MAGNETIC TRIM

Abstract

Magnetic trim (baseboards, crown molding, door jams, etc.) that will be secured to permanent structures (walls or ceilings), using magnetic attraction between a magnet and a magnetic conductor is disclosed. The magnetic properties between the magnets within 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. 60/893,347, 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 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

Magnetic trim (baseboards, crown molding, door jams, etc.) that will be secured to permanent structures (walls or ceilings), using magnetic attraction between a magnet and a magnetic conductor is disclosed. The magnetic properties between the magnets within 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 trim and magnetic conductor.

FIG. 1b is an end view of the magnetic trim and magnetic conductor.

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

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

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

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of magnetic trim secured on a wall.

FIG. 3b is an end view of magnetic trim secured on a wall.

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

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the magnetic trim 10 and magnetic conductor 16. FIG. 1b is an end view of the magnetic trim and magnetic conductor 16. Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, Trim 12 (baseboards, crown molding or door jams) that will have a magnetic layer 14 embedded in it that will allow it to be secured to permanent structures (walls, ceilings, etc.) using a magnetic conductor 16 that is affixed to the permanent structure. The magnet 14 would run the entire length of the trim either continuously or spaced at set increments. The magnetic conductor 16 will be secured to the fixed structure at the location desired for the trim installation. The trim 12 will then be placed against the magnetic conductor 16. By virtue of its magnetic properties, this will secure the trim's placement against the permanent structure.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of one continuous magnet strip for entire length of trim 12. FIG. 2b is a perspective view of multiple magnet strips 14a, 14b for the entire length of trim 12. FIG. 2c is a perspective view of multiple magnetic sequence 14c-14h at set increments over the length of trim. Referring to the magnetic trim in FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c, the magnet strip 14 secured within the trim 12 would typically be in the range of 1/28 to ⅛ of an inch thick and will vary in width depending on the width of the trim itself. The magnet 14 within the trim 12 will run the entire length of the trim 12 either continuously for the length of the trim 12 or at predetermined set increments. Multiple strips of magnets 14 may also be secured within the trim 12 to increase the strength and connectivity at both the top and bottom edges of the trim 12. The strength of the magnet 14 would vary depending on the application. Magnets 14 used to hold baseboards would require less strength than magnets 14 used to hold overhead crown molding or door jam framing.

Referring to the magnetic conductor 16, used to secure the magnetic trim 12 to the permanent structure 30 would vary in size based upon the trim size and application. The magnetic conductor 16 can be a thin layer of product such as sheet metal, metal wire screen or metallic paint or primer.

Referring to size of the magnetic conductor 16 in relation to the magnetic trim 10, as seen in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the magnetic conductor 16 will be wider than the placement of the magnets 14 within the trim 12. This will allow flexibility in the installation of the magnetic conductor 16 and further flexibility when placing the magnetic trim on the magnetic conductor 16. 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 magnetic trim 22 secured on a wall 30. FIG. 3b is an end view of magnetic trim 10 secured on a wall 30. The Magnetic trim will be secured to permanent structures (walls or ceilings) as seen in FIGS. 3a and 3b, using magnetic attraction between the magnet 24 and a magnetic conductor 26. The magnetic properties between the magnets 24 within the trim 22 and the magnetic conductor 26 placed on the wall 30 will keep the trim 22 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 metal, 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 trim comprising:

a trim member; and

at least one magnetic member embedded in the trim member, wherein the magnetic member is adapted to be coupled to a magnetic conductor on a structure.

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

3. The magnetic trim of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic member runs along a length of the trim.

4. The magnetic trim of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic member is a continuous magnetic strip.

5. The magnetic trim of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic member are magnetic segments spaced at increments from each other.

6. The magnetic trim of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic member comprises multiple continuous magnetic strips.

7. A magnetic trim system comprising:

a trim member;

at least one magnetic member embedded in the trim member; and

a magnetic conductor coupled to a structure for engageably coupling the at least one magnetic member for securing the magnetic trim to the structure.

8. The magnetic trim system of claim 7 wherein the magnetic trim is utilized on any combination of baseboards, crown molding, and door jams.

9. The magnetic trim system of claim 7 wherein the at least one magnetic member runs along a length of the trim.

10. The magnetic trim system of claim 7 wherein the at least one magnetic member is a continuous magnetic strip.

11. The magnetic trim system of claim 7 wherein the at least one magnetic member is magnetic segments spaced at increments from each other.

12. The magnetic trim of claim 1 wherein the at least one magnetic member comprises multiple continuous magnetic strips.