Patent Application
20060037263
The present invention relates to decorative wall members and wall members configured to receive decorative applications.
It is often desirable to add decorative trim to the interior walls of a room or to the exterior walls of the building. Decorative trim can provide an aesthetically pleasing look and can cover up any unfinished gaps or defects that might exist where walls intersect with other walls, ceilings, or floors. It is desirable that the trim cooperate with the wall, ceiling, or floor in such a manner so as to present a finished appearance.
Traditionally, decorative trim molding assemblies were made from wood or urethane foam. However, these materials have several drawbacks. Moldings manufactured from wood or urethane have become extremely expensive due to the increasing cost of these materials. Additionally, decorative moldings manufactured from wood are subject to shrinkage, warping and splitting which can give rise to significant maintenance and repair costs. It is therefore desired to provide for a decorative trim member that will not suffer from the disadvantages associated with wood such as shrinkage, warping, or splitting.
It is further desired to provide for a decorative trim member that will allow a user to easily customize according to a customer's likes while presenting a finished appearance as a wall member. The member must also be designed to include sufficient strength to support relatively heavy decorative applications such as ceramics and cement. Accordingly, there remains a desire to provide a decorative trim member and system that is cost effective, low maintenance and also possessing desired structural integrity.
A decorative wall member comprises a vertical wallboard receiving portion located adjacent to the bottom side of the wall member and extending the width of the wall member. A horizontal or a second vertical wallboard receiving portion may be located adjacent the top side and can extend the width of the wall member. Decorative applications can be applied to a decorative base portion located on the front side of the wall member and extending the width or the height of the wall member. There may also be provided at least one rib extending outwardly from the face of the wall member and extending the width of the wall member. The present invention also encompasses a method for decorating a wall portion and a kit including instructions and materials for providing a decorative portion to a wall.
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Referring to
A wall receiving portion 106 is disposed on a bottom side 150 and defined by a first flange 108 extending outwardly from the bottom side 150. A horizontal wall, such as ceiling or carpet, receiving portion 102 is disposed in the top side 152 and defined by a second flange 104 that extends outwardly of the front surface 158 at the top side 152 of the member 100. Both wall receiving portion 106 and ceiling receiving portion 102 extend the length of the member 100 from first end 154 to second end 156.
Wall member 100 also includes a decorative base receiving portion 128 that is defined between a first base wall portion 132 and a second base wall portion 134. The decorative base receiving portion 128 includes a first base portion 122, a second base portion 124, and a third base portion 126 that extend from first end 154 to second end 156. A first generally T-shaped rib 118 separates the first base portion 122 and the second base portion 124. A second T-shaped rib 120 separates the second base portion 124 and the third base portion 126. Those having skill in the art will recognize that the ribs 118 and 120 are not limited to having a T-shape.
As shown in
Member 100 is a plastic extruded member according to a preferred embodiment. Extruded plastics are cost efficient, lightweight and corrosion proof. Plastic is not susceptible to moisture and therefore will not decay, warp or splinter like wood. Plastic trim also allows for easy installation. Those having skill in the art will also recognize that the present invention may be constructed of a variety of other materials, including fiberglass and composites, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, those having skill in the art will recognize that various portions of the member 100 can be formed of steel and then inserted into the plastic extruding machine in order to form a composite steel/plastic member. Alternatively, steel reinforcing members can be inserted into the plastic extruding machine in order to form a composite steel/plastic member.
Referring to
Referring now to
The decorative wall member 100, 200 may also be packaged as a wall decorating kit that comprises one or more wall members 100, fill material and instructions for use. Installation instructions, according to one embodiment, comprise the following:
1. Heat plastic border if in cold area to pre-expand if needed;
2. Cap ends with wood, hold with clamps, such as pipe clamps;
3. Mix pre-determined color and prepare fill material;
4. Pour a first layer of fill into the base receiving portion;
5. Place wire mesh reinforcement in base receiving portion;
6. Pour a second layer of fill and then place decorative items as desired;
7. Allow three days to dry;
8. Seal fill material and decorations with sealer;
9. Ensure sufficient wall backing to support decorative member or shim as needed;
10. Fasten border to wall as needed; and
11. Sheet rock around or trim around to be complete. On exterior, use flashing and seal to keep out the elements.
Referring to
The member 300 comprises a ceiling receiving portion 302 disposed at the top side 152 and a wall receiving portion 304 disposed opposite the ceiling portion 302. Each portion 302, 304 extends from the first end 354 to the second end 356. The ceiling/carpet receiving portion 302 is defined by the space between an outwardly extending second flange 314 and a first base receiving portion 332. The wall receiving portion 304 is defined by the intersection of a downwardly extending first flange 312 and a second base receiving portion 334. A decorative base receiving portion is defined between respective first 332 and second 334 base receiving portions. One or more vertically oriented ribs 308 extend between the opposing base receiving portions 332 and 334. Flanges 312 and 314 also receive a plurality of mounting holes or apertures 310.
The respective portions of member 300 can be formed as separate pieces and then welded together. Alternatively, the member 300 can be formed as a unitary piece as part of an extrusion or similar manufacturing process.
A wall member at the ceiling/wall interface as shown in
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
