Seam cover system for crown molding installations

Abstract

By providing a plurality of support brackets which are quickly and easily mounted to any desired surface and are constructed for receiving and supportingly retaining elongated, lineal crown molding strips, inside and outside corner seam covers, and lineal seam covers, each of which are formed from a wide variety of decorative and visually distinctive appearances, a cornice or crown molding system is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily installed in any desired location by any unskilled individual, without requiring the use of mitered corners, abutting junctures, nails, adhesives, and the like. By employing a combination of the components of the present invention, any desired location can be quickly and easily decorated with a completely installed molding system for enhancing the visual and aesthetic appeal of any room or building.

Description

This invention relates to molding systems for installation in homes, offices, and other buildings and, more particularly, to cornice or crown molding systems which are quickly and easily mounted in position, without requiring the use of adhesives, nails, other similar fastening elements.

BACKGROUND ART

Homeowners are continuously upgrading their residences in order to improve the visual appeal of their homes. Frequently, these upgrades include decorative or aesthetic improvements or enhancements which are employed for making homes more visually attractive both for the homeowner as well as for resale of the home. In addition, similar improvements or enhancements are also employed by home builders in order to impart greater interest and excitement to a newly built home to enable the home to be more attractive and saleable.

Although these improvements and enhancements may take many different forms, frequently, homeowners and home builders add decorative features to a home which involve moldings, such as casement moldings, employed about doors, windows, entryways, and the like, as well as accent molding, ceiling molding or lineal segments mounted along the juncture between a wall and ceiling, along the perimeter of the room, such as chair rails, and the like. Use of molding of this general nature, and in and these particular areas, has become increasingly popular, and has generated substantial interest in the consumer market as well as in the homebuilder market.

Although substantial interest has been generated focusing on the use and installation of various molding elements in existing homes as well as homes being professionally constructed, difficulties and drawbacks are frequently encountered in the installation of molding elements, which difficulties and drawbacks have not been resolved. In particular, it is well-known that molding elements or segments are typically constructed from wood, plastic or polymer materials, and require technical expertise for properly measuring and cutting the molding segments in the desired manner. Typically, one skilled in the finish carpentry trade is needed to obtain optimal results.

In general, the experienced tradesman or one having extraordinary technical skill is required for cutting the molding members to have the precisely desired length for having the adjacent segments abut each other in a manner which is visually acceptable. In particular, corners require mitered cuts of each segment to assure that the abutting segments are interconnected at a precisely 90° angle. Clearly, finish carpentry skills are required to cut precise lengths at accurate right angles in order to achieve desired results.

One area which is a particular interest to consumers is the installation of crown molding which is mounted at the juncture between the ceiling and walls about the perimeter of the room. By employing crown molding, desired decorative accents are achieved. However, miter cutting of adjacent molding strips are required at each intersection of adjacent walls in order to complete an inside or outside corner. In this regard, each segment must be precisely cut at a 45° angle and positioned in direct contact with the adjacent segment to complete the 90° intersection. However, due to cutting errors, as well as typical home construction, precise 90° corners are not always present and gaps occur between adjacent molding portions, creating highly visible flaws.

Furthermore, even if a high degree of technical skill is employed to achieve precise miter corners in the installation of molding strips, the molding expands and contracts as the ambient temperature changes causing undesirable joint separation. Typically, virtually all molding installation experiences shrinkage due to contraction and expansion from heat and cooling. In this regard, once the elongated molding strip has been installed, temperature changes occur causing the molding material to expand or contract. These changes inevitably cause gaps to occur between adjacent strips or in corner connection points, which gaps are frequently unsightly and detract from the visual aesthetic appeal of the molding components.

An additional problem found in prior art constructions is a requirement that crown molding, or any other molding components, are mounted in place by use of adhesives or fastening materials such as nails. In particular, the use of nails causes unsightly holes to be formed in the molding members, which are incapable of being totally hidden and result in unsightly and unpleasant visual effects. In addition, the use of adhesives adds an additional level of difficulty to the installation process, often causing unwanted spattering and drops to be formed which are difficult to remove. Furthermore, the material employed for adhesives is often corrosive and/or toxic, thereby requiring special treatment and handling, as well as being environmentally unfriendly.

Although substantial effort has been expended in developing prior art products which have attempted to reduce or eliminate these prior art problems, no prior art system has been capable of eradicating these problems. Consequently, molding installation occurring today continues to suffer from all of the drawbacks and difficulties detailed above.

Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a decorative molding system which is quickly and easily installed by both professionals and homeowners and provides error free, aesthetically pleasing results.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative molding system having the characteristic features described above which virtually eliminates any gaps, holes, or other visually unpleasing defects commonly found in prior art constructions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative molding system having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being installed without requiring the formation of any mitered edges or abutting edges.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative molding system having the characteristic features described above which is capable of being installed without requiring any adhesives, chemical-based fasteners, and/or environmentally unfriendly compositions.

Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

By employing the present invention, many of the difficulties and drawbacks found in prior art installations and molding systems are overcome and a molding system is achieved which is capable of being quickly and easily installed in any desired location by any non-professional installer, without requiring the use of mitered corners, abutting junctures, nails, adhesives, and the like. In accordance with the present invention, this unique, easily installed molding system employs a plurality of support brackets which are quickly and easily mounted to any desired surface and are constructed for receiving and supportingly retaining elongated or lineal crown molding strips, inside and outside corner seam covers, and lineal seam covers, each of which are formed in a wide variety of decorative and visually distinctive appearances. By employing a combination of these basic components, any desired location can be decorated with a completely installed molding system for enhancing the visual and aesthetic appeal of any room or building.

In accordance with the present invention, any desired visual configuration for a cornice or crown molding system is installed in any desired location without requiring the use of any adhesives, nails, or other similar fastening elements. Furthermore, no component needs to be mitered and no visible surface is produced with unsightly, visible nails or screw holes.

In the present invention, support brackets are mounted in any desired location by employing-threaded screw members, with the desired lineal cornice or crown molding strips, inside and/or outside corner seam covers, and lineal seam covers being mounted in the desired positions by merely affixing these components to their associated bracket members. In this way, the entire cornice or crown molding system is quickly and easily installed with ease and simplicity using only commonly employed screwdrivers.

In the present invention, any desired cornice or crown molding configuration is selected in preconstructed elongated lengths, and once a particular room has been measured for determining the length of the material needed, the preconstructed elongated length of crown molding is cut to the desired size, without requiring a mitered cut. If possible, the length of material extends from one wall to another, requiring only the installation of corner seam covers at opposed ends thereof. In this regard, a plurality of brackets are easily mounted along the top edge of a wall, directly adjacent to the ceiling and, once installed, the elongated lengths of the desired crown molding is quickly and easily secured in place by engaging the elongated lengths of crown molding with the support brackets mounted to the wall.

In order to complete this installation, corner brackets are mounted in each opposed corners of the wall, directly adjacent to the elongated lengths of the crown molding and, once installed, corner seam covers are mounted to the support brackets to complete the installation. In the preferred embodiment, each corner seam cover is constructed for frictional engagement with the corner bracket and incorporates a pre-formed, integral mitered configuration, thereby assuring the installation of the corner seam cover without the use of any adhesives, nails, or other fastening elements and without requiring any mitering. In addition, the corner seam cover is constructed to extend beyond the terminating edge of the molding strip itself, thereby preventing the need for any mitering or joining of abutting edges. In this way, installation ease and speed are realized.

In some installations, the size of the room prevents a continuous elongated strip of crown molding material to be employed. In these instances, crown molding lengths are mounted adjacent to each other with a space therebetween, and a support bracket mounted in the space. In order to complete the installation, a lineal seam cover is employed which is quickly and easily affixed to the support bracket, covering both terminating ends of the crown molding strip and providing a desirable, visually pleasing result. In this regard, the seam cover extends beyond both terminating edges of the adjacent crown molding strips, thereby eliminating any need for filling abutting edges or joints, while providing an overlap of the seam cover with the molding strips for producing a visually distinctive and aesthetically pleasing result.

In the present invention, each of the crown molding strips, inside and outside corner seam covers, and lineal seam cover members are constructed in a wide variety of decorative, visually distinctive configurations. As a result, individuals are able to select from numerous product choices in order to achieve an installation which satisfies the personal desires of the customer. In this way, any desired visual appearance for a particular room is capable of being satisfied, with the complete installation of the decorative molding system of the present invention being completed quickly and easily, without requiring the use of any nails, adhesives, or other undesirable fasteners and without requiring any mitered cuts to be made. In addition, the present invention eliminates any visible holes from nails or screws, thereby enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the final installation.

Furthermore, by employing the present invention, an individual is capable of changing or altering the decorative molding system in its entirety after its installation. Since the entire decorative molding elements are mounted in position by securing the decorative molding elements to support bracket members, an individual is able to change the visual appearance of a particular room with ease and simplicity by merely removing the decorative elements after installation and mounting a new system with a totally different aesthetic visual appearance as a substitution therefore. In this way, decorative touches in a particular room or throughout an entire home can be altered at will, without requiring extensive and expensive reconstruction costs.

The invention accordingly comprises an article of manufacture possessing the features, properties, and the relation of the elements which will be exemplified in the article hereinafter described, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fully installed crown molding system employing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view depicting a molding seam cover component of the crown molding system of the present invention removed from the fully installed elongated lineal molding strips;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view depicting the lineal molding seam cover of FIG. 2 securely mounted to a supporting bracket;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the lineal molding seam cover of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the supporting bracket of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view depicting an inside corner seam cover component of the crown molding system of the present invention removed from its holding bracket and the fully installed elongated, lineal molding strips;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the inside corner cover of FIG. 6 mounted to its supporting bracket in position with the lineal molding strips;

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the inside corner seam cover of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the support bracket of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view depicting an outside corner seam cover component of the crown molding system of the present invention removed from its holding bracket and the fully installed elongated, lineal molding strips;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the inside corner cover of FIG. 10 mounted to its supporting bracket in position with the lineal molding strips;

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the outside corner seam cover of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the support bracket of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

By referring to FIGS. 1-13, along with the following detailed discussion, the preferred construction and operation of the cornice and crown molding system of the present invention can best be understood. Although this disclosure fully details the preferred embodiment of the present invention, alterations and variations in the embodiment provided herein can be made without departing from the scope of this invention. Consequently, it should be understood that the disclosure of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-13 and discussed in the following disclosure are provided for exemplary purposes only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense.

In FIG. 1, a typical installation of cornice or crown molding system 20 of the present invention is provided, depicting a complete assembly for a portion of a room. In this installation, all of the visible components forming cornice or crown molding system 20 are shown, mounted in place to the top portion of wall 23 at its juncture with ceiling portion 24. Furthermore, as is evident from the foregoing detailed discussion, the particular configuration employed for crown molding system 20, as depicted in FIG. 1, represents one configuration of numerous alternate configurations, each of which provide a unique and distinctive visual appearance.

In the preferred construction, crown molding system 20 comprises elongated, longitudinally extending, lineal molding strips 700, inside corner seam covers 600, outside corner seam covers 500, and lineal molding seam covers 400. In addition, separate and independent bracket members are employed and form integral components of crown molding system 20 of the present invention, each of which are depicted and fully detailed below. Furthermore, as is fully evident from this disclosure, elongated, longitudinally extending, lineal molding strips 700 comprise any desired length required for a particular installation. In FIG. 1, lineal molding strips 700 are depicted as short segments for illustrative purposes only, and would typically comprise a length substantially greater than the lengths depicted in FIG. 1.

By employing the present invention, a complete crown molding installation is achieved without requiring the installer to miter any corners. Furthermore, the final installation is free of any visible nail heads, screw heads, and the like on any viewable surface and the entire installation is completed without requiring the use of any adhesives. As a result, both installation ease and aesthetic perfection are realized.

By referring to FIGS. 2-5, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction, installation, and use of lineal molding seam cover 400 can best be understood. As depicted, lineal molding seam cover 400 is employed in combination with elongated, longitudinally extending lineal molding strips 700. As discussed above, although elongated, longitudinally extending lengths of lineal molding strips 700 are employed, it is not always possible that the dimensions of a particular room enable a single length of molding strip 700 to be employed. Consequently, it is often required that two molding strips 700 must be mounted adjacent each other in order to cover the entire width of wall 23 of a particular room.

In order to eliminate the need for mounting lineal molding strips 700 adjacent each other in abutting contact, the present invention employs a lineal molding seam cover 400. In this regard, molding strips 700 are mounted to wall 23 with the terminating ends thereof spaced apart a sufficient distance to enable lineal bracket 100 to be mounted therebetween. In this way, lineal molding seam cover 400 is able to be quickly and easily securely affixed to lineal bracket 100, with side edges 401 and 402 of lineal molding seam cover 400 extending in overlying relationship with the edges of lineal molding strips 700, effectively seaming the edges of lineal molding strips 700 from view. As a result, unsightly abutting contact of the edges of molding strips 700 is completely eliminated and lineal molding seam cover 400 provides an aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting accent strip to the fully installed crown molding system 20.

As shown, sides 401 and 402 of lineal seam cover 400 are configured with the same general profile of lineal molding strips 700. In this way, lineal molding seam cover 400 blends visually with the construction and configuration of molding strips 700 in order to provide the desired aesthetically pleasing effect. Furthermore, by forming lineal molding seam cover 400 with a width which is substantially greater than the width required for secure mounting of lineal bracket 100, complete coverage of the terminating ends of lineal molding strips 700 is assured. In addition, this construction enables the installer to easily obtain measurements for the length of each lineal molding strips 700 to be installed with lineal bracket 100.

In the preferred construction, lineal bracket 100 comprises a general L-shape formed by intersecting plates 104 and 105. In addition, plate 105 incorporates flange 101 angularly extending from the terminating end thereof, with flange 101 incorporating barbed elements 108 extending outwardly therefrom. Similarly, plate 104 incorporates flange 102 angularly extending from the terminating end thereof, with barbed elements 108 extending outwardly therefrom. As further detailed below, barbed elements 108 in combination with flanges 101 and 102 enable lineal molding seam cover 400 to be quickly and easily securely affixed to lineal bracket 100.

The construction of lineal bracket 100 is completed by incorporating screw receiving hole 103 in plate 104 which is positioned for enabling any desired screw member, or other fastening means, to be quickly and easily inserted in hole 103 for affixing lineal bracket 102 wall portion 23. In this way, the rapid and easy installation of bracket 100 is achieved.

Furthermore, by measuring the width of lineal bracket 100, the installer is able to quickly and easily determine the dimension needed for lineal molding strips 700 which will enable lineal bracket 100 to be positioned between the adjacent terminating ends of molding strips 700. In this way, the desired gap or spaced distance between molding strips 700 is easily determined and achieved, with lineal molding seam cover 400 being quickly and easily installed for completely covering the spaced distance and providing the desired aesthetically pleasing accent.

In order to enable lineal molding seam cover 400 to be quickly and easily securely mounted to lineal bracket 100, lineal mounting seam cover 400 comprises mounting base 406 formed in rear surface 407 and extending therefrom. In addition, mounting base 406 incorporates slots 403 and 404 formed therein and positioned for mating engagement with flanges 101 and 102 and barbed elements 108 thereof. In this regard, slot 403 is constructed and dimensioned for frictional interengagement with barbed elements 108 of flange 101, while slot 404 is dimensioned for frictional interengagement with barbed elements 108 of flange 102. By properly dimensioning slots 403 and 404, molding seam cover 400 is merely pressed onto lineal bracket 100 for achieving the secure, frictional mounted engagement thereof on bracket 100.

Furthermore, mounting base 406 comprises an overall width which is substantially equivalent to the width of lineal bracket 100. In this way, lineal molding seam cover 400 is quickly and easily inserted into the open zone formed between lineal molding strips 700 in which lineal bracket 100 is positioned.

By properly dimensioning the spaced zone, lineal molding seam cover 400 is quickly and easily securely positioned in the precisely desired location by affixing molding seam cover 400 to lineal bracket 100 by merely engaging flanges 101 and 102 into slots 403 and 404 of molding seam cover 400. Once mounted in place, with ease and simplicity, lineal molding seam cover 400 provides the desired aesthetically pleasing effect, completing the installation of lineal molding strips 700 along wall portion 23.

In addition to completing the installation of crown molding system 20 along wall portion 23 and ceiling 24 in substantially straight elongated, continuous lengths, two additional areas must also be accommodated in order to provide a complete installation for crown molding system 20. In this regard, all corners contained in a particular room must be completed. Since room corners represent the most difficult area for prior art constructions, due to the requirement for mitering the prior art molding strips, the unique construction provided by the present invention represents a substantial advance over prior art systems. As detailed herein, the present invention completely eliminates the need for any component to be mitered, thereby eliminating the gaps and unsightly separations typically resulting from mitered corners.

By referring to FIGS. 6-9, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction, installation, and use of crown molding system 20 of the present invention for quickly and easily completing an inside corner in any desired room can best be understood. As depicted, inside corner seam cover 600 is employed in combination with the inside corner bracket 300. By employing these two prefabricated components and quickly mounting these components in position, the entire corner treatment required is completed with ease and simplicity.

As shown, and further detailed below, inside corner seam cover 600 is constructed for being mounted in cooperating association with lineal molding strips 700 which are mounted to wall portion 23 and terminate directly adjacent to the particular corner being completed. In the preferred embodiment, inside corner seam cover 600 comprises two panels 610 and 611 which are formed as a single, integral molded product with panels 610 and 611 intersecting at right angles to each other. In addition, panels 610 and 611 are formed with an integral mitered corner, thereby eliminating the need for an installer to miter any component during the installation process.

In addition, panel 610 incorporates terminating side edge 602, while panel 611 incorporates terminating side edge 601. Panels 610 and 611 and side edges 601 and 602 are constructed to match the shape of lineal molding strips 700 and to overlap the terminating ends of both adjacent lineal molding strips 700. In this way, a visually distinctive and aesthetically pleasing construction is achieved and the entire construction is completed with simplicity, ease and without requiring any mitering.

In the preferred embodiment, inside corner bracket 300 is constructed as a preformed, integral, fully completed component, configured for being easily positioned in any inside corner and mounted in place. Preferably, bracket 300 incorporates a substantially flat plate 308, which is constructed for being mounted in direct contact with ceiling 24, with depending flange assembly 309 extending from plate 308 at substantially right angles thereto.

Flange assembly 309 is constructed for mounted engagement in the corner formed by intersecting wall portions 23, with arms 310 extending from flange assembly 309 on both sides thereof. In order to enable the rapid mounting of bracket 300 in the precisely desired corner, screw receiving mounting holes 301 and 302 are formed in arms 310 for enabling bracket 300 to be quickly and easily positioned and securely affixed in the precisely desired corner location. Typically, screws, or other fastening members, are inserted into holes 301 and 302 and fastened to walls 23.

Inside corner bracket 300 is also preferably constructed with post members 303 and 304 extending outwardly from flange assembly 309, with each post member 303 and 304 incorporating terminating ends having flanges 312 mounted thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. As depicted, post members 303 and 304 extend angularly from flange assembly 309, with a 45° angle being preferred.

In addition, outwardly extending flanges 312 extend from the side edges of the terminating ends of post members 303 and 304 and are preferably formed with a rearward sloping angle. In this way, cooperating engaging plates, detailed below, of inside corner seam cover 600 are quickly and easily mounted in frictional interengagement therewith.

Finally, inside corner bracket 300 also incorporates flat side surfaces 305 and 306 formed as integral components of flat plate 308 along the adjacent side edges of plate 308 which are not in contact with walls 23. Preferably, flat side surfaces 305 and 306 are employed for contacting the terminating ends of lineal molding strips 700 which are positioned directly adjacent side surfaces 305 and 306. In addition, side surfaces 305 in 306 can be employed by the user for measuring the distance from the corner to side surfaces 305 and 306 in order to assist in determining the length required for the lineal molding strips 700 being mounted adjacent inside corner bracket 300.

In order to complete the assembly of an inside corner, inside corner seam cover 600 is employed. In the preferred construction, as discussed above, inside corner cover 600 incorporates a configuration which complements lineal molding strips 700 and provides an aesthetically pleasing and visually exciting and interesting addition to molding strips 700. In addition, inside corner seam cover 600 is constructed for being quickly and easily securely affixed to inside corner bracket 300, thereby completing a corner construction without requiring any components to be mitered.

In order to enable the rapid, easy, and trouble free installation of inside corner cover 600 to inside corner bracket 300, inside corner cover 600 incorporates ribs or plates 604 and 605 mounted to rear surface 606 and positioned in parallel, juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with each either. In addition, ribs/plates 604 and 605 are spaced apart to form slot 603, which is specifically dimensioned for enabling ribs/plates 604 and 605 to be frictionally mounted directly to post members 303 and 304 of bracket 300.

The dimension of slot 603 is constructed to provide secure, locking, frictional interengagement of ribs/plates 604 and 605 with sloping, outwardly extending flanges 312 of post members 303 and 304. By employing this construction, inside corner seam cover 600 is quickly and easily mounted in secure frictional interengagement with inside corner bracket 300, with side edges 601 and 602 thereof extending beyond the terminating edges of the lineal molding strips 700. In this way, the desired aesthetically pleasing and visually distinctive effect is provided while also providing a construction which is quickly, easily, and rapidly installed by individuals having no experience, without using nails or adhesives and without requiring mitering of any component. Furthermore, by providing a construction wherein side edges 601 in 602 extend beyond the terminating edges of the lineal molding strips 700, any change in the overall length of molding strips 700 due to temperature changes has no effect in creating unsightly visible openings or gaps.

In addition to the need for having a construction which provides miter-free constructions, inside corners, crown molding system 20 must also incorporate components which are capable of satisfying outside corner requirements. In order to satisfy this requirement, crown molding system 20 of the present invention incorporates outside corner brackets 200 and outside corner seam covers 500. By referring to FIGS. 10-13, along with the following detailed discussion, the construction, installation, and use of these components will be fully understood.

As shown, and further detailed below, outside corner seam cover 500 is constructed for being mounted in cooperating association with lineal molding strips 700 which are mounted to wall portion 23 and ceiling 24. In the preferred embodiment, outside corner seam cover 500 comprises two panels 510 and 511 which are formed as a single, integral molded product with panels 510 and 511 intersecting at right angles to each other. In addition, panel 510 and 511 are formed with an integral mitered corner formed therebetween, thereby eliminating the need for any installer to miter any components during the installation process. In addition, panel 510 incorporates terminating side edge 502, while panel 511 incorporates terminating edge 501. Panels 610 and 611 and side edges 501 in 502 are constructed to match the shape of lineal molding strips 700 and overlap the terminating ends of both adjacent lineal molding strips 700. In this way, a visually distinctive and aesthetically pleasing construction is achieved, with the entire construction being installed with simplicity, ease and without requiring any mitering. Furthermore, no nails or screws are used on any visible surface, and any holes resulting therefrom are eliminated.

In the preferred embodiment, outside corner bracket 200 is constructed as a preformed, integral, fully completed component, configured for being easily positioned and affixed to any desired outside corner. Preferably, bracket 200 incorporates a substantially flat plate 208 which is constructed for being mounted in direct contact with ceiling 24, with depending flange assembly 209 extending from plate 208 at substantially right angles thereto.

Flange assembly 209 is constructed for mounted engagement directly on the corner formed by intersecting wall portions 23, with arms 210 extending from flange assembly 209 on both sides of thereof. In order to enable the rapid mounting of bracket 200 in the precisely desired location on the outside corner, screw receiving mounting holes 201 and 202 are formed in arms 210 for enabling bracket 200 to be quickly and easily positioned and securely affixed in the precisely desired location. Typically, screws, or other fastening members, are inserted into holes 301 in 302 and secured to walls 23.

Outside corner bracket 200 is also preferably constructed with post members 203 and 204 extending outwardly from flange assembly 209, with each post member 203 and 204 incorporating terminating ends having flanges 212 mounted thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. As depicted, post members 203 and 204 extend angularly from flange assembly 209, with a 45° angle being preferred.

In addition, outwardly extending flanges 212 extend from the side edges of the terminating ends of post members 203 and 204 and are preferably formed with a rearward sloping angle. In this way, cooperating engaging plates, detailed below, of the outside corner cover 500 are quickly and easily mounted in frictional interengagement therewith.

Outside corner bracket 200 also incorporates flat side surfaces 205 and 206 formed as integral components of flat plate 208 along the adjacent side edges of plate 208 which are not in contact with walls 23. Preferably, flat side surfaces 205 and 206 are employed for contacting the terminating ends of lineal molding strips 700 which are positioned directly adjacent surfaces 205 and 206. In addition, side surfaces 205 in 206 can be employed by the user for measuring the distance from the corner to side surfaces 205 and 206 in order to assist in determining the length required for lineal molding strips 700 being mounted adjacent outside corner bracket 200.

In order to complete the assembly of an outside corner, outside corner seam cover 500 is employed. In the preferred construction, as discussed above, outside corner seam cover 500 incorporates a configuration which complements the lineal molding strips 700 and provides an aesthetically pleasing, visually exciting, and interesting addition to molding strips 700. In addition, outside corner seam cover 500 is constructed for being quickly and easily securely affixed to outside corner bracket 200.

In order to provide the rapid, easy, and trouble free installation of outside corner seam cover 500 to outside corner bracket 200, outside corner seam cover 500 incorporates ribs or plates 504 and 505 mounted to rear surface 506 and positioned in parallel, juxtaposed, spaced, cooperating relationship with each other. In addition, ribs/plates 504 and 505 are spaced apart to form slot 503, which is specifically dimensioned for enabling ribs/plates 504 and 505 to be frictionally mounted directly to post members 203 and 204 of bracket 200.

The dimension of slot 503 of outside corner seam cover 500 is constructed to provide secure, locking, frictional interengagement of ribs/plates 504 and 505 with sloping, outwardly extending flanges 212 of post members 203 and 204 of the outside bracket 200. By employing this construction, outside corner seam cover 500 is quickly and easily mounted in secure frictional interengagement with outside corner bracket 200, with side edges 501 in 502 thereof extending beyond the terminating edges of the lineal molding strips 700. In this way, the desired aesthetically pleasing and visually distinctive effect is provided while also achieving a construction which is quickly, easily, and rapidly installed by individuals having no experience. Furthermore, by providing a construction wherein side edges of 501 and 502 extend beyond the terminating edges of lineal molding strips 700, any change in the overall length of molding strips 700 due to temperature changes has no effect in creating unsightly visible openings or gaps.

In the preferred embodiment, corner covers 500 and 600, elongated molding strips 700 and seam cover 400 are all formed from closed cell polymer materials. Preferably, these materials are formed by molding, in order to achieve numerous alternate configurations at a reasonable cost. In addition, the preferred closed cell polymer comprises polyurethane. However, equivalent materials may be employed with equal efficacy.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently obtained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A decorative molding system constructed for being quickly and easily mounted in position in complementary association with elongated, longitudinally extending, decorative lineal molding strips mounted to the walls of a room, said system comprising:

A. a corner seam cover comprising a) a unitary, pre-formed member constructed for effectively covering and visually completing the corner construction for the lineal molding strips, b) having an inside surface and a decorative outside surface constructed for complementing the decorative surface of the lineal molding strips, and c) incorporating a pair of plates or ribs mounted to the inside surface thereof in juxtaposed, spaced, parallel relationship to each other and defining a mounting slot formed therebetween; and

B. a corner mountable bracket member a) constructed for being quickly and easily securely affixed to the walls of a corner of the room, and b) incorporating forwardly facing mounting posts extending therefrom, said mounting posts being constructed for entry into the mounting slot of the corner cover for enabling the plates or ribs of the corner cover to be securely affixed to the mounting posts by frictional interengagement therewith, thereby enabling the corner cover to be securely mounted in the precisely desired position with the bracket member both quickly and easily.

2. The decorative molding system defined in claim 1, wherein the corner seam cover comprises side edges constructed for overlapping the terminating ends of the lineal molding strips associated therewith, thereby seaming the visibility of the terminating end of the lineal molding strips and eliminating any unsightly gaps.

3. The decorative molding system defined in claim 1, wherein the corner mountable bracket member is further defined as comprising a substantially flat, top-forming plate and a supporting plate assembly extending from said top-forming plate at right angles thereto, and said two mounting posts extending from the supporting plate assembly in juxtaposed, spaced, substantially parallel relationship to each other.

4. The decorative molding system defined in claim 3, wherein each of the mounting posts incorporate terminating ends dimensioned for being inserted into the mounting slot of the corner seam cover and frictionally engaging the side surfaces of the ribs/plates mounted to the corner seam cover.

5. The decorative molding system defined in claim 4, wherein the mounting posts are further defined as comprising sloping flanges formed on the side edges of the terminating ends thereof with said flanges extending outwardly therefrom for contacting and frictionally engaging the side surfaces of the ribs/plates.

6. The decorative molding system defined in claim 3, wherein the two mounting posts are further defined as extending from the supporting plate assembly at an angle of about 45°.

7. The decorative molding system defined in claim 3, wherein said corner mountable bracket member further comprises a pair of arm members extending from opposed sides of the supporting plate assembly with each of said arm members incorporating a screw receiving aperture formed therein.

8. The decorative molding system defined in claim 3, wherein the top forming plate further comprises depending flat surfaces formed on the side edges thereof and positioned for abutting contact with the terminating ends of the elongated molding strips.

9. The decorative molding system defined in claim 3, wherein the corner mountable bracket is further defined as being constructed for mounting to an inside corner.

10. The decorative molding system defined in claim 3, wherein the corner mountable bracket is further defined as being constructed for mounting to an outside corner.

11. The decorative molding system defined in claim 1, wherein the corner seam cover is further defined as comprising two panel members mounted at right angles to each other for forming the desired corner cover in a single, unitary, preformed construction.

12. The decorative molding system defined in claim 11, wherein the corner seam cover is further defined as being constructed for mounting to an inside corner.

13. The decorative molding system defined in claim 11, wherein the corner seam cover is further defined as being constructed for mounting to an outside corner.

14. The decorative molding system defined in claim 1, wherein said corner seam cover is further defined as being constructed from molded, closed cell polymer materials.

15. The decorative molding system defined in claim 14, wherein said closed cell polymer material is further defined as comprising polyurethane.

16. A decorative molding system constructed for being quickly and easily mounted in position in complementary association with elongated, longitudinally extending, decorative lineal molding strips mounted to the walls of a room wherein two or more decorative molding strips are required for extending the entire width of the room, said system comprising: whereby the lineal mounting seam cover is quickly and easily securely affixed to the lineal bracket by merely engaging the mounting slots thereof with the terminating ends of the lineal bracket.

A. a lineal molding seam cover comprising a) a unitary, preformed member constructed for effectively covering and visually obscuring adjacent terminating ends of the decorative lineal molding strips and visually completing the construction of the lineal molding strips, b) having an inside surface and a decorative outside surface constructed for complementing the decorative surface of the lineal molding strips, and c) incorporating a mounting base formed on the inside surface thereof with said base incorporating mounting slots formed at opposed end thereof;

B. a lineal bracket comprising: a) two intersecting plate members formed at right angles to each other with one of said plate members incorporating a screw receiving aperture formed therein for enabling screw means to be inserted therein for mounting said lineal bracket to a wall, and b) flange members extending outwardly from the terminating end of each plate member with each flange member incorporating barb elements extending outwardly from the side surfaces of thereof, with said flange members and barb elements being constructed for sliding, mounted, and secure locking interengagement in the slots of the mounting base of the lineal mounting seam cover,

17. The decorative molding system defined in claim 16, wherein said lineal molding seam cover is further defined as comprising side edges which are constructed for extending beyond and effectively covering and visually seaming the terminating ends of the lineal molding strips mounted to the wall, thereby preventing the creation of any unsightly gap or aperture between adjacent lineal molding strips.