Patent Application
20120042596
This invention relates to a finishing set for a floor covering, as well as to a holder and a finishing profile for such finishing set. Moreover, it also relates to a method for manufacturing a finishing profile and a skirting board.
More particularly, the invention relates to a finishing set consisting of at least one holder and at least one finishing profile that can be attached on the holder.
In particular, the invention is intended for being used in combination with floatingly installed floor coverings, such as floatingly installed floor panels, for example, laminate panels, prefabricated parquet, veneer parquet, or solid parquet. However, this does not exclude its application in combination with other floor coverings.
When installing floor coverings, in particular with floatingly installed floor coverings, in a large number of cases measures have to be taken in order to finish the edges thereof. Such edges to be finished may occur at the end of the floor covering, for example, against a wall, at a transition to another type of floor covering, or when providing an extension joint between two floor coverings, said floor coverings either being of different nature or not, by which, amongst others, of different material or of different thickness is meant.
It is known that to this aim, use can be made of a finishing set consisting, as aforementioned, of at least one holder and at least one finishing profile that is attachable on the holder, said finishing profile allowing to thereby cover the respective edge or transition, and thus forming, in most cases, also an esthetically attractive transition.
Hereby, the holder mostly consists of a rail-shaped profile, which can be attached on the subfloor, for example, by means of gluing, screwing, nailing or simply by installing this profile partially underneath the floor covering. Mostly, the holder also comprises an attachment portion for attaching a finishing profile at the holder.
Usually, such finishing profile is realized as a decorative strip or such, whether or not consisting of several parts, which can be pressed into the rail-shaped profile for attachment. Further, it is known that such finishing profile can be realized in the form of an end profile, transition profile as well as an expansion profile or a combination thereof. End profiles mostly serve for the finish against a wall, transition profiles for the transition from one type of floor covering to another type, and expansion profiles for bridging-over an expansion joint between two portions of a floor covering.
It is also known that the components of such finishing set may be realized in different materials, such as, for example, aluminum, wood, synthetic material or a wood-based material, for example plywood, MDF/HDF, and the like. It is also known to apply combinations, whereby the holder consists of a well-defined material, for example, aluminum or synthetic material, whereas the finishing profile consists of another material, for example, a wood-based material. Hereby, the finishing profile may or may not be encased by a layer-shaped covering, whether or not matching the floor covering, and which can be of any kind and, for example, may consist of a foil or laminate as well as lacquer or the like.
Such finishing sets and the composing parts thereof are known, amongst others, from the patent documents EP 1 310 613, WO 03/040492, WO 01/2010, WO 96/12857, U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,192, DE 198 54 452, DE 93 01 719, DE 198 54 452, DE 203 20 273, and BE 531.202.
From these documents, it is also known that the holders and/or finishing profiles may be equipped with particular features. So, for example, it is known from EP 1 310 613 to provide a break-off underlay portion at the holder, which portion, in broken-off condition, can be placed underneath the remaining portion of the holder in order to obtain that the holder can also be used with thicker floor coverings. In DE 198 54 452, the same technical problem is solved by providing an adapter between the holder and the finishing profile. DE 203 20 273 shows how the finishing portion, for attaching a finishing profile on the holder, can be provided with means allowing an inclination of the finishing profile. From WO 01/20101 and WO 03/040492, it is known that the finishing profile as such can be composed of different parts.
According to a first aspect, the invention aims at an improved finishing set of the above-mentioned type, with a combination of characteristics allowing that such finishing set can be applied rather universally in an optimum manner. To this aim, the invention, according to the first aspect, relates to a finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set consists at least of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile to the holder, with as a characteristic that the holder comprises an underlay portion that at choice can be or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder, as well as a stop-forming positioning portion. Preferably, the underlay portion and the positioning portion will be located at opposite sides of the attachment portion.
By an “underlay portion”, a portion must be understood that is associated with the holder and preferably is formed in one piece therewith, which, at choice and in function of the application, can be placed by the user underneath the remaining portion of the holder, such that this remaining portion and the associated attachment portion can be situated at different heights above the subfloor. Preferably, the underlay portion of the holder is realized as a laterally extending portion which is removable from this lateral position, such that in this manner, the underlay portion can be put underneath the remaining portion of the holder.
By means of a finishing set according to the first aspect, it is achieved, on the one hand, that the position of the holder can be adapted to the thickness variations of floor coverings and/or underlayments, and, on the other hand, in case that a finishing profile is applied that functions as an end profile, the holder, by means of the stop-forming positioning portion, can be attached upon the subfloor in such a manner that the end profile, after being mounted on the holder, automatically will arrive at the desired final position. More particularly, this relates to an end profile of the type suitable for forming a finish along a stop-forming part, such as a wall or the like, whereby said end profile has an end wall that is intended for being directed towards the stop-forming part. Preferably, the holder and the finishing profile are realized such that, when the holder, by means of its positioning portion, is positioned against said stop-forming part, the finishing profile, with its aforementioned end wall, precisely adjoins against said stop-forming part. Hereby, it is preferred that, in freely mounted position, the stop-forming positioning portion of the holder and said end wall of the finishing profile lie in the same vertical plane. By “freely mounted position”, the position is meant in which the finishing profile is mounted in the holder, however, is not shifted against a stop-forming part, such as a wall or the like.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention according to the first aspect, the holder of the finishing set comprises an underlay portion, either the aforementioned underlay portion or another underlay portion, whereby this underlay portion can take at least a first and a second position in respect to the remaining portion of the holder, and whereby, in the second position, it functions as an underlay portion for said remaining portion. Hereby, the underlay portion can be brought from the first position into the second. To this aim, the holder has one or more of the following features:
Possibly, also other portions of the holder, such as a positioning portion or an attachment portion, can assume different positions. Preferably, also the stop-forming positioning portion can be removable from its position, either by being able to be put into another position while being connected to the remaining portion of the holder, or by being completely separable.
The possibility of changing the position of certain portions, either by detaching those portions, or by angling them into another position, in which the respective portion then either exerts another function or not, provides for that this type of holder can be applied in a rather universal manner. For example, such holder offers the possibility to shorten the holder or to heighten it, such that it, for example, remains utilizable with different widths of expansion joints and different thickness variations of floor panels and/or underlayments.
Further, the invention also relates to a holder for a finishing set, which is improved in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. To this aim, the invention relates to a holder allowing to realize a finishing set according to the first aspect of the invention, whereby the holder comprises at least an attachment portion for attaching a finishing profile to the holder, characterized in that the holder further comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder, as well as a stop-forming positioning portion.
According to a second aspect, the invention aims at an improved holder for attaching a finishing profile, with a combination of characteristics, such that the holder can be applied rather broadly. To this aim, the invention, according to the second aspect, relates to a holder for attaching a finishing profile for a floor covering, whereby said holder comprises a base as well as at least an attachment portion for attaching a finishing profile upon the holder, and whereby the base has two free edge portions situated at opposite sides of the attachment portion, characterized in that at least one edge portion is realized as an underlay portion, whereby it can be removed from its position as a free edge portion in order to be placed underneath the remaining portion of the holder, and whereby the widths of both edge portions, measured respectively from the attachment portion up to the distal end of the respective edge portion, differ from each other.
The above-mentioned characteristics of the second aspect of the present invention offer an interesting combination of usage possibilities in one holder. The free edge portions of the holder allow to slide both respective edge portions under the floor covering, in the case that use is made of a finishing profile that is realized as a transition profile or an expansion profile, such that the holder automatically is held at its location. With such mounting, it is also possible to bridge-over thinner expansion gaps or to effect shorter transitions. If desired, then less wide finishing profiles can be employed, such that a more elegant transition is created. If it is not possible to slide both edge portions under the floor covering, for example, when the finishing profile is applied as an end profile, the holder offers the possibility to slide the short or the long edge portion under the floor, such that, as desired, a wide or a narrow transition can be effected. With the holder according to this second aspect, moreover a free edge portion remains applicable as an underlay portion, such that the advantages of the present invention, according to the first aspect, in respect to situating the holder at different heights above the underlying floor, are maintained.
According to a preferred form of embodiment of the present invention according to this second aspect, both edge portions can be removed from their position. As both edge portions moreover have a different width, in a single holder four possible configurations are created, namely the complete holder, the holder having the narrow edge portion removed from its position, the holder having the wide edge portion removed from its position, and the holder having both edge portions removed from their respective positions.
With the aim of performing one or both of the aforesaid free edge portions as being removable from their positions, the holder, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, has one or more of the following features:
According to a third aspect, the invention aims at an improved holder for attaching a finishing profile, with a combination of characteristics, such that the holder can be applied rather broadly and can be re-used. To this aim, the invention, according to the third aspect, relates to a holder for attaching a finishing profile for a floor covering, whereby this holder comprises at least a first portion with an attachment portion for attaching the finishing profile to the holder, as well as at least a second portion with a function preferably differing from the function of the aforementioned attachment portion, characterized in that the second portion is hingeably connected to the first portion and thereby can be pivoted along an axis, whether fictive or not, said axis being parallel or substantially parallel to the direction of a finishing profile attached in the attachment portion.
The second portion, which, according to the third aspect, is connected to the first portion in a hinged manner, promotes the applicability of the holder in a similar manner as the removable attachment portion according to the second aspect of the invention. The second portion of the holder pivots around an axis, whether fictive or not, either towards a non-operative position, where the respective portion does not fulfill any function, or towards an operative position, where the respective portion indeed fulfills a certain function, such as, for example, that of an underlay portion, more particularly an underlay strip. Several operative positions of the second hinged part are possible. For instance, the second portion can be realized as a laterally extending flange, resulting in that, in its initial position, it also assumes an operational position; for example, this second portion may be put underneath the floor covering in order to attach the holder on the subfloor.
An additional advantage of the holder according to this aspect of the invention is that it may be re-used in any configuration, in view of the fact that the folding down of the edge portions is reversible and the holder, after use, can be brought back into its initial position by simple means.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention according to this third aspect, the hinge consists of a foldable portion preferably manufactured of a more flexible material than the material of which the first and second portions are manufactured. According to this preferred embodiment, the entire holder then preferably is produced in one step, for example, by co-extrusion. With such hinge, the axis around which the second portion pivots, can be considered fictive, in view of the fact that the pivoting movement is the result of folding of material and that no actual axis can be indicated.
According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a holder for a finishing profile of a floor covering with improved ease of application. To this aim, the invention relates to a holder for attaching a finishing profile for a floor covering, whereby this holder comprises at least a first portion with an attachment portion for attaching the finishing profile on the holder, as well as at least a second portion, whether or not realized in one piece with the first portion, said second portion being realized as an underlay portion for the first portion, characterized in that the holder is provided with positioning means, more particularly mechanical positioning means, which, when the second portion is applied as an underlay portion underneath the first portion, effect a positioning in transverse direction among both portions.
According to this fourth aspect, the invention allows to position, or attach, the underlay portion in an easy manner underneath the first portion of the holder, such that this underlay portion properly supports the first portion of the holder and/or, in doing so, does not shift during usage. Such positioning means may be restricted to a stop or, according to a preferred form of embodiment, may consist of locking means, and, even more preferred, a snap connection, as a result of which the first and second portions can be attached upon each other.
According to a fifth aspect, the invention aims at an improved holder for attaching a finishing profile with a well-defined combination of characteristics, such that this holder, too, can be applied rather broadly. To this aim, the holder, on the one hand, comprises at least a first portion with an attachment portion for attaching the finishing profile on the holder and with a basis with which this first portion can be attached on a subfloor, as well as, on the other hand, at least a second portion, whether or not made in one piece with the first portion, characterized in that the second portion consists of an adjustment portion, with which the first portion can be put at an angle in respect to a subfloor.
In a preferred form of embodiment of the invention according to this fifth aspect, the second portion consists of an adjustment portion, which, when being used, urges the holder to take a tilted position. This adjustment portion may be made, for example, wedge-shaped. A wedge-shaped adjustment portion, when placed underneath the holder, offers the possibility to attach the holder on the subfloor in an inclined manner, such that an inclination of the finishing profile is obtained, which preferably is larger than the inclination that can be achieved by clamping the finishing profile obliquely into the attachment portion. This larger inclination allows to effect a transition between two floor coverings of differing thickness, whereby the height difference between both floor coverings can not be bridged solely by the inclination of the finishing profile in the attachment portion of the holder. According to a variant, the adjustment portion is configured such that it is suited for being provided underneath one side of the basis of the first portion, such that, with such mounting, the holder also becomes inclined.
According to a sixth aspect, the present invention aims at an improved finishing profile, with a combination of characteristics allowing that such finishing profile can be applied rather universally in an optimum manner. To this aim, the invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, which, from manufacturer's side, is constructed such that it comprises a flange-shaped portion, with, in the proximity of only one edge thereof, a nose portion situated substantially underneath it, characterized in that the nose portion is attached to the remaining portion of the finishing profile as a one-piece, however, separable portion.
According to this sixth aspect, the invention relates to a rather universal finishing profile, which, in a preferred form of embodiment, comprises a flange-shaped portion extending at the right and left hand sides of an attachment portion of the finishing profile situated at the bottom side and having a decorative side at least on the upper side of the flange-shaped portion. In the same preferred form of embodiment, the nose portion extends at one edge of the flange-shaped portion at least downward and has a laterally-facing decorative side adjoining the decorative side of the flange-shaped portion. The finishing profile obtained according to this preferred form of embodiment allows, for example, to apply this finishing profile at choice as an end or expansion profile, thus, starting from one and the same factory-made finishing profile. To this aim, the factory-made finishing profile as a whole will be employed as an end profile, and, if the user wants to employ the factory-made finishing profile as an expansion profile, he will separate the nose portion from the finishing profile by simple means in order to thereby keep only the flange-shaped portion as an expansion profile. Other flange-shaped portions and nose portions with other usage possibilities are not excluded. As a nose portion is present at only one edge, the finishing profile remains rather un-complex. Also, in order to arrive at an expansion profile, only one nose portion must be removed, such that, in such case, waste is restricted to a minimum.
According to a seventh aspect, the present invention aims at an improved and simple to produce finishing profile, with a combination of characteristics allowing for a universal applicability of such finishing profile in an optimum manner and for the application-friendliness thereof. To this aim, the invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, said profile comprising a body formed by means of extrusion, characterized in that it has at least two portions that are mutually separable, but made in one piece, such that, by either separating or not separating those portions from each other, distinct usage possibilities for the remaining finishing profile are obtained.
Extrusion is a very recommended method for producing elongated, thin-walled objects of synthetic material, aluminum, paper pulp or wood-based materials, such as the finishing profile of the present invention, according to this seventh aspect. Production with extrusion allows to manufacture one-piece, however, separable, portions in an inexpensive and versatile manner. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, to this aim one or more weakened parts shall be extruded in the body of the finishing profile, where the separably realized portions can be broken off, torn off or cut off.
The presence of several separable portions allows the application of one and the same finishing profile as a transition profile, expansion profile and/or end profile. To this aim, in a preferred form of embodiment, one of said portions is made as a flange-shaped portion extending on the left and right hand sides of an attachment portion located at the lower side thereof, whereas the other portion is made as a nose portion extending downward from one edge of the flange-shaped portion.
Still more preferably, the finishing profile consists of at least three separable portions, namely, a flange-shaped portion extending on the left and right hand sides of an attachment portion situated at the lower side thereof, a nose portion situated in the proximity of one edge of the flange-shaped portion and having a downward-sloping outer surface, and a nose portion located in the proximity of the second edge of the flange-shaped portion with an outer surface that is globally steeper than said outer surface of the first-mentioned nose portion.
In this form of embodiment, the flange-shaped portion can be made such that the finishing profile, when removing both nose portions, can be applied as an expansion profile. However, by keeping the nose portions with a downward-sloping outer surface at the flange-shaped portion, the finishing profile can also be applied as a transition profile. By keeping, however, the nose portion showing said steeper outer surface at the flange-shaped portion, a finishing profile is obtained that can be applied as an end profile.
According to an eighth aspect, the present invention aims at an improved and simple to produce finishing profile, with a combination of characteristics allowing a universal applicability of such finishing profile in an optimum manner and being user-friendly. To this aim, the invention according to this eighth aspect relates to a finishing profile consisting at least of a body, formed by several portions, whereby two or more of these portions can be mutually separated or combined in function of the intended application, characterized in that the body is at least partially encased by means of a layer-shaped covering, which, in the non-separated or combined condition of at least two of said portions, extends or can extend at least over the transition between those portions.
This aspect of the invention offers the possibility of a finishing profile with a layer-shaped covering, such covering whether or not matching the floor covering, whereas the advantages of the universal finishing profile from the seventh aspect of this invention are maintained. Moreover, the layer-shaped covering hides transitions between the separable and/or combinable portions of the body of the finishing profile.
A finishing profile according to the eighth aspect of the invention may be obtained, for example, by sawing or milling a one-piece coated semi-finished product up to directly underneath the layer-shaped covering in order to thereby obtain separable and/or combinable portions. In this case, the separable and/or combinable portions will be connected by the layer-shaped covering and possibly in addition by a remaining weakened material portion. The separable and/or combinable portions may also be connected solely by the layer-shaped covering. It is clear that a configuration, where the separable and/or combinable portions are connected by the layer-shaped covering and possibly additionally by a remaining weakened material portion, also may be obtained by other techniques.
In a preferred form of embodiment, the mutual separability of two portions can be obtained by the possibility of cutting, breaking off, tearing off or the like the layer-shaped covering and the possibly present weakened material portion directly underneath this layer-shaped covering. To this aim, preferably a tool, such as a knife, is used.
Another possibility for effecting the mutual separability of two portions consists in that at least one of these portions is made detachable from the layer-shaped covering adjoining it. According to a variant of this form of embodiment, it is also possible to offer a flange-shaped encased portion, whereby the layer-shaped covering of this flange-shaped portion, along one or both edges thereof, continues into a portion, which preferably is provided with an adhesive at the inside, whether or not said adhesive being covered with a protective layer, and in order to offer, together with this flange-shaped portion, one or more un-encased nose portions. The user then can decide whether he wants to employ a nose portion. If he wants to do so, then he will position the nose portion underneath the flange-shaped portion and subsequently will provide the aforementioned continuing portion of the layer-shaped covering at least partially over the exterior of the nose portion, and preferably up to under the nose portion. Hereby, the transition between the two portions of the body of the finishing profile, namely the flange-shaped portion and the nose portion, in combined condition, is covered. If the user does not want to employ a nose portion, he may either remove the layer-shaped covering continuing at the edge of the flange-shaped portion, or adhere this layer-shaped portion at least partially against the lower side of the flange-shaped portion.
According to a preferred form of embodiment of the present invention, the respective separable and/or combinable portions adjoin directly against each other. In this form of embodiment, the finishing profile then also consists of loose parts, which are connected to each other solely by means of the layer-shaped covering. This form of embodiment offers the possibility of an easier production than described above. First, the separate parts are manufactured, for example, by means of sawing, milling, extruding, and subsequently the parts are assembled and encased with a layer-shaped covering. It is not excluded that, between the assembly step and the encasing, a treatment is performed that guarantees the precision of the assembled, not-encased assembly. For example, the outwardly directed sides of the assembled portions can be commonly cut to size, such that the subsequent encasing thereof is facilitated and/or that the encasement quality is maximum. By this, for example, is meant that no, or almost no, lines will appear at the height of the aforementioned transition between two portions.
A production as described hereabove prevents, such as when sawing up to closely underneath the layer-shaped covering of a semi-finished product, the presence of saw cuts between two separable and/or combinable portions. Such saw cuts mostly are undesirable, as they mean a significant weakening of the finishing profile, which will lead to a bad clamping of the profile, and also will result in that the finishing portions of the floor covering will be prematurely damaged by being walked upon.
According to another form of embodiment of the invention according to this eighth aspect, the respective separable and/or combinable portions, instead of exclusively at the layer-shaped covering and possibly a portion directly underneath the layer-shaped covering, moreover are additionally connected or attached to each other by means of locking means. These locking means preferably shall consist of a snap connection or a releasable adhesive connection.
The separable and/or combinable portions of such finishing profile may be manufactured, for example, of wood or a wood-based material. Preferably, they consist of MDF/HDF or plywood.
Within the scope of the invention, it is not excluded that the separable and/or combinable portions are manufactured of other materials, for example, by means of extrusion of synthetic material, paper pulp, or the like.
Also, said portions for forming one and the same finishing profile may be manufactured of different materials. So, for example, may the flange-shaped portion consist of a wood-based material, such as MDF/HDF, and may the nose portions be manufactured of synthetic material. Within the scope of the invention, various combinations of materials are possible and offer the advantage that the most suitable material in respect to production manner and usage function for each separate part can be chosen.
In general, a finishing profile consisting of multiple separable and/or combinable portions will consist of, on the one hand, a flange-shaped portion with an attachment portion situated at the lower side, and, on the other hand, at least one nose portion located, in the non-separated or combined condition, substantially underneath the flange-shaped portion.
In the case that such finishing profile, as aforementioned, consists of several separable and/or combinable portions, two or more mutually adjacent portions thereof, apart from the fact that they possibly differ from each other in shape, may be made in another, clearly differentiating manner for the user, for example, in that they differ from each other in at least one of the following ways:
This makes it possible for the user to easily see that the finishing profile is composed or can be composed of different portions. Possibly, the function of the portions may be made clear in a simple manner by means of the aforementioned differences. This is of prior importance when, for example, several nose portions differing from each other are commonly packaged.
According to a ninth aspect, the present invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering of the type consisting at least of two portions, whereby the first portion is a flange-shaped portion with an attachment portion located at the lower side, whereas the second portion consists of a nose portion that can cooperate with the lower side of the flange-shaped portion, in such a manner that, by applying or not applying the nose portion, at least two usage possibilities are created.
A finishing profile of such type is known, for example, from the patent document WO 03/040492, in which the cooperation between the nose portion and the flange-shaped portion either consists of an adhesive connection, which is provided on the lower side of the flange-shaped portion from manufacturer's side, or of a coupling part protruding from the flange-shaped portion and engaging in the upper side of the nose portion. This known finishing profile shows a number of disadvantages, when the flange-shaped portion is employed without the nose portion, for example, in the function of an expansion profile. The adhesive connection may contact the floor covering, in which, by means of the flange-shaped portion, an expansion joint is being finished. In this case, the expansion of the flooring will be undesirably counteracted by the adhesive connection. In the case that the flange-shaped portion has a protruding coupling portion, this coupling portion, when applying solely the flange-shaped portion for finishing, for example, an expansion joint, will limit the minimum width of the expansion joint possibly to be finished, in view of the fact that the protruding coupling part will limit the distance over which the floor covering can be slid underneath the flange-shaped portion. Moreover, the distance by which the flange-shaped portion reaches over the floor covering often will be too small for offering a good cover under all circumstances.
In order to remedy the above disadvantages, the invention according to this ninth aspect relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, said profile consisting of at least two portions, whereby the first portion is a flange-shaped portion with an attachment portion located at the lower side, whereas the second portion consists of a nose portion that can cooperate with the lower side of the flange-shaped portion, in such a manner that, by either applying or not applying the nose portion, two usage possibilities are created, characterized in that between the first and second portions, attachment means are present at least in the form of an adhesive provided on the nose portion from manufacturer's side, with which adhesive the first and the second portion can be connected to each other, whereby these attachment means either can or cannot be further completed by a coupling part protruding from the nose portion and engaging in the lower side of the flange-shaped portion and offering at least a locking in lateral direction. Hereby, the adhesive may cooperate directly with the lower side of the flange-shaped portion, or with a part present at the lower side of the flange-shaped portion.
According to this ninth aspect, the cooperation between the flange-shaped portion and the nose portion thus can not form any limitation for employing solely the flange-shaped portion, for example, when applying this portion as an expansion profile for finishing an expansion joint. In such case, there actually is no disadvantageous glue connection, nor are there any hampering protruding portions at the lower side of the flange-shaped portion.
In a particular form of embodiment, the invention according to the ninth aspect also consists of a set of components for forming a finishing profile of the above-mentioned type, characterized in that this set at least consists of said first portion and said second portion, whereby these are commonly packaged, and whereby, at least in the case of an adhesive connection, both portions are apart from each other and preferably the adhesive provided on the nose portion is provided with a removable protective layer. Still more preferably, the set of components shall comprise at least two different nose portions, which at choice can be used together with the first portion, whereby both nose portions preferably are packaged together with the first portion.
According to the ninth aspect, the invention also relates to a nose portion for realizing a set of components, characterized in that this nose portion comprises attachment means, either at least in the form of an adhesive that is provided on the nose portion from manufacturer's side, or at least in the form of a coupling part protruding from the nose portion, whereby this nose portion, in the case of an adhesive, preferably is provided with a removable protective layer.
According to a tenth aspect, the invention also relates to a set of components for forming a finishing profile of the above-said type, more particularly a finishing profile consisting of at least two portions, whereby the first portion is a flange-shaped portion with an attachment portion located at the bottom side, whereas the second portion consists of a nose portion that can cooperate with the lower side of the flange-shaped portion, such that, by using or not using the nose portion, two usage possibilities are created, characterized in that this set also comprises connection means in the form of adhesive means, and in that at least the nose portion and the adhesive means are commonly packaged.
According to an eleventh aspect, the invention aims at a limited set of components, which nevertheless allow to form a large number of different finishing profiles. To this aim, the invention relates to a set of components for forming a finishing profile, whereby this set consists of at least two components, a first component and a second component, respectively, whereby the first component has a flange-shaped portion with an attachment portion located at the lower side, with as a characteristic that the second component, whether or not after being adapted, can cooperate with the first component in at least two usage positions. The possibly required adaptation may consist, for example, in that, in function of the desired usage position, one or more portions of the second component must be removed.
Preferably, the second component is made as a nose portion and has two sides which, in function of the desired usage position, can be turned outward, whereby, in function of the outwardly turned side, a different form of finishing profile is obtained, preferably a finishing profile in the form of an end profile or in the form of a transition profile, respectively.
In a preferred form of embodiment of the eleventh aspect, said two sides of the second component are realized as decorative sides, whereby each of these decorative sides, by positioning at least a portion of the second component in respect to the first component, can be brought into a position in which it adjoins the decorative side of the flange-shaped portion in order to thereby form, in this position, together with the first component, a finishing profile.
Of course, the flange-shaped portion can also be applied as such, for example, as an expansion profile.
It is clear that the invention also relates to finishing sets whereby a holder and a finishing profile are used according to any of the preceding aspects of the present invention.
It is noted that the possible layer-shaped covering, with which the finishing profiles according to the invention that are described herein above and below, as mentioned may consist of laminate, foil, veneer or such, and preferably has a high wear resistance. The laminate as such may consist of a carrier sheet impregnated in resin, upon which preferably a print is provided. Said wear resistance may be obtained by incorporating abrasive particles, such as, for example, aluminum oxide, in the layer-shaped covering. The application of the layer-shaped covering, for example, takes place by gluing it with a polyurethane or polyolefin glue. The use of polyolefin glue allows an easier covering of sharp edges than in the case when using polyurethane glue.
Further, it is noted that the covering of the finishing profile also can be solely built of different layers of colouring agent, such as ink, which preferably forms a pattern and may be covered by a lacquer or not. In the cases where the finishing profile consists of a body that is formed of several portions, as is the case, for example, with finishing profiles showing the characteristics of the eighth aspect of the invention, it is preferred to apply at least said pattern in the un-detached or combined condition of said portions.
An additional advantage of the different aspects of the invention is that the logistic exertion of the manufacturer is limited considerably. The existing manner of finishing a floor covering requires holders for each finishing profile and type of flooring, as well as finishing profiles for each type of finishing and type of flooring, surely if the manufacturer wants to provide matching finishing profiles. Having all these holders and finishing profiles in stock and offering them is expensive. More particularly, a manufacturer who wants to offer, for example, holders for two heights of floor covering will have to double his stocks. If he, moreover, also offers underlayments of various thickness and wants to have a holder in stock for each combination of underlayments and floor covering, then the exertion in the field of logistics will be larger than is acceptable. The finishing set, holders and finishing profiles, manufactured according to the present invention, restrict this inconvenience to a major extent, anyhow, at least in almost all forms of embodiment described above.
According to another particular independent aspect, thus, a twelfth aspect, the invention relates to a finishing profile consisting of a material that is easy to process, whereas these finishing profiles still have sufficient strength. To this aim, the invention, according to its twelfth aspect, relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering with a body, whether or not formed of several portions, amongst which a flange-shaped portion with an attachment portion located at the lower side, whereby said body, or anyhow at least the flange-shaped portion and the attachment portion, substantially consists of a material composed of several layers of wood, with as a characteristic that at least two of said layers have a different orientation of the wood fibers and preferably each layer has a different orientation of the wood fibers in respect to the layer situated thereabove, therebelow, respectively. In a practical form of embodiment, this is realized by manufacturing the respective body of so-called crosswise-layered plywood.
It is clear that said wood layers preferably extend parallel to the flanges of the flange-shaped portion.
By the variation of the orientation of the wood fibers, the finishing profile according to the twelfth aspect obtains, amongst others, an improved bending strength. Each separate layer of wood thus offers only a limited resistance against bending around an axis that is parallel to the direction of the wood fibers. The cooperation of separate layers of wood with different fiber orientations, according to the invention, now provides for that the finishing profile does not have an axis around which a bending encounters little resistance. Such axis is particularly detrimental when it is situated in the longitudinal direction of the finishing profile. In normal use, a bending around the longitudinal axis of the finishing profile will often occur, for example, when the user walks upon the finishing profile. A low resistance against bending around this longitudinal axis then may lead to that thin portions, such as, for example, the flanges of the flange-shaped portion, may break off prematurely.
According to a thirteenth aspect, the invention relates to a profile for finishing a floor covering, with as a characteristic that this profile is configured such that it is applicable both as a finishing profile and a skirting board. In a particular form of embodiment of this thirteenth aspect, the profile comprises several portions, whereby two or more of these portions, in function of the intended application, can be separated from each other or combined with each other, whereby in at least one application an assembly is obtained that is suitable for use as a skirting board, whereas at least in one other application an assembly is obtained that is suitable for use as a finishing profile.
According to a fourteenth aspect, the invention also relates to an accessory, with the characteristic that it shows one or more of the following three features:
According to a fifteenth aspect, the invention relates to a finishing profile, or portion for forming such finishing profile, that is provided with a pattern at its decorative side, characterized in that the pattern is formed at least partially, and preferably entirely, of a hardening, thus, also drying, substance, which is applied on the finishing profile or on the portion thereof and is hardened thereon. More particularly, hereby it is preferred that a printed pattern is used, whereby the intended hardening or drying substance then consists of ink or another substance that can be applied by means of a printer, such as a lacquer, which can be applied by means of a printing process.
This technique has as an advantage that no separate printed decorative layer for forming the layer-shaped covering, such as a imprinted encasing foil, laminate foil or the like must be formed, which has to be applied on the finishing profile in an accurate manner. An advantage resulting from this is that a smooth production is possible, in first instance, when the pattern is realized by means of a printer. Then, in fact, no separate stocks of printed decorative layer have to be provided. By controlling the aforementioned unit, more particularly, the printer, in a suitable manner, it is possible to switch to the production of another pattern at any moment.
Coupled to the fifteenth aspect, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a finishing profile or a portion of a finishing profile, characterized in that this method comprises at least a step wherein the finishing profile and/or said portion, either in completely finished form, or as a semi-finished product, are displaced relatively along a unit that applies a hardening substance in the form of a pattern on the finishing profile and/or said portion, more particularly, a printing unit, preferably an ink jet printer, after which the substance is left to harden. Further characteristics of the fifteenth aspect will become clear from the detailed description.
According to a sixteenth aspect, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a skirting board, whereby this skirting board is composed of one or more portions and one or more of these portions possess a decorative surface in the form of a pattern, characterized in that this method comprises at least a step wherein the skirting board and/or one or more portions thereof are displaced relatively along a unit that applies a hardening substance in the form of a pattern on the finishing profile and/or on said portion, more particularly, a printing unit, preferably an ink jet printer, after which the substance is left to harden. Hereby, the same advantages are obtained as in the fifteenth aspect.
Both with a finishing profile according to the fifteenth aspect as with a skirting board according to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to realize the entire pattern and/or the entire surface to be covered according to the presented technique, as well as only a portion thereof, whereas then the remaining portion of the pattern and/or of the surface to be covered will be realized by means of another technique, for example, by laminating in a press.
According to a seventeenth aspect, the invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering comprising a body that is formed of at least two portions, whereby these portions, in function of the intended application, can be separated from each other or brought together, and whereby the first of said portions shows a flange-shaped portion and the second of said portions is a nose portion that is or can be provided underneath the flange-shaped portion, with the decorative side of the nose portion adjoining to a downward-directed portion of the decorative side of the flange-shaped portion, characterized in that said first and second portions are formed of separate basic bodies; that the basic bodies themselves are free of mechanical connection parts fitting into each other, which are formed of the material of the basic bodies themselves; and that said basic bodies are coupled to each other or can be coupled to each other by means of at least one separate connection. By a separate connection, any form of connection is meant that differs from a connection obtained by mechanical parts manufactured from the basic material of the basic bodies. Finishing profiles according to the seventeenth aspect offer, amongst others, the advantage that the connection among the basic bodies is no longer depending directly on the basic bodies themselves, but on the separate connection, whereby, as a result, more simple forms can be applied for the basic bodies. The separate connection preferably consists of an adhesive connection, for example, a glue connection or adhesive tape connection, and/or a connection by means of a layer-shaped covering extending over both basic bodies.
According to each aspect, various other preferred forms of embodiment of the invention are possible. To this aim, reference is made to the detailed description and appended claims.
The invention also relates to all possible combinations of the characteristics of the various aforementioned aspects, such, of course, inasmuch as such characteristics are compatible with each other.
With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character, several preferred forms of embodiment are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The figure represents three traditional forms of embodiment of the finishing profile 3. These in their turn are separately numbered and relate to an end profile 4 represented in continuous line, an expansion profile 5 and a transition profile 6, both represented in dashed line.
By “expansion profile” 5, a finishing profile 3 is meant that consists of a flange-shaped portion 7 extending at the left and right hand sides of an attachment portion 8 situated at the bottom side thereof. A finishing profile 3, which is realized as an expansion profile 5, usually has, as represented, two contact surfaces 9 and 10 located, at opposite sides of the attachment portion 8, substantially at one and the same height level. A “transition profile” 6 and an “end profile” 4, on the contrary, are finishing profiles with the contact surfaces 9 and 10 located at different height levels. To this aim, the transition profile 6 and the end profile 4, at one side of the attachment portion 8, also comprise a nose portion 11 with a downward-directed end wall 12, which, at an end profile 4, usually is steeper than at a transition profile 6. Preferably, the end wall 12 of an end profile 4, as shown, will be upright and substantially vertical, whereas the end wall 12 of a transition profile 6 preferably slopes down in an inclined manner.
Unless specifically mentioned, the finishing sets of the invention that are described in the following are not restricted to the represented finishing profiles 4, 5 and 6, nor are said finishing profiles restricted to their aforementioned application.
Further, the finishing set 1 represented in
In the represented example, the attachment portion 13, which is intended to cooperate with the attachment portion 8, consists of two legs 16, which, at the inner side, are provided with ribs 17. The legs 16 are standing somewhat inclined towards the inside. During mounting, the legs 16 clamp around the attachment portion 8 of the finishing profile 3. The ribs 17 provide for an extra solid mounting and grip. Possibly, these ribs 17 may grip barb-like into corresponding cavities of the attachment portion 8 of the finishing profile 3. Of course, other attachment portions 13 or 8 for holders 2 and finishing profiles 3 are possible, without leaving the scope of the present invention.
As represented, said underlay portion 14 preferably is realized as a small underlay strip and may be separated, according to a break-off line 18 consisting of a V-shaped section reduction, from the remaining portion 19 of the holder, either by breaking it off or tearing it off, or by means of the application of simple tools, such as a knife, with which the underlay portion 14 can be cut off. Within the scope of the invention, the means for removing the underlay portion 14 from the remaining portion 19 of the holder 2 may also consist, for example, of a tear-off line, a perforation, a weakened material part, etc. The respective portion may also be removed in other ways, for example, by providing it with means for bringing the underlay portion 14 into another position by means of an angling movement. This may be a mechanical hinge or, for example, a foldable portion forming part of the holder 2.
In
At the bottom side, the represented holder 2 has a profiled portion 20 facilitating gluing onto the subfloor. However, attachment in another manner is not excluded, for example, by means of screws.
The represented holder 2 also complies with the second aspect of the invention. To this aim, this holder 2 has two free edge portions 21 and 22 situated at opposite sides of the attachment portion 13, whereby the widths B1 and B2 of both edge portions, each time measured from the attachment portion 13 up to the distal end of the respective edge portion 21, 22, respectively, differ from each other. More particularly, the width B1 of the free edge portion 21, which here functions as an underlay portion 14, is larger than the width B2 of the other edge portion 22, which, in this example, serves as the positioning portion 15. As represented, B1 preferably also is larger than or equal to one-half of the entire width B3 of the holder 2, such that, when applying the edge portion 21 as an underlay portion, a good support for the remaining portion 19 of the holder 2 by the underlay portion 14 is guaranteed, as will become clear from
In the example of
In
In
The hinge 39 of the represented form of embodiment is a foldable material portion 41, which is manufactured by co-extrusion together with the first portion 37 and the second portion 38 of the holder 2. The foldable portion 41 consists of a more flexible material than the first portion 37 and the second portion 38 of the holder 2. The invention does not exclude that the holder 2 comprises a hinge 39 that is designed in another manner. For example, the hinge 39 may consist of a weakened material part or a mechanical hinge; also, the whole holder 2 may consist of a deformable material, such that the user may fold the holder 2 as desired.
The underlay portion 14 of the holder 2 of
Other, whether or not operational, positions of the hingeable second portion 38 of the holder 2 are possible, without leaving the scope of the invention.
Moreover, the holder 2 of
Within the scope of the invention, and according to the fourth aspect thereof, the locking means 42 also may effect a locking in longitudinal direction. Moreover, it is possible that only positioning means are applied between the portions 37 and 38, whereby then no attachment between the portions 37 and 38 is effected, but exclusively a mutual lateral or transverse shifting is prevented. The locking or positioning means may also be realized in another manner than mechanically, such as, for example, by means of magnetic interaction.
In the portions 37 and 38, screw holes 32 are provided, the axis lines of which, in the coupled position of the first portion 37 and the second portion 38, coincide. It is clear that such screw holes 32 are on option.
The adjustment portion 44 represented in
The adjustment portion 44 preferably allows a larger inclination of the finishing profile 3 than the one obtained by solely attaching the attachment portion 8 in the attachment portion 13 in an inclined manner, as represented in
A finishing profile 3 according, amongst others, the sixth aspect of this invention is represented in
Each nose portion 11 is situated next to an edge of the flange-shaped portion 7 and, in the represented form of embodiment, is resting directly against this flange-shaped portion 7 in that it is coming into contact therewith in vertical direction by means of stop surfaces 48, such that a good transfer of forces is guaranteed. Also, in the representation of
A finishing profile 3 according to the eighth aspect, as the one shown in
When the finishing profile 3 of the type of
It is clear that a finishing profile 3, as represented in
Said layer-shaped covering 46 may, for example, consist of a printed foil, for example, of the type usually applied as an encasing foil. Other coverings 46, however, are not excluded.
It is clear that the locking means 51 in
According to a variant, which hereafter is described with reference to
In order to facilitate the possible shortening of the folded-down portion of the layer-shaped covering 46, auxiliary means may be provided at the lower side of the flange-shaped portion 7, such as, for example, a recess 56, above which first the layer-shaped covering 46 is provided and into which the tip of a knife easily can be put in order to obtain, already cutting, guided by this recess 56, a high-quality cut. In
Possibly, the protruding portions, provided with adhesive 53, of the layer-shaped covering may protrude that far that they can be folded down; up to under the nose portions 11.
According to the tenth aspect of the invention, which is not represented in the figures, it is possible that the adhesive portions 57 are not provided on the nose portions 11 from manufacturer's side, but are packaged together with such nose portion 11. Preferably, the enclosed adhesive portion 57 then will consist of a double-sided self-adhesive strip that can be provided by the user between the flange-shaped portion 7 and the respective nose portion 11.
It is clear that such rotational movement 60 can be prevented by any form of suitable blocking portions or stop portions. Possibly, these portions may be designed such that they indeed offer a blocking against forces exerted by the layer-shaped covering 46, however, allow that the respective nose portions 11, by means of a larger force, can be turned away from their blocked positions.
The blocking portions do not necessarily have to consist of a stop-forming mechanical part. For example, they may also consist of a releasable adhesive connection or any other releasable connection, which is provided, for example, between the upper side of the respective nose portion 11 and the lower side of the respective flange portion 7.
It is clear that the use of such nose portions 11 and blocking portions is possible at one edge as well as at both edges of a finishing profile 3.
It is noted that said blocking does not have to be absolute and, therefore, a small freedom of movement is not excluded. This is illustrated in the nose portion 11, represented on the left hand side in
In the examples of
In
A configuration, as shown in
It is clear that implementing the flange portion 7 in at least two flange portions 64, as described above, is also advantageous with finishing profiles that do not show the characteristics of the eighth aspect.
Of course, also other than hook-shaped cutting edges 66 can be applied for the knife 65, and also the eye 68 may be replaced by any other holder 67 with which the user can handle the knife 65. In a particular form of embodiment, the knife 65 is realized as represented in the
As represented in
It is clear that such knife 65 with a profiled guide surface adapted to the shape of a finishing profile can be realized in other forms, too.
It is noted that, in the represented example of
In
In general, the connection means between the components 75 and 76 may be of any form. Apart from the adhesive connection, an example of which is given in
It is clear that the invention also relates to a nose portion 11 itself, which is formed such that it can be applied in two or more usage positions.
Referring to
In respect to the packaging, it is quite evident from
In respect to the production of both components 74 and 75, and more particularly to the encasing thereof with the layer-shaped covering 46, it is possible to choose a method whereby the circumference of a semi-finished product comprising both components 74 and 75, such as the one represented by dashed line 83, is encased, preferably with an uninterrupted layer-shaped covering 46. Hereby, in the represented example, the second component 75, on one side 84, is not yet provided with a profile, however, realized almost flat at this side 84, with the exception of possible rounded portions at the corners of this side 83. Thus, said semi-finished product in dashed line 83 shows a contour that is easy to encase. The excessive material 85 at the side 84 of the second component 75 is removed after encasing in order to obtain the desired profiling. In case the layer-shaped covering 46 on the aforementioned contour will be interrupted during encasing, it is preferred to provide this interruption on the side 84, from which the excessive material 85 will be removed.
The portions 89-90 that carry the coupling parts 86, and more particularly the projections 87, preferably are realized removable, more particularly to be broken off, in respect to the remaining portion 19, to which end, as represented, break-off lines 18 may be provided in the holder 2.
The coupling parts 86 between the holder 2 and the nose portions 11 may be applied for various reasons, however, practically they first of all aim at having the nose portions 11 fixedly positioned below the flange-shaped portion 7. Hereby, the nose-shaped portions 11 and the flange-shaped portion 7 either may be provided with separate layer-shaped coverings 46, or be provided with a continuous layer-shaped covering extending continuously from on top of the flange-shaped portion 7 up to on top of at least one nose portion 11, as described in the eighth aspect of the invention. When applying the eighth aspect of the invention, the coupling parts 86 provide for that the composing parts automatically are mutually positioned before the layer-shaped covering 46 is applied. Moreover, these coupling parts 86 prevent that the nose portions 11, after the application of the layer-shaped covering 46, turn outward due to the influence of internal tensions.
As represented at the right-hand side of
It is clear that all that is described above in respect to
According to a particular variant, one or more of the nose portions 11 will be made in one piece with the holder 2, for example, by means of extrusion. Such integrally made nose portion 11 then may be provided, in its turn, with a layer-shaped covering 46, whether or not implemented continuously with a layer-shaped covering 46 on the flange-shaped portion 7.
It is noted that, as represented in
Whereas the finishing profile 3 in
The possibility of realizing an end profile 4 as well as a skirting board by means of only one finishing profile 3, is of particular importance, as, when finishing a floor covering 24 against a wall 23, usually at least one of the two, either an end profile 4, or a skirting board, are applied. Thus, starting from one and the same finishing profile 3, the user himself may choose whether he applies it as an end profile 4 or as a skirting board.
It is clear that the
In the represented example, the holder 67 of the knife 65 comprises a projection 99 on at least one upper edge. Such design allows to use the knife 65 or the holder 67, as represented in
Independently from the actual shape of the knife 65 or the holder 67, allocating several functions to one accessory, such as to the knife 65 or to a tapping block, as such is particularly important, as this limits the number of accessories that are required for installing or finishing a floor covering. In the case of an accessory that can be used as not only as a knife 65, but as a tapping block as well, it is clear that the design of the holder 67 can vary according to the design of the coupling means or parts 101. Preferably, the design is such that the tapping block or holder 67 touches the floor panel 100 solely in zones where the risk of damaging the floor panel 100 and its coupling means or coupling parts is minimal.
According to another form of embodiment, also a piece of abrasive paper or other abrasive part can be integrated into the holder 67. This abrasive paper as such can be used for various purposes, however, in particular may be used for polishing, after the removal of a nose portion 11 of the finishing profile 3, the flange-shaped portion 7 of the finishing profile 3 at the height of the edge where said removed nose portion 11 has been cut off
Such abrasive part can be integrated into the holder 67 at different places. So, for example, this may be at a place, such, that the holder 67, in a certain position, may be used as a knife, whereas, in another position, it may be used as a grinding block. Preferably, however, this abrasive part will be integrated such that it can be commonly applied with the knife, in other words, such that, directly upon cutting, also a grinding is obtained. This is possible, for example, either by providing the abrasive part directly following the blade of the knife, or by integrating an abrasive part into the blade, for example, by providing the blade with an abrasive coating behind the cutting edge, or by realizing it as a file.
Also, it is not excluded not to integrate the abrasive part into the knife 65, but to offer it as a separate element, for example, in the form of a grinding block, along with the finishing profile.
As indicated by portion 103 in
It is clear that, with embodiments that are realized according to the eighth aspect of the invention, such as the embodiment of
According to the fifteenth aspect of the invention, the finishing profile 3, or a portion 7-11 for forming such finishing profile 3, is provided at its decorative side with a pattern that is at least partially and preferably entirely formed of a hardening substance, which is provided on the finishing profile or the portion thereof and has hardened thereupon. In the first place, this means that the finishing profile 3, or one or more portions 7-11 thereof, are provided with a printed thereupon or printed pattern, whereby the hardening substance, thus, is an ink or other hardening, or, in other words, drying substance, and whereby this pattern thus is formed on the already formed surface of the profile, and thus not beforehand on a foil or the like, which then is provided on the finishing profile. The pattern may be of any nature. In a large number of applications, however, this will be a wood pattern. Other depositing techniques than by means of a printer are not excluded.
In
According to a variant, a primer or other layer will be provided on the finishing profile 3, or on said portion, underneath said pattern 105.
At the decorative side, a wear-resistant substance may be provided, for example, by covering the pattern with a transparent lacquer or varnish, in which corundum particles are incorporated. Also, embossments may be formed in the surface, which form a surface structure, for example, for imitating wood pores.
The fifteenth aspect may be applied to finishing profiles 3 and/or portions 7-11 of any basic material, thus, to wood-based products, such as MDF/HDF and plywood, as well as to metal and synthetic material.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a finishing profile or a portion of a finishing profile according to the fifteenth aspect. This method consists in that the finishing profile 3 or one or more portions thereof, either in completely finished form, or as a semi-finished product, are displaced relatively along a unit that provides a hardening substance in the form of a pattern on the finishing profile and/or said portion, more particularly a printing unit, preferably an ink jet printer, after which the substance is left to harden.
As represented in the schematic representations of
The aforementioned sixteenth aspect relates to the manufacture of a skirting board. As explained in the introduction, a method is concerned which is analogous to the method described heretofore, however, applied to a skirting board rather than a finishing profile. Thus, the characteristics described by means of the fifteenth aspect can be applied in an analogous manner when manufacturing such skirting boards.
As can be seen in the represented examples, such separate connection can be of different kind and may one basic body 108 also be connected to the other basic body 107 by means of several separate connections. In each of the represented forms of embodiment of
In the forms of embodiment of
As can be seen in
It is clear that the forms of embodiment of
In
It is clear that the seventeenth aspect of the invention is not limited to the represented forms of embodiment. So, for example, the separate connection may also consist exclusively of an adhesive connection, whereas then no connection 110 by means of the layer-shaped covering will be present.
It is noted that in the embodiments according to the seventeenth aspect, the lower side of the flange-shaped portion and the upper side of the respective nose portion preferably adjoin each other with flat contact surfaces, whereby these are situated horizontal or substantially horizontal.
The fact that between a nose portion 11 and the side wall of an attachment portion 8, an adhesive connection is present, for example, such as depicted in
It is clear that all above-described connection techniques between a flange-shaped portion and a nose portion 11 can be applied at finishing profiles with one as well as with two nose portions, whereby in the latter case, such connection can be employed at one or both nose portions. When, in the latter case, such connection is applied at only one nose portion, the other nose portion may be realized in one piece with the flange-shaped portion 7.
Also, for two nose portions 11 of one and the same finishing profile, different kinds of connections can be provided with the flange-shaped portion 7. Thus, all combinations of different connections, selected from the above-described connections, are possible. So, for example, may a finishing profile have a separable nose portion 11 at one edge, whereas at the other edge no nose portion is present, but a separate nose portion is made available, which, as desired, can be joined with the flange-shaped portion.
It is clear that the finishing profiles 3 of the invention also can be applied in combination with known holders.
It is noted that the holder, without leaving the scope of the invention, may consist of a long rail or various holders of limited length dimensions, which are placed on the ground at a fixed mutual distance. Also, it is not excluded that the holders are employed together with adapters, such as those described in DE 198 54 452.
The present invention is in no way limited to the forms of embodiment described by way of example and represented in the figures, however, such finishing sets, holders and finishing profiles can be realized according to various variants without leaving the scope of the invention. As such, amongst others, it is clear that all characteristics mentioned with reference to all aspects of the invention can be mutually combined at choice, as far as they are not contradictory.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005/0015 | Jan 2005 | BE | national |
| 2005/0336 | Jul 2005 | BE | national |
This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/599,394, filed on Nov. 15, 2006, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/266,588 filed on Nov. 4, 2005, which claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/685,496 filed on May 31, 2005, and Belgian application nos. BE 2005/0015 filed on Jan. 12, 2005 and BE 2005/0336 filed on Jul. 4, 2005.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60685496 | May 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11599394 | Nov 2006 | US |
| Child | 13288233 | US | |
| Parent | 11266588 | Nov 2005 | US |
| Child | 11599394 | US |
