FINISHING PROFILE

Abstract

 The invention provides a finishing profile for cladding a wall. The finishing profile comprises a first element (50) for attachment to the wall and a second element for attachment to the first element. The first element comprises first connecting means (80) and the second element comprises second connecting means (11). The first and second connecting means (11, 80) are configured to connect to each other such that, when connected, there is a free space (52) between the first element and the second element to receive the cladding.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a finishing profile for the finishing of cladding elements installed on a wall, in particular, to such a finishing profile consisting of two elements. The invention further relates to finishing sets for the finishing of internal and external corners of walls clad with elements, in particular, finishing sets consisting of sets of identical profiles.

Prior art

[0002] Cladding elements are often used to clad surfaces such as walls, partitions, ceilings or floors, both indoors and outdoors.

[0003] However, when installing these cladding elements, the final finishing of edges and corners (of both internal corners and external corners) leaves much to be desired. This is often caused by the difficulty of cutting all the cladding elements to the same length and installing them. Consequently, there is a need to correct this problem.

[0004] Today, finishing profiles are used to cover the cladding elements by simple overlapping. The finishing profiles often have a U-shaped section into which the end of a cladding element fits. US 5 444 953 and JP 8 246 656 both have two U-shaped sections, whose openings form a 90° angle, which can cover two cladding elements. However, such finishing profiles are only suitable to be installed in either an internal corner, or an external corner. Accordingly, various types of finishing profiles may be needed to finish the cladding of a complete structure. A person skilled in the art must therefore calculate the required amount of each type of finishing profile in advance.

[0005] A further step is the development of a finishing profile that can be installed in all corner types. EP 2 549 032 shows a finishing profile that is multifunctional, meaning a person skilled in the art would need only one type of finishing profile.

[0006] All these systems still have several disadvantages. For example, the finishing profiles are typically installed first, after which the cladding elements are applied. In such a situation, the ends of the cladding elements come into contact with the U-shaped sections of multiple finishing profiles. When installing the final cladding elements, there is often not enough space to allow for a smooth installation. Especially when the cladding element covers the entire width of the wall, the installation of the final cladding elements can become problematic.

[0007] A second disadvantage is that the current systems are designed for one type of cladding element, with one particular thickness. A person skilled in the art is therefore still forced to purchase and combine multiple types of finishing profiles.

Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is the provision of a finishing profile that meets these disadvantages.

[0009] This object is achieved by means of a finishing profile for the cladding of a wall comprising a first element for attachment to the wall, the first element comprising a wall portion and first connecting means, the wall portion comprising a wall surface configured to touch the wall and a first inner surface parallel to the wall surface, and the first connecting means being formed on said first inner surface, and a second element for attachment to the first element, the second element comprising a covering portion and second connecting means, the covering portion comprising a second inner surface that is positioned opposite the first inner surface during use and a front surface parallel to the second inner surface, said second connecting means being formed on the second inner surface, characterised in that said first and second connecting means are configured to connect with each other such that, when connected, there is a free space between the wall portion and the covering portion.

[0010] The advantage of this finishing profile is that the first element can be mounted before placement of the cladding, and the second element can be mounted after placement of the cladding. As a result, very little space is required at the edges of the cladding for the finishing profile. As a result, little clearance is also needed between the cladding and the finishing profile. Furthermore, because the finishing profile consists of two elements, it can also be used for different cladding thicknesses by connecting the two elements closer or further from each other.

[0011] In some embodiments of the invention, the first element comprises a transverse portion which is formed on the first inner surface.

[0012] This transverse portion provides the first element with extra strength.

[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, the first element comprises a connecting portion, which connects the transverse portion with the first connecting means.

[0014] This has an advantage that the first connecting means are provided with extra strength.

[0015] In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second connecting means are formed substantially perpendicular to the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively.

[0016] This has an advantage that the second element can be connected to the first element by moving the second element towards the first element in a direction perpendicular to the wall on which the first element was attached.

[0017] In some embodiments of the invention, the wall portion of the first element comprises a bend in the direction of the wall surface towards the first inner surface so that a portion of the wall portion, which in use does not form part of the free space, is substantially parallel with the other, non-bent part of the wall portion, the rear side of the bent portion of the wall portion being located substantially in the extension of the first inner surface of the non-bent portion of the wall portion.

[0018] This has an advantage that flatness tolerances of the wall on which the first element is mounted can be accommodated. In addition, this bend ensures that multiple first elements may be attached next to each other, wherein the bent and non-bent portions of the wall portions of two profiles attached side by side overlap.

[0019] In some embodiments of the invention, the covering portion of the second element comprises a bend in the direction of the front surface towards the second inner surface so that a portion of the covering portion, which in use does not form part of the free space, is substantially parallel with the other non-bent portion of the covering portion, the front side of the bent portion being located substantially in the extension of the second inner surface of the non-bent portion.

[0020] This has an advantage that during installation with a second finishing profile, both in the extension, and approximately perpendicular, the bent portion provides space for overlapping by a portion of the second finishing profile, said overlapping portion of the second finishing profile lying in the same plane of the non-bent portion of the covering portion of the first finishing profile.

[0021] In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second connecting means are configured such that, when connected, the distance between the wall portion and the covering portion is substantially equal to the thickness of the wall cladding.

[0022] This has an advantage that the cladding can be finished with the finishing profile without much play.

[0023] In some embodiments of the invention, when connected, the free space has a depth clearance, and the first and second element are configured such that the depth clearance is a predetermined minimum value.

[0024] This has an advantage that a predetermined tolerance for the application of the cladding can be observed.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, the depth clearance is greater than 5 mm.

[0026] This has an advantage that the cladding can be applied without all too much attention (and thus time).

[0027] In some embodiments of the invention, the second element further comprises a side portion at one end of the covering portion which, when connected, is positioned opposite the free space, the side portion, the covering portion and the first and second connecting means being configured such that they form a U-shaped section in use.

[0028] This has an advantage that a space is created in order to connect the finishing profile with a second finishing profile, the second finishing profile overlapping in the U-shaped section.

[0029] In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second connecting means comprise a snap mechanism.

[0030] This has an advantage that the user can very easily attach the second element to the first element after the application of the cladding.

[0031] In some embodiments of the invention, the snap mechanism of the first connecting means comprises a slot-shaped section and the snap mechanism of the second connecting means comprises a pin portion, the slot-shaped section being configured to receive the pin portion.

[0032] This more specific embodiment of the snap mechanism has an advantage that the user can very easily position the first element on the second element before pressing it in.

[0033] In some embodiments of the invention, the pin portion comprises at least one hook element, wherein the hook element has a press-open surface and a blocking surface, the press-open surface being a surface rotated at an angle of less than 90° with respect to a side face of the pin portion and the blocking surface being a surface substantially perpendicular to the side face of the pin portion, the slot-shaped section comprising two parallel sides formed to receive the pin portion, each parallel side comprising at least one hook element, wherein the hook element has a press-open surface and a blocking surface, the press-open surface being a surface rotated at an angle of less than 90° with respect to a side face of the slot-shaped section and said blocking surface being a surface substantially perpendicular to the side surface of the slot-shaped section, such that, when connecting the first and the second element, the press-open surfaces slide over each other and, when connected, the blocking surfaces are positioned opposite each other.

[0034] This has an advantage that the press-open surfaces allow for an easy connection of the elements and the blocking surfaces allow for the blocking of the second part in the first part so that the connection cannot come loose.

[0035] In some embodiments of the invention, the first or second element comprises at least third connecting means, formed on the first or second inner surface, respectively, wherein the first, second and third connecting means are configured such that when the first connecting means are connected to the second connecting means a free space is formed with a first predetermined distance between the wall portion and the covering portion, and that when the third connecting means are connected to the first or second connecting means, a free space is formed with a second predetermined distance between the wall portion and the covering portion.

[0036] This has an advantage that the finishing profile can be used very flexibly for claddings of different thicknesses.

[0037] In some embodiments of the invention, the third connecting means comprise a slot-shaped section when formed on the first inner surface, and a pin portion when formed on the second inner surface.

[0038] This has an advantage that the first and the second element can also be easily connected in embodiments with two connection options.

[0039] In some embodiments of the invention, the distance between the first and second inner surface is determined by an end position of the pin portion in the slot-shaped section.

[0040] This has an advantage that a predetermined free space for the cladding can be guaranteed. This is especially useful for claddings that cannot tolerate a lot of pressure. This is also useful to obtain a good connection of the closing profile on the cladding.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the object of the present invention is achieved by means of a finishing profile for the cladding of a wall comprising a first element for attachment to the wall, the first element comprising a wall portion and first connecting means, the wall portion comprising a wall surface configured to touch the wall and a first inner surface parallel to the wall surface, the first connecting means being formed on said first inner surface, and a second element for attachment to the first element, the second element comprising a covering portion and second connecting means, the covering portion comprising a second inner surface that is positioned opposite the first inner surface during use and a front surface parallel to the second inner surface, said second connecting means being formed on the second inner surface, characterised in that the first and second connecting means are configured such that the first connecting means can connect to the second connecting means in at least two ways, the distance between the first and second inner surface having a first predetermined value in a first connecting position and a second predetermined value in a second connecting position.

[0042] This has an advantage that the finishing profile can be used flexibly for claddings of different thicknesses.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the first and second connecting means comprise a snap mechanism.

[0044] This has an advantage that the user can very easily attach the second element to the first element after the application of the cladding.

[0045] In some embodiments of the invention, the snap mechanism of the first connecting means comprises a slot-shaped section and the snap mechanism of the second connecting means comprises a pin portion, the slot-shaped section being configured to receive the pin portion.

[0046] This more specific embodiment of the snap mechanism has an advantage that the user can very easily position the first element on the second element before pressing it in.

[0047] In some embodiments of the invention, the snap mechanism of the first connecting means comprises at least two slot-shaped sections.

[0048] This has an advantage that the user can easily position the second element in the desired slot-shaped section of the first element with the pin portion.

[0049] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a set of finishing profiles that meet the disadvantages outlined above.

[0050] This object is achieved by a set of finishing profiles for the finishing of an internal or external corner formed by two walls to be clad, comprising at least two finishing profiles according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0051] In some embodiments of the invention, the set of finishing profiles for the finishing of an external corner formed by two walls to be clad comprises at least two finishing profiles wherein the side portion has a length which is less than or equal to the width of the U-shaped section between the side portion and the connected first and second connecting means.

[0052] This has an advantage that the side portion of the one finishing profile can overlap in the U-shaped section of the second finishing profile.

[0053] In some embodiments of the invention, the bent portion of the covering portion of the first finishing profile is at least as long as the length of the side portion of the second finishing profile.

[0054] This has an advantage that a sturdy external corner can be formed with the two finishing profiles. Moreover, this ensures that the external corner will always be about 90 degrees.

[0055] In some embodiments of the invention for a set of finishing profiles, the side portion and the bent portion of the covering portion are configured such that in use the side portion is positioned against the bent portion.

[0056] This has an advantage that the overlapping portions of two finishing profiles are in the same plane as the non-bent portion of the covering portion.

Brief description of the drawings

[0057] The invention will hereafter be explained in further detail by way of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 a shows a cross-sectional view of the first element the finishing profile.

Figure 1 b shows a cross-sectional view of the second element of the finishing profile.

Figure 2a shows a cross-sectional view of the finishing profile wherein first connecting means on the first element are connected to second connecting means on the second element.

Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the finishing profile wherein third connecting means on the first element are connected to second connecting means on the second element.

Figure 3a shows a cross-sectional view of a set of two finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an internal corner for a first predetermined wall profile thickness.

Figure 3b shows a cross-sectional view of a set of two finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an external corner for a first predetermined wall profile thickness.

Figure 4a shows a cross-sectional view of a set of two finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an internal corner for a second predetermined wall profile thickness.

Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of a set of two finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an external corner for a second predetermined wall profile thickness.

Figure 5a shows a cross-sectional view of a set of two finishing profiles in a configuration with variable width for the finishing of a wall for a first predetermined wall profile thickness.

Figure 5b shows a cross-sectional view of a set of two finishing profiles in a configuration with variable width for the finishing of a wall for a second predetermined wall profile thickness.

Embodiments of the invention

[0058] Although the present invention will hereinafter be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings shown here are merely schematic representations and are not limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0059] In addition, terms such as 'first', 'second', 'third', and the like are used in the description and in the claims in order to make a distinction between similar elements and not necessarily in order to indicate a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0060] Moreover, terms such as 'top', 'bottom', 'above', 'under' and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0061] It is to be noticed that the term 'comprising', or its derivatives, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of an expression such as 'a device comprising means A and B' should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0062] Figures 1 a and 1 b show a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a first element 50 and a second element 51 of the finishing profile, respectively. Both elements 50, 51 are produced by extrusion. Accordingly, the cross-sectional view is representative of the entire length of the finishing profile. In another embodiment, other known techniques can be used to produce the finishing profile, such as, for example, injection moulding, die-casting or 3D printing.

[0063] The first element 50 in Figure 1 a is intended to be attached to the wall. It comprises a wall portion 1. The wall portion 1 comprises a wall surface 3 which is configured to touch the wall upon installation of the finishing profile and an inner surface 4, which is parallel to the wall surface 3. The wall portion 1 has a bend 42 which divides the wall portion 1 in a non-bent portion 36 and a bent portion 38. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 a, the bend 42 is dimensioned such that the rear side of the bent portion 38 lies substantially in the extension of the first inner surface 4 of the non-bent portion 36. In an alternative embodiment, the bend 42 may be more or less. In another alternative embodiment, there is no bend.

[0064] At the end of the wall portion 1 of the bent portion 38, a portion 62 is formed at an angle of substantially 45°. This portion 62 serves for the application of a number of walls substantially perpendicular to the wall portion 1, such that slot-shaped sections are formed. A first slot portion 64 is formed at the end of wall portion 1, substantially in the corner formed by wall portion 1 and portion 62. A second slot portion 66 is formed substantially in the centre of portion 62. Furthermore, a third slot portion 68 is formed at the end of portion 62. In an alternative embodiment, the slot portions are formed directly on the wall portion 1.

[0065] The slot portions 64, 66 and portion 62 together form a slot-shaped section 80. This slot-shaped section 80 forms a first position for connecting the second element 51 in Figure 2b with the first element 50, as will be further described in the description in more detail. The slot portions 66, 68 and portion 66 together form a second slot-shaped section 90. This slot-shaped section 90 forms a second position for connecting the second element 52 in Figure 2b. This is also described in the description in more detail. In alternative embodiments, there are more than three slot portions and more than two slot-shaped sections are formed. In such embodiments there are more than two positions to connect the second element 51 to the first element 50. In another alternative embodiment, there is only one slot-shaped section.

[0066] The slot-shaped sections 80, 90 comprise a number of hook elements 32. Each hook element 32 comprises a press-open surface 33 and a blocking surface 34. The press-open surface 33 is rotated at an angle of less than 90° relative to a side face of the slot-shaped sections 80, 90 and is formed at the side of the opening of the slot-shaped sections 80, 90. The blocking surface 34 is substantially perpendicular to a side face of the slot-shaped sections 80, 90 and is facing towards the plane opposite the opening of the slot. The slot-shaped sections 80, 90 form, together with the hook elements, the female portion of a snap mechanism to connect the second element 51 with the first element 50 as described below in more detail. In an alternative embodiment, other forms and techniques are used to form the snap mechanism.

[0067] The embodiment in Figure 1 a further comprises a transverse portion 5, which is formed substantially perpendicularly to the inner surface 4, and a connecting portion 6, which connects the transverse portion 5 and the first slot portion 64. The transverse portion 5, the connecting portion 6, a part of the wall portion 1, and the first slot portion 64, together form a hollow bar 25. This hollow bar 25 contributes to the stability of the first element 50 and of the finally-formed finishing profile. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse portion 5 lies at an angle to the first inner surface 4. In another alternative embodiment, there is no transverse portion and/or connecting portion.

[0068] Figure 1 b shows the second element 51 of an embodiment of the finishing profile. The second element 51 of the finishing profile serves to connect with the first element 50. The second element comprises a covering portion 10. The covering portion 10 comprises a front surface 12, and an inner surface 13. The inner surface 13 is parallel to the front surface 12. When the first and second element 50, 51 are connected (are 'in use'), the second inner surface 13 is located opposite the first inner surface 4, as can be seen in Figure 2a, for example. The covering portion 10 in the embodiment in Figure 1 b further comprises a bend 46. The bend 46 divides the covering portion 10 of the second element 51 into a non-bent portion 56 and a bent portion 58. The bend is dimensioned such that the front side of the bent portion 58 lies substantially in the extension of the inner surface 13 of the non-bent portion 56. In an alternative embodiment, the bend 46 may be more or less. In another alternative embodiment, there is no bend.

[0069] On the inner surface 13 of the covering portion 10, a pin portion 11 is formed, which is substantially perpendicular to the covering portion. The pin portion 11 comprises a number of hook elements 72 formed on the side walls of the pin portion 11. Each hook element 72 once again has a press-open surface 73 and a blocking surface 74, such as the hook elements 32 on the slot portions of the first element 50. As described in more detail in the description, the pin portion 11 will be used to connect the second element 51 with the first element 50. In an alternative embodiment, the pin portion 11 is formed at an angle to the second inner surface 13.

[0070] At the end of the bent portion 58 of the covering portion 10, a side portion 14 is formed. This side portion 14 is substantially perpendicular to the covering portion 10. As a result, the side portion 14 and the pin portion 11 are substantially parallel to each other on the covering portion 10. When the first and the second element 50, 51 are connected, the side portion 14, together with the covering portion 10 and the third slot portion, form a U-shaped section 53, as can be seen in Figure 2a, for example.

[0071] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate, with regard to the finishing profile in the embodiment as described in Figures 1a and 1b, two possible connections in order to obtain two configurations of the finishing profile.

[0072] In Figure 2a, the second element 51 is connected with the first element 50 by securing the pin portion 11 in the first slot-shaped section 80. As a result, a space 52 is formed between the wall portion 1 and the covering portion 10 having a width 84 between the first inner surface 4 and the second inner surface 13. When finishing a wall with wall panels, this space 52 serves to fit the end parts of wall panels into, such that these end parts are no longer visible after installation. Due to the depth 88 of this space 52, tolerances when sizing wall panels can be accommodated. A decent depth 88 makes it possible to saw the wall panels quite inaccurately, allowing work to be done much quicker.

[0073] In the embodiment in Figure 2a, the second element 51 can be pushed into the first element 50 until the inner surface 13 touches the front side of the connecting portion 6. This structure has an advantage that after connection, both elements 50, 51 connect over a wide area so that a solid and stable finishing profile is obtained. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end of the third slot portion 68 of the first element 50 is in contact with the bend 46 of the covering portion 10 of the second element 51. This also contributes to stability. In alternative embodiments, stability can also be obtained through techniques known in the prior art.

[0074] In an embodiment of the invention, first the first element 50 is attached to the wall by means of a connecting technique known in the prior art, such as screws, adhesives, etc. In such a situation, the wall surface 3 of the non-bent portion 36 will touch the wall. Then, the wall panels are applied over the entire surface of the wall. Finally, the second element 51 is fit onto the first element 50 of the finishing profile. This is especially advantageous when wall panels cover the horizontal or vertical length of a wall in one piece.

[0075] In the embodiment described according to Figure 2a, the second element 51 is connected to the first element 50 by fitting the pin portion 11 into the first slot-shaped section 80. In such a situation, the pin portion 11 and the slot-shaped section 80 form a snap mechanism that will now be described in more detail. The press-open surfaces 33 of at least one hook element 32 at each side face of the slot-shaped section 80 guide the press-open surfaces 73 of at least one hook element 72 of the pin portion 11.

[0076] As a result, the slot portions 64 and 66 are pushed open, so that the pin portion 11 can slide into the slot-shaped section 80. Once the hook element 72 of the pin portion 11 is past the hook element 32 of the slot-shaped section 80, the slot portions 64 and 66 move back to their original positions. As a result of this, the blocking surfaces 74, 34 of a hook element 72 of the pin portion 11 and of a hook element 32 of the slot-shaped section 80 end up positioned opposite each other. Because the blocking surfaces 34, 74 are formed substantially perpendicular to the side faces, once connected, the pin portion 11 is held in the slot-shaped section 80. After all, a blocking surface 74 of the pin portion 11 is then positioned deeper in the slot-shaped section 80 than a blocking surface 34 of a hook element 32 of a side face of the slot-shaped section 80, as a result of which the pin portion 11 can no longer easily be removed from the slot-shaped section 80. In an alternative embodiment, the blocking surfaces 34, 74 are formed at an angle relative to the side faces of the slot portions and pin portion, respectively, as a result of which the second element 51 can once again be removed from the first element 50.

[0077] Figure 2b shows the second configuration for the connection of the first and second elements 50, 51 according to the embodiment in Figures 1 a and 1 b. The second element 51 is connected to the first element 50 by fitting the pin portion 11 into the second slot-shaped section 90. Since the second slot-shaped section 90 is less deep than the first slot-shaped section 80, a larger free space 52 is formed for the wall panels in this configuration. In particular, the width 94 of the free space 52 between the wall portion 1 and the covering portion 10 is greater than the width 84 in the configuration in Figure 2a. Furthermore, as a result of the structure on which the two slot-shaped sections have been formed, there is not only a greater width 94, but there is also a relative displacement of the first element 50 relative to the second element 51 in the direction X as shown in Figure 2b, i.e. substantially parallel with the wall portion 1.As a result, the U-shaped section becomes wider 53 which is especially useful when the finishing profile is used in combination with an identical finishing profile for the finishing of an external corner, as described in more detail in the description relating to Figure 4b.

[0078] In the embodiments described above, a snap mechanism (80, 90, 11) is each time described to connect the first element 50 with the second element 51. In alternative embodiments, other connecting means are used to bring about the connection between the first and second element 50,51, such as a screw connection, adhesive joint, hook connection, gluing, etc. Hybrids of these connection types are also possible.

[0079] In the embodiments described above, there are a plurality of connection positions 80, 90 on the first element 50 and one connection position 11 on the second element 51. It goes without saying that this can also be carried out the other way round, i.e. a plurality of connection positions on the second element 51, and one connection position on the first element 50. In another alternative, both the first and second element 50, 51 have a plurality of connection positions.

[0080] The embodiment according to Figures 2a and 2b are configured such that a distance 84, 94 is created between the non-bent portion 36 of the wall portion 1 and the non-bent portion 56 of the covering portion 10, which is substantially equal to the thickness of a cladding element. The present invention differs from systems known in the art in that the first and second element may be combined such that predetermined distances can be obtained in the usual thicknesses of claddings. In alternative embodiments, the distance between the non-bent portion 36 of the wall portion 1 and the non-bent portion 56 of the covering portion 10 can be varied by varying the depth of slot-shaped sections or by not fully inserting the pin portion.

[0081] Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4c each illustrate the specific elements of the structure of the finishing profile described above in order to finish an internal or external corner of 2 walls in different configurations. The different configurations are illustrated in Figures 3a to 4b for the embodiment of the finishing profile of Figures 1 a to 2b, but it goes without saying that the same configurations can be obtained with all other embodiments of the finishing profile described above.

[0082] Figure 3a shows a set of 2 identical finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an internal corner, the second element 51 each time being connected to the first element 50 at the first position 80 of the two possible snap connections corresponding to the smallest width 84 of the opening for wall profiles. In this configuration, in a first step, the first element 50 of the first finishing profile is placed against the first wall 100. Next, in step 2, the second element 51 of the first finishing profile is pushed into the first position 80 of the snap connection, so that the finishing profile provides the desired smallest opening 84 for wall profiles. Next, the first element 50' of the second finishing profile is connected with the second element 51' at the first position 80' of the snap-fit connection, so that the second finishing profile also provides the desired smallest opening 84' for wall profiles. The second finishing profile is positioned with the wall surface 3' against the second wall 102 and with the outer face of the side portion 14' against the front side of the bent portion 58 of the covering portion 10 of the first finishing profile. As a result, the connection is in the corner between the two finishing profiles, behind the bend 42 of the first finishing profile.

[0083] This is advantageous because in this way the tolerances are not visible during installation. The small space 130 that is present between the outer side of the bend 42 of the first finishing profile and the front side of the bent portion 58' of the covering portion 10' of the second finishing profile is useful for the application of an optional silicone finish in the corner.

[0084] Figure 3b shows a set of 2 identical finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an external corner, the second element 51 each time being connected to the first element 50 in the first position 80 of the two possible snap connections corresponding to the smallest width 84 of the opening for wall profiles. In this configuration, in a first step, the first element 50 of the first finishing profile is placed against a first outer wall 104. Next, the second element 51 of the first finishing profile is placed in the first snap connection 80, such that the first finishing profile provides the smallest opening 84 for wall profiles. Subsequently, the first element 50' of the second finishing profile is positioned. In the embodiment of Figure 3b, the first element 50' can be positioned by placing it against the second outer wall 106 and against the end of the side portion 14 of the first finishing profile. As a result, the position of the first element 50' is fully determined. As a final step, the second element 51' of the second finishing profile can then be positioned in the first snap connection 80' with the first element 50'. During this last step, the side portion 14' slides along the front side of the bent portion 58 of the covering portion 10 of the first finishing profile. Because of this, the crucial first part of the final corner is formed by the side portion 14' and the bent portion 58' of the covering portion 10' of the second finishing profile, i.e., by one whole. This always results in a perfect corner. Further, the structure is constructed such that the bent portion 58 of the covering portion 10 of the first finishing profile is located in the corner behind the side portion 14', and the side portion 14 is located behind the bent portion 58' of the covering portion 10'. This double wall in the corner provides extra strength. Due to the structure wherein the side portion 14 is positioned in the U-shaped section 53', tolerances in the assembly, profiles, walls, etc. can be easily accommodated without these becoming visible. In addition, the bend 42 in the covering portion ensures that the front side of the side portion 14' of the second finishing profile ends up in the same plane as the front surface 12 of the first finishing profile. Figure 3b also shows that part of the external corner formed by the two walls is not in contact with the finishing profiles at the corner. This is the result of introducing the bend 46, 46' in the first elements 50, 50' of the finishing profile. This makes it possible to accommodate small deviations from a perfect right angle. After all, corners are rarely a perfect right angle.

[0085] Figure 4a shows a set of 2 identical finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an internal corner, the second element 51 each time being connected to the first element 50 in the second position 90 of the two possible snap connections corresponding to the largest width 94 of the opening for wall profiles. The various steps for the application of the two finishing profiles proceed according to the steps described for Figure 3a, with the difference that in each case the second element 51, 51' is inserted into the second position 90, 90' of the snap connection, instead of the first snap position 80, 80'. This ensures that the resulting finishing profiles in each case have the largest openings 94, 94' for wall profiles. The structure of the finishing profiles in the embodiment in Figure 4a is such that after being attached to the walls, the angle formed by the side portion 14' and the bent portion 58' of the covering portion 10' of the second finishing profile at the end of the bent portion 58 of the covering portion 10 of the first finishing profile is positioned at the side of the bend 42. This allows for a very precise connection in the corner. This also ensures, as with the configuration of Figure 3a, that imperfections due to tolerances are not visible.

[0086] Figure 4b shows a set of 2 identical finishing profiles in a configuration for the finishing of an external corner, the second element 51 each time being connected to the first element 50 in the second position 90 of the two possible snap connections corresponding to the largest width 94 of the opening for wall profiles. As described above, in the embodiment of the finishing profile in Figures 1 a to 2b, the finishing profile has two positions 80, 90 in order to connect the first and the second element with each other. The structure of these positions 80, 90 in the embodiment according to the Figures is such that the one position relative to the other not only results in a larger opening for the wall profiles due to a larger distance between the first inner surface 4 of the first element 50 and the second inner surface 13 of the second element 51, but that there is also a lateral shift of the first element 50 relative to the second element 51 by a distance equal to the increase of the opening between the inner surfaces 4, 13. Indeed, as a result of the portion 62, which is positioned at an angle of substantially 45° relative to the wall portion 1, the end position of the snap connection is as it were shifted over 45°, resulting in a shift that is equal in the direction perpendicular to the wall portion 1 and parallel with the wall portion 1. This structure is particularly necessary in the configuration of Figure 4b. With respect to Figure 3b, the second element 51 of the first finishing profile is a distance 96 farther away from the first outer wall 104. This also means that the front side of the bent portion 58 of the covering portion 10 is further removed from the first outer wall 104 by a distance 96. To ensure that the inner side of the side portion 14' would still connect to the front side of the bent portion 58 of the first finishing profile, the inner side of the side portion 14' of the second finishing profile must also shift the same distance 96 in relation to the first outer wall 104. With this configuration, it is easy to switch from the smallest opening 84, 84' for wall profiles to the largest opening 94, 94' for wall profiles without having to remove the first elements 50, 50' from the wall, and vice versa. It is sufficient to fit the second elements 51, 51' at the other position on the first elements 50, 50'.

[0087] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the specific elements of the structure of the finishing profile described above in order to form a plurality of multiple finishing profiles on a single wall. This may be useful, for example, in order to accommodate a hole or to be able to build the entire wall out of complete wall panels and not have to work with wall panels in the longitudinal direction. The configurations illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b use the embodiment of the finishing profile as shown in Figures 1 a to 2b. It goes without saying that the same configurations can be obtained with all other embodiments of the finishing profile described above.

[0088] Figure 5a shows two identical finishing profiles in the configuration in which, in each case, the second element 51 is inserted into the first snap position 80, 80', corresponding to the smallest opening 84' for wall profiles. In the embodiment of Figure 5a, the bent portion 58' of the covering portion 10' of the second finishing profile slides behind the non-bent portion 56 of the covering portion 10 of the first profile. This makes the width 152 of the whole of the two finishing profiles variable and it possible to choose the width depending on the wall profiles and wall to be finished.

[0089] The configuration of Figure 5b is similar to that in Figure 5a, with the difference that the second element 51 of the two finishing profiles are now inserted into the second snap position 90, 90'. The width 154 of the whole of the two finishing profiles is also variable.

Claims

1. A finishing profile for cladding a wall, comprising
a first element (50) for attachment to the wall, the first element comprising a wall portion (1) and first connecting means (80), the wall portion (1) comprising a wall surface (3) configured to touch the wall and a first inner surface (4) parallel to the wall surface (3), and the first connecting means (80) being formed on said first inner surface (4), and
a second element (51) for attachment to the first element (50), the second element (51) comprising a covering portion (10) and second connecting means (11), the covering portion (10) comprising a second inner surface (13) that is positioned opposite the first inner surface (4) during use and a front surface (12) parallel to the second inner surface (13), said second connecting means (11) being formed on the second inner surface (13),
characterised in that
said first and second connecting means (80, 11) are configured to connect with each other such that, when connected, there is a free space (52) between the wall portion (1) and the covering portion (10).

2. A finishing profile according to claim 1, said first element (50) comprising a transverse portion (5) that is formed on the first inner surface (4).

3. A finishing profile according to claim 2, said first element (50) comprising a connecting portion (6) connecting the transverse portion (5) with the first connecting means (80).

4. A finishing profile according to one of the preceding claims, said first and second connecting means (80, 11) being formed substantially perpendicular to the first inner surface (4) and the second inner surface (13), respectively.

5. A finishing profile according to one of the preceding claims, said first (80) and second connecting means (11) being configured such that, when connected, the distance between the wall portion (1) and the covering portion (10) is substantially equal to the thickness of the wall cladding.

6. A finishing profile according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, when connected, the free space (52) has a depth clearance (88), and the first and second element (50, 51) are configured such that the depth clearance (88) is a predetermined minimum value.

7. A finishing profile according to one of the preceding claims, said second element (51) further comprising a side portion (14) at one end of the covering portion (10) which, when connected, is positioned opposite the free space (52), the side portion (14), the covering portion (10) and the first and second connecting means (80, 11) being configured such that they form a U-shaped section (53) in use.

8. A finishing profile according to one of the preceding claims, said first and second connecting means (80, 11) comprising a snap mechanism.

9. A finishing profile according to claim 8, the snap mechanism of the first connecting means comprising a slot-shaped section (80) and the snap mechanism of the second connecting means comprising a pin portion (11), the slot-shaped section (80) being configured to receive the pin portion (11).

10. A finishing profile for cladding a wall, comprising
a first element (50) for attachment to the wall, the first element comprising a wall portion (1) and first connecting means (80, 90), the wall portion (1) comprising a wall surface (3) configured to touch the wall and a first inner surface (4) parallel to the wall surface (3), and the first connecting means (80, 90) being formed on said first inner surface (4), and
a second element (51) for attachment to the first element (50), the second element comprising a covering portion (10) and second connecting means (11), the covering portion (10) comprising a second inner surface (13) that is positioned opposite the first inner surface (4) during use and a front surface (12) parallel to the second inner surface (13), said second connecting means (11) being formed on the second inner surface (13),
characterised in that
said first and second connecting means (80, 90, 11) are configured such that the first connecting means (80, 90) can connect to the second connecting means (11) in at least two ways, the distance between the first and second inner surface (4, 13) having a first predetermined value (84) in a first connecting position and a second predetermined value (94) in a second connecting position.

11. A finishing profile according to claim 10, said first and second connecting means (80, 90, 11) comprising a snap mechanism.

12. A finishing profile according to claim 11, the snap mechanism of the first connecting means comprising a slot-shaped section (80, 90) and the snap mechanism of the second connecting means comprising a pin portion (11), the slot-shaped section (80, 90) being configured to receive the pin portion (11).

13. A finishing profile according to claim 13, the snap mechanism of the first connecting means comprising at least two slot-shaped sections (80, 90).

14. A set of finishing profiles for finishing an internal or external corner formed by two walls to be clad, comprising at least two finishing profiles according to one of the preceding claims.

15. A set of finishing profiles for the finishing of an external corner formed by two walls to be clad, comprising
at least two finishing profiles according to claim 6 or according to one of claims 7 to 9 if dependent on claim 6, the side portion (14) having a length that is less than or equal to the width of the U-shaped section (53') between the side portion (14') and the connected first and second connecting means (80', 90', 11').

Drawing