Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
1
TRIMMING ACCESSORIES, SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME AND METHOD
OF TRIMMING SURFACES
t=ietd of the invention:
The present invention relates to trimming accessories. More particularly,
the present invention relates to trimming accessories, to a system including
the
same and to a method of trimming surfaces.
Background of the invention:
Trimming systems and the accessories used therewith are well known in
the art.
US patent No. 5,243,797 granted to Koenig, Jr. on September 14t", 1993,
describes a drywall finishing and masking accessory. The invention pertains
fio a
finishing and masking accessory useful with a drywall panel having an outer
surface and having a top or side edge near an exposed surface of an adjacent
structure.
US patent No.5,313,755 granted to Koenig, Jr. on May 24t", 1994,
describes a drywall corner-finishing accessory. The invention pertains to a
drywall
corner-finishing accessory, which is flexible along a pliable, middle strip
selectively to define a stepped, inside corner or a stepped, outside corner
and
which at least in some instances can serve as an expansion joint.
US patent No. 5,477,843 granted to Koenig, Jr. on December 26tr,, 1995,
describes a pane! edge-finishing accessory. The invention pertains to a panel
edge finishing accessory, which is useful as an expansion joint between two
panels, such as two drywall panels.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
2
However, these systems and accessories have not been entirely
satisfactory. Indeed, they are designed and used far very specific
applications
and thus do not offer a desirable versatility to be used for various and
different
trimming applications.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved
system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to
overcome
some of the aforementioned prior art problems associated with conventional
trimming systems.
Summary of the invention:
The abject of the present invention is to provide a trimming system and
corresponding accessories which satisfy some of 'the above-mentioned needs
and which is thus an improvement over other trimming systems and methods
known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as
will be easily understood, with trimming accessories such as the ones briefly
described herein and such as the ones exemplified in the accompanying
drawings.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
system including the above-mentioned trimming accE'ssories
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
method of trimming surfaces with the above-mentioned trimming system.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification
only
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
3
Brief description of fihe drawings:
Figure 1a is a perspective view of an expansion joint component of the
trimming system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1 b is another perspective view of the expansion joint shown in
Figure 1 a.
° Figure 1 c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the expansion joint
shown
in Figure 1 b.
Figure 1 d is a partial perspective view of an expansion joint component of
the trimming system according to anather preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 1 a is another perspective view of wh2it is shown in Figure 1 d, the
expansion joint component being shown now with its. middle strip being pulled-
off
by a user.
Figure 2a is a perspective view of a V-groove component of the trimming
system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2b is another perspective view of the V-groove component shown in
Figure 2a.
Figure 2c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the V-groove component
shown in Figure 2b.
Figure 2d is a partial perspective view of a V-groove component of the
trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
4
Figure 2e is another perspective view of what is shown in Figure 2d, the
V-groove component being shown now with its middlle strip being pulled-off by
a
user.
Figure 3a is a perspective view of a mufti-corner component of the
trimming system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3b is another perspective view of i:he mufti-corner component
shown in Figure 3a.
Figure 3c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mufti-corner
component shown in Figure 3a.
Figure 3d is an enlarged schematic view of a bend of the mufti-corner
15 component shown in Figure 3c, said bend being shown in intermediate
configu rations.
Figure 3e is a partial perspective view of a mufti-corner component of the
trimming system according i:o another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4a is a perspective view of a ventilated starter strip component of
the trimming system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4b is another perspective view of the ventilated starter strip
component shown in Figure 4a.
Figure 4c is another perspective view of the ventilated starter strip
component shown in Figure 4a.
Figure 4d is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilated starter strip
component shown in Figure 4c.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
Figure ~e is a schematic representation of a ventilated starter strip
component having an end snapped-off by a user according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
5 Figure 4f is a partial perspective view of a ventilated starter strip
component of the trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of
the invention.
Figure 4g is an enlarged view of a portion of the ventilated starter strip
component shown in Figure 4f.
Figure 5a is a perspective view of an L-trim component of the trimming
system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5b is another perspective view of the L-trim component shown in
Figure 5a.
Figure 5c is a schematic cross-sectional viE:w of the L-trim component
shown in Figure 5a.
Figure 5d is an enlarged view of a portion of i:he L-trim component shown
in Figure 5c.
Figure 5e is a partial perspective view of an L-trim component of the
trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6a is a perspective view of a ventilation flap strip component of the
trimming system according i:o a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6b is another perspective view of the ventilation flap strip
component shown in Figure 6a.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
6
Figure 6c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ventilation flap strip
component shown in Figure 6a.
Figure 6d is a schematic representation of a ventilation flap strip
component being broken by a user into two separate parts according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6e is a partial perspective view of a ventilation flap strip component
of the trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 6f is an enlarged View Of a portion of the ventilation flap strip
component shown in Figure 6e.
Figure 7a is a perspective view of a solid flap strip component of the
trimming system according fio a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7b is another perspective view of the solid flap strip component
shown in Figure 7a.
Figure 7c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the solid flap strip
component shown in Figure 7a.
Figure 7d is a partial perspective view of a solid flap strip component of the
trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7e is a schematic representation of a solid flap strip component
being broken by a user into two separate parts. according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8a is a perspective view of an adjustable angle component of the
trimming system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
7
Figure 8b is another perspective view of the adjustable angle component
shown in Figure 8a.
Figure 8c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the adjustable angle
component shown in Figure 8b.
Figure 8d is a partial perspective view of an adjustable angle component of
the trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 8e is a schematic representation of an adjustable angle component
being bent by a user according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9a is a perspective view of a U-groove component of the trimming
system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9b is another perspective view of the U-groove component shown in
Figure 9a.
Figure 9c is a schematic cross-sectional view of the U-groove component
shown in Figure 9a.
Figure 9d is an enlarged view of a center portion of the U-groove
component shown in Figure 9c.
Figure 9e is a schematic representation of a U-groove component being
broken by a user into two separate parts according to a preferred embodiment
of
the invention.
Figure 9f is a partial perspective view of a U-groove component of the
trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
Figure 10a is a perspective view of an aperture bead component of the
trimming system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10b is another perspective view of the aperture bead component
shown in Figure 10a.
Figure 10c is another perspective view of the aperture bead component
shown in Figure 10a.
Figure 10d is a schematic cross-sectional of the aperture bead component
shown in Figure 10b.
Figure 10e is an Enlarged view of a portion of the aperture bead
component shown in Figure 10d.
Figure 10f is a partial perspective view of an aperture bead component of
the trimming system according to another preferred embodiment of the
invention.
Figure 10g is an enlarged porfion of the aperture bead component shown
in Figure 10f, said component being shown with a portion thereof being pressed
against by a finger of a user.
Figures 11 and 12 are schematic representations of junctions made with
U-groove components such as the one shown in Figure 9f.
Figure 13 is a schematic representation of a legend for forming various
configurations with the accessories of the trimming system shown in Figures
1-10.
Figures 14-18 are examples of different configurations which can be made
with the accessories of the trimming system shown in Figures 1-10, using the
legend of Figure 13.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
9
Figure 19 is a partial enlarged view of two L-trim components assembled
onto one another according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 20 is a partial enlarged view of a typical side edge of a component
of the trimming system according to the present invention.
Figure 21 is a table indicating various properties of the trimming system
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 22 illustrates partial perspective views and cross-sectional views of
the various components of the trimming system according . to the present
invention.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. The embodiments, dimensions, and properties shown in the figures are
preferred.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use
with walllceiling surfaces and the like, it may be used with other items and
in
other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason,
expressions such as "wall"; "ceiling", "surface", etc. used herein should not
be
taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other
kinds of
applications or items with which the present invention could be used and may
be
useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions
"trimming", "edging", "surFacing", "beading" and any other equivalent
expression
known in the art will be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the same applies
for
any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "ceiling", "wall" and
"surface",
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
as well as "device", "component", "accessory", "trim", "mold", and "bead" for
example, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as
5 illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and
although the preferred embodiment of the components of the trimming system 1
as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and
illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential
to the
invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should
not be
10 taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be
understood, as also
apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and
cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical
configurations
may be used for the trimming system 1 and corresponding parts according to the
present invention, as briefly explained herein, without: departing from the
scope of
the invention.
Moreover, the stickers shown in some of the components illustrated in
Figures 1-10 are not necessary for proper operation of the trimming systerrr,
and
have been used for identification purposes only, as also apparent to a person
skilled in the art.
Broadly described, the present invention relates to trimming accessories,
to a system including the same, and to a method of trimming surfaces. As will
be
easily understood, the trimming accessories may beg used individually, as
better
shown in Figures 1-10, andfor may be assembled to one another to form
different
configurations, as better shown in Figures 13-19, so as to carry out various
and
different trimming applications.
Preferably, the supports and trim parts of the present trimming system are
devised to be secured tightly together, as better shown in Figure 19.
Moreover,
the trims, junctions and intersections of the pre:>ent system are preferably
devised to be assembled and secured together using a suitable adhesive mixture
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
11
for example, preferably made of PVC resin and solvent (such as
tetrahydrofurane
for example). Preferably also, one proceeds in the same manner as when using
contact cement, namely, one immediafiely joins both surfaces and presses
together for several seconds.
Preferably, in order to fasten the accessories of the present system onto a
substrate such as gypsum or like concrete panel, and the like, one would
preferably use stainless steel fasteners, every 200mm for example, on each
trim
edge. For fastening onto expanded polysterene for example, one could use "Trim
Tac" type fasteners, also every 200rnm for example, on each trim edge.
Preferably, glue is not used to attach a trim of the presenf system to the
substrate. Far best results, one ensures that a basecoat penetrates the play
into
edge perforations and refers to basecoat manufactures' instructions in this
regard. According to the present invention, the trim and various components of
the present system may be painted with several materials, such as acrylic
latex
for example, to blend the same into the decor formed by the trimming system.
As better shown in Figure 19, the pieces are preferably shaped to fit
together easily and effectively for that added creative touch to match
artistic
impulses of operators and users of the present trimming system.
As better shown in Figure 20, the trims are preferably wide, preferably with
6mm holes for maximum bonding of the basecoat to substrate, and comprise
longitudinal grooves which increase the bond between the basecoat and the
trim.
The trims are preferably made of a suitable material, such as top qualify PVC,
rigid vinyl, and the like, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, and may
be of
various lengths and colors, such as grey and the like.
The expansion joint component of the trimming system, as better shown in
Figures 1 a-1 e, preferably comprises a retractable middle strip, which is
preferably
made of PVC. This removable strip is preferably anchored to the rest of the
expansion joint by means o~ very thin wedges enabling to easily remove the
strip
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
12
from the expansion joint, as better shown in Figure 1e. Preferably also, the
expansion joint and components thereof are made integral to one another by
means of a suitable manufacturing process, such as extrusion far example, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. As aforementioned, the protective
strip
located on the external face of the central portion of the expansion joint is
intended to be pulled-off from the central portion, once plaster has been
applied
onto said expansion joint component. During the application of said plaster,
the
strip mounted to the expansion joint is intended to maintain both sides of the
joint
component uniformly positioned with respect to one another along the entire
length of the joint. Hence, the middle strip of the expansion joint enables to
maintain a substantial equal distance between both sides of the expansion
joint
component when the latter is being covered with plaster and the like. Once the
plaster has been applied onto the component, the strip may be removed, as can
be easily understood when referring to Figure 1e.
The V-groove component, shown in Figures 2a-2e, has similar
components and is made in a similar manner to the expansion joint explained
hereinabove.
The multi-corner component, shown in Figures 3a-3e, comprises a flexible
joint or "bend" located in one side edge of the component, as better shown in
Figures 3c-3e, so as to enable the component to be more versatile, that is,
enable it to adapt to various different variable angles. The mufti-corner
component, and corresponding bend, which acts as a sort of hinge, is
preferably
made by a suitable manufacturing process, such as co-extrusion for example, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. Indeed, the multi-corner component
preferably comprises portions of rigid and flexible P\/C respectively. The
flexible
bend of the multi-corner component enables to carry out different applications
and makes it fairly versatile component. Hence, by means of its hinge, the
multi-
corner component may be used to form an exterior andlor interior corner.
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
13
The ventilated starter strip component, shown in Figures 4a-4f, is similar to
an L-shaped component, and comprises an abutment flange projecting fram a
corner of the L-shaped body and a removable connecting means at the end of
one of the side edges, as better shown in Figures Lld-4f. The connecting means
are preferably devised for receiving and connecting thereon other components
of
the trimming system, as c;an be easily understood when referring to I=figures
13-19. If required, said connecting means may be snapped off the ventilated
starter strip component, as better shown in Figure 4e.
The L-trim component, as shown in Figures 5a-5e, preferably comprises
connecting means enabling it to be connected onto other components, as better
shown in Figure 19.
The ventilation flat strip component, as shown in Figures 6a-6e, preferably
comprises at least one groove, preferably a plurality of grooves, enabling
said
component to be separated into various sub-components, as can be easily
understood when referring to Figure 6d. Hence, the width of the ventilation
flat
strip component may be adjusted by removing segments thereof by breaking the
component along the above-mentioned iongitudin~al grooves. Moreover, said
longitudinal grooves may be used as guides for corresponding cutting dE=vices,
such as exacto knives for example. The cross-sectional thickness of the
ventilation flat strip component at the longitudinal grooves is preferably
substantially much less than the remaining portions of the ventilation flat
strip
component for easier separating of the segments.
The solid flat strip component, as shown in Figures 7a-7e, is similar to the
ventilation flat strip component, except for the fact that it does not
comprise
orifices intended for ventilation purposes.
The adjustable angle component, as shown in Figures 8a-8d, preferably
comprises a U-shaped corner, as better shown in Figure 8c, and may be adjusted
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
14
to a suitable angle, preferably ranging from about 90 to about 180 degrees,
although other ranges may be used, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The U-groove component, as shown in Figures 9a-9f, preferably cornprises
a longitudinal groove along a center portion thereof, as better shown in
Figure 9d,
similar to the ones described previously, so as to be able to be separated
into two
separate components, as better shown in Figure 9e. Various trimming
configurations may be formed and based with the U-groove component, as better
shown in Figures 13-19.
The aperture bead component, as shown in Figures 10a-10f, preferably
has a removable portion which is detachable from the main body along a
longitudinal groove, as better shown in Figure 10e. Preferably also, the
aperture
bead component preferably comprises a flexible bead portion, as better shown
in
Figure 10g.
As can be easily understood, several modifications could be made to the
accessories of the trimming system 1 according to the present invention
without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the
accessories
of the trimming system 1 may be provided with different visual signs, whether
letters, colors, logos, and the like, for displaying proper visual
information, such
as a name brand of the trimming system 1, the type of component of the
trimming
system 1, etc.
As may now be appreciated, the present invention is a substantia6
improvement over the prior art in that by virtue of its design and components,
the
trimming system 1 according to the present invention enables architects and
engineers to finally have access to a versatile trim system that adapts to
many
substrates and is flexible enough for use in a wide range of architectural
applications. Indeed, the present system according to the present invention is
also advantageous in that it offers a totally new approach to creativity on
gypsum,
expanded polysterene, light concrete panel substrates, and the like. Moreover,
CA 02419186 2003-02-19
the present invention is also advantageous in that it is designed by trim
users and
tested by experienced engineers, and features superior quality PVC and great
versatility. Moreover, the present invention is also advantageous in that to
date,
with for example ten (10) basic pieces, as shown in Figures 1-10, which may be
5 assembled into some sixty (60) different layouts, as shown in Figures 13-19,
the
trimming system according to the present invention is very versatile.
Moreover,
the present invention offers a precision system that offers impeccable
professional results and superior adhesion to the basecoat, when compared to
the prior art, thanks to larger holes and a grooved surface, as explained and
10 illustrated herein.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as apparent to a
person skilled in the art.
