally ninety degree angle is formed.
8. The kit of claim 4 wherein the short leg and the long leg each have an end that is angled such that when the angled end of the short leg is attached to the angled end of the long leg, a generally ninety degree angle is formed.
9. The kit of claim 2 wherein the at least two hardware mounts further comprise: a) A generally Lshaped wall bracket having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg including at least one screw receiving aperture and said long leg including at least one locking aperture, and b) An adjustable extension piece comprising an adjustment section attached to a cornice mounting section, said adjustment section being a long flat piece with at least one adjustment aperture and said cornice mounting section being a generally Lshaped bracket having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, wherein the wall bracket is adjustably attachable to the cornice mounting section using the at least one adjustment aperture and the at least one locking aperture.
10. The kit of claim 4 wherein the at least two hardware mounts further comprise: a) A generally Lshaped wall bracket having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg including at least one screw receiving aperture and said long leg including at least one locking aperture, and b) An adjustable extension piece comprising an adjustment section attached to a cornice mounting section, said adjustment section being a long flat piece with at least one adjustment aperture and said cornice mounting section being a generally Lshaped bracket having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, wherein the wall bracket is adjustably attachable to the cornice mounting section using the at least one adjustment aperture and the at least one locking aperture.
11. The kit of claim 6 wherein the at least two hardware mounts further comprise: a) A generally Lshaped wall bracket having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg including at least one screw receiving aperture and said long leg including at least one locking aperture, and b) An adjustable extension piece comprising an adjustment section attached to a cornice mounting section, said adjustment section being a long flat piece with at least one adjustment aperture and said cornice mounting section being a generally Lshaped bracket having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, wherein the wall bracket is adjustably attachable to the cornice mounting section using the at least one adjustment aperture and the at least one locking aperture.
12. The kit of claim 8 wherein the at least two hardware mounts further comprise: a) A generally Lshaped wall bracket having a short leg and a long leg, said short leg including at least one screw receiving aperture and said long leg including at least one locking aperture, and b) An adjustable extension piece comprising an adjustment section attached to a cornice mounting section, said adjustment section being a long flat piece with at least one adjustment aperture and said cornice mounting section being a generally Lshaped bracket having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, wherein the wall bracket is adjustably attachable to the cornice mounting section using the at least one adjustment aperture and the at least one locking aperture.
Description:
Window Cornice System- This application claims priority based upon pending US application Ser. No.

09/574,807, filed on May 19,2000, which is a continuation in part application of pending application Ser. No. 29/105,322 filed on May 20,1999.

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of window decorating systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cornice treatment system that is designed to allow the easy decoration and redecoration of window surroundings.

Description of the Related Art Window treatments are commonly used to enhance the appearance of a window area. There have been a myriad of window treatment concepts and devices that have been proposed, and to some extent utilized. These devices are primarily for a traditional window that is flush with the wall that it is mounted within. Thus, perpendicular angles for cornice designs are appropriate and even desirable. Thus, there exists a present and continuing need for a window treatment system that is simple in design, inexpensive in construction, easy to use, and amenable to use in association with a wide variety of window sizes and designs.

Window valences, headrails, or cornices are all assemblies that attach to the top of windows to create a decorative appearance or serve functional purposes when used in combination with blinds, curtains, shades or other window treatment devices. For the purposes of this discussion, valences, headrails, and cornices are equivalent apparatus, and will be collectively referred to as window cornices or, simply, a cornice. Window cornices are often covered with fabric to enhance the decorative appearance thereof or to match or complement other window coverings or decor in the room.

One problem that must be addressed by cornice manufacturers is that windows and the moldings that surround them are not uniform in width. Windows come in an almost infinite variety of sizes and shapes. Therefore, manufacturers often produce and stock various sizes of cornices or custom-made cornices for each window. But stocking various sizes of window cornices consumes a substantial amount of wholesale and retail shelf-space. Moreover, no matter how many sizes are stocked, the selection would still not cover the almost infinite range of window sizes.

Prior art methods of manufacturing custom sized cornices are both expensive and time consuming. Therefore, great effort has been expended by inventors to make window cornices that may be adjusted to various window sizes. However, these known cornices and cornice assemblies are complicated to adjust, require tools to assemble, are expensive and time consuming to manufacture, or do not otherwise meet the needs of the consumers for adjustable window cornices.

For example, U. S. Pat. No. 1,952,069 to Hoffheimer et al., U. S. Pat. No.

2,315,033 to Adair, U. S. Pat. No. 2,539,380 to Ziemmerman, and U. S. Pat. No. 5,597,025 to Forkner, each disclose a telescoping cornice assembly to adjust the width of the cornice. However, these disclosed assemblies and other known telescoping cornices have a limited range of adjustment, are relatively complicated to manufacture, and do not provide for the easy attachment of window fabric.

Other cornices are known that use an adjustable internal rod, known in the industry as a"curtain rod"or"pocket-rod,"such as those sold under the brand name Dauphine rod, upon which a fixed length fascia board is attached. U. S. Pat. No.

5,039,049 to Niemi and U. S. Pat. No. 5,505,245 to Badalamenti disclose cornices using

such an internal rod. However, these internal rods must be covered by a fascia piece.

And since the fascia piece itself requires adjustment to fit varying window widths, the disclosures in these patents do not solve the basic problem of creating an easily adjustable finished window cornice. In addition, in known cornices employing an internal rod covered by a fascia piece, once the internal rod is covered by the fascia piece, the internal rod becomes difficult to access, therefore making it difficult for the user to adjust the window cornice.

It is also known in the art to provide a multi-piece headrail with interlocking parts that may be added or removed to expand or contract the cornice width. One example of this type of cornice is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 4,828,002 to Levy. However, this disclosure includes a complex adjustment mechanism and is therefore not desirable.

In addition, a number of cornices employ a unitary headpiece that may be cut to fit a desired window width. Such cornices are often not desirable because the method of adjusting the length of the headrail requires a saw or other tool to cut the headrail, and some modicum of experience to achieve a straight cut. Further, the existing cornices that require assembly of the front section to the side sections using this method of adjustment have heretofore employed complicated corner joint members which require external tools and remote securing devices, such as nails or the like, to join the headrail to the two side rails. This increases manufacturing time and thus the cost of the assembly. Various cornices are disclosed that incorporate a mechanism for attaching such front and side cornice pieces. These include U. S. Pat. No. 3,606,419 to Virkler et al., U. S. Pat. No.

4,662,421 to Basmadji et al., U. S. Pat. No. 4,828,002 to Ashbyto, U. S. Pat. No. 5,033,525 to Paeselt, and U. S. Pat. No. 5,042,548 to Attal. Each of these disclosures employ either

complicated molds, cannot be cheaply manufactured, or cannot be easily adapted to cornices having an adjustable front piece as described above.

Finally, as noted above, customers often desire to cover their cornice with fabric to create a decorative appearance which may match or compliment other window coverings or general room decor. Various ways are known to secure fabric to window cornices including the use of staples, tacks or the like. These methods suffer from damaging the fabric and being difficult to remove or replace. Moreover, these methods do not account for eventual stretching of the fabric over time, thus allowing wrinkles to develop which detract from the appearance of the fabric. U. S. Pat. No. 5,217,784 to Shepherd, U. S. Pat. No. 5,219,013 to Rozon, and U. S. Pat. No. 5,598,880 to Cross, each disclose assemblies for attaching fabric to a window cornice. However, neither of these assemblies allow the fabric to be neatly wrapped around the entire cornice where the fabric is provided with a desired degree of elasticity. In addition, the known adjustable cornices, employing complicated clips, corner pieces and adjusting means do not present a flat uniform exterior to the window cornice, thereby preventing the smooth wrapping of fabric around the cornice.

Therefore, there exists the need for an improved window cornice that is easy to assemble and overcomes the shortcomings in the prior art or existing window cornices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a window treatment system that provides an easy way to decorate and redecorate a window cornice.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a window treatment system wherein decorative fabric is removably attached to a body piece and further attached in close proximity to a window area.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window treatment system wherein a body portion is removable thereby allowing any attached fabric to be easily removed and either cleaned or replaced.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional object and advantages thereof will best be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words"function"or"means"in the Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U. S. C. §112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U. S. C. §112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention (s), the claims will specifically state the phrases"means for"or"step for"and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a "means for"or"step for"performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U. S. C. §112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U. S. C. §112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred

embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an illustration of how to hang the decorating system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view illustrating the depth adjustability of the decorating system of the present invention; Figure 3a is an exploded view of a first embodiment of wall hanging hardware according to the present invention; Figure 3b is an exploded view of a second embodiment of wall hanging hardware according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows the wall hanging hardware where two brackets are connected by a single cross member; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the ends of the decorating system showing one orientation of a variable length return, note one leg of the return 17 is longer than the other leg 16, in this view the long leg 17 is directed toward the wall; Figure 6 illustrates an alternate orientation of the return where the shorter leg 16 is directed toward the wall; Figure 7 illustrates the formation of a substantially perpendicular angle in the return, which are then separably attached by an adhesive located on angled ends, respectively;

Figure 8 is an end view of first embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of one end of the first embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 10 is a top view of the first embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 11 is a side view of the first embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 12 is an end view of the first embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 13 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 14 is an end view of a second embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 15 is a perspective view of one end of the second embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 16 is a top view of the second embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 17 is a side view of the second embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 18 is an end view of the second embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention;

Figure 19 is, a bottom view of the second embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 20 is an end view of a third embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 21 is a perspective view of one end of the third embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 22 is a top view of the third embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 23 is a side view of the third embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 24 is an end view of the third embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 25 is a bottom view of the third embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 26 is an end view of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 27 is a perspective view of one end of the fourth embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 28 is a top view of the fourth embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 29 is a side view of the fourth embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 30 is an end view of the fourth embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention;

Figure 31 is a bottom view of the fourth embodiment of a relief body according to the present invention; Figure 32 is a perspective view of an end of a first embodiment of a channel body according to the present invention; Figure 33 is an end view of the first embodiment of the channel body according to the present invention; Figure 34 illustrates how a relief body fits within the channel of a channel body according to the present invention; Figure 35 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the channel body according to the present invention; Figure 36 is an end view of the second embodiment of the channel body according to the present invention; Figure 37, which is illustrated as being made from flexible foam, clearly shows a curved embodiment of a relief body of the present invention, for curved surfaces; and Figure 38 is an end view of a relief body, illustrated as being made from a flexible material such as foam.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION, BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION, AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is a window cornice treatment system 1 that is useful for the easy decoration and redecoration of interior aspect of building windows.

The primary components of the system 1 according to the present invention is a base piece, or relief body, 10 with two return pieces 15 attached at respective ends 20 of the relief body 10, respectively. Each return 15 is a substantially L-shaped piece, with a

short leg 16 and a long leg 17, that can attach to the base piece 10 by either leg, 16 or 17, respectively, to provide two different depths of treatment.

In one embodiment, illustrated in Figures 26 and 30, the relief and return pieces, 10 and 15, have a cross-sectional area that is substantially U-shaped with the curve of the U-shape forming a presentation area, or front surface 11. Alternate versions of the cross- sectional area of the relief and return pieces, 10 and 15, may vary and examples are illustrated in Figures 8,12,14,18,20,24,33, and 36.

There is at least one slit 13 that is substantially key-hole shaped, which extends along a flat back surface 12 of the relief and return pieces, 10 and 15, respectively. The slit 13, preferably includes a widened section internal to the relief and return pieces 10 and 15, respectively. This slit 13 provides two functions: first, the slit 13 receives the raw edges of strips of fabric, which are decoratively wrapped around the cornice 1, thereby providing a smooth, continuously wrapped appearance; second, the slit 13 receives specially designed mounting hardware 50 that attaches the cornice 1 to wall to be decorated.

In an alternate embodiment of the cornice 1 according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 32-36, there are outwardly projecting portions 26 of the relief body 10 and return pieces 15 that create channels into which a variety of channel bodies 25, or additional decorative pieces, are designed to frictionally fit. The general cross-sectional area of the channel bodies 25, like the cross-sectional area of the relief and return pieces 10 and 15, may also have a variety of different decorative outlines.

When assembling the two return pieces 15, first select two short (5") and two long (7") legs, 16 and 17, respectively, that are provided in a kit according to the present

invention. These dimensions allow a user to hang the cornice treatment system 1 either 5"or 7" (inside measurement) from the wall to allow for different depth drapery or blind hardware. Other dimensions, however, are useful and fall within the scope of the present invention.

The angled end 18 of one short leg 16 is joined to the angled end 19 of one long leg 17 by using an adhesive such as a spray adhesive or two pieces of double sided adhesive strips on each angled end, 18 and 19, respectively, thereby producing a first assembled return piece 15. When using the double sided adhesive strips, there are protective paper on both sides that are peeled off and affixed to the two adjoining ends, 18 and 19, respectively. Gently rubbing the adhesive strips during application insures adherence. When affixing the two legs 16 and 17 together, the outlines of the two angled ends 18 and 19 are aligned and pressed together. This procedure is repeated with the second set of legs 16 and 17 thereby producing a second assembled return piece 15. It is noted that alternate forms of attaching the short leg 16 to the long leg 17 may be used and still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Next, choose the size of the cornice 1 needed for the decorative window application. From the size of the cornice 1, the length of the relief body 10 needed to create the finished cornice 1 may be determined. It is important to note that the cornice 1 is not necessarily the same size as the window since additional decorative elements, such as curtains, vertical blinds, and the like, may increase the overall length of the cornice 1.

The total length of the relief base (s) 10 may be calculated by taking the total desired cornice length measurement and subtracting twice the length of the attaching legs from the total length (for example: 14"if the cornice were to project from the wall using

the 5"legs 16 ; or 10"if the cornice were to project from the wall using the 7"legs 17).

The remaining number of inches is the measurement needed for the number of relief bodies 10 for the cornice 1. Divide this number by the total length of a relief body 10, (for example 36", the preferred size of the largest relief body provided in the preferred kit). A whole number in the result indicates the number of full relief bodies 10 required for the application. The remaining fraction multiplied by the total length of the relief body 10 determines the number of additional inches of relief body 10 needed to complete the application. It is envisioned that the kit may include smaller sizes of relief bodies 10, such as 24"and 18'length, which may be used as described above accordingly.

To cut the smaller length of relief body 10, measure the required number of additional inches from one end of the relief body 10 toward the center (for example, 10").

Starting with the flat back surface 12 of the relief body 10, inscribe a mark around the relief body 10, making sure that the mark is on both the front and back surface, 11 and 12, at the desired length. A ruler may be used as a guide. Slowly cut the relief body 10 with a sharp knife, such as a retractable razor utility knife, using an up and down motion along the inscribed line. Smooth out any roughness by gently rubbing the cut ends together.

When joining the sections of relief body 10 together, it is preferred that spray adhesive be used, however other adhesives, such as double-sided adhesive strips may be used. Join a first section of return piece 15 to the first section of relief body 10 and slowly press the sections together. It is preferred that this be done by laying the backs of the return piece 15 and the relief body 10 flat on a table. In order to provide the most pleasing to view product, the user should carefully match and join all edge and design

features. Repeat this step to join each of the additionally required sections of relief bodies 10, and join the remaining return section 15 to the ultimate end of the last section of relief body 10 added.

For the best results in decorating the cornice 1, use strips of fabric rather than a single piece. After measuring and cutting the fabric strips, apply a fabric strip to a first side of the cornice 1, then apply a fabric strip to a second side of the cornice 1, and finally apply a fabric strip to a center portion of the cornice 1.

To determine the width of the fabric needed for all of the strips, use a flexible tailoring tape measure to supply the following information. Determine the desired length of the cornice in inches, which is the length of the combined sections of relief bodies 10 plus the length of both returns 15, plus 2". For example, this is 12"when the returns 15 are in the 5"orientation and 16"when the returns are in the 7"orientation. The extra 2" allows one to fold over a small amount of fabric to create a finished edge at the end of the return 15. This total number is the length of the fabric you will need to decorate a cornice 1. Preferably the strips should be cut to an 8"width.

Lay the fabric strip on a flat surface with the presentation side of the fabric face down and begin covering the cornice 1. Place the cornice 1 on the backside of the fabric with the projecting return legs pointed upward, toward the ceiling. Make sure the cornice 1 is centered so that the fabric covers both returns 15 and the raw edges of the fabric have some distance, preferably 6", from the cornice edge.

Once the cornice 1 and the fabric are correctly positioned, cut a straight line in the fabric stopping at the join of the relief body 10 and the returns 15. After cutting the fabric, fold back the raw edges of the fabric, using a small piece of tape to secure the

folds in place and out of the way and lay onto a small piece of adhesive on the corner to keep the seam in place. Bring down the end portions of the side of the fabric and press it into the ends of the back slot 13 using either a non-serrated butter knife or a two-inch plastic putty knife. Press the remaining raw sections of the side into the back slot 13, working toward the center. Repeat this process on the opposite side.

When the center portions of the fabric are completely tucked into the bottom surface 12 of the cornice 1, tuck the fabric into a front slot 14 of the cornice 1, if one is provided. Before tucking in the ends at the return 15, fold some of the fabric under along the raw edge at the side of the fabric strip to create a finished edge and align it with the end of the return. Tuck in the ends of the return into the slot 12. Repeat these steps for a second strip of fabric.

Now cut a center strip of fabric 5"wide by the length used for the above discussed two strips. Using a non-serrated butter knife or a plastic 2"putty knife, fold over a small piece of fabric along the raw edge at the end of the return 15 and begin pressing the fabric into the slot 12. After working completely around length of the cornice 1, lay the fabric strip over front surface 11 of the cornice 1 and again press the fabric into the slot 12. Finish tucking the fabric by folding along the raw edge and aligning it at the end of the return 15.

The cornice treatment system according to the present invention includes specifically designed hardware mounts 50 that accommodates the use of a variety of different length return legs, 16 and 17, and facilitates the attachment and removal of the cornice without the need to remove or adjust the hardware mounts 50.

Figure 3a illustrates a first embodiment of the hardware mounts 50, which comprises a wall bracket 51 that is preferably mounted to the wall using two wall anchors (not shown) and two anchor screws 55. The wall bracket 51 is generally L-shaped with a short leg 52 and a long leg 53. Located on the short leg 52 are two screw receiving apertures 54 and located on the long leg 53 is at least one locking aperture 65.

Preferably, the two screw receiving apertures 54 are inverted key-hole shaped with a wide bottom end and a narrow top end, but may be any other shape that will securely receive anchor screws 55. After determining the appropriate placement for the hardware 50 based on the desired length and width of the cornice 1, mark the top and bottom of the screw receiving apertures 54, which indicates where the anchors screws 55 are to be placed. Tap in both wall anchors and screw in a top screw 55, leaving 1/16th of an inch between the head of the screw 55 and the wall anchor. Set the wall bracket 51 onto the screw by placing the head of the top screw 55 through the top one of the screw receiving apertures 54. Slide the wall bracket 51 down to lock the wall bracket 51 in place, and then tighten the screw 55. Insert and tighten a bottom screw 55 through a bottom one of the screw receiving apertures 54.

There is an adjustable extension piece 56 that is comprised of an adjustment section 57 attached to a cornice mounting section 58. The adjustment section 57 is a generally long flat piece with at least one adjustment aperture 59. The cornice mounting section 58 is a generally L-shaped bracket having a vertical leg 60 and a horizontal leg 61. The horizontal leg 61, however, further includes a rolled over portion 62 that forms a thickness at the distal end of the horizontal leg 61. This thickness at the distal end of the horizontal leg 61 is designed to snuggly and frictionally fit within the slot 13 located in

the cornice 1. When mounting, the adjustable extension piece 56 is positioned so that the return 15 touches the wall and the adjustable extension piece 56 is locked into place by inserting a stop 63 through one of the adjustment apertures 59 and through the locking aperture 65 located on the long leg 53 of the mounting bracket 51.

In a preferred embodiment, there is a support body 66, that receives both the long leg 53 of the mounting aperture 51, and the adjustment section 57 of the adjustable extension piece 56. The support body 66 will further include a pair of stop receiving apertures 68 that are axially aligned and capable of receiving the stop 63. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the cornice mounting section 58 is significantly wider that the adjustment section 57 in order to spread the weight of the cornice 1 across a wider basis.

Figure 3b illustrates a second embodiment of the hardware 50, which comprises the wall bracket 51 as described above (with the exception that the two screw receiving apertures are replaced by a screw receiving slot 54') and the adjustable extension piece 56. However, in the second embodiment, the adjustment section 57 described above includes two lips that are adapted to slidingly and snuggly receive the long leg 53 of the wall bracket 51. This effectively takes the place, and replaces, the support body 66 of the first embodiment of the hardware 50.

Once the hardware 50 is positioned, the assembled cornice 1 can be mounted by simply aligning the cornice 1 to the extended arms 60 of the brackets 55 and gently pushing them into the slit 13 located in the back surface 12 of the relief body 10.

The base piece 10 and return pieces 15 are inherently substantially rigid and lightweight and do not required additional structural strengthening elements. Preferably,

the relief piece 10 return piece 15, and channel body 25 are made from expanded polystyrene, or EPS, for lightness. In an alternate embodiment, however, the channel bodies 25 may be made from a soft, expanded foam. While it may be used, it is preferred that at no time are permanent adhesives required in the decorating of the assembly of the decorative cornice 1.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is described above in the Drawings and Description of Preferred Embodiments. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein.

Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art (s). The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment and best mode of the invention known to the applicant at the time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.