MAGNETIC SECURING DEVICE FOR TRIM

Abstract

A two-piece magnetic device will secure trim (baseboards, crown molding, door jams, etc.) to permanent structures (walls or ceilings). The magnetic device will be comprised of a thin magnet strip and a magnetic conductor is disclosed. Each of the pieces of the device will be attached to the trim and the permanent structure, respectively. The magnetic properties between the magnets on the trim and the magnetic conductor placed on the permanent structure will keep the trim securely in place while providing for easy removal and replacement of the trim.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority Under 35 U.S.C. §119, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/893,337, filed Mar. 6, 2007, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the installation of trim and more specifically, to the installation and easy removal of trim. Trim is used as a global or generic term to include but not limited to items such as baseboards, crown molding and door jam molding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current standard installation practices of trim are done using fasteners such as nails or staples. Once the trim has been put in place it is not easily removable. Trim is typically removed to change the appearance of the permanent structure (wall, ceiling or flooring) or to change the appearance of the trim itself. Appearance change can include painting, wallpapering, and texturing or new floor installation. During removal, the trim is often broken or damaged from tools used to remove or release the fasteners. Once the trim is removed and the appearance of the permanent structure changed, the trim needs to be reinstalled with fasteners. Fasteners create holes by their standard use. These holes are then filled and color matched, typically touched up with paint.

Standard practice of painting or texturing the permanent structure is an issue for non-removable trim for the typical non-skilled person. If the trim is not removed, the trim is taped off at all top and outer edges to insure the product being applied is not accidentally applied to the trim. Once the appearance change has been completed, all tape must be removed.

When painting the trim itself you must tape the floor covering and permanent structure to insure that unwanted paint does not come in contact with those items. This process of painting can also require precise painting skills. Once the application of paint to the trim has been completed, all tape must be removed.

When installing textiles (flooring or wallpaper), the textile must be cut precisely to match any imperfections in the permanent structure or installation of the trim. The imperfections typical with this type of textile installation are then hidden with caulking, or left imperfect and unfinished.

Using the standard practices to apply liquid compounds such as paint or texture as described above, have several drawbacks. The preparation time to tape off the desired area, whether it is the trim itself or the permanent structure is time consuming and labor intensive. Using tape is not precise and can still cause unwanted results. Removing the tape can be messy. Applying the tape or painting the trim, especially floor trim, can put you in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time. Often times, you are in a crouched or sitting position and scooting every couple of minutes to apply tape or change the appearance of the trim. When reinstalling the trim, you have to fill the holes created by the fasteners. It also becomes necessary to touch up the fill area with a color match, typically with paint.

An additional benefit to magnetically secure trim is to allow for easy removal and full cleaning of the trim as well as the permanent structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A two-piece magnetic device will secure trim (baseboards, crown molding, door jams, etc.) to permanent structures (walls or ceilings). The magnetic device will be comprised of a thin magnet strip and a magnetic conductor is disclosed. Each of the pieces of the device will be attached to the trim and the permanent structure, respectively. The magnetic properties between the magnets on the trim and the magnetic conductor placed on the permanent structure will keep the trim securely in place while providing for easy removal and replacement of the trim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the magnetic securing device.

FIG. 1b is an end view of the magnetic securing device.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of one continuous magnet strip for the length of the trim.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view of multiple magnet strips for the length of the trim.

FIG. 2c is a perspective view of multiple magnets at set increments over the length of the trim.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the magnetic securing device and trim size relationship.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of trim secured on wall with the magnetic securing device.

FIG. 4b is an end view of trim secured on wall with the magnetic securing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates generally to the installation of trim and more precisely, to the installation and easy removal of trim. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment and the generic principles and features described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

Magnetically secure, removable trim would eliminate or dramatically decrease all of the above mentioned deficiencies. In addition, the preparation time would be reduced to only physically removing the trim from the permanent structure. Tape would not be applied, therefore removing the need for precise painting skills. This would eliminate the untidiness and disarray that can occur during the tape removable. The trim 20 would not be in place during the appearance change and therefore, unwanted paint on the trim or floor covering will be a non-issue. The trim being removed would allow for the placement on a bench or saw horse for painting, therefore eliminating the need to be in physically uncomfortable positions. Using the magnetic strip would allow reinstallation of the trim without creating fastener holes, thus eliminating the fill and touch-up step. An additional benefit to magnetically secure trim is to allow for easy removal and full cleaning of the trim as well as the permanent structures.

To describe the features of the present invention in more detail refer now to the following discussion in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the magnetic securing device 10. FIG. 1b is an end view of the magnetic securing device 10. The two-piece magnetic securing device 10 secure trim (baseboards, crown molding or door jams) to permanent structures (walls, ceilings, etc.). One component of the magnetic securing device 10 is a magnet strip 12. The magnet strip 12 will be attached over the entire length of a pre-cut section of trim. It is fastened to the trim on the side that will be anchored against the permanent structure. The second component is a magnetic conductor 14 that will be secured to the permanent structure at the location desired for the trim installation. The trim will then be placed against the magnetic conductor 14. By virtue of its magnetic properties, this will secure the trim's placement against the permanent structure. An additional benefit to magnetically secure device 10 is to allow for easy removal and full cleaning of the trim as well as the permanent structures.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of one continuous magnet strip 12 for the length of the trim 20. FIG. 2b is a perspective view of two magnet strips 12a, 12b for the length of the trim 20 FIG. 2c is a perspective view of multiple magnet strips 12c-12h at set increments over the length of the trim 20. The magnet strip 12 as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c, can vary in size based upon the trim 20 application. The magnet strip 12 would typically be in the range of 1/128 to ⅛ of an inch thick and will vary in width depending on the width of the trim 20 itself. The magnet strip 12 will be placed on the trim 20 over the entire length of the trim 20 either continuously or at predetermined set increments. Multiple magnet strips 12 may also be secured on the trim 20 to increase the strength and connectivity at both the top and bottom edges of the trim 20. The strength of the magnet strip 12 would vary depending on the application. Magnet strips 12 used to hold baseboards would require less strength than magnet strips 12 used to hold overhead crown molding or door jam framing.

The magnetic conductor 14 is used to secure the trim 20 to a permanent structure would vary in size based upon the trim size and application. The magnetic conductor 14 is a thin layer of product such as sheet metal, metal wire screen or metallic paint or primer.

The magnetic conductor 14 will be wider than the placement of the magnets on the trim. This will allow flexibility in the installation of the magnetic conductor 14 and further flexibility when placing the trim 20 on the magnetic conductor 14. Allowances are therefore given for small adjustments that may occur in any man made permanent structures (walls, ceilings, etc.).

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the magnetic securing device 10 and trim 20 size relationship. Referring to size of the magnetic securing device 10 in relation to the trim FIGS. 3a, the trim 20 will be wider than said securing device 10.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of trim 20 secured on wall with the magnetic securing device 10. FIG. 4b is an end view of trim 20 secured on wall with the magnetic securing device. A two-piece magnetic device will secure trim (baseboards, crown molding, door jams, etc.) to permanent structures (walls or ceilings) FIGS. 4a and 4b. The magnetic device will be comprised of a thin magnet strip 12 and a magnetic conductor 14. Each of the pieces of the device 10 will be attached to the trim 20 and the permanent structure 30, respectively. The magnetic properties between the magnet strip 12 on the trim 20 and the magnetic conductor 14 placed on the wall 30 will keep the trim securely in place while providing for easy removal and replacement of the trim.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiments and those variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the splice is preferably made of a conductive material such as aluminum, it could be made utilizing a non-conductive material which has a conductive capability added to its surface and its use would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A magnetic securing device comprising:

a magnet member; and

a magnetic conductor coupled to the magnet member, wherein the magnet member and the magnetic conductor at least one magnetic are adapted to be inserted in a trim member to allow for a connection to a structure.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the magnet member runs along a length of the trim.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the magnet member is a continuous magnetic strip.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the magnet member is magnetic segments spaced at increments.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the magnet member comprises multiple continuous magnetic strips.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the magnet member is affixed to the trim and the magnetic conductor is coupled to the structure.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein structure comprises any of and any combination of a wall and a ceiling.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the trim is utilized on any of and any combination of a baseboards, crown molding and door jams.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the magnetic conductor is wider than the placement of the magnet members.