4240-1.doc Skirting Boards Field of Invention This invention relates to skirting boards and more particularly to skirting boards provided with passageways or the like in which to run cabling, whether 5 electrical or otherwise, usually for power and data purposes. Background Skirting boards are available that allow power and/or data cable to be run internally with power and data outlets placed at arbitrary positions along their length. Such boards are generally not aesthetically pleasing, do not allow for 10 both surface mounting and flush fitting (if desired) with the walls or easy post installation changes to cabling. Further they do not accommodate continuous power distribution tracks. A continuous power track is a track having elongate conductor elements extending along the length of the power track. An elongate channel is 15 provided into which one or more plugs may be inserted. The plugs may be positioned anywhere along the track by the user and manipulated to engage the conductor elements. Such continuous power tracks eliminate the need for discrete power sockets that are at a fixed location. An example of a continuous power track is that sold under the brand Mainline, sold by Power t 20 Data Corporation of 2/19 Broughton Street Kirribilli NSW 2061 Australia Summary of the Invention The invention provides various embodiments each of which ameliorates at least one of the disadvantages discussed above. In a first form, the invention is an elongate skirting board having a top, a 25 bottom, a first side and a second side extending along the board, and a first channel in the first side sized to receive a continuous power track; a second channel in the second side sized to receive a continuous power track; 30 the top having a ledge and a wall extending generally parallel to the first side, and the bottom having a generally planar surface extending between the two sides.
4240-1.doc -2 In a first orientation the board may be located with the first side exposed and the top uppermost with wallboard or the like positioned above the edge and behind the wall. In this orientation a continuous power track may be located in the first 5 channel and the board presents a recessed or flush appearance with the lower edge of the wallboard hidden behind the wall. In a second orientation the board may be positioned against a wall surface with the second side exposed and with the bottom uppermost. In this orientation a continuous power track may be located at the top in the 10 second channel and the board presents a surface mounted appearance. Thus a single extrusion may be used for both flush fitting and surface mounting. Preferably the edge is planar and more preferably extends perpendicularly relative to the two sides. 15 The board is preferably formed of an extrusion. Preferably the depth of the edge is the same as that of the channels. Preferably the depth of the bottom surface is the same as that of the channels. The first and second channels may be offset vertically relative to each other. 20 Preferably the first and second channels are offset such that the rear walls of each channel are vertically spaced from each other. The first channel may be defined by a rear surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The second channel may be defined by a rear surface, a top surface and a 25 bottom surface. The board may have a central wall, the top surface of which is the bottom surface of the first channel. The board may have a central wall, the bottom surface of which is the top surface of the second channel. 30 Preferably the board has a generally horizontal central wall, a first generally vertical wall extending upwards from one end of the central wall along the 4240-1.doc -3 second side and a second generally vertical wall extending downwards from the other end of the central wall along the first side. An upper wall extends generally horizontally from the first wall toward the first side, so defining the first channel whilst a lower wall extends generally horizontally from the 5 second wall toward the second side, so defining the second channel. Preferably the upper and lower walls extend from the upper and lower ends of the first and second vertical walls. The second vertical wall may be provided with one or more lines of weakness extending along the length of the board, whereby the bottom and part of the 10 second wall may be removed from the remained, thereby reducing the height of the remainder. A second embodiment of the invention comprises an elongate skirting board having a top, a bottom, a front and a rear extending along the board, the front side having: 15 a first channel for receiving data and/or power cabling; a second channel sized to receive a continuous power track, and a barrier separating the two channels. The second channel may have a rear sub channel into which power cabling may be located and a front sub channel into which the continuous power track 20 is located. The skirting board preferably includes retaining means to retain the continuous power track in the second channel. The retaining means may include at least one recess into which a fastener, such as a screw, may be inserted to retain the continuous power track in the 25 second channel. The at least one recess is preferably located at the rear of the second channel and one or more fasteners pass through the continuous power track into the at least one recess. The at least one recess is preferably located so that any fasteners are located above most, if not all, electrical conductors in the continuous power track. In the preferred embodiment the at 30 least one recess includes an elongate channel that extends along the length of the second channel. The retaining means may include one or more tabs that extend along the second channel and which engage the surface of the continuous power track to retain the continuous power track. If one or more tabs are used preferably 4240-1.doc -4 the continuous power track is a snap fit in the second channel and more preferably the one or more tabs engage a front surface of the continuous power track. Preferably at least part of a third channel is positioned between the rear and 5 the second channel. Power cabling may be located in the third channel. Access to the third channel may be via an opening in the rear of the second channel. Alternatively, the third channel may have an opening in the top of the board, whereby cabling may be introduced into the third channel independently of the second channel. A cover plate preferably covers this 10 opening during normal use. Preferably the board has a generally vertical rear wall, a bottom wall extending generally horizontally adjacent the bottom of the rear wall and a central wall extending generally horizontally intermediate the top and bottom. 15 A top wall preferably extends generally horizontally at the top of the board. The top wall may extend from the rear wall. The second and third channels may be delineated from each other by a wall extending vertically from the top wall toward the central wall, or vice versa or by walls extending from both the top and central walls towards the other. 20 The wall or walls may extend from the top wall to the central wall. Preferably a wall extends downwards from the top wall toward or to the central wall and includes a retention slot extending lengthways along the board adjacent the to wall, whereby a fastener may be passed through a continuous power track above any electrical conductors in the continuous 25 power track and into the retention slot, so securing the continuous power track in the second channel. The free ends of the bottom and central walls adjacent the front preferably lies in the same plane. The free end of the top wall adjacent the front may lie in the same plane of may extend beyond the plane. 30 A single cover plate may be provided that covers the openings of the first and second channels. Preferably this cover plate extends over the front of the bottom and either aligns with the front of the top or covers the front of the top. Preferably the second channel is configured so that, when a continuous power 4240-1.doc -5 track is installed it has an exposed face substantially aligned with the front of the top. The first channel is preferably configured so that a second cover plate may be attached to cover the first channel and align with an exposed face of a 5 continuous power track is installed in the second channel. The invention shall be better understood from the following, non-limiting description of the embodiments shown in the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a cross section through a skirting board according to a first example 10 of the invention. Figure 2 is a cross section through wall with the skirting board of figure 1 mounted in a first orientation. Figure 3 is a cross section through wall with the skirting board of figure 1 mounted in a second orientation. 15 Figure 4 is a cross section through a skirting board with a first portion removed. Figure 5 is a cross section through a skirting board with a second portion removed. Figure 6 is a cross section through a skirting board according to a second 20 example of the invention. Figure 7 is a cross section through the skirting board of figure 6 with a first cover plate installed. Figure 8 is a cross section through the skirting board of figure 6 with a continuous power track and a second cover plate installed. 25 Figure 9 is a cross section through a skirting board according to a third example of the invention. Figure 10 is a cross section through the skirting board of figure 9 with a continuous power track, power and data cable and a data outlet installed. Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments 30 Referring figures 1 to 6 there is shown a skirting board 10 according to a first 4240-1.doc -6 example of the invention. The skirting board 10 is preferably an integral extrusion of indefinite length and of constant cross section. The skirting board 10 has a general "S" shape, having two vertical walls 12 and 14 that parallel to each other but spaced laterally. The two walls 12, 14 are joined together by a 5 horizontal centre wall 16. The lower end of the lower wall 12 has a lower horizontal wall 18 that extends parallel to centre wall 16 toward upper wall 14. The free end 20 of the lower wall 18 ends substantially in line with the outer surface 22 of the upper wall 14. The two horizontal walls 16, 18 and lower wall 12 thus define a recess or channel 24. This channel 24 is sized to 10 accommodate lengths of continuous power tracks, indicated schematically by numeral 25 in figures 2 and 3. Figure 10 shows the internal configuration of a typical continuous power track The upper end of upper wall 14 has an upper horizontal wall 26 extending sideways toward to lower wall 12. A vertical wall 28 extends upwards from the 15 inner end 30 of wall 26. The outer surface 32 of wall 28 is preferably in line with outer surface 34 of lower wall 12. The upper wall 14 and two horizontal walls 16 and 26 thus define a channel 36. The lengths of the upper and lower walls 12, 14 are substantially the same and thus the channels 24 and 36 so defined are substantially identical, albeit 20 facing in opposite direction. The provision of the two channels 24 and 36 allow the skirting board to be used in two different configurations, one with the upper channel 26 facing outwards (and the lower channel 24 facing inwards) and the other with the lower channel 24 facing outwards (and the upper channel 36 facing inwards). 25 Figure 2 shows the skirting board 10 flush mounted in the base of a wall 40 with the upper channel 36 facing outwards. This installation typically occurs as the wall is being constructed. The skirting board 10 is positioned against the frame 42 of the wall before any wall board (typically plasterboard but not limited to such) 44 is installed. The skirting board 10 is positioned with the 30 lower wall 18 on the floor (or floor covering) 46, the upper wall 14 uppermost and against the wall frame 40. The skirting board is secured to the frame using appropriate fasteners or adhesives (not shown). The upper wall is distant from the frame members creating an upward opening channel 46. Plasterboard 44 may be positioned against the frame 40 and in the channel 46, with the wall 35 28 covering the lower edge of the plasterboard. The plasterboard is secured to the wall frame 40 and the plasterboard and skirting board present a clean appearance that is substantially planar. The only protrusion is the wall 28 that overlaps the plasterboard. A continuous power track 25 may be located in the outward facing channel 36.
4240-1.doc -7 Whilst it is preferably to install the skirting board in this configuration during wall construction as described, the skirting board may be installed post wall construction. This may be by leaving a gap between the plasterboard 44 and the floor 46 or by cutting out an appropriate strip from the bottom of the 5 plasterboard. Figure 3 shows the skirting board 10 surface mounted against a wall 50. The wall typically comprises a frame 52 covered with wall board 54. The wall board 54 extends to or near the floor 56. Installation occurs after the wall has been completed. 10 In this configuration the skirting board is flipped about a horizontal axis so the channel 36 is below the channel 24. The wall 12 is placed against the plasterboard 44 with the vertical wall 28 is lowermost, resting on the floor 46. The channel 24 is thus uppermost and open. A continuous power track 25 may be located in the outward facing channel 24. The wall 18, which is now 15 uppermost presents a flat surface that is hard against the plasterboard and the outer face of the continuous power track 25 is substantially flush with the outer face 22 of wall 14. The lower wall 12 is provided with two lines of weakness 50 and 52 that extend along the length of the extrusion. These lines of weakness 50 and 52 20 allow part of the extrusion to be snapped off as needed, thus providing a lower height skirting board. Figure 4 shows the skirting board 10 with the portion below lower line of weakness 52 broken off whilst figure 5 shows the skirting board 10 with the portion below upper line of weakness 50 broken off. The reduced height skirting board may then be installed in locations where 25 maximum height allowed is less that the full height skirting board or where it is desirable to have the continuous power track nearer the floor or another surface, such as a desk or bench top. The ability to break off one or more portions and the ability to use the same extrusion for both flush and surface mounting means that a single extrusion 30 may be used throughout a fit out. This enhances consistency of took whilst reducing costs through reducing the number of extrusions required. Referring to figure 6 there is show an extruded skirting board 100 according to a second example of the invention. The skirting board 100 is intended for surface mounting on an existing wall, 35 either a solid wall or a plasterboard wall, as usually used in offices, but may be mounted flush into the wall, if desired.
4240-1.doc -8 The board 100 has a rear wall 102, a horizontal upper wall 104, a horizontal central wall 106 and a horizontal lower wall 108. The upper and central walls 104, 106 thus define an upper channel 110 whilst the central and lower walls 106, 108 thus define a lower channel 112. 5 Extending generally vertically upwards from the central wall 106 is wall 114, having outer surface 116. Extending generally vertically downwards from the upper wall 104 is protrusion 118, having outer surface 120. The surfaces 116 and 120 lie in substantially the same plane. The wall 114 and protrusion 118 thus delineate the channel 110 into an outer 10 portion 122 and an inner portion 123. The outer portion 122 of the channel 110 so defined is sized to receive a continuous power track. The inner portion 123 is sized so that power cabling may be run along the inner portion for periodic connection to the continuous power track. The protrusion 116 includes a channel 124 that extends lengthways along the 15 extrusion. The channel 124 is designed to receive securing screws that pass through the continuous power track into the extrusion, as seen in figure 10. The configuration of continuous power tracks is such that it is difficult to pass a screw through the track into an extrusion due to the need to have three strips of conducting material extending along the track and an access channel 20 to allow the power points to rotate and engage the conducting strips. By providing the retention channel 124 at the upper rear of the outer portion, a continuous power track may be secured to the extrusion at a location separate from the conducting strips or the plugs. The continuous power track may be retained by other means. As an example 25 the continuous power track may be a snap fit in the channel 110, with tabs on the upper and/or lower walls 104, 106 retaining the continuous power track. The edges 148, 144 of the walls 104, 106 may have tabs (continuous or discontinuous) that extend along the length of the channel 110 and which across the opening of the channel 110 so that when installed the front surface 30 of the continuous power track is engaged by such tabs. The free end of the central wall 106 has a downwards extending protrusion 126 whilst the free end of the lower wall 108 has an upwards extending protrusion 128. The lower protrusion 128 has a slot 130, for receiving a conventional internal 35 type cover strip that is typically used to cover a power of data channel. The rear wall 102 has two spaced apart continuous protrusions that define a 4240-1.doc -9 sub channel 132 within the lower channel 112. This sub-channel 132 is designed for receiving data cables and the like. The upper protrusion is provided with a retaining slot 134 into which securing screws may be screwed to secure devices such as data outlet sockets and the like. 5 The extrusion is configured so that it may be installed "clean" or empty of cables and power tracks, but still provides an acceptable appearance. Accordingly, a full face cover plate 136 is provided that clips into the extrusion, as seen in figure 7, which covers both the upper and lower channels 110 and 112 respectively. 10 The full face cover plate 136 is "L" shaped in cross section, having a vertical wall 138 and a horizontal wall 139 extending into the upper channel 122 at its upper end. The free end of the wall 139 has a protrusion 140 that engages in recess 142 in the upper wall 104 of the extrusion. In this example this is created by having the outer portion of the outer wall of greater thickness than 15 the inner portion. Alternatively, the upper wall may be of substantially constant thickness with a notch or groove formed in its inner surface to receive the protrusion 140 of the cover plate 136. The outer faces 144 t 146 of the central and lower protrusions 126, 128, respectively, lie in the same plane but are recessed relative to the end face 20 148 of the upper wall 104. Accordingly, the cover plate 136 overlies these protrusions 126, 128 and presents a flush face 150 that extends from the base of the extrusion to the upper wall 104. This face 150 ties in the same plane as the end face 148 of the upper wall 104 and so a very "clean" took is provided, with only a small longitudinal line presented between the edge of the cover 25 plate 150 and the upper wall 104. The lower portion of the cover plate has an inward extension 152 with a downward tab 154, which engages the inner surface of the protrusion 128 and prevents the lower end of the cover plate 136 separating from the extrusion. The extrusion 100 and cover plate 136 may be installed in a building prior to 30 fit out, typically around the perimeter walls. If a section of the skirting board does not require any services the cover plate may be left in place. If cable(s) need to be run but no outlets are required, an electrician may simply remove the cover plate, lay cables as appropriate and replace the cover plate. This also applies to internal walls. 35 Where a continuous power track 156 is to be installed in the upper channel, the full face cover plate is removed and the continuous power track installed. A half face cover plate 158 is provided to cover the lower channel 112. This half face plate 158 has a similar lower portion to the full face plate 136 and, 4240-1.doc - 10 accordingly, includes a protrusion 152 that engages the protrusion 128 on the lower wall 108. The upper end of the cover plate 158 is thickened inwardly and has a channel 160 that engages the downward protrusion 126 of the central wall. The outer face 162 is planar and aligns with the end face 148 of 5 the upper wall 104 and any continuous power track installed in the upper channel. Whilst the extrusion of figures 6 to 8 provides good separation of power and data cabling and provides a channel for installing a continuous power track, once the track has been installed, the channel in which the power cables run 10 is not accessible unless the continuous power track is removed. Thus all power cabling will generally need to be installed before the continuous power track is installed into the channel. Further, if additional power cabling needs to be run along the power channel, for whatever reason, it is necessary to remove all or part of the continuous power track to enable 15 access to the channel. A third example of the invention, shown in figures 9 and 10 provides a skirting board extrusion 200 that is a variation of the extrusion 100 of the second example. The lower part of the extrusion 200 below the central wall 204 is substantially 20 the same as that of the extrusion 100 of second example. The portion above the central wall 204 is different. A vertical wall 206 extends upwards from the central wall 204 and an upper horizontal wall 208 extends sideways and outwards from the free end of vertical wall 206 away from the rear wall 210. The upper wall 208 does not 25 extend toward the rear wall. Thus the central wall 204, vertical wall 206 and upper wall 208 define a channel 212 for receiving a continuous power track. This channel 212 has an opening that faces outwards and is substantially as previously described. The rear wall 210, central wall 204 and vertical wall 206 define a rear power 30 cable channel 202 that has an opening 214 that faces upwards. This channel 214 is physically separate from the outer channel 212 and access for cabling is via the opening 214. Thus any cabling 228 may be carried out whether or not a continuous power track 230 is located in the outer channel. Further, cabling does not require removal of any front cover strips. A top cover plate 220 clips 35 into the opening 214 and may be removed as required. The extrusion of figures 9 and 10 is shown with two front cover plates, 216 and 4240-1.doc - 11 218. This allows for installation of data cabling or a continuous poser strip without the need to disturb or remove the cover plate of the other channel. It will be appreciated that this configuration of two cover plates may be applied to the second example. In a similar manner, the single full face cover plate of 5 the second example may be used with this example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.