ARCHITECTUARL MOLDING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A fully integrated system of accessible architectural molding which eliminates the need to tape and finish drywall. The system of components relies on a mechanical friction fit assembly that allow for easy installation and removal for future renovations or access to the chase areas of a wall. A molding assembly includes a V-shaped bracket dimensioned to be received in the tapered edge surfaces of adjacent wall boards and a molding secured to the bracket in a snap-fit engagement to conceal the tapered edge surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to architectural molding, and more particularly, to architectural moldings placed between adjoining sections of drywall.

Typical drywall installations generate significant amounts of dust and debris when sealing the joints between adjoining sections of drywall. A gypsum joint compound, or “mud”, is typically applied to the gaps between adjoining drywall sections. Many times, a tape is applied to help span the gap and provide a surface for the mud compound.

Once the joint compound has dried, is then sanded to provide a seamless wall surface. However, the process of finishing drywall seams represents a substantial portion of the labor and materials associated with typical drywall installation and repairs. Moreover, the released gypsum particulates from the sanding present a health hazard to the workers.

Some architectural molding systems are available in the art, however, they still contemplate the use of joint compound or sealers. Once installed, none provide accessibility to the area beneath the molding without the subsequent removal of the joint compounds and sealers. Moreover, the limited systems available do not eliminate the need to tape and finish at least a portion of the drywall.

As can be seen, there is a need for a system of components that relies on a mechanical friction fit assembly for easy installation and removal of architectural moldings in the event of future renovation projects or to provide access to the cased areas for other repairs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an architectural molding assembly is provided for a mud free joint between adjacent wall boards applied to a wall surface of a room. The architectural molding assembly includes an elongate bracket having a flattened V-shape interior surface defined along a longitudinal length of the bracket. The angle of the V-shape is dimensioned to conform the interior surface to a tapered edge surface extending along a longitudinal length of the adjacent wall boards. An apex of the elongate bracket is configured to be positioned along adjacent edges of the adjacent wall boards. The bracket includes an upturned latching end defined along first and second lateral sides of the interior surface. The upturned latching ends are configured for a snap-fit engagement with a corresponding latch finger defined in a molding to enclose the elongate bracket.

In other aspects of the invention the architectural molding assembly includes a molding having a room facing surface, a wall facing surface, and lateral side surfaces. An inwardly turned latch finger extends from an intermediate portion of the wall facing surface between the lateral side surfaces and a centerline of the molding. The molding may also include a ridge extending along a longitudinal centerline of the wall facing surface of the molding. The ridge is configured to contact the vertex of the interior surface with the molding attached to the bracket. An engagement channel may be defined between the inwardly turned latch fingers and the wall facing surface. A hook may be defined at a tip of the upturned latching end, such that the hook is configured for the snap-fit engagement in the engagement channel.

In other aspects of the invention, an inwardly turned edge of the side facing surfaces is dimensioned so that it is positioned in abutment with a flat wall board surface adjacent to the tapered edge section of the wall board. In some embodiments, a channel is defined in an interior surface of the side surfaces.

The architectural molding assembly may also include a molding having a room facing surface, a wall facing surface, lateral side surfaces; and an inwardly turned latch finger extending from the lateral side surfaces of the molding that is configured for the snap-fit engagement with the upturned latching end of the bracket. The molding may also have an inwardly turned edge defined along the lateral side surfaces that is dimensioned so that it is positioned in abutment with a flat wall board surface adjacent to the tapered edge section of the wall board.

A plurality of holes may be disposed in a spaced apart relation along the longitudinal length of the interior surface of the bracket. The holes may receive a fastener to secure the bracket to a support member of the wall.

Yet other aspects of the invention include a method of removably applying an architectural molding for a mud free joint between adjacent wall boards in a wall surface of a room. The method includes applying an elongate bracket having a V-shape interior surface defined along a longitudinal length of the bracket, an upturned latching end defined along first and second lateral sides of the interior surface, wherein the angle of the V-shape is dimensioned to correspond to a tapered edge surface extending along a longitudinal length of the adjacent wall boards. An apex of the elongate bracket may be positioned along the adjacent edges of the wall boards. A fastener may be installed through the bracket to secure the bracket to the wall.

The method includes providing a molding having a room facing surface, a wall facing surface, and lateral side surfaces; and an inwardly turned latch finger extending from an intermediate portion of the wall facing surface between the lateral side surfaces and a centerline of the molding. The molding may then be attached to the bracket wherein the upturned latching end of the wall bracket is secured in a snap-fit engagement with the latch finger defined in the molding to enclose the elongate bracket and conceal the tapered edge surface of the adjacent wall boards.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates architectural moldings of the present invention applied to finish a room.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail of an inside corner capital and crown molding.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of an inside corner floor base pedestal and corner.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of a floor base and wall molding.

FIG. 5 is cross sectional view of a floor base and bracket.

FIG. 6 is a view of a floor base and bracket.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a wall molding and bracket.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wall molding and bracket.

FIG. 9 is a view of an inside corner floor base pedestal.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inside corner floor base pedestal.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an inside corner capital.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an inside corner capital.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a ceiling beam and bracket.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a ceiling beam and bracket.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of an inside vertical corner molding.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an inside vertical corner molding.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of a crown molding and bracket.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a crown molding and bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a system for finishing the walls of a room without the need for drywall joint compound. The components of the system generally include a bracket and a molding cover. The bracket is applied along a seam between one or more adjacent wall, ceiling, and floor members. The molding cover is configured for a snap fit connection to the bracket member to provide a desired architectural finish to the seams within the room. The moldings and brackets are preferably formed by an extrusion of any suitable material.

As best seen in reference to FIG. 1, a system and method finishing a room with an architectural molding is illustrated. The system of architectural moldings of the present invention permit the finishing of drywall panels without the need for applying or sanding a joint compound. The architectural moldings may include a floor base molding assembly 30 that is applied along a seam between a wall and a floor of a room or structure, as seen in the detail view of FIG. 4. A wall molding assembly 40 that may be applied along a seam between adjacent wall panels, such as drywall panels is also shown in reference to FIG. 4. As seen in reference to FIG. 3, an inside corner flor base pedestal 50 is intended to be applied to an inside corner in a space between the ends of adjacent floor base moldings 30. As seen in reference to FIG. 2, an inside corner capital 60 is intended to be applied to an inside corner between the ends of adjacent crown molding assemblies 90 applied along the seam between the wall panel and a ceiling panel of the room. When needed, a ceiling beam assembly 70 is provided for covering the seams between adjoining ceiling panel members. An inside vertical corner molding assembly 80 may be applied to an inside corner seam between adjoining walls.

In reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the floor base assembly includes an interlocking pair of elongate members including a floor base bracket member 31 and a floor base molding 30. The floor base bracket member 31 is defined with a plurality of channels to provide added strength along the length of the bracket member 31, and provide for mounting the components of the floor base assembly 30 to the bracket 31. An upper edge surface of the floor base bracket 31 is spaced away from a wall mounting surface of the bracket. A lower edge surface of the bracket 31 is formed with and upturned wall facing lip 36 extending along the longitudinal length of the bracket 31.

The floor base bracket member 31 has a plurality of holes 37 disposed in a spaced apart relation in a wall facing channel face formed along a longitudinal length of the floor bracket member 31. The holes 37 receive a fastener, such as a screw, nail, or the like, to secure the bracket assembly to the structural members along the base of the wall.

A floor base spacer 32 may be secured to the floor base bracket member 31 by a plurality of tabs, or pins 34 extending from a wall facing surface of the spacer 32. The tabs 34 are received through a plurality of holes (not shown) that are defined in a spaced apart relation along a room facing channel face of the bracket 31. The tabs 34 secure the floor base spacer 32 to the floor base bracket member 31. The floor base spacer 32 may include a plurality of grooves defined in a room facing surface of the spacer. The grooves form a plurality of extensions that are adapted for shock absorption for items that may strike the base molding assembly 30.

The floor base molding 30 may be formed so as to cover and substantially enclose the bracket 31. The top edge of the floor base molding 30 is provided with a finger 38 extending from a wall facing surface of the molding 30. The finger 38 extends so as to be positioned adjacent or in abutment with the wall surface. An arm 33 runs along the longitudinal of the base molding 30 subjacent to the finger 38. The arm 33 defines a channel along an interior surface of the base molding 30 and is adapted to receive the upper edge surface of the floor base bracket 31 so as to retain the upper portion of the base molding with the bracket 31.

A lower edge surface of the base molding 30 is defined with a latch 35 with a room facing protrusion extending from the latch 35. The protrusion is adapted to engage with the wall facing lip 36 of the bracket 31 to engage the base molding 30 in a snap-fit manner. A toe molding arm extends from a room facing surface of the molding 30 to define a toe molding along the longitudinal length of the base molding 30. The toe molding arm is shaped to conceal the wall facing lip 36 with and end thereof positioned adjacent to the floor.

The base molding 30 may also have a ledge formed at an upper portion of thereof that extends from the wall facing surface of the molding 30. The ledge is adapted to rest upon a top room facing edge of the spacer 32 and the face of the spacer may be positioned against the wall facing surface on the interior of the molding 30.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 7 and 8, a wall molding 40 and bracket 43 are provided for covering the gaps between adjacent wall boards mounted in parallel, such as along the span of a wall. The wall molding bracket 43 has a slightly tapered V-shaped wall facing surface that is dimensioned to conform to the tapered edge portions extending along the longitudinal length of a conventional gypsum wall board. An apex 47 of the V-shaped surface may be positioned to center the wall molding bracket 43 in the adjoining edges or gap between adjacent gypsum wall boards that are mounted in the wall surface. The wall molding bracket 43 has upturned ends 46 formed along the lateral sides thereof for a snap-fit engagement with a corresponding latch finger 44 defined in the wall molding 40.

The molding 40 has a substantially flat room facing surface with outwardly turned side facing surfaces 41. An inwardly turned edge of the side facing surfaces 41 are dimensioned so that they are in abutment with a flat surface of the wall board adjacent to the tapered edge section of the wall boards. A channel 48 may be defined in an interior surface of the side surfaces 41 to provide structural strength and a fulcrum for securing the molding 40 to the bracket 43.

A ridge 42 is formed and extends along a midline of the wall facing surface of the molding 40. The pair of opposed inwardly facing latch fingers 44 are formed along an intermediate line of the wall facing surface of the wall molding 40. The latch fingers 44 define an engagement channel 45 oriented towards the centerline of the molding 40. The upturned ends 46 of the bracket are adapted to be received by the engagement channel 45 of and the latch fingers 44 in a snap-fit arrangement to secure the wall molding 40 to the bracket 41.

The ridge 42 is dimensioned to contact the bracket 43 at the apex 47 with the molding 40 operatively attached to the bracket 43. The ridge 42 may be configured to impart a slight flexing moment to the molding 40 so that the latch fingers 44 maintain the molding 40 in a snug fitting arrangement with the bracket 41. A plurality of holes 49, seen in reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 are disposed in a spaced apart relation along the length of the wall bracket 43 to receive a fastener, such as a screw or nail there through to secure the bracket 43 to a structural member in the wall.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the inside corner base pedestal molding 50 is depicted with an inside corner base support 55. The inside corner base pedestal 50 is formed to provide continuity of the floor base moldings 30. The corner base support 55 is installed in a corner of wall structure adjacent to the floor. The corner base support has a plurality of ribs 54 to provide structural support. A plurality of apertures 53 may be defined along a face of the support 55 for engagement with cooperating fingers defined on an interior, wall facing surface of the molding 51.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, an inside corner capital molding 60 is provided for a corner of a room between adjoining, perpendicular wall surfaces. The inside corner capital molding is adapted for snap fitting with an inside corner bracket 83 that is also utilized with an inside vertical corner molding. An interior wall facing surface of the corner capital molding 60 has a pair of attachment fingers 67 adapted for snap fitting engagement with a pair of inwardly facing hooked ends 65 of the bracket 83.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a ceiling beam molding 70 and ceiling beam bracket 73 is provided as an option to utilizing the wall molding 40 of FIGS. 7 and 8. The beam molding 70 has a greater depth than the wall molding 40. The beam molding 70 may have a channel 71 defined in a room facing surface of the molding 70. On an interior surface of the molding a pair of latch fingers 74 are formed along the longitudinal length of the molding 70.

Like the wall molding bracket 43, the ceiling beam bracket 73 has a pair of upturned arms 77 with a slightly hooked portion 75 defined along the longitudinal length of the bracket 73. The latch fingers 74 have protrusions adapted to engage with the hooked portion 75 of the upturned arms 77 to secure the beam molding to the bracket 73. The bracket 73 is provided with a plurality of spaced apart holes 76 to receive a fastener, such as a screw or a nail to secure the bracket 73 to a ceiling structural member. The beam molding 70 may define a cavity 72.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 an inside corner vertical molding assembly includes an inside corner molding 80 and an inside corner molding bracket 83. The molding 80 has lateral side flanges 81 and 82 defined at the ends of an arcuate mid portion to give the appearance of a conventional corner molding. The arcuate mid portion may be either concave or convex. A pair of latching fingers 85 having protrusions on an outer lateral surface of the latching fingers 85 are defined along a longitudinal length of the molding 80. The bracket 83 is formed with substantially perpendicular sidewalls 83 extending from a corner engaging midsection. The corner bracket 83 has bent arm portions 84 and opposed hook portions 86 defined along the longitudinal length of the bracket. The opposed hook portions 86 are adapted to engage with the protrusions of the latching fingers 85 so that the molding may be snap fit to the bracket 83. When attached to the bracket 83 the molding 80 and bracket define an interior cavity 87.

As seen in reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 a crown molding assembly is provided having a crown molding 90 and a crown molding bracket 93. The crown molding 90 has lateral side flanges 91 and 92 defined at the ends of an arcuate mid portion to give the appearance of a conventional crown molding. The arcuate mid portion may be either concave or convex. A pair of latching fingers 96 having protrusions on an outer lateral surface of the latching fingers 96 are defined along a longitudinal length of the crown molding 90. The bracket 93 is formed with substantially perpendicular sidewalls extending from a corner engaging midsection. The crown molding bracket 93 has bent arm portions 95 and opposed hook portions 94 defined along the longitudinal length of the bracket 93. The opposed hook portions 94 are adapted to engage with the protrusions of the latching fingers 96 so that the crown molding may be snap fit to the crown molding bracket 93. When attached to the bracket 93 the crown molding 90 and bracket define an interior cavity 97 within the assembly.

As indicated, the architectural molding system of the present invention provides for a complete fitting to a room that may be applied to finish the seams between adjoining drywall panels without the use of a joint compound and the associated particulate hazards. According to the system of the present invention, the wall surfaces may also be treated, such as with paint, wall paper, or other treatments before architectural members of the present invention are installed. This will protect the moldings from being marred with paint or paste drippings.

To install the system, the room may first be fitted with the attachment brackets designed to the particular part of the room. The length of the brackets are cut to accommodate the respective corner components, whether a floor base pedestal or a corner capital and their associated supports. The brackets are secured to the structural members of the room with a fastener, such as a screw or a nail. Once the respective brackets have been installed, the associated moldings may be cut to length and snap fit to their corresponding brackets.

In the event that the room needs to be redecorated, the moldings may be removed from the brackets. The walls may then be retreated while again protecting the moldings from being damaged or marred by spillage or drippings. Once the wall treatment has been applied the moldings may be returned to the brackets. Similarly, if the interior of the walls need to be accessed for plumbing, ventilation, or wiring, the moldings and brackets may be removed and reutilized. The wall panels may be removed without significant destruction or demolition. In like manner, should a molding become damaged, particularly for the floor base moldings, it may be readily replaced without the need for carpentry and painting.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An architectural molding assembly for a mud free joint between adjacent wall boards applied to a wall surface of a room comprising: an elongate bracket having a V-shape interior surface defined along a longitudinal length of the bracket, wherein the angle of the V-shape is dimensioned to correspond to a tapered edge surface extending along a longitudinal length of the adjacent wall boards and an apex of the elongate bracket is configured to be positioned along adjacent edges of the wall boards;an upturned latching end defined along first and second lateral sides of the interior surface, the upturned latching end configured for a snap-fit engagement with a corresponding latch finger defined in a molding to enclose the elongate bracket.

2. The architectural molding assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a molding having a room facing surface, a wall facing surface, and lateral side surfaces; andan inwardly turned latch finger extending from an intermediate portion of the wall facing surface between the lateral side surfaces and a centerline of the molding.

3. The architectural molding assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of holes disposed in a spaced apart relation along the longitudinal length of the interior surface.

4. The architectural molding assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a ridge extending along a longitudinal centerline of the wall facing surface of the molding, the ridge configured to contact the vertex of the interior surface with the molding attached to the bracket.

5. The architectural molding assembly of claim 2, further comprising: an engagement channel defined between the inwardly turned latch fingers and the wall facing surface;a hook defined at a tip of the upturned latching end, wherein the hook is configured for the snap-fit engagement in the engagement channel.

6. The architectural molding assembly of claim 5, further comprising: an inwardly turned edge of the side facing surfaces is dimensioned so that it is positioned in abutment with a flat wall board surface adjacent to the tapered edge section of the wall board.

7. The architectural molding assembly of claim 6, further comprising: a channel defined in an interior surface of the side surfaces.

8. The architectural molding assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a molding having a room facing surface, a wall facing surface, and lateral side surfaces; andan inwardly turned latch finger extending from the lateral side surfaces of the molding configured for the snap-fit engagement with the upturned latching end of the bracket.

9. The architectural molding assembly of claim 8, further comprising: an inwardly turned edge defined along the lateral side surfaces is dimensioned so that it is positioned in abutment with a flat wall board surface adjacent to the tapered edge section of the wall board.

10. A method of removably applying an architectural molding for a mud free joint between adjacent wall boards applied to a wall surface of a room comprising: applying an elongate bracket having a flattened V-shape interior surface defined along a longitudinal length of the bracket, an upturned latching end defined along first and second lateral sides of the interior surface, wherein the angle of the V-shape is dimensioned to conform the interior surface to a tapered edge surface extending along a longitudinal length of the adjacent wall boards and an apex of the elongate bracket is positioned along the adjacent edges of the adjacent wall boards.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: installing a fastener through the bracket to secure the bracket to the wall between the adjacent wall boards.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising: providing a molding having a room facing surface, a wall facing surface, and lateral side surfaces; an inwardly turned latch finger extending from an intermediate portion of the wall facing surface between the lateral side surfaces and a centerline of the molding.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: attaching the molding to the bracket wherein the upturned latching end is attached in a snap-fit engagement with a corresponding latch finger defined in the molding to enclose the elongate bracket and conceal the tapered edge surface of the adjacent wall boards.