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(11) | EP 1 712 704 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A casing profile and a method of manufacturing same |
| (57) A casing profile (i) is provided for boxing-in building structures such as pipework,
radiators, electrical cables and the like or for use in the manufacture of furniture.
The profile (i) comprises a board (2) with an angled cross-section. At least one joint
(5) of the profile (i) has been formed by the wrapping the board (2) around dowelling
(6). To this end, the board (2) has a channel (9) formed in one side (8) thereof in
which the dowelling (6) is located and is adhered to the board (2). The bottom (10)
of the channel (9) is formed by a flexible thickness of the board (2) that has been
folded around the dowelling (6). Hence, the other side (7) of the board (2) opposite
the channel (9) defines an unbroken curving surface.
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[0001] The present invention relates to a casing profile, in particular for boxing-in building structures such as pipework, radiators, electrical cables and the like or for use in the manufacture of furniture, and to a method of manufacturing same.
[0002] Conventionally, casings for pipework, cables, radiators and similar coverings may be manufactured on site using paneling and standard joinery techniques. However, such casings tend to have a rough and ready appearance that must be disguised by painting. Alternatively, prefabricated casings can be used. Casings of this type are manufactured by post-forming plywood panels into profiles using conventional steaming techniques. The exterior of these post-formed profiles is then finished using veneers, as desired. Standard prefabricated casing lengths of this type are produced along with corner fittings, stop ends and the like so that finished casings can then be fitted on site to suit any particular application. Such casings have an attractive finished appearance without requiring additional decoration.
[0003] However, it will be appreciated that the production of casing lengths using post-forming techniques is time consuming and expensive both because of the time and effort involved in making the casing profiles and also because of the energy used in the post-forming process. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a casing profile and a method of manufacturing same which is easier to produce and less expensive than the aforesaid conventional casings yet which produces a casing profile with an attractive finished appearance at least if not better than the conventional casings.
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a casing profile, for boxing-in building structures or for use in the manufacture of furniture, comprising a board with an angled cross-section, at least one joint of which is formed by the wrapping of the board around dowelling, the board defining a channel in one side thereof in which the dowelling is located and is adhered to the board, the bottom of the channel being formed by a flexible thickness of the board that has been folded around the dowelling such that the other side of the board opposite the channel defines an unbroken curving surface.
[0008] Preferably also, the dowelling is also comprised of a medium-density fibreboard (MDF). In this case, advantageously, the grain of the dowelling is arranged to lie across the joint of the casing profile.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a casing profile for boxing-in building structures or for use in the manufacture of furniture comprising the steps of
routing a linear channel across one side of a board to a depth such that the bottom of the channel is formed by a flexible thickness of the board ;
supporting dowelling in a length comparable to the length of the linear channel;
applying an adhesive either to one or to both the surface of the linear channel and the surface of the dowelling;
positioning the board so that the supported dowelling is inserted into the channel;
wrapping the board around the dowelling such that the board then has an angled cross-section and the other side of the board opposite the channel defines an unbroken curving surface; and
applying pressure to the other side of the board along the length of the dowelling to ensure adhesion between dowelling and the board for a predetermined time sufficient to set the adhesive.
[0010] Preferably, the method comprises the additional initial step of applying a veneer to the other side of the board prior to the routing of the linear channel.
[0011] Preferably also, the method comprises the further step of routing the sides of the linear channel so that they have a part-circular profile with a curvature the same as that of the dowelling.
[0012] Preferably also, the dowelling is provided with at least one slot or hole to enable it to be connected to a support. Advantageously, the dowelling is provided with a linear groove that runs along its length.
[0014] Preferably also, the adhesive is applied to the dowelling in a linear bead along its length. Alternatively, the adhesive is applied only to the surface of the linear channel.
[0015] Preferably also, the pressure is applied to the other side of the board using a compressible tool that exerts substantially the same pressure along the length of the dowelling.
[0016] The various aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figs. 1a and 1b are an end view and a perspective view respectively of an L-shaped casing profile in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention;
Figs 2 to 4 are schematic end views respectively showing three steps in the manufacture of a casing profile similar to that shown in Fig. 1; and
Figs 5 to 8 are perspective views of additional, differently shaped casing profiles in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.
[0017] As shown in Figs. 1a and 1b, an L-shaped casing profile 1 comprises a board 2 with an angled cross-section defining a first leg 3 and a second leg 4. The joint 5 between the two legs is formed by the wrapping of the board 2 around dowelling 6 the aim being that the side 7 of the board 2 opposite that side 8 in contact with the dowelling 6 defines an unbroken curving surface around the joint 5. This means that the profile 1 when viewed from the side 7 give the appearance of a post-formed article with a pleasing finish. This is all the more the case if the side 7 of the casing profile 1 is veneered with wood or a decorative foil, which may comprise a paper, vinyl or melamine foil (see Figs 2 -4).
[0018] The dowelling 6 is preferably of circular cross-section and is located in a channel 9 formed in the side 8 and is adhered to the board 2 by an appropriate adhesive. The bottom 10 of the channel 9 is formed by a flexible thickness of the board 1 that has been folded around the dowelling 6 so that the side 7 of the profile 1 is unbroken. This is accomplished as described below.
[0019] Preferably, both the board 2 and the dowelling 6 are made from medium-density fibreboard (MDF). Typically, the board 2 will have a thickness between 9 mm and 15 mm inclusive and the dowelling 6 will have been cut from MDF board of between one and one third and one and one half the thickness so that its diameter is also of a similar dimension. When dowelling 6 of MDF is used, it is important that the grain of the dowelling 6 is arranged to lie across the joint 5 of the casing profile at an angle to the two legs 3, 4 of the joint 5. This ensures that the dowelling 6 can withstand pressure applied to the faces of the legs 3, 4 of the casing profile 1 without splitting.
[0021] If it is desired to have a veneered casing profile 1, the flat board 2 from which the profile 1 is to be made must first be covered on one side 7 with a desired veneer 11 that must be flexible. The veneer 11 is adhered to the board 2 in a conventional fashion. Thereafter the opposite side 8 of the board 2 is routed to provide the linear channel 9. The depth of the channel 9 must be such that the bottom 10 of the channel 9 is formed by a flexible thickness of the board 2 and veneer 11. Typically, therefore, for a veneered MDF board 2, the bottom of the channel has an overall thickness of around 0.3 mm. However, this thickness varies dependent on the thickness of the veneer 11. In most cases very little of the MDF is left covering the veneer 11 at the bottom of the channel 9 but is important to have at least a thin MDF skin over the veneer 11 so that there is an MDF to MDF bond with the dowelling 6. The same would apply were the board 2 to be made of another material, such as a plastic.
[0022] The width of the channel 9 determines the extent to which the board 2 can be wrapped around the dowelling 6 and therefore determines the angle formed by the legs 3 and 4 of the casing profile 1. This dimension can therefore be varied according to the angle required and the thickness of the board 2. As the dowelling 6 preferably has a circular cross-section, the sides 12 of the channel 9 are routed so that they also have a part-circular profile with a curvature the same as that of the dowelling 6.
[0023] The dowelling 6 should be cut to the same length as the length of the board 2 and the channel 9. It should then be prepared so that it can be supported by a locator tool 13 (see Fig. 3) whilst the casing profile 1 is made. Preferably, therefore, it is provided with a linear groove 14 or spaced holes or slots into which a portion or portions of the tool 13 can be inserted so that the dowelling can be supported along the whole of its length. The doweling 6 should then be located on the tool 13 and a bead of adhesive 15 applied along its length on the opposite side to the groove 14 and the tool 13. Alternatively of in addition, adhesive is applied over the surface of the channel 9 in the board 2.
[0024] As indicated above, the dowelling 6 may be manufactured from MDF boards. In this case it is important that the grain of the dowelling 6 is arranged to lie in a direction parallel with the surfaces 7 and 8 of the board 2 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 so that in the finished casing profile 1 it lies at an angle to the legs 3 and 4 for the reasons described above.
[0025] Once the dowelling 6 is supported and the adhesive 15 has been applied, the board 2 can be positioned above it as shown in Fig. 2. The board 2 can then be lowered so that the supported dowelling 6 is inserted into the channel 9, as shown in Fig. 3. A compressible top tool 16 can then be lowered against the upper side 7 of the board 2 directly opposite to the dowelling 6, as shown in Fig. 4. Such a top tool 16 may comprise a foam-rubber pressure pad supported in a header (not shown) that applies substantially the same pressure along the length of the dowelling 6. The top tool 16 forces the flexible bottom 10 of the channel to wrap around the dowelling 6 and therefore forces the board 2 into an angled cross-section. At the same time, the bead of adhesive 15 is smoothed out and spread over the surface of the dowelling 6. The top tool 16 is adapted to apply sufficient pressure to ensure adhesion between the dowelling 6 and the board 6 for a predetermined time sufficient to set the adhesive 15. This is dependent on the adhesive 15 used. In this regard, it is envisaged that a PVA glue will be appropriate for MDF boards 2 and dowelling 6 but it will be appreciated that any suitable adhesive could be applied. Some adhesives may be used that can be cured by exposing the casing profile 1 to radio frequency radiation or similar. This could speed up manufacture of the profile 1. Also, the locator tool 13 is preferably spring-loaded in order to take up any slight variations in the positioning and linearity of the various components and tools being used.
[0026] Once the adhesive has set, the casing profile 1 can be removed from the locator tool 13 either to enable addition joints to be formed or to be ready for use. As shown in Figs. 5 to 8 respectively, casing profiles 1 with U-shaped (Fig. 5), C-shaped (Fig. 6) and r-shaped (see Figs. 7 and 8) cross-sectional profiles can be manufactured by the method described above. The profiles shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 8 all require two joints 5 to be made in the board 2. All but the C-shaped profile shown in Fig. 6 have the advantage that they will readily nest, facilitating storage prior to installation.
[0027] A further advantage of the present invention over conventional post-formed casings is that the radius of the angled cross-section of the profile can be considerably smaller in the present invention than in post-formed casings. The smallest radius that can be post-formed using steaming techniques is typically around 27 mm whereas in the present invention the radius can be as small as 8 mm. This enables neater and less bulky casing profiles to be produced. Also, because the veneer is applied to the casing profile of the present invention prior to the formation of the angle in the profile, the veneering step in the method is easier to accomplish and results in a more successful finish. In conventional arrangements, the application of a veneer is usually the last step in the manufacturing process after the profile has been post-formed. This is trickier to carry out successfully.
[0028] Once manufactured, casing profiles according to the invention respectively can be used to box-in building structures such as pipework, radiators, electrical cables and other similar fixtures in buildings as required. Large profiles can also be produced as radiator covers. Also, the profiles could be used in the manufacture of furniture, in particular built-in furniture.
[0029] Joining profiles and end-pieces can also be manufactured to match the profiles. It will be appreciated that as the outside surface of the casing profile 1 around the joint 5 is an unbroken curving, in most cases veneered, surface that the profile gives the appearance of being made from post-formed laminates whereas this is not, in fact, the case. As such laminates do not have to be used, the cost of the casing profile 1 is significantly reduced whilst not compromising the attractiveness of its appearance.
1. A casing profile (1) for boxing-in building structures or for use in the manufacture
of furniture, comprising a board (2) with an angled cross-section, at least one joint
(5) of which is formed by the wrapping of the board (2) around dowelling (6), the
board (2) defining a channel (9) in one side thereof in which the dowelling (6) is
located and is adhered to the board (2), the bottom (10) of the channel (9) being
formed by a flexible thickness of the board (2) that has been folded around the dowelling
(6) such that the other side (7) of the board (2) opposite the channel (9) defines
an unbroken curving surface.
2. A casing profile as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said other side (7) of the board (2)
has been veneered (11).
3. A casing profile as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the dowelling (6) is of
circular cross-section.
4. A casing profile as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the board (6) is comprised
of a medium-density fibreboard (MDF).
5. A casing profile as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the dowelling (6) is
comprised of a medium-density fibreboard (MDF).
6. A casing profile as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the grain of the dowelling (6) is
arranged to lie across the joint of the casing profile (i).
7. A method of manufacturing a casing profile (i) for boxing-in building structures or
for use in the manufacture of furniture comprising the steps of:-
routing a linear channel (9) across one side of a board (2) to a depth such that the bottom (10) of the channel (9) is formed by a flexible thickness of the board (2);
supporting dowelling (6) in a length comparable to the length of the linear channel (9);
applying an adhesive (15) to either or to both the surface of the linear channel (9) and the surface of the dowelling (6);
positioning the board (2) so that the supported dowelling (6) is inserted into the channel (9);
wrapping the board (2) around the dowelling (6) such that the board (6) then has an angled cross-section and the other side (7) of the board (2) opposite the channel defines an unbroken curving surface; and
applying pressure to the other side (7) of the board (2) along the length of the dowelling (6) to ensure adhesion between the dowelling (6) and the board (2) for a predetermined time sufficient to set the adhesive (15).
8. A method as claimed in Claim 7, which comprises the additional initial step of applying
a veneer (11) to the other side (7) of the board (2) prior to the routing of the linear
channel (9).
9. A method as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, which comprises the further step of routing
the sides (12) of the linear channel (9) so that they have a part-circular profile
with a curvature the same as that of the dowelling (6).
10. A method as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the dowelling (6) is provided
with at least one slot or hole (14) to enable it to be connected to a support (13).
11. A method as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the support (13) comprises a spring-loaded
locator tool.
12. A method as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11, wherein the dowelling (6) is provided
with a linear groove (14) that runs along its length.
13. A method as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 12, wherein the adhesive (15) is applied
only to the dowelling (6) in a linear bead along its length.
14. A method as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 12, wherein the adhesive (15) is applied
only to the surface of the linear channel (9).
15. A method as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 15, wherein the pressure is applied to said
other side (7) of the board (2) using a compressible tool (16) that exerts substantially
the same pressure along the length of the dowelling (6).