EP2369092A1 - One-piece border element for glueing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a single-piece edging element (5) consisting of an elongate section defining, in section: a central portion (6), a first face of which defines an apparent face of the edge element; and two lateral wings (7) hinged to the central portion and intended to be folded beneath it, the lower faces (71) of the wings in the folded position being adhesive.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention generally relates to threshold bars and other border elements of floor or wall coverings.

Presentation of the prior art

Threshold bars are floor-standing elements of residential, office or industrial premises at junctions of two different floor coverings or levels. A threshold bar is both functional and aesthetic. It protects the edges of adjacent floor coverings and masks their irregularities while constituting a clean and straight line of separation.

Other border elements constituting edge stops are used between the boundary of a floor covering and a wall also for functional and / or aesthetic reasons. For example, when the flooring is a parquet, it is desirable to leave a day between the limit of the floor and the wall to avoid problems of expansion. The edge stop hides the day and protects the liner edge.

Border elements are also used against walls, for example skirting board or wall cover separating rod.

The figure 1 is a partial sectional view in perspective of a known threshold bar 2, called the sliding threshold bar, in a situation on a floor 11 on which are deposited unequal height coatings, respectively 12 and 13, for example a carpet and a tile. The threshold bar 2 has an apparent upper part slightly curved and possibly itself painted or covered totally or partially with a material to give it any desired aesthetic appearance. The lower part of the bar 2 comprises ribs 21 and 22 projecting defining between them and with the lower part 23 of the bar 2 a longitudinal slide 24. In this slide can be inserted the head 31 of a nail 32. This nail is intended to be driven into a hole formed in the ground 11 in which has previously been introduced or not an ankle 33.

The figure 2 is a perspective view of a nail 3 illustrating a form of nail head particularly well adapted to the slide 24 of the bar 2. This head 31 has the shape of a half-cylinder perpendicular to a rod 32 of the nail and flattened on the opposite side of this rod. This half-cylinder 31 forms a slider able to be slid into the slide 24. This slightly elongated shape of the sliders 31 makes it possible to avoid a rotation of the nail heads and thus of the nail rods 3 in a plane passing through the axis longitudinal of the slide. Thus, the rods can not lie in the slide during the driving phase. In the example of the figure 3 , the nail 3 is a "pin-peg" of plastic provided with fins 33 anti-tearing, intended to be driven directly into a hole in the ground.

The system of Figures 1 and 2 has the advantage of simplicity of installation. Indeed, it is sufficient to prepare holes in alignment in the ground without it being necessary for them to have rigorous spacings between them. A number of nails 3 corresponding to the number of holes is placed in the slide, after which the nails are set up by sliding in front of the corresponding holes and then the bar is pressed, driving the nails. This depression can be done simply by walking on the bar.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2 , the lower part 23 of the slideway is preferably in the form of a V defining a support stop 25 ( figure 1 ) coming substantially to bear in the center of the upper flat face of the head 31 of the nail 3. In addition, the space between the lips opposite the ribs 21 and 22 is greater than the diameter of the rod 32 of the nail 3. Thus, a once the nail is in place, and until it is fully seated, the threshold bar can turn slightly around the nail heads, the axis of rotation corresponding to the support stop 25. a fixation for different shift heights between the coatings 12 and 13. As shown in FIG. figure 1 , the inner walls, towards their ends, ribs 21 and 22 have a shape complementary to the rounding of the slider 31. The angle of the V defining the bearing stop 25 is preferably chosen so that when the bar of threshold is in a position of extreme inclination, it is simultaneously a support of the nail rod against one of the lips of the ribs 21, 22 and the upper half of the nail head against one of the blanks V.

A threshold bar as illustrated by the figure 1 is described in the European patent 0 588 734 of the plaintiff.

Other sliding threshold bars are known which define, in their lower face, a slide adapted to a nail-screw or nail-pin head. For example, the nail heads may have any desired cylindrical shape, for example circular cylinders. Similarly, in a simple embodiment, the rods of the nails may be threaded rods.

We can also consider a structure opposite to that of the figure 1 wherein the bottom 23 of the slide is substantially planar and where it is the head 31 of the nail which is V-shaped convex, the stop of this V defining an axis of rotation.

Drilling of the floor or wall on which the edge element is to be fixed is not always possible or desired. Border elements to be bonded to the surface of the coating are then used.

The figure 3 is a partial perspective view of another threshold bar, called glued threshold bar. The threshold bar 4 is, as for the threshold bar 2 of the figure 1 , intended to mask the line of separation between two coatings 13 and 12 (for example of unequal height). The external appearance of the threshold bar 4 is similar to that of the threshold bar 2 and therefore comprises an upper part slightly curved and possibly itself painted or covered with a material to give it any desired aesthetic appearance. The fixing of the threshold bar 4 is done by gluing. For this, two beads 41 and 42 of adhesive are predisposed on the lower face of the bar 4 near its longitudinal edges. Before laying, these cords are generally protected by a paper tape or peelable film that the user removes to apply the threshold bar.

A disadvantage of the glue beads is that they generate an extra thickness that affects the aesthetics. In addition, over time, and passage, glue beads tend to flow, resulting in a shift of the threshold bar or a cohesive failure of the adhesive.

Solutions are also known consisting in applying a double-sided adhesive under a threshold bar for fixing it. Such a solution is, however, applicable only to plane threshold bars. Indeed, such an adhesive strip does not adhere if it is placed under a threshold bar of variable height, for example curved. Therefore, she is not usable for bars that can adapt to uneven or variable height coatings.

It would be desirable to be able to stick a threshold bar that can adapt to coatings variable heights or uneven, where appropriate in catch-up level, simply and reliably.

The document WO 2008/003849 describes a set of multifunction finishes for floor covering comprising a reinforcing profile and a facade profile. The façade profile is separable into several modules. The reinforcement profile stiffens the facade profile once assembled with it. The two side modules are separable from the central module.

summary

An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a threshold bar or other edge element to be bonded which overcomes all or part of the disadvantages of the usual threshold bars.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective bonding solution.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to propose a solution that is particularly suitable for threshold bars of variable height.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a mixed solution, glue or slide.

• une portion centrale dont une première face définit une face apparente de l'élément de bordure ; et
• deux ailes latérales articulées à la portion centrale et destinée à être repliées sous celle-ci, des faces inférieures des ailes en position repliées étant adhésives.

To achieve all or part of these objects as well as others, there is provided a one-piece edging element consisting of an elongated section defining, in section:

• a central portion of which a first face defines an apparent face of the edge member; and
• two lateral wings hinged to the central portion and intended to be folded under it, the lower faces of the wings in the folded position being adhesive.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, connecting portions between the central portion and each wing have thicknesses smaller than those of the central portions and wings and form hinges.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, each hinge has an inward V shape.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hinges are shaped so that the wings are, once folded, shifted towards the inside of the profile.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central portion, the link portions and the wings are made of plastic.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central portion, the portions of connections and the wings are made of metallic material.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central portion, the portions of connections and the wings are totally or partially composite material.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, said lower faces of the wings are coated with an adhesive layer.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, double-sided adhesive tapes are reported against the lower faces of the wings.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the central portion further comprises, on the lower face, an open longitudinal slide.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1, décrite précédemment, est une vue en perspective et en coupe d'une barre de seuil connue à fixation par clou ou cheville ;
• la figure 2, décrite précédemment, est une vue en perspective d'un clou-cheville de la barre de seuil de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3, décrite précédemment, est une vue en coupe et en perspective d'une barre de seuil collée usuelle ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective partielle d'un mode de réalisation d'une barre de seuil selon la présente invention ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe et en situation de la barre de seuil de la figure 4 ; et
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe et dans une autre situation de la barre de seuil de la figure 4.

These and other objects, features, and advantages will be set forth in detail in the following description of particular embodiments in a non-limitative manner with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

• the figure 1 , described above, is a perspective view in section of a known threshold bar fixing by nail or peg;
• the figure 2 , described above, is a perspective view of an ankle nail of the threshold bar of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 , described above, is a sectional view in perspective of a conventional glued threshold bar;
• the figure 4 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a threshold bar according to the present invention;
• the figure 5 is a sectional view and in situation of the threshold bar of the figure 4 ; and
• the figure 6 is a sectional view and in another situation the threshold bar of the figure 4 .

detailed description

The same elements have been designated by the same references to the different figures that have been drawn without respect of scale. For the sake of clarity, only the elements useful for understanding the invention have been shown and will be described. In particular, the manufacture of the profiles of the edge elements to which the present invention is more particularly applied is not detailed, the invention being compatible with the usual profiles. In addition, the invention will be described later in connection with an example of application to the threshold bars, but the embodiments that will be described apply more generally to any edge element, whether border elements of flooring or wall. In addition, the invention will be described in connection with an example of curved threshold bar, but it applies more generally to any threshold bar or edge member, preferably of variable height.

The terms of orientation and position "above", "below", "lower", "upper" etc. will then be used, arbitrarily referring to a threshold bar in use position on a floor.

The figure 4 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a threshold bar 5 to be bonded.

The figure 5 is a situation view of a threshold bar 5 of the type represented by figure 4 .

The threshold bar 5 is a one-piece profile defining, in section, a central portion 6 and two lateral wings 7 hinged to this central portion. The central portion 6 has, in this example, an upper surface 61 slightly convex and optionally painted, dyed, or totally or partially covered with a material to give it any desired aesthetic appearance.

The wings 7 are intended to be folded under the central portion 6 by resting by their lower faces 71 (in folded position) on the floor or wall coverings. Each wing 7 is adhesive by this lower face 71. For example, unrepresented adhesive cords are attached to these bonding faces by being temporarily protected by a film. In another example, double-sided adhesive tapes 8 ( figure 5 ) are reported on the lower faces of the wings 7. A protective strip, for example a paper or peelable film not shown, is retained before laying so as to protect the adhesive 8 before fixing the threshold bar.

A hinge connecting portion 65 connects each flange 7 to the central portion 6. Preferably, this connecting portion 65 forms a V directed inwards, that is to say towards the central portion when the wings are folded . In practice, the thickness of the connecting portion 65 is less than that of the central portion and the wings, the thickness of the wings being preferably less than that of the central portion.

The threshold bar 5 is monobloc and plastic or other deformable material, for example PVC and is preferably obtained by extrusion. The material constituting the one-piece threshold bar may also be composite, for example a plastic loaded with point elements (grains) of another nature (for example, sand, metal, etc.). According to another variant, the threshold bar is metallic.

The installation of the threshold bar 5 is particularly simple, the user removes the protective strips on both sides of the bar and applies it to the ground. The shape given to the connecting portions 65 gives them a spring effect, which although light is sufficient for, using the adhesive 8, to press the wings 7 to the ground. This effect is improved if, during installation, the user gradually withdraws the protection strips longitudinally as and when laying. If necessary, the user can first glue one of the two sides and rub it, then glue the second as described above.

Once the threshold bar 5 is glued, a pressure applied on it crushes the hinge and eliminates any extra thickness, the thickness of the wings being absorbed in the internal space defined by the curved shape of the central portion. The central portion 6 then rests by its edges on the ground.

In the example of the figure 5 , it is assumed a need for level catch between two coatings 12 and 13 placed on a floor 11. The wings 7g (left in the orientation of the figure) and 7d (right in the orientation of the figure) rest by their faces adhesives on the coatings 12 and 13 and ensure a bonding of the threshold bar 5 without excess thickness.

In the examples shown in the figures, the threshold bar 5 is equipped on the internal face with ribs 21 and 22 defining a slideway 24 allowing mounting by means of nail-bolts or nail-pegs (3, figure 2 ). The threshold bar is thus mixed, glue and slide. This simplifies the distribution ranges of the threshold bars or similar border elements. The user can choose, fix the bar through its slide, paste, or both. The shape and position of the slide can vary depending on the application.

The figure 6 illustrates another example of a scenario in which a threshold bar 5 'is glued to the edge of a floor covering 12 along a wall 15. The bar 5' is first glued by one of its wings 7d against the wall 15 by opening the fold of the connecting portion. Then, it is folded over the coating 12 where its band 7g ensures the bonding.

The figure 6 illustrates a variant in which the threshold bar has no slide on the underside of its central portion.

An advantage of gluing wings is that they allow a relatively large thickness of adhesive from the moment they are slightly offset section of the edge of the bar. No extra thickness then remains after bonding.

Various embodiments have been described, various variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, the choice of materials constituting the monoblock edging element is within the abilities of those skilled in the art from the functional indications given above and the application. Similarly, the dimensions (width of the wings, the central portion, connecting portions) may be adapted according to the widths of the edge elements.

Claims (10)

A single-piece edging element (5, 5 ') formed of an elongate section defining, in section, a central portion (6), a first face of which defines an apparent face of the edge element and two lateral wings (7),
characterized in that said lateral wings are articulated to the central portion and are intended to be folded under it, the lower faces (71) of the folded wings being adhesive (8). An edge element according to claim 1, wherein connecting portions (65) between the central portion (6) and each flange (7) have thicknesses smaller than those of the central portions and wings and form hinges. An edge element according to claim 2, wherein each hinge (65) is inwardly V-shaped. Edge element according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the hinges (65) are shaped so that the wings (7) are, once folded, shifted inwardly of the profile. An edge element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the central portion (6), the connecting portions (65) and the wings (7) are made of plastic. An edge element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the central portion (6), the link portions (65) and the wings (7) are metallic. Edge element according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the central portion (6), the connecting portions (65) and the wings (7) are made of composite material. An edge element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said lower faces (71) of the wings (7) are coated with an adhesive layer. An edge element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein double-sided adhesive strips (8) are attached to the lower faces of the wings (7). Edge element according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central portion (6) further comprises, on the underside, an open longitudinal slide (24).

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