Moulding Assembly

A moulding assembly comprising a retainer coupled with a trim member. The retainer may be fastened to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceiling surface. The trim member may be removably coupled with the retainer to hide the retainer, and provide a decorative outer surface. The trim member need not be fastened directly to the wall or ceiling surface.

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Description

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/055,324, filed May 22, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments relate generally to a moulding assembly, such as a crown moulding assembly or chair rail moulding assembly, that provides decorative enhancement to a wall or ceiling surface.

BACKGROUND

Interior decorative mouldings, such as crown mouldings, door and window casings, chair rails, baseboards, etc., are commonly used in the construction industry. Typically these mouldings have a flat surface on one side to mount flush against an interior wall surface, and a decorative surface on the opposite, exposed side. The visually appealing decorative surface is usually formed in three dimensions.

One conventional type of moulding is an elongated structure, such as one made of wood or extruded material. This moulding typically has a uniform cross-sectional profile created by milling the decorative design into one surface of the material, or in the case of extruded plastic moulding, by extruding through a uniform profile die.

Crown moulding typically is manufactured in long sections for installation by a carpenter who miter cuts the moulding into sections, and fastens the moulding directly to the wall or ceiling surface. Installation of the crown moulding in this way, however, can create undesirable visible defects. For example, improper fastening of the moulding trim portion can damage the trim surface. In addition, in applications where the wall and ceiling surfaces are not flat or square, it may be difficult to install the crown moulding so that it appears level and flush with the wall and ceiling surfaces—the installed crown moulding may appear uneven, undesirably accentuating the imperfections in the underlying structures.

The description herein of certain advantages and disadvantages of known methods and devices is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Indeed, the present embodiments may include some or all of the features described above without suffering from the same disadvantages.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, one or more embodiments described herein provide a moulding or trim assembly that has a retainer coupled with a removable trim member. The moulding or trim assembly can improve the ease of installation of the moulding assembly, when compared to traditional moulding assemblies. In addition, the trim member can be removable and replaceable, enabling design flexibility.

In one embodiment, a moulding assembly has a retainer and a trim member. The retainer has a central section, a first mounting leg extending from a first end of the central section, and a second mounting leg extending from a second end of the central section. A first fastening component is disposed at least partially on the central section of the retainer. The trim member includes a second fastening component that couples with the first fastening component.

In another embodiment, a moulding assembly has an elongated retainer, an elongated trim member, and an elongated fastener assembly that couples the trim member with the retainer. The elongated retainer has a central section, a first mounting leg extending from said central section in a first plane, and a second mounting leg extending from the central section in a second plane that is substantially orthogonal to the first plane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Purposes and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures in which like reference characters are used to indicate like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a moulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an elongated trim member according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an elongated retainer according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a moulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of a moulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of a moulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of a moulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein; and

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of a trim member and retainer of a moulding assembly according to an exemplary embodiment described herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the embodiments by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving a moulding assembly. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only. One possessing ordinary skill in the art, in light of known devices, systems and methods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments.

Generally speaking, the moulding assemblies of the various exemplary embodiments described herein have an elongated retainer and an elongated trim member. The retainer may be fastened to one or more mounting surfaces, such as, for example, a wall or a ceiling surface. The retainer and trim member have mating mounting components by which the trim member may be removably coupled with the retainer. The two-piece moulding assembly may be easier to install than traditional moulding because it is more forgiving of imperfections of the underlying mounting surfaces, and it may provide an improved fit against the mounting surfaces with reduced or no gapping around the edges. The removable trim member may be interchangeable with other trim members, providing flexibility in design options. In addition, the trim member may be removed for ease of painting an underlying wall or ceiling surface without the need to tape off the trim member.

The various exemplary embodiment generally describe devices suitable for crown moulding trim applications, i.e., those hung in the upper corner of a room. However, the embodiments are not so limited. In various embodiments, the moulding assembly may be adapted for other trim applications, such as, for example, chair rail trim, baseboard trim, door or window trim applications, or other moulding or trim applications. In other exemplary embodiments, the moulding assembly may be suitable for use in exterior applications, such as siding applications. Upon review of the description provided herein, it will be apparent how to adapt the embodiments to other applications.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, in an exemplary embodiment, the moulding assembly 100 may trim an upper corner 30 of a room at the intersection of ceiling 20 and vertical wall 10. In exemplary embodiments, moulding assembly 100 may include an elongated retainer 200 and elongated trim member 300. Retainer 200 may be attached to a mounting surface. For example, the elongated retainer 200 may extend across the corner 30, fastening to the interior surfaces of wall 10 and ceiling 20. In exemplary embodiments, the elongated trim member 300 may be operably coupled with the retainer 200, extending along the length of the retainer 200 and hiding the retainer 200 from view. In exemplary embodiments, the elongated trim member 300 is not fastened directly to the wall 10 or ceiling 20, and may be removable from the retainer 200. Various exemplary features of the retainer 200 and trim member 300 are described below.

In exemplary embodiments retainer 200 and trim member 300 may be made of wood, metal, molded or extruded plastic, composite material, or other suitable material. In exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 and trim member 300 may have a uniform cross section along their respective lengths. The outer surface 304 of trim member 300 may be configured to have a decorative shape, so as to present an ornamental appearance. For example, the outer surface 304 of member 300 may be rounded to present a bead, may be patterned in an egg and dart design or may be square or angular in shape. In exemplary embodiments, the decorative surface may be molded or extruded into the outer surface 304, or it may be machined (in whole or in part) into the outer surface 304 of trim member 300.

In exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 and each of its components may be unitary, i.e., forming a single workpiece. For example, the retainer 200 may be extruded, molded, or machined out of a single material. However, in some exemplary embodiments the retainer 200 may include more than one material. For example, the retainer 200 may include two materials that are co-extruded or molded to form a single workpiece, or may include separately formed parts that are fastened or joined together to form the retainer 200. Likewise, in exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 and each of its components may be unitary, i.e., forming a single workpiece. For example, the trim member 300 may be extruded, molded, or machined out of a single material. However, in some exemplary embodiments the trim member 300 may include more than one material. For example, the trim member 300 may include two materials that are co-extruded or molded to form a single piece, or may include separately formed parts that are fastened or joined together to form the trim member 300.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, retainer 200 may include outer surface 208 facing away from corner 30 and an inner surface 206 facing toward the corner 30. Retainer 200 may include one or more legs 202, 204. In one embodiments, legs 202, 204, may be configured to be fastened to a mounting surface such as a wall 10 or a ceiling 20, or underlying structures, such as with a staple, nail, screw, or other such fastener. To assist with the correct placement of a fastener through the retainer 200, the outer surface 208 of the legs 202, 204, may include one or more fastener grooves 210 located along the length of one or both legs 202, 204. In exemplary embodiments, retainer 200 may be adhered to the underlying mounting surface, such as with the application of a glue bead between the underlying surface and legs 202 and/or 204. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize how to properly fasten the retainer 200 to an underlying structure, so as to provide suitable support for the moulding assembly 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 200 may have two legs 202, 204. Legs 202, 204 may be parallel to each other, or may be configured at an angle, such as orthogonal. For example, referring to FIG. 5B, legs 202, 204 may be substantially co-planar, such as for attachment to a single surface. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in an exemplary embodiment in which the moulding assembly 100 is intended as a crown moulding, legs 202, 204 may be generally orthogonal to each other, joining each other at a central section or throat 212, so that leg 202 may be fastened to ceiling surface 20, and leg 204 may be mounted to wall surface 10. In a crown moulding trim application, it may be advantageous to mount the retainer 200 to both the wall 10 and the ceiling 20 surface to distribute the weight between the two surfaces. Mounting the retainer 200 to both the wall 10 and ceiling 20 may also enable a better fit between the trim member 300 and the ceiling 20.

In some embodiments, retainer 200 may be configured so that the angle between legs 202, 204 may change. For example, legs 202, 204 may be configured to flex (e.g., up to about 15 degrees), so that when fastened to an irregular mounting surface, it may lay flush with the surface. In some embodiments, retainer 200 may be configured to maintain a 90 degree angle between legs 202, 204, regardless of the actual angle between wall 10 and ceiling 20. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, when legs 202, 204 of retainer 200 are attached to adjacent wall 10 or ceiling 20 surfaces, at least a portion of throat 212 may be spaced from the corner 30 of the room. In this configuration, the retainer 200 provides a consistent mounting structure shape, regardless of irregularities in the surface of the wall 10 and ceiling 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 may be symmetrical about a centerline, so that legs 202 and 204 have a similar size and shape. A symmetrical shape may enable the retainer 200 to be reversible, so that leg 202 and leg 204 may be reversed without diminishing the functionality of the retainer 200. Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in other exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 may be asymmetrical about a centerline, such as by providing only a single leg 202, or by distributing the retainer 200 off-center to the legs 202, 204, or by providing a leg 202 that is longer or shorter or having a different shape than leg 204. In certain embodiments, an asymmetrical profile may be configured to enable distribution the load of the mounting assembly 100 more toward one leg or the other. An appropriate length, size and shape may be selected as necessary and/or desired.

In exemplary embodiments, elongated trim member 300 may be operably coupled with the retainer 200 so that at least a portion of the trim member 300 extends from the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the trim member 300 may be configured so that, when it is attached to the retainer 200 that is attached to the upper corner 30 of a room, the trim member 300 generally covers the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200, hiding it from plain view. When coupled with the retainer 200, the outer surface 304 of trim member 300 faces the room. In exemplary embodiments, the outer surface 304 may have a decorative surface to provide an ornamental appearance when viewed from the room. In exemplary embodiments in which the moulding assembly is a crown moulding assembly, trim member 300 generally may be disposed at a predetermined angle to the wall 10, ceiling 20, or both.

In exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 and retainer 200 may be configured so that at least portions of the trim member 300, when coupled with the retainer 200, contact the mounting surface of the wall 10, the ceiling 20, or both. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, trim member 300 may have a first side edge 312 that is substantially flush with the ceiling 20, and a second side edge 314 that is substantially flush with the wall 10 when the trim member 300 is coupled with the retainer 200. In exemplary embodiments, when the trim member 300 is coupled with the retainer 200, there appears to be little or no gap between the edges 312, 314 and the respective mounting surfaces 20, 10. In this configuration, the trim member 300 may appear to be attached to the corner 30, similar to conventional crown moulding trim. However, unlike conventional crown moulding trim, trim member 300 of the exemplary embodiments need not be directly fastened to the mounting surface to remain flush with the mounting surfaces. In exemplary embodiments, at least portions of the trim member 300 may compress or flex to maintain consistent contact with the surface of the wall 10 or ceiling 20, along the length of the trim member 300. A more flexible trim member 300 may remain flush to the underlying mounting surface, regardless of imperfections in the mounting surface. In exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 may be configured so that it remains substantially flush with the mounting surface even after prolonged use.

In various exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 may be removably coupled with the retainer 200. As such, trim member 300 may be removed and reattached, or removed and replaced with another trim member 300. In exemplary embodiments, multiple interchangeable trim members 300 may be provided with varied decorative surfaces so that the outer decorative appearance of the moulding assembly 100 may be changed without removing the retainer 200.

In exemplary embodiments, retainer 200 and the trim member 300 may have one or more mating mounting components that enable the two parts to be coupled. In various exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 and trim member 300 may each have a corresponding component of a male/female connector or fastener. For example, referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 5A-5D, trim member 300 may have a male portion of a mating fastening assembly, such as, for example, a mounting flange 306 disposed on its inner surface 302 that may be removably engaged with a female portion of a mating fastening assembly, such as, for example, mounting receptacle 214 disposed on the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200. In various exemplary embodiments, the male/female mating fasteners may be reversed, such that a male component is disposed on the retainer 200, and the female component may be disposed on the trim member 300.

In exemplary embodiments, mating mounting components may provide a mechanical connector such as a snap interference fit. In other words, the mating components snap together in a way that creates a mechanical interference between the mating parts. This mechanical interference provides a stable connection between the retainer 200 and the trim member 300. In exemplary embodiments, a snap interference fit may be provided by any suitable mechanism as necessary and/or desired. For example, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a snap interference fit may be provided by mating components (214a/306a or 214b/306b) having engaging projections (220, 316), that when engaged prevent the separation of the retainer 200 and the trim member 300. Referring to FIG. 5C, a snap interference fit may be provided by mating components (214c/306c), having corresponding nesting ridges or contours or corrugations (216, 308) on one or more surfaces that, when engaged, prevent the separation of the retainer 200 and the trim member 300. Providing a plurality of engaging members may enable a graduated degree of insertion of the trim member 300 into retainer 200. Referring to FIG. 5D, a snap interference fit may be provided by mating components (214d/306d) having a ball and socket type of connector (222/318). Other known or later developed mating mounting components or fastening assemblies may be employed in the exemplary embodiments, consistent with the embodiments described herein.

Referring to the figures, in exemplary embodiments, the mating mounting components may include one or more receptacles 214 on the retainer 200, and one or more flanges 306 on the trim member 300. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, and 5C-5D, in exemplary embodiments, mounting receptacle(s) 214 generally may be disposed on the throat 212 portion of the retainer 200. However, in various exemplary embodiments the mounting receptacle 214 may be disposed in other suitable positions on the retainer 200. In exemplary embodiments, the mounting receptacle(s) 214 may provide a groove or slot opening toward the outer surface 208 of the retainer 200. The groove or slot opening may be recessed into or integral with the other portions of the retainer 200, or it may extend outwardly from one or more portions of the retainer 200. For example, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5A-5D, in an exemplary embodiment the mounting receptacle 214 may be at least partially formed by one or more arms 218 that extend outwardly from the surface of the retainer 200, providing a groove or slot. In the various exemplary embodiments the mounting receptacle 214 may be configured in one or more shapes suitable for mating with and operably coupling with the corresponding mounting flange 306 of the trim member 300. For example, the inner surfaces of arms 218 may have one or a plurality of projections 220, ridges 216 or other surface contours that may provide a snap interference fit with mounting flange 306.

In exemplary embodiments, elongated trim member 300 may include one or more mounting flanges 306 that mate with the one or more mounting receptacles 214 of the retainer. For example, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5A-5D, trim member 300 may include one or more mounting flanges 306, disposed on the inward facing surface 302 of the trim member 300. In exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange(s) 306 may be centrally disposed along the width of the trim member 300. However, the mounting portion(s) 306 may be disposed in other suitable positions on the trim member 300, so that the trim member 300 may be coupled with retainer 200. In the various exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange 306 may be configured in one or more shapes suitable for mating with and operably coupling with the corresponding mounting receptacle 214 of the trim member 300. For example, the sides of flange 306 may have one or a plurality of projections 316, ridges 308 or other surface contours that may provide a snap interference fit with mounting receptacle 214.

In exemplary embodiments, the mounting flange 306 or the mounting receptacle 214 may have one or more features configured to improve the engagement properties of the mating mounting components. For example, as discussed above, the mounting flange 306 of the trim member 300 may have one or more projections 316, or ridges or corrugations 308 that provide mechanical interference with corresponding projections 218 or ridges or corrugations 216 disposed on the mounting receptacle 214. It will be appreciated that other features may be used in combination with or instead of this feature, to improve the engagement or interference between the mating mounting components. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in various exemplary embodiments the mounting receptacle 214 or mounting flange 306 may include one or more flexible flaps 310. The flexible flaps 310 may be configured to resist removal of the mounting flange 306 from the mounting receptacle 214. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the flaps 310 may extend from the side edges of the mounting flange 306, angled back toward the outer surface 304 of the trim member 300. In this configuration, the flexible flaps 310 may flex inward as the mounting flange 306 is inserted into the mounting receptacle 214, so as not to interfere with the engagement of the two components. Once the mounting flange 306 is fully inserted into the mounting receptacle 214, the flaps 310 may flex back outward, with their distal ends abutting a portion of the surface of the mounting receptacle 214, to resist removal of the mounting flange 306 from the mounting receptacle 214. In various exemplary embodiments, the mounting receptacle 214 may include one or more surface features designed to engage with the flaps 310, to increase the resistance necessary to remove the mounting flange 306 from the mounting receptacle 214. In exemplary embodiments, the flexible flaps 310 may be more flexible than the materials used for the elongated trim member 300, or the retainer 200. In exemplary embodiments, other features, such as friction inducing substances or contours, may be added to one or more interfaces of the connectors to improve the engagement or interference between the retainer 200 and trim member 300. In embodiments in which the trim member 300 is extruded, such as extruded PVC, the flexible flaps 310 and/or other features may be formed integrally with the elongated trim member 300, such as by coextruding the two materials together. However, the flaps 310 and/or other features may be separately formed, and then later attached to or coupled with trim member 300.

In exemplary embodiments, the mating mounting components may be elongated and substantially continuous along the longitudinal direction of the retainer 200 and trim member 300, respectively. Elongated and substantially continuous mating mounting components provides a more continuous engagement along the mounting surfaces, and may reduce potential gapping between the trim member 300 and the wall 10 or ceiling 20 surface. For example, where individual fastener clips may be used to fasten trim member 300 to a mounting surface, the trim member 300 may sag between clips, creating a gap between the trim member 300 and a wall 10 or ceiling 20 surface. A more continuous engagement along the length of retainer 200 and trim member 300 may significantly reduce this sagging and gapping effect. This may enable the use of a more flexible (less rigid) trim member 300, without increased sagging. In addition, an elongated and substantially continuous engagement between the retainer 200 and trim member 300 may provide a more secure engagement between the retainer 200 and trim member 300. However, one or more of the mating mounting components may be discontinuous along the length of the respective parts. For example, mounting flanges 306 may be replaced with one or more posts that are disposed intermittently along the inner surface 302 of the trim member 300. In various exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 and the retainer 200 may substantially co-extensive. Where the trim member 300 and retainer 200 are co-extensive, the engagement between the retainer 200 and trim member 300 may be more secure. In various exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 may be shorter in length than the trim member 300. For example, gaps may be provided between adjacent strips of retainer 200.

In various embodiments, a moulding assembly 100 may include multiple lengths of retainers 200, and trim members 300. In various embodiments, adjacent portions of the retainers 200 or trim members 300 may abut, so as to provide the appearance of a continuous workpiece. The retainers 200 or trim members 300 may be made or modified so as to provide the appearance of a continuous workpiece, such as by providing precision cut edges, or mitering the edges of adjacent trim members 300. In various exemplary embodiments, an additional trim piece, such as, for example, a decorative cornice, may be provided to cover the butt seam of two adjacent trim members 300. In such embodiments, the edges of adjacent trim members may be rough cut, and need not provide the appearance of a continuous workpiece, because the additional trim piece will cover over the edges to provide a finished appearance.

In various exemplary embodiments, a method for installing the moulding assembly 100 is provided. According to the method, an installer may select suitable moulding assembly components, including at least one elongated retainer 200, and an elongated trim member 300. The components may be selected according to their intended application, such as crown moulding application, or chair rail application. In exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 has a decorative outer surface 304. The decorative outer surface may be provided with the trim member 300, or it may be later machined into the surface of the trim member 300. According to exemplary methods, the retainer 200 and/or trim member 300 may be provided in predetermined lengths and may be continuous or discontinuous. According to the exemplary methods, the retainer 200 and/or trim member 300 may be modified so that when adjacent lengths of the part abut, the abutting portion is smooth. For example, the retainer 200 and/or trim member 300 may be pre-mitered to provide a smooth butt joint, or an installer may miter the edges of adjacent lengths of the retainer 200 and/or trim member 300 so that the mitered edges of the respective parts meet at a butt joint.

According to various exemplary embodiments the method for installing the moulding assembly 100 may further include the step of fastening one or more retainers 200 to a mounting surface, such as a wall or ceiling surface. According to the method, an installer may fasten the retainer 200 to a mounting surface by inserting a fastener or plurality of fasteners, such as a screw or nail or like fastener, through a leg of the retainer 200 and through to the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the retainer 200 may be adhered to one or more surfaces, such as with the application of a glue bead between the retainer 200 and the mounting surface instead of or in addition to the other fastening means. In some embodiments, the fastener(s) may be inserted through a fastener guide groove 210, which may be provided to assist in properly locating the fastener on the retainer 200. According to the exemplary embodiments, the retainer 200 may be continuous or discontinuous along the mounting surface. For example, the installer may provide gaps between adjacent lengths of the retainer 200, such as along a single mounting surface, or across a corner, between two adjacent mounting surfaces.

According to various exemplary embodiments the method for installing the moulding assembly 100 may further include the step of coupling one or more elongated trim members 300 with the one or more retainers 200 that have been secured to the mounting surface. According to the method, retainer 200 and trim member 300 have mating fastening members, such as mounting receptacle 214 and mounting flange 306, described above. An installer may join the mating fastening members, so that the retainer 200 and trim member 300 are at least temporarily fastened. For example, the installer may insert mounting flange 306 into mounting receptacle 214, engaging the projections 316 or ridges or corrugations 308 of the mounting flange 306 with the corresponding projections 220, or ridges or corrugations 216 of the mounting receptacle 214.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the installer may adjust the position of the trim member 300 to achieve a predetermined visual effect. According to the various exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 may move longitudinally relative to the retainer 200, such as by sliding the trim member 300. In various exemplary embodiments, the trim member 300 may move proximally and distally relative to the retainer 200, such as by adjusting the degree of insertion of the mounting flange 306 within the mounting receptacle 214. According to various exemplary embodiments, when the trim member 300 is coupled with the retainer 200, the retainer 200 is hidden from plain view. In exemplary embodiments, when the trim member 300 is coupled with the retainer 200, at least a portion of the trim member 300 contacts a portion of the mounting surface(s), so that there appears to be little to no gap between the edge of trim member 300 and the respective mounting surface.

Although various preferred exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional exemplary embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A moulding assembly comprising:

a retainer comprising a central section, a first mounting leg extending from a first end of the central section, a second mounting leg extending from a second end of the central section, and a first fastening component disposed at least partially on said central section; and
a trim member comprising a second fastening component that couples with said first fastening component.

2. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said second fastening component removably couples with said first fastening component.

3. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second fastening components comprise mating male and female connectors.

4. The moulding assembly of claim 3, wherein said first fastener component comprises a female connector, and said second fastener component comprises a corresponding male connector.

5. The moulding assembly of claim 3, wherein said first fastener component comprises a male connector, and said second fastener component comprises a corresponding female connector.

6. The moulding assembly of claim 3, wherein said female connector has a slot, and said male connector has a flange.

7. The moulding assembly of claim 3, wherein said first and second fastening components provide a snap interference fit.

8. The moulding assembly of claim 7, wherein said female connector comprises a surface having at least one projection or ridge or corrugation that engages or mechanically interferes with at least one corresponding projection or ridge or corrugation on a surface of said corresponding male connector.

9. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second mounting legs are substantially orthogonal.

10. The moulding assembly of claim 9, wherein the angle between said first and second mounting legs can change.

11. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first and second mounting legs are flexible.

12. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first fastening component is recessed at least partially within said central section.

13. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said first fastening component extends at least partially from a surface of said central section.

14. The moulding assembly of claim 1, wherein said retainer is an elongated member having a substantially uniform transverse cross-section.

15. The moulding assembly of claim 14, wherein said transverse cross-section defines, in part, said central section, said first mounting leg, said second mounting leg, and said first fastening component.

16. A moulding assembly comprising:

an elongated retainer having a central section, a first mounting leg extending from said central section in a first plane, and a second mounting leg extending from said central section in a second plane that is substantially orthogonal to said first plane;
an elongated trim member,
an elongated fastener assembly that couples said trim member and said retainer.

17. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said elongated retainer has a substantially uniform cross-section.

18. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said elongated trim member has a substantially uniform cross-section.

19. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said elongated fastener assembly has a substantially uniform cross-section.

20. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said fastener assembly comprises a first fastening component disposed on said retainer and a second fastening component disposed on said trim member.

21. The moulding assembly of claim 20, wherein said second fastening component removably couples with said first fastening component.

22. The moulding assembly of claim 16, wherein said fastening assembly comprises mating male and female connectors.

23. The moulding assembly of claim 22, wherein said female connector has a slot, and said male connector has a flange.

24. The moulding assembly of claim 20, wherein said fastener assembly provides a snap interference fit.

25. The moulding assembly of claim 20, wherein said female connector comprises a surface having at least one projection or ridge or corrugation that engages or mechanically interferes with at least one corresponding projection or ridge or corrugation on a surface of said corresponding male connector.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090293392
Type: Application
Filed: May 22, 2009
Publication Date: Dec 3, 2009
Inventors: Tim Dykstra (Acworth, GA), Steven Mitchell (Chilhowie, VA), Brian Stafford (Bristol, VA)
Application Number: 12/471,069
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: With Mechanical Fastener (52/288.1)
International Classification: E04F 13/00 (20060101); E04F 19/02 (20060101);