SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTALLATION OF SOLID EDGE BANDING FOR CABINETRY

Abstract

A system and method for installation of “solid edge banding” for the exposed edges of kitchen and bath cabinetry to provide a finished look and aesthetic appeal is disclosed. The solid edge banding can be used on framed cabinets, frameless cabinets, cabinets with end skin-panels and shelves. The disclosed system and method can also be used to reface cabinetry without the use of tools, adhesives or specialized labor, and further without the need for replacement of the base, wall and tall cabinet boxes, and while keeping countertops and appliances intact and untouched. The solid edge banding can also be used in conjunction with ready-to-assemble furniture and closet organizers.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for installation of “solid edge banding” for the exposed edges of kitchen and bath cabinetry to provide a finished look and aesthetic appeal. The solid edge banding can be used on framed cabinets, frameless cabinets, cabinets with end skin-panels and shelves, or to give a frameless cabinet the look of a framed cabinet. The invention also relates to a system and method of refacing kitchen and bath cabinetry without the use of tools, adhesives or specialized labor, and further without the need for replacement of the base, wall and tall cabinet boxes, and while keeping the countertops and appliances intact and untouched. The invention can also be used in conjunction with ready-to-assemble furniture and closet organizers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kitchens and baths can be expensive to build and remodel, in great part because of the cost of cabinetry. Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and shapes, and are usually available to take home from the store the same day. Sizes and finishes are limited with stock cabinetry, but the price is lower for customers on a budget. Semi-custom cabinets are built after a customer's order is placed, so the customer typically can select from certain sizes and styles. That flexibility makes it easier to design a kitchen that fits the customer's particular requirements. Semi-custom cabinetry usually requires some lead time for delivery as compared to stock cabinetry. It is also more expensive than stock cabinetry. Custom cabinets are made by hand to fit any standard desired by a customer. An odd-sized or irregular-shaped space in a kitchen might not accommodate a stock or semi-custom cabinet piece, but a custom cabinetmaker can build whatever the customer needs or wants. Custom cabinets are the most expensive of the three types; the exact price varies widely because of size, materials and options. The time it takes to receive a custom-cabinet order depends on the cabinetmaker's schedule.

Cabinets can be “framed” or “frameless.” A framed cabinet has a wood frame attached to the front edges of the cabinet box. A frameless cabinet does not use a frame on the front outside edges of the cabinet box. Instead, the front of the cabinet box is formed by the edges of the top, bottom and side panels of the cabinet box. The cabinet door typically covers the edges when closed. The cabinet is strengthened by the back and sides in this construction.

Customer assembled or “knock down” cabinetry can be sold for a lower price due to lower manufacturing and transportation costs that arise principally from the elimination of factory assembly of the cabinets and resultant substantially reduced shipping volumes. If the parts and assembly and installation processes of the cabinetry facilitate a customer to “do it yourself” through clear instructions, simplicity, and flexibility, and easy to set up and adjust connectors and hardware, the savings to that customer are even greater.

The replacement of cabinetry is also an expensive proposition for a customer. Often customers look to “reface” their existing cabinet boxes to provide a new look without incurring the cost of buying new cabinetry. Refacing is the process of replacing doors and drawer fronts, while veneering cabinet boxes. “Do it yourself” cabinet refacing can be difficult. While door and drawer front replacement may not be difficult, veneering the front portions of the cabinet boxes to provide a new look requires skill. The veneer will peel if it is not installed correctly.

Ready-to-assemble furniture (RTA), also known as knock-down furniture or flat pack furniture, is purchased in multiple pieces and requires assembly. The furniture is packed in a box and contains instructions for the buyer to follow to assemble it. The box typically contains a number of parts, including fasteners, screws, fixings, and other pieces, that are needed to assemble the furniture. Ready-to-assemble furniture can be purchased for a number of purposes, including living room furniture; office furniture; bookcases; tables; beds; outdoor furniture, swingsets; patio sets; kitchen and bath cabinets; and CD/DVD storage racks.

Similarly, closet organization systems are often sold for self-design and self-assembly, much like self-assembly furniture.

Kitchen, cabinet boxes, ready-to-assemble furniture and closet organizers are typically made out of particle board, MDF or other composites, plywood or wood. The planar components of the cabinetry can vary, typically from ½″ and ⅜″ for framed cabinets and up to ¾″ for frameless cabinets. Particle board is an engineered wood product manufactured from wood chips, sawmill shavings, or even saw dust, and a synthetic resin or other suitable binder, which is pressed and extruded. MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.

Most cabinetry is made out of wood or wood composites, and wood absorbs or gives off moisture with changes in humidity and temperature of the surrounding air, thus undergoing changes in moisture content and dimension. While proper drying of wood can confine the shrinking and swelling of wood to manageable levels, cabinet doors and drawers may stick during periods of high humidity; molding joints may open; and solid wood panels in raised panel doors may shrink exposing unfinished wood along the edges of the frame.

The exposed edges of those planar components need to be finished in a manner that they match the texture and color of the exterior of the cabinetry, or “façade.” One common system used to finish the exposed edges is through the use of “edge banding,” which is typically a “tape” that is finished to match the façade that is glued to the exposed edge of the cabinet using edge bonding, which is a thin layer glued to the exposed edge of the cabinet panel, making the edge banding impossible to remove and/or replace. Edge banding tape is packaged in rolls and produced with popular finishes. Under current techniques, the edge banding must be glued to the exposed edge of the cabinet by semi-specialized labor. The application of edge banding adds an extra step in the manufacturing process of cabinetry. Further, it often lacks aesthetical appeal and precludes removal after installation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,216 to Enns and titled MODULAR FURNITURE discloses a system for the assembly of modular furniture comprising flat surface panels. Each flat surface panel has a plurality of peripheral edges, with longitudinally extending grooves formed in one or more of the peripheral edges, and edge members for covering the peripheral edges corresponding in cross-sectional shape with the grooves for slideable engagement.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,075 to Williamson and titled FIELD ALTERABLE, GLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC DOOR PANEL discloses a glass reinforce plastic door panel of unitary construction that is field alterable to fit an out-of-true frame is provided. The door panel is arranged with a strike, or lock, side stile formed as a thick-walled structural channel open to the panel side. Alteration of the door is accomplished by trimming the channel walls without otherwise affecting the integrity of the panel. After trimming the channel walls, a flexible cap strip is emplaced within the channel to form a finished door edge.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,380 to Azzar and titled ELASTOMERIC EDGE MOLDING WITH INTEGRALLY EXTRUDED DECOR LINE discloses an elongated elastomeric T-molding formed of a body having opposed decorative outer and inner mounting surfaces defining spaced first and second edges and being adapted for flush mounting to an edge of an article of furniture by means of an integral flange projecting at right angles outwardly of the inner mounting surface of the body is frictionally fitted within an elongated groove within an edge of a planar article of furniture such that the inner mounting surface of the body lies flush with the edge of such planar article of furniture.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,475 to Ciancio et al. and titled COMPOSITE FORMABLE EDGE BANDING T-MOLDING discloses an elongated continuous molding with a T-shaped cross section and having a relatively rigid core body situated between a flexible cover layer and a barbed mounting strip. The core body, the cover layer and the barbed mounting strip are made of compatible thermal plastic materials and are integrally and simultaneously formed by extrusion. The T-molding is bendable to retain selected curved or bent shape along its length.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for installation of “solid edge banding detail” (SEBD) to the exposed edges of kitchen and bath cabinetry to provide a finished look and aesthetic appeal. The solid edge banding can be used on framed cabinets, frameless cabinets, cabinets with end skin-panels and shelves, or to give a frameless cabinet the look of a framed cabinet. The invention also relates to a method of refacing kitchen and bath cabinetry without use of tools, adhesives or specialized labor, and further without the need for replacement of the base, wall and tall cabinet boxes, and while keeping the countertops and appliances intact and untouched. The invention can also be used in conjunction with ready-to-assemble furniture and closet organizers.

The system and method of the invention of applying an SEBD is simple for an ordinary customer. No connectors, hardware or glue are required to apply the SEBD to the exposed edge of a cabinet. The system and method of the invention offer a customer a simple way to provide great aesthetical appeal to cabinetry. Additionally, the SEBD is easily removed and replaced when and if a customer decides to reface the cabinetry.

The SEBD is an elongated molding with one of its sides adapted for flush or uneven mounting, depending on its functionality, by means of an integral flange projecting to frictionally fit within an elongated groove in the exposed edges of cabinet panels. Due to the frictional fit, there is no need to glue, nail, screw or staple the SEBD into place. The SEBD can then easily be removed and changed to reface the cabinets and give them a new look.

The SEBD is made of wood, plywood, MDF, plastic or rubber. It can easily be fabricated in 8′ or 12′ long strips and later cut to the same length of the cabinet panels to which it is to be installed to create a flush fit. The SEBD can be finished with the same texture and color as the fronts and trimmings of the cabinetry. The flange dimensions can be fabricated in response to different functional requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals.

FIG. 1A depicts an SEBD for frameless cabinetry having an integral flange and the exposed edge of a vertical cabinet panel having an elongated groove.

FIG. 1B depicts the assembled cabinet of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts an SEBD for frameless cabinetry having an integral flange and the exposed edge of a horizontal cabinet panel having an elongated groove.

FIG. 2B depicts the assembled cabinet of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts the upper portion of an unassembled base, wall or tall frameless cabinet and SEBDs for the vertical and horizontal cabinet panels.

FIG. 3B depicts the assembled cabinet of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts the upper portion of an unassembled base, wall or tall frameless cabinet and SEBDs showing vertical and horizontal cabinet panels having an exposed side panel, where the SEBD for the vertical cabinet panel has an asymmetric cross section.

FIG. 4B depicts the assembled cabinet box of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts an SEBD to provide an aesthetic effect to the exposed edges of a double sided shelf having two finished skin panels.

FIG. 5B depicts the assembled double sided shelf of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts an SEBD to provide an aesthetic effect to the exposed edge of a shelf having one finished skin panel.

FIG. 5D depicts the assembled shelf of FIG. 5C.

FIG. 5E depicts an SEBD to provide an aesthetic effect to the exposed edges of a double sided shelf having two finished skin panels.

FIG. 5F depicts the assembled double sided shelf of FIG. 5E.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 depict the use of dowels with the SEBD in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 depict the use of dowels only to attach the SEBD in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 4A and 4B.

FIG. 12A depicts the upper left portion of an unassembled base, wall or tall cabinet box and SEBDs for the vertical and horizontal cabinet panels that give the appearance of a framed cabinet.

FIG. 12B depicts the assembled upper left portion of the unassembled base, wall or tall framed cabinet box of FIG. 12A and SEBDs for the vertical and horizontal cabinet panels.

FIG. 12C depicts the assembled cabinet box of FIGS. 12A and 12B.

FIG. 13A depicts the upper portion of an unassembled base, wall or tall cabinet and SEBD showing vertical and horizontal cabinet panels having an exposed side panel that give the appearance of a framed cabinet, where the SEBD for the vertical cabinet panel has an asymmetric cross section.

FIG. 13B depicts the assembled upper left portion of the assembled cabinet box of FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for installation of “solid edge banding detail” (SEBD) to the exposed edges of kitchen and bath cabinetry to provide a finished look and aesthetic appeal. The solid edge banding can be used on framed cabinets, frameless cabinets, cabinets with end skin-panels and shelves, or to give a frameless cabinet the look of a framed cabinet. The invention also relates to a method of refacing kitchen and bath cabinetry without use of tools, adhesives or specialized labor, and further without the need for replacement of the base, wall and tall cabinet boxes, and while keeping the countertops and appliances intact and untouched.

While the invention is described below in the context of frameless and framed cabinetry, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how to apply the invention to be used in conjunction with ready-to-assemble furniture and closet organizers.

The system and method of the invention for installing an SEBD is simple for an ordinary customer. No connectors, hardware or glue are required to apply the SEBD to the exposed edge of a cabinet. The system and method of the invention offer a customer a simple way to provide great aesthetical appeal to cabinetry. Additionally, the SEBD is easily removed and replaced when and if a customer decides to reface the cabinetry.

The SEBD is an elongated molding with one of its sides adapted for flush or uneven mounting, depending on its functionality, by means of an integral flange projecting to frictionally fit within an elongated groove in the exposed edges of cabinet panels.

The thickness of the SEBD in most instances will be the same as the thickness of the cabinet box to be covered. Other profiles can be achieved to cover other attached boards either inside and/or outside the cabinet box.

The front profile of the SEBD in one embodiment is substantially flat. In other embodiments, the front profile of the SEBD can be modified, for example, to be semi or full bullnose, beveled, etc. or any other profile desired.

The flexibility of the SEBD in conjunction with the attachment system allows the SEBDs to be modified to become fillers, pilasters, molding, frames, etc.

In one embodiment, the SEBD is secured to the cabinet panel by way of the frictional fit of the integral flange of the SEBD within the elongated groove in the exposed edge of the cabinet panel. In this embodiment, there is no need to glue, nail, screw or staple the SEBD to secure it into place. Further, the SEBD can then easily be removed and changed to reface the cabinets and give them a new look without destroying or marring the SEBD.

In one embodiment, the integral flange of the SEBD is provided with a plurality of holes configured to receive dowels that extend from the elongated groove in the exposed end of the cabinet panel. In one embodiment, the dowels are plastic. In one embodiment, the holes are 8 mm in diameter.

In one embodiment, the SEBD comprises a plurality of holes configured to receive dowels that extend from the exposed end of the cabinet panel. In one embodiment, the dowels are plastic. In one embodiment, the holes are 8 mm in diameter. In this embodiment, the SEBD is mated to the cabinet panel with the dowels only.

The SEBD can be applied also to the edge of inside partitions or shelves, which are visible in cabinets with two doors to achieve an aesthetic effect.

The SEBD can comprise wood, plywood, MDF, plastic or rubber. In one embodiment, the SEBD is fabricated in 8′ or 12′ long strips and later cut to match the length of the cabinet panel to which it is to be attached. The SEBD can be finished with a variety of textures and colors to match the fronts and trimmings of the cabinetry to which it is to be attached. The flange dimensions can be fabricated in response to different functional requirements, such as an asymmetrical positioning on the SEBD for use on cabinet panels having an end skin panel.

The SEBD may comprise the same construction materials as the cabinet panels so that the external atmospheric conditions affect the SEBD and the cabinet wood in similar or identical manners. For example, expansion or shrinkage of the wood will be the same or very similar, such that the SEBD does not expand within the elongated groove of the edge of the cabinet panel and potentially crack, or alternatively shrink such that it becomes loose.

In one embodiment, the SEBD is fabricated with tools and equipment available at the facility where cabinetry is made, allowing quality control, fit, dimensions, finishing, etc. to be performed simultaneously. No special tooling or molds are required to fabricate and fit the SEBD to the cabinet panel. In one embodiment, the SEBD can be packed pre-installed in the end of a cabinet panel. In one embodiment, the SEBD can be packed along with the four panels of each cabinet box for assembly by the customer on-site. In one embodiment, the SEBD can be packed separately from the panels of the cabinet box and can be selected according to finish and/or style. The last two options are advantageous for use with the “knock-down” cabinetry system.

The SEBD can be designed and quickly and easily manufactured with different cross sections and different profiles, symmetric or asymmetric. For example, the SEBD can be asymmetric with one side extended in order to hide the edge of a finished skin panel of a cabinet box that is located at the end of the run. In other cases, the SEBD can be extended ¼″ or more on both sides or adopt an “L” cross section for different applications.

In one embodiment, the SEBD can be used when installing cabinetry.

In one embodiment, the SEBD can be used in connection with affordable, quick and easy “cabinetry refacing”, which allows the replacement of “the façade” of already-installed and operational kitchen or bath cabinetry. During refacing, door fronts, drawer fronts, and trimmings (crown moldings, pilasters, fillers, valances, toe kicks and the SEBDs) can be changed to provide a different style and/or texture and color for the cabinetry. During refacing, the base, wall and tall cabinet boxes, counters and appliances can remain untouched.

Typically, in cabinet construction, both planar surfaces of all of the cabinet panels that are provided to assemble the base, wall and tall cabinet boxes are finished only in one neutral color for streamlined mass production. When the cabinet box is assembled, its four peripheral front edges are unfinished and are exposed just behind the door and/or drawer fronts. At this point, the unfinished exposed edges appear as part of the façade of the cabinetry.

The SEBD is finished to match the finish of the cabinet boxes and, depending on the position of each cabinet, to be installed to cover the exposed edges of the cabinet boxes whether those cabinet boxes are in the middle of a row or at the end of a run. The flexibility of the SEBD allows its cross section to be configured to also cover the exposed edge of a side skin-panel finished as the façade. The SEBD can be configured in a shape to cover the exposed edge of a framed or unframed cabinet front.

Four SEBDs are installed for each cabinet box: two vertical SEBDs and two horizontal SEBDs. The SEBDs are typically 30″ long for standard base cabinets; 24″, 30″, 36″ and 42″ long for standard wall cabinets; and 84″, 90″ and 96″ long for standard tall cabinets. Horizontal SEBDs can range from 7½″ for 9″ wide cabinets, increasing by 3″ respectively, up to 40½″ for 42″ cabinets. Due to the integral “tongue and groove” attachment method, the SEBDs can be cut at any other desired length. The dimensions of the SEBD match exactly the length of the corresponding edges of the vertical and horizontal panels of the cabinet boxes, which facilitates their recognition and posterior installation, and can be packaged in different ways, individually or together with the cabinet panels, or with the corresponding door and/or drawer fronts whose finish matches with the finish of the SEBDs.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1A depicts SEBD 110A having an integral flange 120A and the exposed edge 130A of a frameless vertical cabinet panel 140A having an elongated groove 150A. The integral flange 120A of the SEBD 110A in this embodiment has a recess 160A at one end 170A of the SEBD 110A. An object such as a flat head screwdriver (not shown) can be inserted into the recess 160A to assist in removing the SEBD 110A from the elongated groove 150A of frameless vertical cabinet panel 140A.

FIG. 1B depicts SEBD 110A attached to frameless vertical cabinet panel 140A of FIG. 1A. Insertion of integral flange 120A into elongated groove 150A causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 110A to frameless vertical cabinet panel 140A, thus covering exposed edge 130A and providing an aesthetic effect to vertical cabinet panel 140A.

FIG. 2A depicts SEBD 110B having an integral flange 120B and the exposed edge 130B of a frameless horizontal cabinet panel 140B having an elongated groove 150B. Integral flange 120B of the SEBD 110B in this embodiment has a recess 160B at one end 170B of SEBD 110B. An object such as a flat head screwdriver (not shown) can be inserted into recess 160B to assist in removing SEBD 110B from elongated groove 150B of frameless horizontal cabinet panel 140B.

FIG. 2B depicts SEBD 110B attached to frameless horizontal cabinet panel 140B of FIG. 2A. Insertion of integral flange 120B into elongated groove 150B causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 110B to frameless horizontal cabinet panel 140B, thus covering exposed edge 130B and providing an aesthetic effect to frameless horizontal cabinet panel 140B.

FIG. 3A depicts a system 300 comprising the configurations shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B of the upper portion of an unassembled frameless vertical base, wall or tall cabinet panel 140A and frameless horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 140B, and SEBDs 110A and 110B comprising integral flanges 120A and 120B to be inserted in elongated grooves 150A and 150B of exposed edges 130A and 130B, respectively. In this embodiment, vertical SEBD 110A has the same height of frameless vertical cabinet panel 140A, and horizontal SEBD 110B has the same length as frameless horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 140B.

FIG. 3B depicts the assembled cabinet box of FIG. 3A. Integral flanges 120A and 120B have been inserted into elongated grooves 150A and 150B of exposed edges 130A and 130B of vertical cabinet panel 140A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 140B, respectively, resulting in assembled frameless cabinet 300.

FIG. 4A depicts a system 400 comprising the upper portion of an unassembled frameless vertical base, wall or tall cabinet panel 440A and frameless horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 440B where frameless vertical cabinet panel 440A has an exposed side panel at the end of a run of cabinet boxes, and SEBDs 410A and 410B comprising integral flanges 420A and 420B to be inserted in elongated grooves 450A and 450B of exposed edges 430A and 430B of frameless vertical and horizontal cabinet panels 440A and 440B. In this embodiment, vertical SEBD 410A has the same height of frameless vertical cabinet panel 440A, and horizontal SEBD 410B has the same length as frameless horizontal cabinet panel 440B. In this embodiment, exposed side panel of frameless vertical cabinet panel 440A has received a finished skin panel 480A that matches the vertical cabinet panel's façade finish, where finished skin panel 480A has exposed edge 485A. SEBD 410A has an asymmetric cross section 415 that is configured to cover exposed side panel of vertical cabinet panel 440A. Asymmetric cross section 415 provides a flush finish to cover both exposed edge 430A of frameless vertical cabinet panel 440A and exposed edge 485A of finished skin panel 480A. In this embodiment, SEBD 410B used in connection with frameless horizontal cabinet panel 440B has a symmetric cross section (not shown) to cover exposed edge 430B of frameless horizontal cabinet panel 440B.

FIG. 4B depicts the assembled frameless cabinet box of FIG. 4A. Insertion of integral flange 420A into elongated groove 450A causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 410A to frameless vertical cabinet panel 440A, thus covering exposed edge 430A of vertical cabinet panel 440A and exposed edge 485A of finished skin panel 480A and providing an aesthetic effect to frameless vertical cabinet panel 440A. Insertion of integral flange 420B into elongated groove 450B causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 410B to frameless horizontal cabinet panel 440B, thus covering exposed edge 430B and providing an aesthetic effect to frameless horizontal cabinet panel 440B.

FIG. 5A depicts a system 500A comprising SEBD 510A to be installed over exposed edges 530A of a double sided shelf 545A, wherein double sided shelf 545A has two finished skin panels 580A that match the double sided shelf's façade finish, wherein each finished skin panel 580A has an exposed edge 585A.

FIG. 5B depicts assembled double sided shelf 545A with attached SEBD 510A of FIG. 5A. Insertion of integral flange 520A into elongated groove 550A causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 510A to double sided shelf 545A, thus covering exposed edges 530A and 585A and providing an aesthetic effect to double sided shelf 545A.

FIG. 5C depicts a system 500C comprising an SEBD to be installed over exposed edge 530C of a shelf 545C, wherein shelf 545C has one finished skin panel 580C that matches the shelf's façade finish, wherein the finished skin panel 580C has an exposed edge 585C.

FIG. 5D depicts assembled shelf 545C with attached SEBD 510C of FIG. 5C. Insertion of integral flange 520C into elongated groove 550C causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 510C to shelf 545C, thus covering exposed edges 530C and 585C and providing an aesthetic effect to shelf 545C.

FIG. 5E depicts a second embodiment of a system 500E comprising SEBD 510E to be installed over exposed edge 530E of a double sided shelf 545E, wherein double sided shelf 545E has two finished skin panels 580E that match the double sided shelf's façade finish, wherein each finished skin panel 580E has an exposed edge 585E.

FIG. 5F depicts assembled double sided shelf 545E with attached SEBD 510E of FIG. 5A. Insertion of integral flange 520E into elongated groove 550E causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 510E to double sided shelf 545E, thus covering exposed edges 530E and 585E and providing an aesthetic effect to double sided shelf 545E.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a system 600 wherein dowels 625 along with the frictional engagement caused by the insertion of integral flanges 620A and 620B in elongated grooves 650A and 650B are used to attach SEBDs 610A and 610B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 640A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 640B, respectively. A plurality of holes 635 are drilled in integral flanges 620A and 620B, and also elongated grooves 650A and 650B, to accept insertion of dowels 625. Insertion of integral flanges 620A and 620B into elongated grooves 650A and 650B, along with insertion of dowels 625 into holes 635, cause frictional engagements that removably attach SEBDs 610A and 610B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 640A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 640B, respectively, thus covering exposed edges 630A and 630B and providing an aesthetic effect to frameless vertical cabinet panel 640A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 640B, respectively.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a system 700 wherein dowels 725 along with the frictional engagement caused by the insertion of integral flanges 720A and 720B in elongated grooves 750A and 750B are used to attach SEBDs 710A and 710B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 740A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 740B, respectively, where frameless vertical cabinet panel 740A has an exposed side panel at the end of a run of cabinet boxes. In this embodiment, exposed side panel of frameless vertical cabinet panel 740A has received a finished skin panel 780 that matches the frameless vertical cabinet panel's façade finish, where finished skin panel 780 has exposed edge 785. SEBD 710A has an asymmetric cross section 715 that is configured to provide a flush finish to cover both exposed edge 730A of frameless vertical cabinet panel 740A and exposed edge 785 of finished skin panel 780. In this embodiment, SEBD 710B used in connection with frameless horizontal cabinet panel 740B has a symmetric cross section (not shown) to cover exposed edge 730B of frameless horizontal cabinet panel 740B. A plurality of holes 735 are drilled in integral flanges 720A and 720B, and also elongated grooves 750A and 750B, to accept insertion of dowels 725. Insertion of integral flanges 720A and 720B into elongated grooves 750A and 750B, along with insertion of dowels 725 into holes 735, cause frictional engagements that removably attach SEBDs 710A and 710B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 740A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 740B, respectively, thus covering exposed edges 730A, 730B and 785, providing an aesthetic effect to frameless vertical cabinet panel 740A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 740B, respectively.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a system 800 wherein dowels 825 along with the frictional engagements caused by the insertion of integral flanges 820 in elongated grooves 850 are used to attach SEBD 810 to double sided shelf 845, wherein double sided shelf 845 has two finished skin panels 880 that match the double sided shelf's façade and wherein further each finished skin panel 880 has an exposed edge 885. A plurality of holes 835 are drilled in integral flanges 820 and elongated grooves 850 to accept insertion of dowels 825. Insertion of integral flanges 820 into elongated grooves 850 along with insertion of dowels 825 into holes 835, causes frictional engagements that removably attach SEBD 810 to double sided shelf 845, thus covering exposed edges 830 and 885, providing an aesthetic effect to double sided shelf 845.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a system 900 wherein dowels 925 are used to attach SEBDs 910A and 910B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 940A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 940B, respectively. A plurality of holes 935 are drilled in SEBDs 910A and 910B, and also elongated grooves 950A and 950B, to accept insertion of dowels 925. Insertion of dowels 925 into holes 935 causes frictional engagements that removably attach SEBDs 910A and 910B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 940A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 940B, respectively, thus covering exposed edges 930A and 930B and providing an aesthetic effect to frameless vertical cabinet panel 940A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 940B, respectively.

FIG. 10 one embodiment of a system 1000 wherein dowels 1025 are used to attach SEBDs 1010A and 1010B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 1040B, respectively, where frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A has an exposed side panel at the end of a run of cabinet boxes. SEBD 1010A has an asymmetric cross section 1015 that is configured to cover exposed edge 1030A of frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A which is located at the end of a run of cabinets. In this embodiment, frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A has received a finished skin panel 1080 that matches the frameless vertical cabinet panel's façade finish, where finished skin panel 1080 has exposed edge 1085. Asymmetric cross section 1015 provides a flush finish to cover both exposed edge 1030A of frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A and exposed edge 1085 of finished skin panel 1080. In this embodiment, SEBD 1010B used in connection with frameless horizontal cabinet panel 1040B has a symmetric cross section (not shown) to cover exposed edge 1030B of frameless horizontal cabinet panel 1040B. A plurality of holes 1035 are drilled in SEBDs 1010A and 1010B, and also elongated grooves 1050A and 1050B, to accept insertion of dowels 1025. Insertion of dowels 1025 into holes 1035 causes frictional engagements that removably attach SEBDs 1010A and 1010B to frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 1040B, respectively, thus covering exposed edges 1030A, 1030B and 1085, providing an aesthetic effect to frameless vertical cabinet panel 1040A and frameless horizontal cabinet panel 1040B, respectively.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of a system 1100 wherein dowels 1125 are used to attach SEBD 1110 to double sided shelf 1145, wherein double sided shelf 1145 has two finished skin panels 1180 that match the double sided shelf's façade, where edge finished skin panel 1180 has an exposed edge 1185. A plurality of holes 1135 are drilled in SEBDs 1110 and elongated grooves 1150 to accept insertion of dowels 1125. Insertion of dowels 1125 into holes 1135 causes frictional engagements that removably attach SEBD 1110 to double sided shelf 1145, thus covering exposed edges 1130 and 1185, providing an aesthetic effect to double sided shelf 1145.

FIG. 12A depicts a system 1200 comprising the upper left portion of an unassembled vertical base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1240A and horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1240B, and SEBDs 1210A and 1210B comprising integral flanges 1220A and 1220B to be inserted in elongated grooves 1250A and 1250B of exposed edges 1230A and 1230B of vertical and horizontal cabinet panels 1240A and 1240B. In this embodiment, vertical SEBD 1210A has the same height of vertical cabinet panel 1240A, and horizontal SEBD 1210B has the same length as horizontal cabinet panel 1240B. SEBD 1210A has an asymmetric cross section 1215 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1230A of vertical cabinet panel 1240A. In this embodiment, SEBD 1210B similarly has an asymmetric cross section 1215 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1230B of horizontal cabinet panel 1240B.

FIG. 12B depicts system 1200 comprising the upper right portion of the unassembled vertical base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1240A and horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1240B and SEBDs 1210A and 1210B comprising integral flanges 1220A and 1220B shown as inserted in elongated grooves 1250A and 1250B of exposed edges 1230A and 1230B of vertical and horizontal cabinet panels 1240A and 1240B. In this embodiment, vertical SEBD 1210A has the same height of vertical cabinet panel 1240A, and horizontal SEBD 1210B has the same length as horizontal cabinet panel 1240B. SEBD 1210A has an asymmetric cross section 1215 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1230A of vertical cabinet panel 1240A. In this embodiment, SEBD 1210B similarly has an asymmetric cross section 1215 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1230B of horizontal cabinet panel 1240B.

FIG. 12C depicts the assembled cabinet box of FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C. Insertion of integral flange 1220A into elongated groove 1250A causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 1210A to vertical cabinet panel 1240A, thus covering exposed edge 1230A and providing the effect of a framed cabinet to vertical cabinet panel 1240A. Insertion of integral flange 1220B into elongated groove 1250B causes a frictional engagement that removably attaches SEBD 1210B to horizontal cabinet panel 1240B, thus covering exposed edge 1230B and providing the effect of a framed cabinet to horizontal cabinet panel 1240B.

FIG. 13A depicts the upper portion of an unassembled base, wall or tall cabinet and SEBD showing vertical and horizontal cabinet panels having an exposed side panel, where frameless vertical cabinet panel 1340A has an exposed side panel at the end of a run of Vertical base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1340A and horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1340B, and SEBDs 1310A and 1310B comprise integral flanges 1320A and 1320B to be inserted in elongated grooves 1350A and 1350B of exposed edges 1330A and 1330B of vertical and horizontal cabinet panels 1340A and 1340B. In this embodiment, vertical SEBD 1310A has the same height of vertical cabinet panel 1340A, and horizontal SEBD 1310B has the same length as horizontal cabinet panel 1340B. In this embodiment, exposed side panel of frameless vertical cabinet panel 1340A has received a finished skin panel 1380 that matches the vertical cabinet panel's façade finish, where finished skin panel 1380 has exposed edge 1385. SEBD 1310A has an asymmetric cross section 1315 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1330A of vertical cabinet panel 1340A and exposed edge 1385 of finished skin panel 1380. In this embodiment, SEBD 1310B similarly has an asymmetric cross section 1315 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1330B of horizontal cabinet panel 1340B.

FIG. 13B depicts system 1300 comprising the assembled upper left portion of the vertical base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1340A having finished skin panel 1380 and horizontal base, wall or tall cabinet panel 1340B and SEBDs 1310A and 1310B comprising integral flanges 1320A and 1320B that are shown as inserted in elongated grooves 1350A and 1350B of exposed edges 1330A and 1330B of vertical and horizontal cabinet panels 1340A and 1340B. In this embodiment, vertical SEBD 1310A has the same height of vertical cabinet panel 1340A, and horizontal SEBD 1310B has the same length as horizontal cabinet panel 1340B. SEBD 1310A has an asymmetric cross section 1315 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1330A of vertical cabinet panel 1340A and exposed edge 1385 of finished skin panel 1380. In this embodiment, SEBD 1310B similarly has an asymmetric cross section 1315 that is configured to provide the look of a framed cabinet and to cover exposed edge 1330B of horizontal cabinet panel 1340B.

In the foregoing description, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a person understanding this invention may conceive of changes or other embodiments or variations, which utilize the principles of this invention without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, therefore, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except as may be necessary in view of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cabinet having a solid edge banding detail, comprising:

at least one vertical panel, the vertical panel comprising an inner vertical surface, an outer vertical surface, a vertical exposed edge disposed between the inner vertical surface and the outer vertical surface, and an elongated groove disposed in the vertical exposed edge;

at least one horizontal panel, the horizontal panel comprising an inner horizontal surface, an outer horizontal surface, a horizontal exposed edge disposed between the inner horizontal surface and the outer horizontal surface, and an elongated groove disposed in the horizontal exposed edge;

a vertical solid edge banding detail, the vertical solid edge banding detail comprising an outer face, a left face, a right face and a back face, wherein the vertical solid edge banding detail further comprises an integral flange extending from the back face; and

a horizontal solid edge banding detail, the horizontal solid edge banding detail comprising an outer face, a left face, a right face and a back face, wherein the horizontal solid edge banding detail further comprises an integral flange extending from the back face,

wherein the integral flange of the vertical solid edge banding detail is releasably attached to the vertical panel by an engagement consisting of a frictional engagement between the integral flange of the vertical solid edge banding detail and the elongated groove of the vertical panel,

wherein the integral flange of the horizontal solid edge banding detail is releasably attached to the horizontal panel by an engagement consisting of a frictional engagement between the integral flange of the horizontal solid edge banding detail and the elongated groove of the horizontal panel,

wherein further the outer face, left face and right face of the vertical solid edge banding detail and the horizontal solid edge banding detail are finished to substantially match the finish of the outer vertical surface and the outer horizontal surface,

wherein further the vertical solid edge banding covers the vertical exposed edge upon engagement with the vertical panel and the horizontal solid edge banding covers the horizontal exposed edge upon engagement with the horizontal panel.

2. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 1, wherein the vertical solid edge banding further comprises a recess disposed at the upper end of the integral flange.

3. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 2, wherein the horizontal solid edge banding further comprises a recess disposed at the upper end of the integral flange.

4. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 1, wherein the vertical solid edge banding detail, the horizontal edge banding detail, the vertical panel and the horizontal panel comprise the same material.

5. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 4, where the vertical solid edge banding detail, the horizontal edge banding detail, the vertical panel and the horizontal panel comprise wood, plywood, MDF, plastic or rubber.

6. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 1, where the vertical solid edge banding detail and the horizontal edge banding detail comprise wood, plywood, MDF, plastic or rubber.

7. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 1, comprising an aesthetic effect of a framed cabinet.

8. A cabinet having a solid edge banding detail, comprising:

at least one vertical panel, the vertical panel comprising an inner vertical surface, an outer vertical surface, a vertical exposed edge disposed between the inner vertical surface and the outer vertical surface, and an elongated groove disposed in the vertical exposed edge;

at least one horizontal panel, the horizontal panel comprising an inner horizontal surface, an outer horizontal surface, a horizontal exposed edge disposed between the inner horizontal surface and the outer horizontal surface, and an elongated groove disposed in the horizontal exposed edge;

a vertical solid edge banding detail, the vertical solid edge banding detail comprising an outer face, a left face, a right face and a back face, wherein the vertical solid edge banding detail further comprises an integral flange extending from the back face;

a horizontal solid edge banding detail, the horizontal solid edge banding detail comprising an outer face, a left face, a right face and a back face, wherein the horizontal solid edge banding detail further comprises an integral flange extending from the back face; and

a finished skin panel disposed on the outer surface of the vertical panel, wherein the finished skin panel comprises an inner vertical surface, an outer vertical surface, a vertical exposed edge disposed between the inner vertical surface and the outer vertical surface,

wherein the integral flange of the vertical solid edge banding detail is releasably attached to the vertical panel by an engagement consisting of a frictional engagement between the integral flange of the vertical solid edge banding detail and the elongated groove of the vertical panel,

wherein the integral flange of the horizontal solid edge banding detail is releasably attached to the horizontal panel by an engagement consisting of a frictional engagement between the integral flange of the horizontal solid edge banding detail and the elongated groove of the horizontal panel,

wherein further the outer face, left face and right face of the vertical solid edge banding detail and the horizontal solid edge banding detail are finished to substantially match the finish of the outer vertical surface and the outer horizontal surface,

wherein further the vertical solid edge banding covers the vertical exposed edges of the vertical panel and the finished skin panel upon engagement with the vertical panel and the horizontal solid edge banding covers the horizontal exposed edge upon engagement with the horizontal panel.

9. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 8, wherein the vertical solid edge banding detail, the horizontal edge banding detail, the vertical panel, the horizontal panel and the finished skin panel comprise the same material.

10. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 9, where the vertical solid edge banding detail, the horizontal edge banding detail, the vertical panel, the horizontal panel and the finished skin panel comprise wood, plywood or MDF.

11. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 8, where the vertical solid edge banding detail and the horizontal edge banding detail comprise wood, plywood, MDF, plastic or rubber.

12. The cabinet having a solid edge banding detail of claim 8, comprising an aesthetic effect of a framed cabinet.

13. A item having a solid edge banding detail, comprising:

at least one vertical panel, the vertical panel comprising an inner vertical surface, an outer vertical surface, a vertical exposed edge disposed between the inner vertical surface and the outer vertical surface, and an elongated groove disposed in the vertical exposed edge;

at least one horizontal panel, the horizontal panel comprising an inner horizontal surface, an outer horizontal surface, a horizontal exposed edge disposed between the inner horizontal surface and the outer horizontal surface, and an elongated groove disposed in the horizontal exposed edge;

a vertical solid edge banding detail, the vertical solid edge banding detail comprising an outer face, a left face, a right face and a back face, wherein the vertical solid edge banding detail further comprises an integral flange extending from the back face; and

a horizontal solid edge banding detail, the horizontal solid edge banding detail comprising an outer face, a left face, a right face and a back face, wherein the horizontal solid edge banding detail further comprises an integral flange extending from the back face,

wherein the integral flange of the vertical solid edge banding detail is releasably attached to the vertical panel by an engagement consisting of a frictional engagement between the integral flange of the vertical solid edge banding detail and the elongated groove of the vertical panel,

wherein the integral flange of the horizontal solid edge banding detail is releasably attached to the horizontal panel by an engagement consisting of a frictional engagement between the integral flange of the horizontal solid edge banding detail and the elongated groove of the horizontal panel,

wherein further the outer face, left face and right face of the vertical solid edge banding detail and the horizontal solid edge banding detail are finished to substantially match the finish of the outer vertical surface and the outer horizontal surface,

wherein further the vertical solid edge banding covers the vertical exposed edge upon engagement with the vertical panel and the horizontal solid edge banding covers the horizontal exposed edge upon engagement with the horizontal panel.

14. The item of claim 13, wherein the item comprises a cabinet, a shelf, a piece of furniture or an element of a closet organizer system.

15. The item of claim 14, wherein the furniture comprises ready-to-assemble furniture.