1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention is a joint cover assembly that includes a molding, similar to a transition
molding between two separate parts, such as a T-Molding, for covering a gap that may
be formed between adjacent panels in a generally planar surface, such as between two
adjacent flooring or wall or ceiling materials; or between a floor and a hard surface
or carpet, or even a riser and a runner in a step (or a series of steps).
1
2. Background of the Invention
[0002] Hard surface floors, such as wood (solid or engineered) or laminate flooring have
become increasingly popular. As such, many different types of this flooring are assembled
by providing a plurality of similar panels. The differing types of panels that have
developed, of course, may have differing depths and thicknesses. The same is true
when a laminate floor (often referred to as "floating floor") abuts another hard surface,
such as a resilient surface (such as vinyl), tile or another laminate surface; a ceramic
surface, or other surface, e.g., natural wood flooring. Thus, when laminate panels
having different thicknesses or different floor covering materials are placed adjacent
to a laminate floor, transition moldings are often used to create a transition between
the same.
[0003] Additionally, one may desire to install floor panels adjacent to an area with different
types of material. For example, one may desire to have one type of flooring in a kitchen
(e.g., solid wood, resilient flooring, laminate flooring or ceramic tile), and a different
appearance in an adjacent living room (e.g., linoleum or carpeting), and an entirely
different look in an adjacent bath. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop
a type of molding or floorstrip that could be used as a transition from one type of
flooring to another,
[0004] A problem is encountered, however, when flooring materials that are dissimilar in
shape or texture are used. For example, when a hard floor is placed adjacent a carpet,
problems are encountered with conventional edge moldings placed therebetween. Such
problems include difficulty in covering the gap that may be formed between the floorings
having different height, thickness or texture.
[0005] Moreover, for purposes of reducing cost, it is important to be able to have a molding
that is versatile, having the ability to cover gaps between relatively coplanar surfaces,
as well as surfaces of differing thicknesses.
[0006] It would also be of benefit to reduce the number of molding profiles that need to
be kept in inventory by a seller or installer of laminate flooring. Thus, the invention
also provides a method by which the number of moldings can be reduced while still
providing all the functions necessary of different styles transition moldings.
3. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap between edges of adjacent
floor elements, such as floor panels of laminate or wood, although it may also he
used as a transition between a laminate panel and another type of flooring, e.g.,
carpet, linoleum, ceramic, wood, etc. The assembly typically includes a body having
a foot positioned along a longitudinal axis, and a first arm extending generally perpendicularly
from the foot. The assembly may include a second arm also extending generally perpendicular
from the foot. Securing elements are provided to secure attachments to the at least
one of the first and second arms. These securing elements may take the form of adhesive.
Although not preferred, the securing elements may also be in the form of a tab, which
may be provided on at least one of the first or second arms, displaced from, or adjacent,
the foot, extending generally perpendicularly from the arm.
[0008] The outward-facing surface of the assembly may be formed as a single, unitary, monolithic
surface that covers both the first and second arms. This outward-facing surface may
be treated or untreated, for example, with a laminate or a paper, such as a decor,
impregnated with a resin, in order to increase its aesthetic value, or blend, to match
or contrast with the panels. Preferably, the outward facing surface has incorporated
therein a material to increase its abrasion resistance, such as hard particles of
silica, alumina, diamond, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide and similar
hard particles, preferably having a Moh's hardness of at least approximately 6. This
outward-facing surface may also be covered with other types of coverings, such as
foils (such as paper or thermoplastic foils), paints or a variety of other decorative
elements.
[0009] The assembly is preferably provided with a securing means to prevent the assembly
from moving once assembled. In one embodiment, the securing means is a clamp or track,
designed to grab the foot. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp or rail may be joined
directly to a subsurface below the floor element, such as a subfloor, by any conventional
means, such as a nail, screw or adhesive.
[0010] A shim may also be placed between the foot and the subfloor. In one embodiment, the
shim may be positioned on the underside of the clamp; however, if a clamp is not used,
the shim may be positioned between the foot and the subfloor. The shim may be adhered
to either the foot or subfloor using an adhesive or a conventional fastener, e.g.,
nail or screw.
[0011] The assembly may also include a second molding element, for example, in the form
of a leveling block or reducer positioned between at least one of the first and second
arms and the adjacent floor. The leveling block generally has an upper surface that
is adjacent the arm, and a bottom surface that abuts against the adjacent floor when
assembled. In a preferred embodiment, the leveling block has a channel or groove formed
in an upper surface, configured to receive the tab on the arm. The particular size
of the leveling block is often chosen to conform essentially to the difference in
thicknesses between the first and second panels. The exposed surfaces of the leveling
block are typically formed from a variety of materials, such as a carpet, laminate
flooring, ceramic or wood tile, vinyl, turf, paper, natural wood or veneer, vinyl,
wood, ceramic or composite finish, or any type of covering, while the interior of
the leveling block is generally formed from wood, fiberboard, such as high density
fiberboard (HDF) or medium density fiberboard (MN), plastics, or other structural
material, such as metals or composites, at least over a portion of the surface thereof
may be covered with a paint, stain, foil, a plastic, a paper, a décor or a laminate
to match or contrast with the first and second amts. The leveling block additionally
facilitates the use of floor coverings having varying thicknesses when covering a
sub-floor. The leveling block helps the molding not only cover the gap, but provide
a smoother transition from one surface to another.
[0012] Alternatively, the when the tab is used, the tab may be positioned to slidingly engage
the edge of a panel when no leveling block is used. A lip may additionally be provided
and positioned on the tab in order to slidingly engage a protuberance, adjacent an
upper edge of the clamp, in order to retain the assembly in its installed position.
[0013] The tab is preferably shaped as to provide forces to maintain the assembly in the
installed position. Thus, typically the tab may be frustum-shaped, (e.g., dove-tailed)
with its narrow edge proximate the arm and the wider edge furthest from the arm. Additionally,
the tab may be lobe shaped, having a bulbous end distal from the arm. In another embodiment,
only one side of the tab need be tapered (e.g., half dove-tailed). Of course, any
suitable shape is sufficient, as long as the engagement of the tab and groove can
provide enough resistive forces to hinder removal of the installed assembly. By forming
a suitable groove in the leveling block, the tab can help to secure the assembly in
place. Typically, a corresponding groove, having a similar shape as the tab is included
in the leveling block or reducer, e.g., having its wider base distal the arm and its
narrower opening proximate the arm, It is to be understood by those skilled in the
art that although the description throughout this specification is that the position-of
the tab is on the at least one of the first and second arms, and the groove is on
the attachment, e.g., leveling block, the relative position of the tab and groove
can be reversed.
[0014] The assembly may additionally he used to cover gaps between tongue-and-groove type
panels, such as glue-less laminate floor panels. In addition to the uses mentioned
above, the tab may also be designed to mate with a corresponding channel in the panel,
the edge of one of the flooring elements, or may actually fit within a grooved edge.
In order to better accommodate this type of gap, a second tab may be positioned to
depend from the second panel engaging surface.
[0015] An adhesive, such as a glue, a microballoon adhesive; contact adhesive, or chemically
activated adhesive including a water-activated adhesive, may be also positioned on
the abutting surfaces of the first molding element and the second molding element,
on the tab, in the groove, on the foot, and on at least one of the arms. Of course,
such an adhesive is not necessary, but may enhance or supplement the fit of the assembly
over the gap between the floor elements. Additionally, the adhesive may assist in
creating a more air-tight or moisture-tight joint.
[0016] The assembly may be used in other non-coplanar areas, such as the edge between a
wall and a floor, or even on stairs. For example, the assembly may include the first
and second arms, and foot as described above, but instead of transitioning between
two floor elements placed in the same plane, may form the joint between the horizontal
and vertical surfaces of a single stair element,
[0017] The inventive assembly may be used for positioning between adjacent tongue-and-groove
panels; in this regard, the assembly functions as a transition molding, which provides
a cover for edges of dissimilar surfaces. For example, when installing floors in a
home, the assembly could be used to provide an edge between a hallway and a bedroom,
between a kitchen and living or bathroom, or any areas where distinct flooring is
desired. Additionally, the assembly may be incorporated into differing types of flooring,
such as wood, tile, vinyl, carpet, or turf.
[0018] The invention also relates to an inventive method of covering a sub floor adjacent
a floor element by use of the inventive joint cover assembly or a kit comprising the
joint cover assembly and a corresponding track for affixing the joint cover assembly
to a sub floor.
[0019] US 2007/024566281 describes a joint cover assembly as well as a method for its installation, wherein
the distinct molding elements of the joint cover assembly have a décor on their exposed
surfaces and wherein the décor of the distinct exposed surface match. The whole content
of
US 2007/024566281 is incorporated herein by reference.
[0020] Conventionally, such joint cover assemblies and in particular its distinct parts
are formed from at least two precursors or blocks which are each, typically, wrapped
with a laminate. From the first block, the first molding element, i.e. the T-part,
is milled, wherein the second molding element, i.e. the counterpart of the first molding
element, is milled from a second block. Although not preferred, the joint between
the first and second molding elements is achieved by a tongue-and-groove joint between
the first and second molding elements. Subsequently, this joint cover assembly is
typically affixed to the subfloor by use of a track in which engages at lest the foot
of the first molding element. This, however, requires a complex shape of the distinct
molding elements to be joined to each other. Furthermore, the tongue for the tongue-and-groove
joint between the first and second molding element is generally manually removed in
cases when the first molding element is used for the transition between a floor element
and a adjoining carpet.
4. Object of the invention
[0021] It was, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a joint cover assembly for
covering a gap between two floor elements covering a sub surface having a simple shape
and structure, furthermore allowing for an improved and simplified fixation to the
sub floor.
[0022] This object of the invention is achieved by the joint cover assembly having the features
of claim 1 as well as by the kit having the features of claim 17 and the method having
the features of claim 19.
[0023] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the
detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments
of the invention are given by a way of illustration only, since various changes and
modifications within the scope of the invention being defined by the claims will become
apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
[0024] The joint cover assembly according to the invention provides for an improvement as
to the joint of the distinct molding elements to each other by, firstly, providing
a gripping groove within the first molding element's foot, and, secondly, by adjusting
the dimension of the foot and/or the position and dimension of the gripping groove
as to correspond to the distance between a gripping groove's side wall and a proximal
side wall of the second molding element's groove.
[0025] Due to this shape and the corresponding distances, it is possible to achieve the
joint of the joint cover assembly by an engagement of a track only, which in turn
is also able to accommodate the foot of the first molding element if the first molding
element is used exclusively.
[0026] This leads to the advantageous effect that a tongue-and-groove joint between the
first and second molding element as known from
US 2007/0245662 is not required anymore. Furthermore, the tongue provided at least one of the first
molding element's section extending perpendicular to its foot does not have to be
removed manually if the first molding element is used on its own, without cooperating
with a second molding element. Additionally, because of the invention as described
herein, only one single track dimension is sufficient in order to allow for a fixation
of the joint cover assembly itself, and for fixing the joint cover assembly or the
first molding element only on the sub surface. Finally, due to the less complex shape
of the first and second molding elements in view of the structure known from
US 2007/0245662, it is possible for the first time to provide for a production setup in which one
single block is wrapped with the same decorative material, laminate, vinyl, foil,
pane, etc., and that all elements of the joint cover assembly according to the invention,
i.e. the first molding element as well as at least one further second molding element,
can be milled from this one single block. This, of course, provides for the effect
that the décor on top of the exposed surfaces of the distinct elements certainly match.
[0027] The gripping groove within the foot does not have to be necessarily positioned in
the center of the groove. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it
is in fact disposed in the center of the foot, thus giving the opportunity that if
the external dimension of the foot corresponds to the distance of two adjacent groove
side walls of the first and second molding element, the second molding element can
be fixed on both sides of the foot by using tracks having the same dimensions. Therefore,
as used throughout the specification and claims, "central" means only "disposed somewhere
between opposite ends", and is not required to be in the exact middle.
[0028] Preferably, the gripping groove within the foot of the first molding element comprises
a base portion having an enhanced width or distance between its side walls, wherein
this base portion extends along a partial length of the groove. This advantageously
provides for a recess of for instance a screw or nail head to be inserted through
a track and possibly protruding from a track's base portion into the groove. The foot
itself could then be inserted into such track without any clearance or gap due to
a protruding fixing element.
[0029] Actually, the joint cover assembly according to the invention may preferably have
a shape selected from the group consisting of a transition molding, a hard surface
reducer, a carpet reducer an end molding, and a thus providing for the most common
applications of joint cover assemblies in the field of covering a gap between two
floor elements covering a sub surface.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second molding element is sized and
shaped to form one shape selected from the above-mentioned group, so that the invention
advantageously provides for a joint cover assembly having an equally shaped first
molding element, and a second molding element being different for the distinct applications,
i.e. for a transition molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and a stair
nose.
[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the joint cover assembly
has a first and second molding element being sized and shaped in the manner explained
above, and joined to the first molding element in a first orientation, as well as
a second, different, second molding element selected from the group consisting of
a transition molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and a stair nose when
joined in a second orientation to the first molding element. The joint cover assembly
is, thus, able to be used in all usual applications.
[0032] As already mentioned above, the joint cover assembly according to the invention comprises
a track joining the assembly, and preferably fixing the assembly to the sub surface.
In a particularly preferred manner, this track comprises a bottom section to be fixed
to the sub surface, and two upstanding sections, for instance two substantially parallel
side arms, having a distance corresponding substantially to the width of the foot
and also to the distance between a gripping groove's side wall and a proximal side
wall of the second molding element's groove. Preferably, the distance between the
two upstanding sections of the track corresponds to the external dimension of the
first molding element's foot. As used herein, "substantially" means +/- up to 5%,
as it is often desirable, depending upon the material being used, to have the width
between the upstanding sections of the track be slightly less than the width of the
foot to provide a biasing force to grip the foot. Additionally, the upstanding sections
need not be parallel to each other or perpendicular to the base section, as long as
such upstanding sections extend away from the base section.
[0033] In any case, the track can be used as a recess for the first molding element's foot,
or, alternatively, as a recess for the adjacent sidewalls of a joint first and second
element of the joint cover assembly according to the invention. Most preferably, the
second molding element is then joined to the first molding element via this track
only, thus without the need for further adhesive between the two molding elements,
or a tongue-and-groove joint between the distinct molding elements, as for instance
known from
US 2007/0245662.
[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the exposed surfaces
of the first and second molding element of the joint cover assembly according to the
invention independently comprise a material selected from the group consisting of
an abrasion resistant laminate and a foil. More preferably, each of the exposed surfaces
of the first and second molding elements comprise an abrasion resistant laminate.
[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first molding
element and the second molding element further comprise a core upon which the exposed
surface is affixed, the core comprising at least one material selected from the group
consisting of plywood, solid wood, particle board, fiber board, strand board, metal,
plastic and composite. This is in particular suitable for applications in which, as
already discussed above, the distinct molding elements are milled from one block wrapped
with a laminate.
[0036] The core structure of the distinct components of the joint cover assembly according
to the invention may be formed from a core material. Typical core material include
wood-based products, such as high density fiber board (HDF), medium density fiber
board (MDF), particle board, strand board, plywood and solid wood; polymer-based products,
such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), thermoplastics or thermosetting plastics or mixtures
of plastic and other products, including the reinforcement; and metals, such as aluminium,
stainless steel, brass or copper. The various components of the invention are preferably
constructed in accordance with the method disclosed by
US application No. 08/817,391, as well as
US application No. 10/319,821, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0037] The resulting products typically have a durability rating as defined by European
producers of laminate flooring. Such a product can have a durability rating of anywhere
from AC 1 to AC 6. Preferably, the product of this invention has a rating of either
AC 3 or AC 5.
[0038] Preferably, the first molding element comprises a general T-shape, wherein the foot
depends generally perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the upper section. The
first molding element may be provided with a first arm and a second arm extending
in a single plain generally perpendicular to the foot. Preferably, the foot, the first
arm and the second arm form a general T-shape, with the arms forming the upper structure
and the foot forming the lower structure. Although the foot is preferably positioned
at a central axis of the first molding element, it may also be preferable to vary
the position of the foot "off center" with respect to the first and second arms. For
example, the foot may be placed at the midpoint or anywhere in between, thus deviating
from a symmetrical shape.
[0039] Furthermore, the first molding element need not form a true right angle with its
foot. For example, the transition from a respective outstretched arm to a foot may
be achieved by one or more rounded sections, or a plurality of straight sections.
One or both transitions from the respective arms to the foot may be provided with
a mangle.
[0040] In a second aspect according to the invention, a kit is provided, comprising the
joint cover assembly according to the first aspect discussed in more detail above,
and preferably means for affixing the joint cover assembly to a sub surface.
[0041] The kit may comprise screws and optionally a shim and/or a pad and/or adhesive. The
kit, thus, provides for all usually required elements bringing the operator into a
position to finally produce the joint cover assembly according to the invention, and
to affix the joint cover assembly to the sub floor.
[0042] The kit may further include a second molding element in the form of a levelling block
otherwise known in the art as reducer. When flooring elements are of different heights,
the levelling block is positioned between either the first arm or the second arm of
the first molding element as well as the sub floor. Preferably, the size of such levelling
block is selected to correspond essentially to the difference in heights of the two
flooring elements to be bridged by the joint cover assembly according to the invention.
[0043] However, if an adjustable pad is used, the particular height of the reducer is not
particularly important. For example, if one flooring element is a ceramic tile, having
a thickness of about 2 inches and the second flooring element is vinyl, having a thickness
of ¼ inch, the levelling block would typically have a thickness of 1¾ inches to bridge
the difference and be placed between a first arm of the first molding element and
the other flooring element.
[0044] Without the levelling block, a significant space would exist between the second flooring
element and the first molding element, allowing for moisture and dirt to accumulate.
While the difference in heights of the flooring elements is generally caused by difference
and thickness between the two flooring elements, the present invention may also be
used to "flatten out" in an even sub floor. In addition, a shim may be placed under
the track to adjust for differences in floor thickness.
[0045] The track, in general a securing element, such as a metal track or rail, may be coupled
to the sub floor by fasteners, such as truss or any conventional coupling method,
such as nails or glue. The track and the foot of the first molding element are preferably
cooperatively formed so that the foot can be inserted within the track without being
removed. For example, the track may be provided with in-turned ends designed to grab
the outer surface of the foot to resist separation in a vertical direction. Typically,
the foot has a dove-tailed shape, having the shorter parallel edge joined to the arms
of the first molding element. Furthermore, the track is a channelled element having
a corresponding shape as to made with the foot and hold it in place. Finally, each
of the T-element, mating section of the food and/or the various grooves may be provided
with notched or barbed edges to simultaneously assist in mating a resist disassembly.
[0046] The track may additionally be formed of a sturdy, yet pliable material that will
outwardly deform as the foot is inserted, but will retain the foot therein. Such materials
include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood/polymer composites, wood, and polymers.
The track may additionally engage recesses in, for example, sides of the foot.
[0047] In a third aspect of the invention, it is provided a method of covering a sub floor
adjacent a floor element, the method comprises providing a joint cover assembly according
to the first aspect or a kit according to the second aspect, joining the first molding
element to the second molding element with the exposed surface of the second molding
element facing away from the first molding element, and affixing the joint cover assembly
to the sub floor.
[0048] Even though the assembly according to the invention may function without any type
of glue or adhesive, an alternative embodiment includes the placement of adhesive
on the first and/or second molding element. The adhesive may be placed on the molding
elements at the factory (for example, pre-glued). Alternatively, the glue may be applied
while the floor elements are being assembled. The adhesive may be provided as a strip-type
adhesive, but any type of adhesive, such as glue, chemical, or chemically-activated
adhesive, water-activated adhesive, contact cements, micro balloon or macro balloon,
encapsulated adhesive may be used.
[0049] The adhesive may be attached to any location where two pieces of the assembly are
joined. Preferably, adhesive is only applied to one of the arms of the first molding
element in order to allow or accommodate some slight relative movement that may occur
during changes of temperature, for example. This relative movement is known in the
flooring art as "float". Allowing float may also eliminate unneeded material stresses
as well, thereby reducing warping or deterioration of the material surface.
[0050] Typically, the adhesives used in the invention include a fresh adhesive, such as
pergoglue (available from Perstorp AB of Perstorp, Sweden), water-activated dry glue,
dry glue (needing no activation) or an adhesive strip with a peel-off protector of
paper.
5. Brief description of the drawings
[0051] The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a number of preferred
embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings. These figures as well as the preferred
embodiments therein are, however, only given for illustrative purposes, thus not being
suitable to restrict or delimit the scope provided by the attached claims.
[0052] In the figures,
- Fig. 1
- shows a joint cover assembly according to the prior art in both a joined state and
cross sections of a first and two alternative second molding elements,
- Fig. 2
- shows two blocks according to the prior art constituting a precursor material for
the distinct molding elements,
- Fig. 3
- illustrates a block as a precursor material for a joint cover assembly according to
the invention,
- Fig. 4
- illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first molding element according to the invention
in cooperation with a track,
- Fig. 5
- illustrates three cross-sectional views of a joint cover assembly according to the
invention joined via a track only.
6. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
[0053] In Fig. 1, a joint cover assembly 1 according to
U.S. Patent No. 6,860,047 and comprises a first, T-shaped molding element 2 as well as two different second
molding elements 3a,3b, the first of which 3a is illustrated in a near joint position
with respect to the first molding element 2. The first molding element 2 has two arms
4,5 being substantially in one plane and supporting the first molding element's exposed
surface 6. Perpendicular to the first and second arm 4,5, the first molding element
2 comprises a foot 7 being disposed underneath the exposed surface 6. On the bottom
side of the arm 5, a tongue 8 is disposed, which is to cooperate with a corresponding
groove 9 disposed within the second molding element 3a, or the groove 10 being disposed
in the second molding element 3b. The foot 7 is to be inserted into a track 11 for
fixation of the entire joint cover assembly to a sub surface (not shown). The first
molding element 2 is disposed adjacent to a second molding element 3a substantially
having the form of a quarter round molding. Instead of the molding element 3a, the
first molding element 2 could also be joined to the second molding element 3b being
in the form of a wall base molding. As shown in Fig. 1, the exposed surface 12 of
the molding element 3a follows more or less a quarter circle and provides for a smooth
transmission from the exposed surface 6 on top of the first molding element 2 to a
sub surface being disposed adjacent to the entire joint cover assembly 1. In the wall
base molding 3b, the exposed surface 13 comprises a first section being slightly inclined
to the vertical direction, and a second section being vertically oriented, thus more
or less perpendicular to the exposed surface 6 on top of the first molding element
2.
[0054] Fig. 2 illustrates two blocks 14,15 each being wrapped with a laminate. As shown
in Fig. 2, the first block 14 is used as a precursor material for the first molding
element 2 to be milled from block 14. The second block 15 is used as a precursor material
for the two distinct second molding elements 3a,3b having the shape and dimension
as already discussed in more detail with respect to Fig. 1. This production setup
according to the prior art using two distinct blocks each wrapped with the same laminate
is necessary due to the complex shape in particular of the arm's underside of the
molding element 2 having the tongue 8 being positioned with its lower side facing
away from the exposed surface 6. The second molding elements 3a,3b both provide for
respective grooves 9,10 for engagement with the tongue 8 of the first molding element
2.
[0055] Fig. 3 illustrates a production setup according to the present invention in which
one single block 16 is wrapped with the same decorative material, laminate, vinyl,
foil, paint or the like. All three pieces, i.e., the first molding element 2 and the
two distinct second molding elements 3a,3b are milled from this single block 16 due
to the relatively simple structure of the molding elements 2,3a,3b and in particular
due to the flat shape of the surfaces facing the other elements of the joint cover
assembly.
[0056] Fig. 4 shows a cross section of two first molding elements 2 according to the invention
having a gripping groove 17 being disposed in the center of the element's foot 7 and
extending towards the exposed surface 6 of the element 2. In the base portion of the
foot 7, a recess with a widened distance of the groove's sidewalls and extending along
a partial length of the groove 7 is positioned in order to accommodate the head of
a screw (not shown) designed to fix the track 11 on a sub surface (not shown). The
track 11a, 11b comprises a base portion 11a as well as two upstanding sections in
the form of parallel side arms 11b,11c, wherein the distance between the side arms
11b,11c substantially corresponds to the external dimension of the foot 7 in order
to provide for an engagement of the foot 7 inside the track 11 without a substantial
clearance between these two parts 7,11.
[0057] Although not shown, the upstanding sections 11a, 11b of the track can be provided
with additional holding means, e.g., flanges or other constructions to assist in mating
and being secured with the gripping grove of the foot and second molding element.
For example, the distal ends of the upstanding sections may have a "christmas tree"
structure comprising one or a plurality of small downwardly angled extensions which
pivot during installation and will resist disassembling forces. Similarly, the holding
means may consist of a single flange extending inward from the distal end of the upstanding
section which can engage the inside of the gripping grove, which groove may be provided
with one or more corresponding cut-outs for engagement with the flange.
[0058] Fig. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a joint cover assembly according to
the invention, wherein the track 11 engages with its side arms 11b, 11c into the respective
grooves 17,18 provided in each of the first molding element 2 and the second molding
element 3b shown herein. The width of the track 11, i.e. the distance between the
distinct side arms 11a, 11b corresponds to both the external dimension of the foot
7 itself and the distance between the two grooves 7,18 defined by the distance of
the two adjacent side walls 19,20 of the first and second molding elements 2,3b. The
length of the groove 17 and/or the length of the groove 18 may be set in a manner
as to compensate for a height difference between a flooring element (not shown) and
the height of the second molding element 3b, as illustrated in Figs. 5B and 5C. Alternatively,
the side wall 20 of the molding element 2 may also have means for accommodating the
tip of the side arm 11b of the track 11 at a partial length of the groove 7 in order
to compensate for inclinations of the fixed joint cover assembly 1 according to the
invention.
1. A joint cover assembly for covering a gap between two floor elements covering a subsurface,
the assembly comprising:
a first molding element comprising an upper section having an exposed surface, the
exposed surface comprising a décor, and a foot depending therefrom, wherein the foot
has a gripping groove extending towards the exposed surface and being defined by two
side walls; and
a second molding element comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, to be joined
to the first molding element, as well as an exposed surface comprising a décor, wherein
the lower surface has a groove extending towards the upper surface and being defined
by two side walls;
characterised in that
the joint cover assembly furthermore comprises a track having two upstanding sections,
wherein the distance between the upstanding sections corresponds substantially to
the width of the foot and also to the distance between a gripping groove's side wall
and a proximal side wall of the second molding element's groove.
2. The joint cover assembly according to claim 1, characterised in that the groove within the foot is disposed in the center of the foot.
3. The joint cover assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the external dimension of the first molding element's foot corresponds to the distance
of two adjacent side walls of the first and second molding element being joined to
each other.
4. The joint cover assembly according to any one of the proceeding claims, characterised in that the gripping groove within the foot comprises a base portion having an enhanced distance
between its side walls, wherein this base portion extends along a partial length of
the groove.
5. The joint cover assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second molding element is sized and shaped such that when joined with the first
molding element, the assembly forms one shape selected from the group consisting of
a transition molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and an end molding
a stair nose.
6. The joint cover assembly according to claim 5, characterised in that the second molding element is sized and shaped such that when joined with the first
molding element, the assembly forms one shape selected from the group consisting of
a transition molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, a wall base molding,
a stair nose, an end molding, and a quarter round molding when joined in a first orientation
to the first molding element; and a second, different, shape selected from the group
consisting of a transition molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, a wall
base molding, a stair nose, an end molding, and a quarter round molding when joined
in a second orientation to the first molding element.
7. The joint cover assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises a track joining the assembly to the subsurface.
8. The joint cover assembly according to claim 7, characterised in that the track comprises a bottom section to be fixed to the subsurface, and two parallel
side arms having a distance corresponding to the external dimension of the first molding
element's foot.
9. The joint cover assembly according to any of the claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the second molding element is joined to the first molding via the track only.
10. The joint cover assembly according to claim 9, characterised in that the second molding element is joined to the first molding via engagement of the track's
side arms with the respective grooves of the first and second molding element.
11. The joint cover assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of the exposed surface of the first molding element and the exposed surface
of the second molding element independently comprise a material selected from the
group consisting of an abrasion resistant laminate, paint, lacquer, and a foil.
12. The joint cover assembly according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first molding element comprises a general T-shape, wherein the foot depends generally
perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the upper section.
13. The joint cover assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the décor of the upper section of the first molding element and the décor of the
exposed surface of the second molding match.
14. A kit comprising:
a first molding element comprising an upper section having an exposed surface, the
exposed surface comprising a décor, and a foot depending therefrom, wherein the foot
has a gripping groove extending towards the exposed surface and being defined by two
side walls; and
a second molding element comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, to be joined
to the first molding element, as well as an exposed surface comprising a décor, wherein
the lower surface has a groove extending towards the upper surface and being defined
by two side walls;
wherein the joint cover assembly furthermore comprises a track having two upstanding
sections, wherein the distance between the upstanding sections corresponds substantially
to the width of the foot and also to the distance between a gripping groove's side
wall and a proximal side wall of the second molding element's groove.
15. A method of covering a subfloor adjacent a floor element, the method comprising:
providing a joint cover assembly according to claims 1 to 13 or a kit according to
claim 14;
joining the first molding element to the second molding element with the exposed surface
of the second molding element facing away from the first molding element; and
affixing the joint cover assembly to the subfloor.