Caulkless seam

Abstract

A corner seam comprising a first receiving region, a second receiving region and a face. The first receiving region includes a first and second end. The second receiving region includes a first and a second end. The first ends of each of the receiving regions substantially converge toward each other. Additionally, at least one of the first and second receiving regions includes a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of at least a partially planar material therein. The face extends from the second end of the first receiving region to the second end of the second receiving region.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates in general to a seam, and more particularly, to a caulkless seam joining together two planar materials at a corner.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] Drywall is made of gypsum powder sandwiched between layers of heavy paper. Typically, it is used to form the interior walls of a home or building. While drywall is relatively durable it can be destroyed if exposed to moisture. Water can severely damage drywall. Therefore, drywall must be protected in areas such as shower stalls.

[0005] Tiles are usually placed over the drywall using grout and caulk to prevent water from directly contacting the drywall. Unfortunately, over time, the grout and caulk substances wear away creating avenues for water to leak through and damage the drywall below. With the countless number of seams present in tile work, this poses a substantial threat.

[0006] Water resistant paneling has been used in place of tile to minimize the number of seams. While this solution has proved to be a great success some problem areas still persist. In particular, the seam present in corners where two sheets of paneling meet has proven to be a trouble spot. Again, caulk has been used to seal the seam. As mentioned before, however, caulk eventually wears away providing no protection for the drywall beneath.

[0007] Another drawback associated with the use of caulking compounds is that caulk is aesthetically unappealing. Over time, caulk tends to experience discoloration. Therefore, it becomes necessary to replace the aging caulk.

[0008] Yet another drawback associated with the use of caulk is the application of the caulking compound to the desired seam. Typically, a caulk dispensing gun is used to dispense the caulking compound to the desired location. Such application procedures are often time consuming and cumbersome. Often, such procedures result in uneven and ineffective distribution of caulking compound.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a waterproof and caulk-free seam.

[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an aesthetically pleasing seam.

[0011] It is further an object of the present invention to provide a seam that can be easily installed

[0012] These and other objects will become evident upon review of the appended specification, claims and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention comprises a corner seam suitable for use in a shower stall. The corner seam comprises a first receiving region, a second receiving region and a face. The first receiving region includes a first and second end. The second receiving region includes a first and a second end. The first ends of each of the receiving regions substantially converge toward each other. Additionally, at least one of the first and second receiving regions includes a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of at least a partially planar material therein. The face extends from the second end of the first receiving region to the second end of the second receiving region.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the channel includes a depth and a width, the depth being greater than the width.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the channel includes a width which is substantially uniform.

[0016] In yet another preferred embodiment, the face includes a contour which is selected from the group consisting of planar, convex or concave contours.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the corner seam comprises a water resistant material such as plastic, fiberglass or plexiglass.

[0018] I a preferred embodiment, the channel includes means for biasing a panel inserted into the channel, the retaining means serving to biasingly engage the at least one panel inserted into the channel.

[0019] Preferably, each of the first and second receiving regions include a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of the at least partially planar material. In one such embodiment, the channels are disposed at substantially perpendicular to each other. In another such embodiment, the channels are disposed relative to each other at one of an acute and obtuse angle.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the channel includes an inner wall and an outer wall, each having a width, the width of the outer wall being greater than the width of the inner wall.

[0021] In yet another preferred embodiment, the face and the first and second receiving regions define a void.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In the drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0030] Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2, a seam is shown generally at 10. Seam 10 is comprised of first elongated outer wall 20, second elongated outer wall 30, inner elongated wall 40 and face plate 50. The seam preferably comprises an extruded plastic. However, any water resistant material such as metal, fiberglass, plexiglass, rubber and the like may be used to form the seam. As shown in detail in FIG. 2, first elongated outer wall 20 comprises mounting surface 22, channel surface 24, frontal edge 26 and terminal edge 28. Second elongated outer wall 30 also consists of a mounting surface 32, interior surface 34, frontal edge 36 and terminal edge 38.

[0031] First elongated outer wall 20 and second elongated outer wall 30 are connected to one another along their terminal edges 28 and 38, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first elongated outer wall 20 and second elongated outer wall 30 are perpendicular to one another. It is contemplated that, as shown in FIG. 3, outer walls 20 and 30 may be connected to one another at any angle either acute or obtuse depending on the configuration of the corner of the existing wall in which seam 10 is designed to fit.

[0032] Inner elongated wall 40 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising channel surface 42, frontal edge 44 and terminal edge 46. Inner wall 40 is substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, first outer wall 20. Generally, inner wall 40 is shorter than outer wall 20. In a preferred embodiment, terminal edge 46 of inner wall 40 perpendicularly connects to interior surface 34 of second outer wall 30. It is contemplated, however, that inner wall 40 may be connected to interior surface 34 at any angle, either acute or obtuse, so as to remain parallel to first wall 20, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, channel 60 is formed between channel surface 24 of first outer wall 20, channel surface 42 of inner wall 40 and interior surface 34 at terminal end region 39 of second outer wall 30. Channel 60 may be of substantially uniform width. Alternatively, one of inner wall 40 and outer wall 60 may be positioned so as not to be parallel, wherein the width of the channel varies and, at some point, is less than the width of the panel. Accordingly, insertion of a panel would require the outward expansion of one of the walls so that the channel will receive the panel. In turn, once positioned in the channel, the walls will tend to return to their original configuration thereby providing a means for biasing the panel. This further enhances the seal created between the panel and the wall.

[0034] Face 50 extends from frontal edge 44 of inner wall 40 to frontal edge 36 of outer wall 30. In a preferred embodiment, face 50 is planar. It is contemplated, however, that face 50 may also be concave, convex or contoured with a decorative ornamentation. In addition, while the region defined by face 50, outer wall 30 and inner wall 40 is shown as hollow, it is likewise contemplated that this region may include material therein.

[0035] In use, an edge of a first water resistant section of paneling is fit into channel 60 of seam 10. It will be understood that the thickness of the paneling substantially corresponds to the width of the channel. The first panel and seam combination are then placed against a wall of a shower or bath stall. Mounting surface 32 of outer wall 30 rests atop the edge region of a second water resistant panel previously place along a second adjacent wall of the shower stall, and is affixed to the surface of same by means of a water resistant adhesive or the like. In this manner, a long-lasting and water-tight seal is formed along the corner of the shower or bath stall without the use or application of caulking material.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, a seam 100 is shown generally in FIGS. 4 and 5 as comprising two channels 110 and 120 perpendicular to one another. Of course, it is contemplated that Channels 110 and 120 may be angled acutely or obtusely to one another in order to match the corner of installation as shown in FIG. 6.

[0037] In use, the edge regions of a first and a second water resistant panel are each placed within channels 110 and 120 of seam 100. After attachment, the panel and seam combination is affixed to adjoining walls within a bathtub or shower stall. In this manner, two sections of drywall and the corner at which they meet are protected from water damage without the use of caulking material. Not only is this method effective in protecting the drywall below, but it is also long-lasting and an aesthetically pleasing method of joining two water resistant panels together at a corner junction wherein the channels and the panels form a tight fit, there is no requirement of the use of adhesive.

[0038] The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A corner seam suitable for use in a shower stall comprising:

a first receiving region having a first and second end;

a second receiving region having a first and a second end, wherein the first ends of each of the receiving regions substantially converge toward each other and at least one of the first and second receiving regions includes a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of at least a partially planar material therein; and

a face extending from the second end of the first receiving region to the second end of the second receiving region.

2. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a depth and a width, the depth being greater than the width.

3. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a width which is substantially uniform.

4. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein the face includes a contour which is selected from the group consisting of planar, convex or concave.

5. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein the corner seam comprises a water resistant material.

6. The corner seam of claim 5, wherein the water resistant material is selected from the group consisting of plastic, fiberglass or plexiglass.

7. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel includes means for biasing a panel inserted into the channel, the retaining means serving to biasingly engage the at least one panel inserted into the channel.

8. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second receiving regions include a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of the at least partially planar material.

9. The corner seam of claim 8, wherein the channels are disposed at substantially perpendicular to each other.

10. The corner seam of claim 8, wherein the channels are disposed relative to each other at one of an acute and obtuse angle.

11. The corner seam of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel includes an inner wall and an outer wall, each having a width, the width of the outer wall being greater than the width of the inner wall.

12. The corner seam of claim 1 wherein the face and the first and second receiving regions define a void.

13. A method of installing a corner seam comprising the steps of:

attaching a first water-resistant panel to the corner seam comprising a first receiving region having a first and second end, a second receiving region having a first and second end, the first ends substantially convergent toward each other, a face extending from the second end of the first receiving region to the second end of the second receiving region, wherein at least one of the first and second receiving regions includes a channel capable of receiving at least a portion of at least a partially planar material therein; and

attaching a second water-resistant panel to the corner seam.