CA2211482A1 - Cornice and valence devices - Google Patents
Cornice and valence devicesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2211482A1 CA2211482A1 CA 2211482 CA2211482A CA2211482A1 CA 2211482 A1 CA2211482 A1 CA 2211482A1 CA 2211482 CA2211482 CA 2211482 CA 2211482 A CA2211482 A CA 2211482A CA 2211482 A1 CA2211482 A1 CA 2211482A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- channel
- cornice
- facing surface
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47H—FURNISHINGS FOR WINDOWS OR DOORS
- A47H2/00—Pelmets or the like
Landscapes
- Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
Abstract
A cornice device and a valence device may be connected together vertically to provide a combination device. The cornice device has an integrally formed raceway made from PVC which can carry electrical cables or pipes. Two cornice devices or two valence devices or two combination devices can be interconnected by means of a plug which is received in the ends channels in two adjacent cornice devices. The channels are also integrally formed from PVC with the rest of the cornice. The valence device has a detachable upper plate which can be cut away when connected to a valence device. Fixed angle connector plugs are made from PVC. However, variable angle connector plugs made from aluminum can be utilized to join devices at an angle.
Description
CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
CORNICE AND VALENCE DEVICES
Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices for use in building construction, and in particular cornice and valence devices.
Back~round to the Invention Cornice devices are presently utilized in connection with walls, and side wall elements such as windows, in both residential and commercial applications, to provide a fini~h~l appearance. For example, cornices are often used to partially shield from view horizontal lighting such as florescent tube lighting. At windows, cornices are used to shield from view the curtain rails or the mounting elements for a horizontal or a vertical blind. Cornices may be mounted directly to an adjacent ceiling and extend partly down the wall or wall element. Alternatively, sometimes cornices are mounted with the use of horizontal wall mounting brackets which are affixed to the wall and hold the cornice at a distance from the wall or wall element.
Cornices can be used when retro-fitting or renovating an existing building.
During such re-fitting, it is sometimes extremely important that the amount of time taken for the work be kept to an absolute minimum. For example, when renovating certain premises such as a hotel, it is important to keep the "down-time" to a mi~ to avoid CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
lost revenue. In certain types of renovations, re-wiring or placement of new wiring or cabling, or installation of new piping (such as water lines for sprinkler systems) will be required. In concrete structures in particular, securely placing or in~t~lling such cabling or piping in a marmer which meets the n~cess~ry fire and safety building codes normally necessitates a large amount of time being spent at what is often a difficult task. For example, it is often necessary to gouge out a channel in an existing concrete wall in order to provide a suitable raceway. Another consideration in the in~t~ tion of such electric cables is to have relatively easy access to the pipes or cables for repair or modification purposes.
Known cornices are typically made of either wood, alllminllm, plaster or comprise a thin metallic back plate on which is mounted a layer of foam, the foam often being covered with a decorative material such as a fabric. These materials and structures do not lend themselves well to the incorporation of supplementary features which assist in the construction or re-fitting of a building. Adjacent sections of known cornices are attached by means of an attachment plate which secures the joint between adjacent sections by being nailed to the adjacent sections of a cornice.
Accordingly, known cornices are expensive to construct, it is difficult to attach adjacent cornice sections/devices to each other, and known cornices do not provide any additional features which permit pipes, or electrical, telephone, data, or other similar types of cables to be easily installed and supported.
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Another known construction device is a valence. A valence is typically used to conceal a blind mounting and hardware and will have an inwardly directed plate extending horizontally to a vertical position that is more or less aligned with the bottom edge of the valence. A valence usually provides for a smaller vertical drop than a cornice device. The horizontal plate and the relatively small vertical drop restrict the applications of a valence.
Consequently, a supplier of valence and cornices will have to create a relatively large number of sizes of valences and cornices to meet the construction industry's requirements. This creates an enh~n~ecl cost for a m~nllfacturer of such products. Accordingly, there is need for cornice and valence elements that can be utilized more efficiently.
Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a construction device comprising: (a) a cornice device having: a body extending longihl-lin~llybetween a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion; said upper portion having a first connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said first connector being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of aconnector plug at each of said first and second ends; said lower portion having a second CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said second connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends, said lower portion also having a first valence connector;
and (b) a valence device having: a body extending longihl(lin~lly between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a third connector channel longit~lclin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first and second ends, said third connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends of said body, said upper portion having a second valence connector; said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longit~1clin~11y secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element with said outward facing surface of said cornice device being in ~ nment with said outward facing surface of said valence device; wherein first, second and third connector channels of a first said construction device are adapted to interconnect longit~l-lin~lly in vertical and horizontal alignment with first, second and third connector channels, respectively, of a second said construction device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said construction device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second construction device, and a third plug having a first end received in CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
the opening of said third connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said third connector channel of said second construction device, such that said ~ulwald facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a construction device comprising: a cornice having a body extending longi~(lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an ou~ward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a first valence connector; a valence having a body extending longihl~lin~lly between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having a second valence connector; said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longit~l-lin~lly secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element, to secure said valence device to said cornice device with said outward facing surfaces of each abutting, and being in ~lignment with, each other.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cornice element comprising: a body extending longitllclin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion; said upper portion having a first connector channel longih~(lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; said lower portion having a second connector channel longihl-lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein first and second connector channels of a first said cornice device are adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal :~lignment with first and second connector channels, respectively, of a second said cornice device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said second cornice device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said oulwald facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cornice element comprising: a body extending longit~l~lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a bottom portion; a raceway channel longihl~lin~lly extending between said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface, said raceway channel having a longihltlin~lly extending opening along its length, said opening sized to receive at least one cable.
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According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a connector plug for use with a cornice device: said cornice device comprising a body extending longihl(lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface; a connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein said connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with a connector of a second said cornice device, by use of, said connector plug having a first portion received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second portion received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device; said connector plug comprising a generally vertical side plate having an upper edge and a lower edge; an upper plate extending generally horizontally in a first direction away from said upper edge and having a medially positioned cut extending horizontally to said side plate, and an opposed lower plate extending generally horizontally in said first direction away from said lower edge and having a medially positioned break positioned in ~lignment with said break in said upper plate, whereby said connector plug may be bent about a vertical axis through said side plate, said axis extending from said break in said upper plate to said break in said lower plate, in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction.
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According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cornice element comprising: a body extending longihl~lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion; a connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal ~31ignment with first connector channels of a second said cornice device, by use of a plug having a first end received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s Example embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cornice device and a valence device separated from each other;
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Figure 2 is a sectional elevational view of the devices illustrated in Figure 1 interconnected to each other;
Figure 3a is a perspective view of a corner connector;
Figure 3b is a plan view of the corner connector of Figure 3a;
Figure 3c is a perspective view of a straight connector;
Figure 3d is a plan view of the connector in Figure 3c;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a clip;
Figure 5 is an alternate connector shown in perspective view;
Figure 6 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of the invention shown in a lighting application;
Figure 7 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of the invention shown in a conre~lment application.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments With reference to Figures 1 - 4, a construction device 11 has two components; a cornice device 10 and a valence device 70. The cornice device 10 has a body 12 extending between first and second ends 14 and 16. Typically, the longitu(lin~l dimensions of a cornice device 10 will be in certain specific standard lengths. Cornice devices 10 can may be joined together, as hereinafter described to construct a complete cornice for a particular application. Cornice devices 10 may be interconnected in straight longitll~lin:~l alignment or may be interconnected at an angle (typically at right angles).
Body 12 has an upper portion generally design~ted 18, a middle portion generally designated 19, and a lower portion generally design~ted 20. As will be noted from Figure 1, in a side view the body 10 is generally in a wave form, having its middle portion 19 with its concavity directed generally ouLw~l~;l, and the upper portion 18 and lower portion 20 having their concavity generally directed inward. Body 12 has an outward facing surface 22 and an inward facing surface 24.
Extending longitudinally between the first end 14 and second end 16 is a connector channel which is disposed inwardly from inward facing surface 24 of body 12.
Channel 26 is formed by a top plate 28, a side wall 30, bottom plate 32 and longitlldin~lly extending protuberances 34a and 34b which project from plates 28 and 32 respectively. All of these elements, top plate 28, side wall 30, bottom plate 32 and lon~ lclin~lly extending protuberances 34a and 34b, are integrally formed with body 12 CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
to provide a unitary structure. Connector channel 26 is open, and te~nin~tes, at or near both ends 14 and 16 of body 12. Connector channel 26 has a longitll~in~l opening 27 along its length. The interior dimensions channel 26 at its ends are such that the channel will receive and retain an end of a connector plug such as is depicted in Figures 3a-3d when a force is applied thereto by a person.
In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, each of top plate 28, channel side wall 30, bottom plate 32 and vertically extending protuberances 34a and 34b, extend longitudinally between ends 14 and 16 without any discontinuities.
A raceway channel 36 is also integrally formed to provide a unitary structure with body 12 and it is disposed inwardly from the inward facing surface 24 of body 12. Raceway channel 36 is formed between ends 14, 16 of body 12 and by a base plate 38, side wall members 40 and 42, each of side members 40, 42 having at their upper edges, opposed inwardly directed protuberances 40a and 40b respectively. Side wall members 40,42 along with their corresponding protuberances 40a, 42a, and bottom plate 38, all extend longitl1(1in~lly between ends 14 and 16. In this embodiment, these elements 40, 40a, 42, 42a, and 38 do not have any discontinuities along their length.
Raceway channel 36 is open, and termin~tes, at or near both ends 14 and 16 of body 12.
Extending the length of raceway channel 36 and located between protuberances 40a and 42a is an opening 44. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, raceway channel 36 has an accessible opening along its length which will permit piping, cabling or CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
wiring 50, such as computer, fiber optic, voice, data, video, or electrical cable or wiring to be inserted and carried therein. In Figure 2, a longihl~lin~lly extending cap 46 is shown. Cap 46 has a pair of opposed downward depending, longihldin~lly extending legs, 46a and 46b. Each leg 46a, 46b has an ouLward facing groove which is capable of receiving one of protuberances 40a or 42a therein. Cap 46 is made of PVC, and so, due to its resiliency, the legs can be displaced to enable the protuberances 40a, 42a to be received in the grooves of the legs as the cap is pushed into the opening. Consequently, cap 46 will in effect "snap" into the grooves of the legs and be retained therein. Cap 46 will however be capable of being removed by applying a force thereto, with an applopliate tool. Cap 46 may, at certain intervals along its length, have one or more openings. The openings permit one or more tributary wires 48 from a main wire 50 to pass from within raceway channel 36 through the cap 46 which could then be interconnected as is applopliate. For example, tributary wire 48 could be used to electrify a light unit, in a manner similar to that illustrated and described hereinafter. A
longi~(lin:~lly extending bracket 52 may be interconnected to a supporting horizontal wall bracket (as schematically depicted in Figure 6) or alternatively may be secured to a ceiling (not shown). Thus, bracket 52 will secure the cornice device in its desire position. Bracket 52 is typically made from steel and is resilient, thus enabling it to be clipped to the side edges of top plate 28 of cornice device 10.
Proximate its lower portion 20, there is another connector channel 54, which is again disposed inwardly from the inward facing surface 24 of body 12.
Connector channel 54 is formed by the top plate 56, the bottom plate 58 and a side wall CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
60, and vertically extending protuberances 56a and 58a extending respectively upward and dowllw~fd from plates 56 and 58. All of these elements, top plate 56, side wall 60, bottom plate 58 and longitu~lin~lly extending protuberances 56a and 58a, are integrally formed with body 12 to provide a unitary structure. Connector channel 54 is open, and termin~tçs, at or near both ends 14 and 16 of body 12. Connector channel 54 has a longitu~1in~l opening 55 along its length. The interior dimensions channel 54 at its ends are such that the channel will receive and retain an end of a connector plug such as is depicted in Figures 3a-3d when a force is applied thereto by a person.
In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, each of top plate 56, channel side wall 60, bottom plate 58 and vertically extending protuberances 56a and 58a, extend longitll-lin~lly between ends 14 and 16 without any discollLilluilies. Formed within a downward facing surface of bottom plate 58 are longitu(lin~lly extending recesses 62 and 64. Recesses 62 and 64 are both mushroom or pear shaped in cross-section. In an alternate embodiment, the cross-section may be generally U-shaped and have inwardly directed, lon~itu-lin~lly extending, opposed ribs.
Valence device 70 has a body 72 extending between a first end 74 and second end 76. Body 72 has an outward facing surface 78 and inward facing surface 80 and is generally shaped with its direction of concavity directed inward. At a lower portion 82 of body 72, a connector channel 84 is formed between a top plate 86, a bottom plate 88, a side wall 90 and protuberances 86a, 88a which extend vertically downward and upward from plates 86 and 88 respectively. All the elements which form channel 84 CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
extend longitl1(1in~lly between and are open at first end 74 and second end 76, and are integrally formed with body 72 to provide a unitary structure. Projecting horizontally from the top edge 92 of body 72 is a horizontally oriented longihl-lin~lly extending upper plate or flange 94. Formed on the upper surface of upper plate 94 is a longih1-1in~lly extending groove or score-line 96. At V-shaped groove 96, the depth of the plate 94 is slightly reduced (typically the groove's depth is 25% of the total depth of plate) thus enabling one to make an easier cut with a tool such as a knife or table saw, to detach a portion 95 of plate 94, from the rest of plate 94. Also protruding upwards from upper surface 88 of upper plate 94 are a pair of longitudinally extending ribs or rails 100,102.
Ribs 100 and 102 have a cross-section which like recesses 62 and 64 in bottom plate 58 in cornice device 10 are mushroom or pear shaped in cross section and of similar dimensions. This permits longitudinal ribs 100,102 to be forced into recesses 62,64 respectively, thus securing the cornice device 10 to valence device 70. When cornice device 10 is conn~cted to valence device 70 in the manner illustrated in Figure 2, the upper surface of the upper plate 94 of valence device 70 lies flush with the downward facing surface of bottom plate 58 of cornice 10. Furthermore outward facing surface 22 of cornice device 10 lies flush and is aligned with outward facing surface 78 of valence device 70, thus providing a smooth surface to which wallpaper, fabric or paint may be applied. In this preferred embodiment, the recesses 62, 64 are located on the underside of the cornice device 10 so that the underside of the cornice device may be provided with a smooth lower surface when finished with wall paper or fabric.
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An alternate form of recess 62, 64 and rib 100, 102 connection can be made by forming the ribs as longitudinally extending ribs having an arrowhead cross-section, and to form the recesses with a U-shaped opening that also has opposed,inwardly directed ribs. This would permit the arrowhead ribs to deform and be received within the recesses but would resist the ribs becoming detached from the recesses.
Extending longi~ 1in~lly from edges 104 and 106 of upper plate 94 and top plate 86 respectively are longitu(lin~lly extending ribs 108 and 110, each being sized to be received by the mouth of a clip 112. The mouths of clip 112 are substantially the same as the mouth of clip 114 which is illustrated in Figure 4. Clip 112 may be used to secure the valence device to a wall by use of screws passing through apertures in the clip.
All of the elements described above, except for bracket 52 are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This selection of material is important in that it combines the unusual set of characteristics of being relatively inexpensive to utilize, it is rigid, strong but not brittle, can be extruded into the specific configurations described above, and yet is a safe material to hold electrical cabling and wiring. Furthermore, the nature of PVC is such that it has sufficient resiliency to permit the mushroom, pear shaped or arrowhead ribs or rails 100, 102 to be received into the recesses 60, 62 with corresponding shaped cross sections. As it is neither expected nor required that the valence device, after attachment to the cornice device, will need to be disconnected thelefiulll by removal of the ribs 100,102 from the recesses 60,62, and the use of PVC will ensure that the valence device will remain firmly secured to the cornice device. It is intended, that if desired, CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
valence device 70 could be connected to the cornice device 10 to provide for a construction device which would be useful for applications that would not be suitable for either valence device 70, or cornice device 10, alone.
The elements of cornice device 10 and valence device 70 that are made of PVC may be conveniently extruded by known techniques and thus the features will be integrally formed structures to provide a unitary structure (except of course the cap 46, bracket 52 and the connector plugs which are separate components).
Figures 3c and 3d illustrate a connector plug 130 which is utilized for reception in an end of one of the connector channels 26, 54, 84 so as to effect a horizontally and vertically aligned connection of one cornice device 10 to another cornice device 10, a valence device 70 to another valence device 70, or longihl~lin~lly connecting two construction devices.
Each plug 130 would be capable of being fully received into a connector charmel (i.e. the entire plug will fit or be received into the two adjacent channel openings). Accordingly each of the two ends will be received into a connector channel of either a cornice device 10 or a valence device 70 and permit the adjacent ends of the cornice and valence devices of two adjacent units to be in abutment with each other, to avoid an unsightly gap between adjacent devices. The result is an easily facilitated connection between a pair of devices.
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In Figures 3a and 3b, a connector plug 140 is shown and is used to interconnect two construction devices 11, or two cornice devices 10, or two valence devices 70, but in a manner that the adjacent devices are orientated at a fixed angle when connected. Connector 140 has two arms 142 and 144, each disposed at right angles to the other. It will be appreciated that in order to interconnect either a pair of cornice devices 10, a pair of valence devices 70, or a pair of construction devices 11, it will be necessary for the elements lying behind the upper surfaces to be appropliately cut back at a suitable angle or be preformed in such a configuration (ie. A typical mitre joint is required). All the connector plugs described in Figures 3a - 3d are preferably made from 10 PVC.
In Figure 4, an alternate form of clip 114 to clip 112 is shown, which illustrates in more detail the opening 116 of either clip 112 or clip 114. The two arms of the clips that form the opening are both resilient thus permitting the ribs with the pear or mushroom shaped cross-sections to be received into the opening 116, and then be restrained from dislodgement. Clips 112 and 114 are also preferably made from PVC.
Each of clips 112 114 will only extend longitl1(1in~lly for a short distance between the ends of the construction device 11. Several such clips can be cut from an extruded section.
The connector plugs described above and which are shown in Figures 3a -3d are for particular applications: one is for making straight connections, the other is for a fixed angle (right angle) connection. However, in many situations, a connection CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
between adjacent construction devices 11, cornice devices 10 or valence device 70 will be required at other angles. In Figure 5, a more versatile connector plug 250 is shown having a side plate 252, a lower plate 254 having lower plate portions 254a and 254b and an upper plate 256 having upper plate portions 256a and 256b. Upper plate portions 256a and 256b are separated by a break or cut 259. Upper plate portions 256a and 256b each have a longih~lin~lly extending rib 258a, 258b, respectively on their upper surfaces.
Lower plate portions are constructed in the same manner having ribs (only the end of rib 260a being shown) and break or cut 262. Side plate 252 also has a set of spaced, lon~ihl(lin~lly extending ribs 264a, 264b and 264c on its outer surface 266. Cuts 259 and 262 permit connector plug 250 to be utilized in the connector channels in the manner described above, but in situations where adjacent construction devices 11, cornice devices 10 or valence devices 70 are to be orientated at an angle other than that for which the connectors in Figure 3 are utilized. The connector plug 250 can be bent about an axis X-X through the side plate in the direction shown by the arrows in Figure 5, and then inserted into a pair of adjacent connector channels such as channels 26, to accommodate virtually any angle such that portion 272 will be received in the connector channel of one device, and portion 252 will be received in the connector channel of another such device to permit the two devices to abut each other as described above, with their outward surfaces being flush.at the joint. The ability to invert the upper plate 256 and lower plate 254 when received into a connector channel enable the full range of angles to be covered.
The connector plug is preferably made from alllmimlm although other metals would be suitable if they have sufficient bending properties. Its configuration is CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
such that the ribs provide for an oversized plug such that when it is received into a connector channel such as channel 26, its ribs will gouge into the inner surface of the PVC channel thus securing the plug in the channel. The ribs will negate any differences in manufacturing tolerances that may exist between the alllminllm plug and the PVC
elements of the connector channels.
In Figure 6, a construction device 311 is shown which combines a cornice device 310 and a valence device 370 substantially configured and interconnected in a manner as described above and illustrated in Figures 1 - 4. It will be noted that in this embodiment the upper plate 394 has been narrowed by virtue of previously having been cut down its groove in a manner described above. In this side view, which shows construction device 311 in section, a device 311 is shown being mounted by virtue of clip bracket 352 and employing a screw 357 to secure the bracket 352 to a horizontal wall mounting bracket 359. Bracket 359 is actually comprised of two parts, a first part 361 which has depending down from it a leg portion 363 which secures to a wall mounting bracket 365 which again is secured to the wall by a screw 357. Bracket 365 also serves to mount a lighting fixture unit generally illustrated as 367 and which comprises a pair of florescent longit~l(lin:~lly extending tube lights 369. Light fixture 367 may be electrified by power received from tributary wire 328 which is interconn~ctecl to main power cable 350. Schematically shown in the side view are a mini-blind 371 positioned behind drapes or a side panel 373 both of which are secured by a bracket 375.
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A second portion 383 of horizontal bracket 359 is secured to first portion 361 by means of a releasable clamp which passes through both first portion 383 and second portion 361. If ever it is necessary to remove combination device 311, for example to replace a fluorescent light tube 369, this may be easily accomplished by releasing the clamp 389.
Turning now to Figure 7, a construction device 411 comprising a cornice device 410 and valence device 470 is schematically illustrated. A mounting bracket 452 secures a construction device 411 to a ceiling. A clip 499 such as the clip 114 illustrated in Figure 4 is utilized to secure the bottom lon~it~l-lin~lly extending edge 406 of the valence device 470. Valence device 470 and cornice device 410 are configured and interconnected in a manner substantially as described above. This sort of application would be particularly useful when refurbishing existing buildings. For example, in certain construction applications it is necessary to place into buildings new cable and wiring, (such as computer cabling, etc). However, very often the walls (for example in high rise apartments) would be made of concrete. In such environments, it is very difficult to be able to place new cabling or wiring in the manner which is hidden from sight. Employing the combination device shown in 411 which may carry cabling 450 in the cable raceway 436 provides an efficient and cost effective means of retro-fitting existing buildings, particularly those having concrete or other similar types of walls or ceilings.
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Other modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
CORNICE AND VALENCE DEVICES
Field of the Invention This invention relates to devices for use in building construction, and in particular cornice and valence devices.
Back~round to the Invention Cornice devices are presently utilized in connection with walls, and side wall elements such as windows, in both residential and commercial applications, to provide a fini~h~l appearance. For example, cornices are often used to partially shield from view horizontal lighting such as florescent tube lighting. At windows, cornices are used to shield from view the curtain rails or the mounting elements for a horizontal or a vertical blind. Cornices may be mounted directly to an adjacent ceiling and extend partly down the wall or wall element. Alternatively, sometimes cornices are mounted with the use of horizontal wall mounting brackets which are affixed to the wall and hold the cornice at a distance from the wall or wall element.
Cornices can be used when retro-fitting or renovating an existing building.
During such re-fitting, it is sometimes extremely important that the amount of time taken for the work be kept to an absolute minimum. For example, when renovating certain premises such as a hotel, it is important to keep the "down-time" to a mi~ to avoid CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
lost revenue. In certain types of renovations, re-wiring or placement of new wiring or cabling, or installation of new piping (such as water lines for sprinkler systems) will be required. In concrete structures in particular, securely placing or in~t~lling such cabling or piping in a marmer which meets the n~cess~ry fire and safety building codes normally necessitates a large amount of time being spent at what is often a difficult task. For example, it is often necessary to gouge out a channel in an existing concrete wall in order to provide a suitable raceway. Another consideration in the in~t~ tion of such electric cables is to have relatively easy access to the pipes or cables for repair or modification purposes.
Known cornices are typically made of either wood, alllminllm, plaster or comprise a thin metallic back plate on which is mounted a layer of foam, the foam often being covered with a decorative material such as a fabric. These materials and structures do not lend themselves well to the incorporation of supplementary features which assist in the construction or re-fitting of a building. Adjacent sections of known cornices are attached by means of an attachment plate which secures the joint between adjacent sections by being nailed to the adjacent sections of a cornice.
Accordingly, known cornices are expensive to construct, it is difficult to attach adjacent cornice sections/devices to each other, and known cornices do not provide any additional features which permit pipes, or electrical, telephone, data, or other similar types of cables to be easily installed and supported.
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Another known construction device is a valence. A valence is typically used to conceal a blind mounting and hardware and will have an inwardly directed plate extending horizontally to a vertical position that is more or less aligned with the bottom edge of the valence. A valence usually provides for a smaller vertical drop than a cornice device. The horizontal plate and the relatively small vertical drop restrict the applications of a valence.
Consequently, a supplier of valence and cornices will have to create a relatively large number of sizes of valences and cornices to meet the construction industry's requirements. This creates an enh~n~ecl cost for a m~nllfacturer of such products. Accordingly, there is need for cornice and valence elements that can be utilized more efficiently.
Summary of the Invention According to one aspect of this invention, there is provided a construction device comprising: (a) a cornice device having: a body extending longihl-lin~llybetween a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion; said upper portion having a first connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said first connector being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of aconnector plug at each of said first and second ends; said lower portion having a second CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said second connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends, said lower portion also having a first valence connector;
and (b) a valence device having: a body extending longihl(lin~lly between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a third connector channel longit~lclin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first and second ends, said third connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends of said body, said upper portion having a second valence connector; said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longit~1clin~11y secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element with said outward facing surface of said cornice device being in ~ nment with said outward facing surface of said valence device; wherein first, second and third connector channels of a first said construction device are adapted to interconnect longit~l-lin~lly in vertical and horizontal alignment with first, second and third connector channels, respectively, of a second said construction device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said construction device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second construction device, and a third plug having a first end received in CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
the opening of said third connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said third connector channel of said second construction device, such that said ~ulwald facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a construction device comprising: a cornice having a body extending longi~(lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an ou~ward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a first valence connector; a valence having a body extending longihl~lin~lly between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having a second valence connector; said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longit~l-lin~lly secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element, to secure said valence device to said cornice device with said outward facing surfaces of each abutting, and being in ~lignment with, each other.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cornice element comprising: a body extending longitllclin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion; said upper portion having a first connector channel longih~(lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; said lower portion having a second connector channel longihl-lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein first and second connector channels of a first said cornice device are adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal :~lignment with first and second connector channels, respectively, of a second said cornice device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said second cornice device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said oulwald facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cornice element comprising: a body extending longit~l~lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a bottom portion; a raceway channel longihl~lin~lly extending between said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface, said raceway channel having a longihltlin~lly extending opening along its length, said opening sized to receive at least one cable.
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According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a connector plug for use with a cornice device: said cornice device comprising a body extending longihl(lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface; a connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein said connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with a connector of a second said cornice device, by use of, said connector plug having a first portion received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second portion received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device; said connector plug comprising a generally vertical side plate having an upper edge and a lower edge; an upper plate extending generally horizontally in a first direction away from said upper edge and having a medially positioned cut extending horizontally to said side plate, and an opposed lower plate extending generally horizontally in said first direction away from said lower edge and having a medially positioned break positioned in ~lignment with said break in said upper plate, whereby said connector plug may be bent about a vertical axis through said side plate, said axis extending from said break in said upper plate to said break in said lower plate, in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction.
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According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided a cornice element comprising: a body extending longihl~lin~lly between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion; a connector channel longihl~lin~lly extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal ~31ignment with first connector channels of a second said cornice device, by use of a plug having a first end received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
Brief Description of the Drawin~s Example embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cornice device and a valence device separated from each other;
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Figure 2 is a sectional elevational view of the devices illustrated in Figure 1 interconnected to each other;
Figure 3a is a perspective view of a corner connector;
Figure 3b is a plan view of the corner connector of Figure 3a;
Figure 3c is a perspective view of a straight connector;
Figure 3d is a plan view of the connector in Figure 3c;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a clip;
Figure 5 is an alternate connector shown in perspective view;
Figure 6 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of the invention shown in a lighting application;
Figure 7 is a side schematic view of another embodiment of the invention shown in a conre~lment application.
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Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments With reference to Figures 1 - 4, a construction device 11 has two components; a cornice device 10 and a valence device 70. The cornice device 10 has a body 12 extending between first and second ends 14 and 16. Typically, the longitu(lin~l dimensions of a cornice device 10 will be in certain specific standard lengths. Cornice devices 10 can may be joined together, as hereinafter described to construct a complete cornice for a particular application. Cornice devices 10 may be interconnected in straight longitll~lin:~l alignment or may be interconnected at an angle (typically at right angles).
Body 12 has an upper portion generally design~ted 18, a middle portion generally designated 19, and a lower portion generally design~ted 20. As will be noted from Figure 1, in a side view the body 10 is generally in a wave form, having its middle portion 19 with its concavity directed generally ouLw~l~;l, and the upper portion 18 and lower portion 20 having their concavity generally directed inward. Body 12 has an outward facing surface 22 and an inward facing surface 24.
Extending longitudinally between the first end 14 and second end 16 is a connector channel which is disposed inwardly from inward facing surface 24 of body 12.
Channel 26 is formed by a top plate 28, a side wall 30, bottom plate 32 and longitlldin~lly extending protuberances 34a and 34b which project from plates 28 and 32 respectively. All of these elements, top plate 28, side wall 30, bottom plate 32 and lon~ lclin~lly extending protuberances 34a and 34b, are integrally formed with body 12 CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
to provide a unitary structure. Connector channel 26 is open, and te~nin~tes, at or near both ends 14 and 16 of body 12. Connector channel 26 has a longitll~in~l opening 27 along its length. The interior dimensions channel 26 at its ends are such that the channel will receive and retain an end of a connector plug such as is depicted in Figures 3a-3d when a force is applied thereto by a person.
In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, each of top plate 28, channel side wall 30, bottom plate 32 and vertically extending protuberances 34a and 34b, extend longitudinally between ends 14 and 16 without any discontinuities.
A raceway channel 36 is also integrally formed to provide a unitary structure with body 12 and it is disposed inwardly from the inward facing surface 24 of body 12. Raceway channel 36 is formed between ends 14, 16 of body 12 and by a base plate 38, side wall members 40 and 42, each of side members 40, 42 having at their upper edges, opposed inwardly directed protuberances 40a and 40b respectively. Side wall members 40,42 along with their corresponding protuberances 40a, 42a, and bottom plate 38, all extend longitl1(1in~lly between ends 14 and 16. In this embodiment, these elements 40, 40a, 42, 42a, and 38 do not have any discontinuities along their length.
Raceway channel 36 is open, and termin~tes, at or near both ends 14 and 16 of body 12.
Extending the length of raceway channel 36 and located between protuberances 40a and 42a is an opening 44. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, raceway channel 36 has an accessible opening along its length which will permit piping, cabling or CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
wiring 50, such as computer, fiber optic, voice, data, video, or electrical cable or wiring to be inserted and carried therein. In Figure 2, a longihl~lin~lly extending cap 46 is shown. Cap 46 has a pair of opposed downward depending, longihldin~lly extending legs, 46a and 46b. Each leg 46a, 46b has an ouLward facing groove which is capable of receiving one of protuberances 40a or 42a therein. Cap 46 is made of PVC, and so, due to its resiliency, the legs can be displaced to enable the protuberances 40a, 42a to be received in the grooves of the legs as the cap is pushed into the opening. Consequently, cap 46 will in effect "snap" into the grooves of the legs and be retained therein. Cap 46 will however be capable of being removed by applying a force thereto, with an applopliate tool. Cap 46 may, at certain intervals along its length, have one or more openings. The openings permit one or more tributary wires 48 from a main wire 50 to pass from within raceway channel 36 through the cap 46 which could then be interconnected as is applopliate. For example, tributary wire 48 could be used to electrify a light unit, in a manner similar to that illustrated and described hereinafter. A
longi~(lin:~lly extending bracket 52 may be interconnected to a supporting horizontal wall bracket (as schematically depicted in Figure 6) or alternatively may be secured to a ceiling (not shown). Thus, bracket 52 will secure the cornice device in its desire position. Bracket 52 is typically made from steel and is resilient, thus enabling it to be clipped to the side edges of top plate 28 of cornice device 10.
Proximate its lower portion 20, there is another connector channel 54, which is again disposed inwardly from the inward facing surface 24 of body 12.
Connector channel 54 is formed by the top plate 56, the bottom plate 58 and a side wall CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
60, and vertically extending protuberances 56a and 58a extending respectively upward and dowllw~fd from plates 56 and 58. All of these elements, top plate 56, side wall 60, bottom plate 58 and longitu~lin~lly extending protuberances 56a and 58a, are integrally formed with body 12 to provide a unitary structure. Connector channel 54 is open, and termin~tçs, at or near both ends 14 and 16 of body 12. Connector channel 54 has a longitu~1in~l opening 55 along its length. The interior dimensions channel 54 at its ends are such that the channel will receive and retain an end of a connector plug such as is depicted in Figures 3a-3d when a force is applied thereto by a person.
In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1 and 2, each of top plate 56, channel side wall 60, bottom plate 58 and vertically extending protuberances 56a and 58a, extend longitll-lin~lly between ends 14 and 16 without any discollLilluilies. Formed within a downward facing surface of bottom plate 58 are longitu(lin~lly extending recesses 62 and 64. Recesses 62 and 64 are both mushroom or pear shaped in cross-section. In an alternate embodiment, the cross-section may be generally U-shaped and have inwardly directed, lon~itu-lin~lly extending, opposed ribs.
Valence device 70 has a body 72 extending between a first end 74 and second end 76. Body 72 has an outward facing surface 78 and inward facing surface 80 and is generally shaped with its direction of concavity directed inward. At a lower portion 82 of body 72, a connector channel 84 is formed between a top plate 86, a bottom plate 88, a side wall 90 and protuberances 86a, 88a which extend vertically downward and upward from plates 86 and 88 respectively. All the elements which form channel 84 CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
extend longitl1(1in~lly between and are open at first end 74 and second end 76, and are integrally formed with body 72 to provide a unitary structure. Projecting horizontally from the top edge 92 of body 72 is a horizontally oriented longihl-lin~lly extending upper plate or flange 94. Formed on the upper surface of upper plate 94 is a longih1-1in~lly extending groove or score-line 96. At V-shaped groove 96, the depth of the plate 94 is slightly reduced (typically the groove's depth is 25% of the total depth of plate) thus enabling one to make an easier cut with a tool such as a knife or table saw, to detach a portion 95 of plate 94, from the rest of plate 94. Also protruding upwards from upper surface 88 of upper plate 94 are a pair of longitudinally extending ribs or rails 100,102.
Ribs 100 and 102 have a cross-section which like recesses 62 and 64 in bottom plate 58 in cornice device 10 are mushroom or pear shaped in cross section and of similar dimensions. This permits longitudinal ribs 100,102 to be forced into recesses 62,64 respectively, thus securing the cornice device 10 to valence device 70. When cornice device 10 is conn~cted to valence device 70 in the manner illustrated in Figure 2, the upper surface of the upper plate 94 of valence device 70 lies flush with the downward facing surface of bottom plate 58 of cornice 10. Furthermore outward facing surface 22 of cornice device 10 lies flush and is aligned with outward facing surface 78 of valence device 70, thus providing a smooth surface to which wallpaper, fabric or paint may be applied. In this preferred embodiment, the recesses 62, 64 are located on the underside of the cornice device 10 so that the underside of the cornice device may be provided with a smooth lower surface when finished with wall paper or fabric.
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An alternate form of recess 62, 64 and rib 100, 102 connection can be made by forming the ribs as longitudinally extending ribs having an arrowhead cross-section, and to form the recesses with a U-shaped opening that also has opposed,inwardly directed ribs. This would permit the arrowhead ribs to deform and be received within the recesses but would resist the ribs becoming detached from the recesses.
Extending longi~ 1in~lly from edges 104 and 106 of upper plate 94 and top plate 86 respectively are longitu(lin~lly extending ribs 108 and 110, each being sized to be received by the mouth of a clip 112. The mouths of clip 112 are substantially the same as the mouth of clip 114 which is illustrated in Figure 4. Clip 112 may be used to secure the valence device to a wall by use of screws passing through apertures in the clip.
All of the elements described above, except for bracket 52 are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This selection of material is important in that it combines the unusual set of characteristics of being relatively inexpensive to utilize, it is rigid, strong but not brittle, can be extruded into the specific configurations described above, and yet is a safe material to hold electrical cabling and wiring. Furthermore, the nature of PVC is such that it has sufficient resiliency to permit the mushroom, pear shaped or arrowhead ribs or rails 100, 102 to be received into the recesses 60, 62 with corresponding shaped cross sections. As it is neither expected nor required that the valence device, after attachment to the cornice device, will need to be disconnected thelefiulll by removal of the ribs 100,102 from the recesses 60,62, and the use of PVC will ensure that the valence device will remain firmly secured to the cornice device. It is intended, that if desired, CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
valence device 70 could be connected to the cornice device 10 to provide for a construction device which would be useful for applications that would not be suitable for either valence device 70, or cornice device 10, alone.
The elements of cornice device 10 and valence device 70 that are made of PVC may be conveniently extruded by known techniques and thus the features will be integrally formed structures to provide a unitary structure (except of course the cap 46, bracket 52 and the connector plugs which are separate components).
Figures 3c and 3d illustrate a connector plug 130 which is utilized for reception in an end of one of the connector channels 26, 54, 84 so as to effect a horizontally and vertically aligned connection of one cornice device 10 to another cornice device 10, a valence device 70 to another valence device 70, or longihl~lin~lly connecting two construction devices.
Each plug 130 would be capable of being fully received into a connector charmel (i.e. the entire plug will fit or be received into the two adjacent channel openings). Accordingly each of the two ends will be received into a connector channel of either a cornice device 10 or a valence device 70 and permit the adjacent ends of the cornice and valence devices of two adjacent units to be in abutment with each other, to avoid an unsightly gap between adjacent devices. The result is an easily facilitated connection between a pair of devices.
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In Figures 3a and 3b, a connector plug 140 is shown and is used to interconnect two construction devices 11, or two cornice devices 10, or two valence devices 70, but in a manner that the adjacent devices are orientated at a fixed angle when connected. Connector 140 has two arms 142 and 144, each disposed at right angles to the other. It will be appreciated that in order to interconnect either a pair of cornice devices 10, a pair of valence devices 70, or a pair of construction devices 11, it will be necessary for the elements lying behind the upper surfaces to be appropliately cut back at a suitable angle or be preformed in such a configuration (ie. A typical mitre joint is required). All the connector plugs described in Figures 3a - 3d are preferably made from 10 PVC.
In Figure 4, an alternate form of clip 114 to clip 112 is shown, which illustrates in more detail the opening 116 of either clip 112 or clip 114. The two arms of the clips that form the opening are both resilient thus permitting the ribs with the pear or mushroom shaped cross-sections to be received into the opening 116, and then be restrained from dislodgement. Clips 112 and 114 are also preferably made from PVC.
Each of clips 112 114 will only extend longitl1(1in~lly for a short distance between the ends of the construction device 11. Several such clips can be cut from an extruded section.
The connector plugs described above and which are shown in Figures 3a -3d are for particular applications: one is for making straight connections, the other is for a fixed angle (right angle) connection. However, in many situations, a connection CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
between adjacent construction devices 11, cornice devices 10 or valence device 70 will be required at other angles. In Figure 5, a more versatile connector plug 250 is shown having a side plate 252, a lower plate 254 having lower plate portions 254a and 254b and an upper plate 256 having upper plate portions 256a and 256b. Upper plate portions 256a and 256b are separated by a break or cut 259. Upper plate portions 256a and 256b each have a longih~lin~lly extending rib 258a, 258b, respectively on their upper surfaces.
Lower plate portions are constructed in the same manner having ribs (only the end of rib 260a being shown) and break or cut 262. Side plate 252 also has a set of spaced, lon~ihl(lin~lly extending ribs 264a, 264b and 264c on its outer surface 266. Cuts 259 and 262 permit connector plug 250 to be utilized in the connector channels in the manner described above, but in situations where adjacent construction devices 11, cornice devices 10 or valence devices 70 are to be orientated at an angle other than that for which the connectors in Figure 3 are utilized. The connector plug 250 can be bent about an axis X-X through the side plate in the direction shown by the arrows in Figure 5, and then inserted into a pair of adjacent connector channels such as channels 26, to accommodate virtually any angle such that portion 272 will be received in the connector channel of one device, and portion 252 will be received in the connector channel of another such device to permit the two devices to abut each other as described above, with their outward surfaces being flush.at the joint. The ability to invert the upper plate 256 and lower plate 254 when received into a connector channel enable the full range of angles to be covered.
The connector plug is preferably made from alllmimlm although other metals would be suitable if they have sufficient bending properties. Its configuration is CA 02211482 1997-07-2~
such that the ribs provide for an oversized plug such that when it is received into a connector channel such as channel 26, its ribs will gouge into the inner surface of the PVC channel thus securing the plug in the channel. The ribs will negate any differences in manufacturing tolerances that may exist between the alllminllm plug and the PVC
elements of the connector channels.
In Figure 6, a construction device 311 is shown which combines a cornice device 310 and a valence device 370 substantially configured and interconnected in a manner as described above and illustrated in Figures 1 - 4. It will be noted that in this embodiment the upper plate 394 has been narrowed by virtue of previously having been cut down its groove in a manner described above. In this side view, which shows construction device 311 in section, a device 311 is shown being mounted by virtue of clip bracket 352 and employing a screw 357 to secure the bracket 352 to a horizontal wall mounting bracket 359. Bracket 359 is actually comprised of two parts, a first part 361 which has depending down from it a leg portion 363 which secures to a wall mounting bracket 365 which again is secured to the wall by a screw 357. Bracket 365 also serves to mount a lighting fixture unit generally illustrated as 367 and which comprises a pair of florescent longit~l(lin:~lly extending tube lights 369. Light fixture 367 may be electrified by power received from tributary wire 328 which is interconn~ctecl to main power cable 350. Schematically shown in the side view are a mini-blind 371 positioned behind drapes or a side panel 373 both of which are secured by a bracket 375.
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A second portion 383 of horizontal bracket 359 is secured to first portion 361 by means of a releasable clamp which passes through both first portion 383 and second portion 361. If ever it is necessary to remove combination device 311, for example to replace a fluorescent light tube 369, this may be easily accomplished by releasing the clamp 389.
Turning now to Figure 7, a construction device 411 comprising a cornice device 410 and valence device 470 is schematically illustrated. A mounting bracket 452 secures a construction device 411 to a ceiling. A clip 499 such as the clip 114 illustrated in Figure 4 is utilized to secure the bottom lon~it~l-lin~lly extending edge 406 of the valence device 470. Valence device 470 and cornice device 410 are configured and interconnected in a manner substantially as described above. This sort of application would be particularly useful when refurbishing existing buildings. For example, in certain construction applications it is necessary to place into buildings new cable and wiring, (such as computer cabling, etc). However, very often the walls (for example in high rise apartments) would be made of concrete. In such environments, it is very difficult to be able to place new cabling or wiring in the manner which is hidden from sight. Employing the combination device shown in 411 which may carry cabling 450 in the cable raceway 436 provides an efficient and cost effective means of retro-fitting existing buildings, particularly those having concrete or other similar types of walls or ceilings.
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Other modifications and variations are contemplated within the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims (26)
1. A construction device comprising:
(a) a cornice device having:
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
said upper portion having a first connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said first connector being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
said lower portion having a second connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said second connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends, said lower portion also having a first valence connector; and (b) a valence device having:
a body extending longitudinally between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a third connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first and second ends, said third connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends of said body, said upper portion having a second valence connector;
said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longitudinally secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element with said outward facing surface of said cornice device being in alignment with said outward facing surface of said valence device;
wherein first, second and third connector channels of a first said construction device are adapted to interconnect longitudinally in vertical and horizontal alignment with first, second and third connector channels, respectively, of a second said construction device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said construction device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second construction device, and a third plug having a first end received in the opening of said third connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said third connector channel of said second construction device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
(a) a cornice device having:
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
said upper portion having a first connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said first connector being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
said lower portion having a second connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end, said second connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends, said lower portion also having a first valence connector; and (b) a valence device having:
a body extending longitudinally between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a third connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first and second ends, said third connector channel being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends of said body, said upper portion having a second valence connector;
said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longitudinally secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element with said outward facing surface of said cornice device being in alignment with said outward facing surface of said valence device;
wherein first, second and third connector channels of a first said construction device are adapted to interconnect longitudinally in vertical and horizontal alignment with first, second and third connector channels, respectively, of a second said construction device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said construction device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second construction device, and a third plug having a first end received in the opening of said third connector channel of the first construction device and a second end received in the opening of said third connector channel of said second construction device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
2. A construction device comprising:
(a) a cornice having a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a first valence connector;
(b) a valence having a body extending longitudinally between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having a second valence connector;
said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longitudinally secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element, to secure said valence device to said cornice device with said outward facing surfaces of each abutting, and being in alignment with, each other.
(a) a cornice having a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion having a first valence connector;
(b) a valence having a body extending longitudinally between a first and second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion having a second valence connector;
said first and second valence connectors being adapted to longitudinally secure said upper portion of said valence element to said lower portion of said cornice element, to secure said valence device to said cornice device with said outward facing surfaces of each abutting, and being in alignment with, each other.
3. A combination as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein one of said first valence connector and said second valence connector comprises at least one longitudinally extending channel, and the other of said first and second valence connectors comprises a longitudinally extending, vertically orientated rail; said rail and said channel co-operating such that said rail may be received in said channel, to secure said valence device to said cornice device.
4. A construction device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said rail's cross section is shaped in the form of an arrowhead and said recess has a generally U-shaped cross section that includes inwardly directed, opposed ribs, whereby said rail may be received and retained within said recess.
5. A construction device as claimed in claims 1 wherein said body and said connector channels of said cornice device are integrally formed to provide a unitary structure.
6. A construction device as claimed in claims 1, 4 or 5 wherein said body and said connector channels are formed from PVC.
7. A construction device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said valence device has a plate member extending horizontally and inwardly from said upper portion of said body, said plate having a detachable portion.
8. A construction device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said plate member has a longitudinally extending groove, to permit said detachable portion to be cut from said valence device.
9. A construction device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 further comprising a raceway channel extending longitudinally and being disposed inwardly, said raceway channel having a longitudinally extending opening along its length, said opening sized to receive at least one cable.
10. A construction device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said raceway channel is integrally formed with said body to provide a unitary structure.
11. A cornice element comprising:
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
said upper portion having a first connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
said lower portion having a second connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
wherein first and second connector channels of a first said cornice device are adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with first and second connector channels, respectively, of a second said cornice device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said second cornice device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
said upper portion having a first connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
said lower portion having a second connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing side and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
wherein first and second connector channels of a first said cornice device are adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with first and second connector channels, respectively, of a second said cornice device, by use of, a first plug having a first end received in the opening of said first connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said first connector channel of said second cornice device, and a second plug having a first end received in the opening of said second connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said second connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
12. A cornice device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said channel connectors are integrally formed with said body to provide a unitary structure.
13. A cornice device as claimed in claims 11 or 12, further comprising a raceway channel longitudinally extending between said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing side, said raceway channel having a longitudinally extending opening along its length, said opening sized to receive at least one cable.
14. A cornice device as claimed in claim 12 and being integrally formed with said body to provide a unitary structure.
15. A cornice element comprising:
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a bottom portion;
a raceway channel longitudinally extending between said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface, said raceway channel having a longitudinally extending opening along its length, said opening sized to receive at least one cable.
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a bottom portion;
a raceway channel longitudinally extending between said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface, said raceway channel having a longitudinally extending opening along its length, said opening sized to receive at least one cable.
16. A cornice device as claimed in claim 15 wherein said raceway channel is integrally formed with said body to provide a unitary structure.
17. A cornice device as claimed in claims 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, and 16 wherein said longitudinal opening in said raceway channel is adapted to receive a longitudinal cap to at least partially cover said longitudinal opening along its length.
18. A cornice device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said cap has apertures therein at intervals along its length to permit at least one tributary from said at least one cable to pass therethrough from said channel raceway.
19. A cornice device as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein said longitudinal opening has a pair of opposed, longitudinally extending protrusions that both extend inward of the channel, and wherein said cap has a pair of longitudinally extending legs having longitudinal grooves, said legs capable of being resiliently deformed and adapted to receive said longitudinal protrusions so that said cap may be releasably retained in a position which covers said raceway channel opening.
20. A cornice device as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, wherein said body and said raceway channel are formed from PVC.
21. A connector plug for use with a cornice device:
said cornice device comprising a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface; a connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein said connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with a connector of a second said cornice device, by use of, said connector plug having a first portion received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second portion received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device;
said connector plug comprising a generally vertical side plate having an upper edge and a lower edge; an upper plate extending generally horizontally in a first direction away from said upper edge and having a medially positioned cut extending horizontally to said side plate, and an opposed lower plate extending generally horizontally in said first direction away from said lower edge and having a medially positioned break positioned in alignment with said break in said upper plate, whereby said connector plug may be bent about a vertical axis through said side plate, said axis extending from said break in said upper plate to said break in said lower plate, in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction.
said cornice device comprising a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface; a connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends; wherein said connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with a connector of a second said cornice device, by use of, said connector plug having a first portion received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second portion received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device, such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device;
said connector plug comprising a generally vertical side plate having an upper edge and a lower edge; an upper plate extending generally horizontally in a first direction away from said upper edge and having a medially positioned cut extending horizontally to said side plate, and an opposed lower plate extending generally horizontally in said first direction away from said lower edge and having a medially positioned break positioned in alignment with said break in said upper plate, whereby said connector plug may be bent about a vertical axis through said side plate, said axis extending from said break in said upper plate to said break in said lower plate, in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction.
22. A connector plug as claimed in claim 21 wherein said connector each of an upper surface of said upper plate and said lower surface of said lower plate have at least one longitudinally extending rib, said side plate, said upper and lower plates and said longitudinally extending ribs being configured such that when said connector plug is received within a connector channel said ribs are impressed into said interior walls of upper and lower plates of said connector channels to secure said connector plug in said connector channel.
23. A connector plug as claimed in claim 22 further comprising a longitudinally extending rib on a surface of said side plate that faces in said second direction, said rib being configured such that when said connector plug is received in a connector channel said rib of said side plate is impressed into a side plate of said connector channel to further secure said connector plug in said connector channel.
24. A connector plug as claimed in claims 22 or 23 wherein said connector is integrally formed from a deformable metal.
25. A connector plug as claimed in claim 24 wherein said connector is made from aluminium.
26. A cornice element comprising:
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
a connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
wherein connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with first connector channels of a second said cornice device, by use of a plug having a first end received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
a body extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end and having an outward facing surface and an inward facing surface, said body having an upper portion and a lower portion;
a connector channel longitudinally extending between and having an opening at each of said first end and said second end and being disposed proximate said inward facing surface and being adapted for receiving a part of a connector plug at each of said first and second ends;
wherein connector channel of a first said cornice device is adapted to interconnect in vertical and horizontal alignment with first connector channels of a second said cornice device, by use of a plug having a first end received in the opening of said connector channel of the first cornice device and a second end received in the opening of said connector channel of said second cornice device such that said outward facing surface of said first construction device abuts said outward facing surface of said second construction device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2211482 CA2211482A1 (en) | 1997-07-25 | 1997-07-25 | Cornice and valence devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2211482 CA2211482A1 (en) | 1997-07-25 | 1997-07-25 | Cornice and valence devices |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2211482A1 true CA2211482A1 (en) | 1999-01-25 |
Family
ID=29274904
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2211482 Abandoned CA2211482A1 (en) | 1997-07-25 | 1997-07-25 | Cornice and valence devices |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2211482A1 (en) |
-
1997
- 1997-07-25 CA CA 2211482 patent/CA2211482A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |