CA2442220C - Device for concealing caulking joint and method - Google Patents
Device for concealing caulking joint and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2442220C CA2442220C CA002442220A CA2442220A CA2442220C CA 2442220 C CA2442220 C CA 2442220C CA 002442220 A CA002442220 A CA 002442220A CA 2442220 A CA2442220 A CA 2442220A CA 2442220 C CA2442220 C CA 2442220C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- central strip
- flap
- combination according
- flaps
- caulking joint
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 8
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 11
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002725 thermoplastic elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920002397 thermoplastic olefin Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 claims 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011900 installation process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/008—Sealing between wall and bathtub or shower tray
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Building Environments (AREA)
Abstract
A device for concealing a caulking joint formed between adjacent first and second surfaces comprising an elongated central strip having first and second edges and the strip having first and second sides; a first flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adapted to be adhered to a first of the adjacent surfaces such that the first flap conforms to the first of the adjacent surfaces in a watertight manner; a second flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adapted to be adhered to a second of the adjacent surfaces such that the second flap conforms to the second of the adjacent surfaces in a watertight manner; and the central strip being adapted to cover the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the first surface and the second flap is adhered to the second surface, whereby the caulking joint is concealed by the device.
Description
DEVICE FOR CONCEALING CAULKING JOINT AND METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for concealing the caulking joint or the like between adjoining surfaces. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device concealing the caulking joints typically found in the water rooms of households.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a bathroom, joints need to be properly sealed against water infiltration, for example the joints between a tile wall and an adjoining bathtub or the joint between a similar wall and a counter. These joints are usually sealed using a caulking compound such as silicone or latex based products. Over time, the high humidity level in the bathroom can stimulate the growth of mildew on the caulking joints. Also, these joints can be damaged.
To improve the appearance of these joints, a number of moldings have been introduced to replace caulking.
Such devices as taught by US Patent No. 4,706,427, issued on Nov. 17, 1987 to Zeilinger, are often rigid and are designed to be installed, with an adhesive, on an unprotected joint to seal it. While these devices isolate the joint from water exposure and resist deterioration better than a caulking joint, their installation requires the removal of the existing caulking, a process that can be very difficult and time consuming.
Another kind of molding has been proposed to protect a bathroom joint. Such a molding, taught by US
Patent No. 2,541,768, issued on Feb. 13, 1951 to Kelley, is installed by being pressed on a fresh joint of caulking
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for concealing the caulking joint or the like between adjoining surfaces. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a device concealing the caulking joints typically found in the water rooms of households.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a bathroom, joints need to be properly sealed against water infiltration, for example the joints between a tile wall and an adjoining bathtub or the joint between a similar wall and a counter. These joints are usually sealed using a caulking compound such as silicone or latex based products. Over time, the high humidity level in the bathroom can stimulate the growth of mildew on the caulking joints. Also, these joints can be damaged.
To improve the appearance of these joints, a number of moldings have been introduced to replace caulking.
Such devices as taught by US Patent No. 4,706,427, issued on Nov. 17, 1987 to Zeilinger, are often rigid and are designed to be installed, with an adhesive, on an unprotected joint to seal it. While these devices isolate the joint from water exposure and resist deterioration better than a caulking joint, their installation requires the removal of the existing caulking, a process that can be very difficult and time consuming.
Another kind of molding has been proposed to protect a bathroom joint. Such a molding, taught by US
Patent No. 2,541,768, issued on Feb. 13, 1951 to Kelley, is installed by being pressed on a fresh joint of caulking
- 2 -before it is cured. It is often flexible and is maintained in place by the cured caulking, effectively protecting it against deterioration. Unfortunately, this device also requires the removal of the existing caulking before S installation in order to be able to apply a fresh caulking joint.
Other kinds of protectors are described in the art, such as the drywall finishing edge strips taught by US
Patent No. 5,045,374, issued on Sep. 3, 1991 to Tucker.
Such finishing strips are adapted to cover corners of various configurations, such as straight and arched wall corners as well as exterior and interior wall corners.
These finishing strips are however limited to drywalls, as they are either too rigid to adequately conform to irregular wall and bathtub surfaces or include a plurality of slits making them unsuitable for use in a bathroom joint.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can improve and preserve the appearance of bathroom joints while being easily and rapidly installed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a device that can conceal an existing caulking joint between two adjacent surfaces.
It is another aim of the present invention that the device forms a watertight joint to prevent water infiltration between the surfaces and the device.
It is another aim of the present invention that the device be relatively easy and quick to install over the existing caulking joint.
It is yet another aim of the present invention to provide a method for concealing a joint between adjacent
Other kinds of protectors are described in the art, such as the drywall finishing edge strips taught by US
Patent No. 5,045,374, issued on Sep. 3, 1991 to Tucker.
Such finishing strips are adapted to cover corners of various configurations, such as straight and arched wall corners as well as exterior and interior wall corners.
These finishing strips are however limited to drywalls, as they are either too rigid to adequately conform to irregular wall and bathtub surfaces or include a plurality of slits making them unsuitable for use in a bathroom joint.
Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can improve and preserve the appearance of bathroom joints while being easily and rapidly installed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an aim of the present invention to provide a device that can conceal an existing caulking joint between two adjacent surfaces.
It is another aim of the present invention that the device forms a watertight joint to prevent water infiltration between the surfaces and the device.
It is another aim of the present invention that the device be relatively easy and quick to install over the existing caulking joint.
It is yet another aim of the present invention to provide a method for concealing a joint between adjacent
- 3 -surfaces that does not involve the removal of the existing caulking.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for concealing a caulking joint formed between adjacent first and second surfaces comprising an elongated central strip of flexible material having first and second edges and the strip having first and second sides; a first flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adapted to be adhered to a first of the adjacent surfaces such that the first flap conforms to the first of the adjacent surfaces in a watertight manner; a second flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adapted to be adhered to a second of the adjacent surfaces such that the second flap conforms to the second of the adjacent surfaces in a watertight manner; and the central strip being adapted to cover the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the first surface and the second flap is adhered to the second surface, whereby the caulking joint is concealed by the device.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for concealing a pair of intersecting joints between adjacent surfaces, comprising a device having an elongated body adapted to have parts of a first side of the body connected to surfaces defining a joint in a watertight manner such that a central strip of the body encloses the joint, the device being adapted to be transversally cut in segments in order to conform with lengths of joints; and a cutting template for shaping ends of a pair of segments of the device in order to obtain complementary ends between the pair of segments meeting at a
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for concealing a caulking joint formed between adjacent first and second surfaces comprising an elongated central strip of flexible material having first and second edges and the strip having first and second sides; a first flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adapted to be adhered to a first of the adjacent surfaces such that the first flap conforms to the first of the adjacent surfaces in a watertight manner; a second flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adapted to be adhered to a second of the adjacent surfaces such that the second flap conforms to the second of the adjacent surfaces in a watertight manner; and the central strip being adapted to cover the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the first surface and the second flap is adhered to the second surface, whereby the caulking joint is concealed by the device.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for concealing a pair of intersecting joints between adjacent surfaces, comprising a device having an elongated body adapted to have parts of a first side of the body connected to surfaces defining a joint in a watertight manner such that a central strip of the body encloses the joint, the device being adapted to be transversally cut in segments in order to conform with lengths of joints; and a cutting template for shaping ends of a pair of segments of the device in order to obtain complementary ends between the pair of segments meeting at a
- 4 -pair of intersecting joints so as to conceal the pair of intersecting joints.
There is also provided a method for concealing a caulking joint between two adjacent surfaces with an S elongated body having a central strip with elongated first and second flaps, comprising the steps of: a) placing and adhering the first flap to one of the surfaces, adjacent to the caulking joint; b) placing and adhering the second flap to the other of the surfaces, adjacent to the caulking joint; such that the central strip is over the caulking joint so that the central strip encloses the caulking joint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features comprising this device are established in the claims presented below. This invention is detailed in the following description of the preferred embodiment interpreted in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. lA is a perspective view of a device for concealing caulking joints according to the invention in a flat configuration thereof;
FIG. 1B is an end view of the configuration presented in FIG. lA;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the device of the invention in an installation configuration thereof;
FIG. 2B is an end view of the configuration presented in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of the invention installed on consecutive caulking joints between adjacent bathroom walls and a bathtub;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a template used to cut the device of the invention; and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the installation of FIG. 3 with the addition of the device of the invention on the caulking joint between the two adjacent bathroom walls.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. lA to 2B and will now be described. A device generally shown at 10 is composed of a transversally convex elongated central strip 12 linking two flaps l4a,b. Each of the flaps l4a,b is terminated by a tapered edge l6a,b slightly inclined towards a back side thereof. The flaps l4a,b are connected to the central strip 12 through hinge joints l8a,b. Each joint l8a,b acts as a hinge to allow easy folding of the flaps l4a,b from a flat configuration illustrated in FIG. lA-1B to an installation configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A-2B. An adhesive strip 20a,b is preferably installed on the back side of each flap l4a,b. A
backing strip 2la,b protects the exposed side of each adhesive strip 20a,b.
In order to protect the covered caulking joint from water infiltration, the device must be made of a water-resisting and watertight material. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of a flexible water-resisting and watertight plastic including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR). It is also possible to use a more rigid material such as aluminum, as long as the joints to be covered are straight and hinge joints l8a,b allow the flaps l4a,b to reach an appropriate installation configuration. Depending on the material used, the device can be white or beige to form a relatively discreet joint or it can be of any color necessary to obtain a decorative effect with respect to the tile, bathtub or wall color. It is also preferable that the device has a smooth finish to facilitate cleaning. The device must be thick enough so as to withstand the risks of puncture occurring in normal use yet thin enough so as to form an esthetically pleasing joint.
Also, the adhesive strips 20a,b are preferably composed of a water-resisting adhesive to form a barrier helping to stop the water from reaching the enclosed caulking joint. It is also possible to manufacture the device 10 without the adhesive strips 20a,b installed on the back of the flaps l4a,b. In this case, an adhesive (e. g., strips) can be provided in a kit along with the device 10.
Before installation, it would be preferable to clean the adjoining surfaces and the caulking joint to be covered in order to ensure a good adhesion of the device 10. It is also possible to cut the device 10 to obtain a length or an end geometry needed for a particular caulking joint to be covered. An installation process for the device will be described in the following, the results of which are illustrated in FIG. 3 where two pieces of the device lOA,B
are installed on consecutive caulking joints 22,23 between adjacent bathroom walls 24,25 and a bathtub 26. Since it is necessary in this case, devices lOA,B are cut to obtain the end shape needed for an adequate joint where the caulking joints 22,23 meet (details will be given on this process in a following paragraph). Starting with device 10A, the backing tape 21a of the adhesive strips 20a (as shown in FIG. lA to 2B) is removed. The flap 14a is pressed against the bathroom wall 24 until the adhesive 20a is sufficiently cured. The central strip 12 is then placed so as to cover the existing caulking joint 22. The procedure described for flap 14a is repeated for flap 14b, i.e., the backing tape 21b of the adhesive strips 20b is removed before pressing flap 14b against the bathtub 26 until the adhesive 20b is sufficiently cured. The procedure is then repeated for the installation of the device lOB on caulking joint 23 where flap 14a is set against the bathroom wall 25 and flap 14b is set against the bathtub 26.
During use, the tapered edge l6a,b will deflect water to minimize water infiltration between the device and the wall and tub surfaces. The tapered edges l6a,b are advantageous when the device is made of a relatively thick material. However, they can be omitted if the material is thin enough so that a straight edge is sufficient to deflect incoming water.
A difficulty often encountered in sealing a joint is forming adequate corner joints, such as shown in FIG. 3.
It can be hard to find the appropriate cutting angle needed for adjoining pieces of sealer material in order to obtain an esthetic, watertight junction between the pieces.
Accordingly, a cutting template 28, a preferred embodiment of which is presented in FIG. 4, can be provided in a kit with the device 10 in order to facilitate its installation in corner joints. The template 28 is composed of two parts 30, 32. To form an appropriate corner joint, one of the adjoining members l0A (refer to FIG. 3) must be cut transversally according to template part 30 and the other member lOB is cut transversally according to template part 32. The flap 14a and central strip 12 of the member lOB
will be installed overlapping the flap 14a and central strip 12 of the member 10A. Overlapping of the flaps 14a and central strips 12 will insure a better watertight joint.
The flaps 14b of members l0A and lOB can be installed in an adjacent manner or overlapped as well. The template 28 is designed for perpendicular surfaces, but it is contemplated to design other templates for other junction angles.
Alternatively, the template may consist of a single member having the different edges on opposite sides, or having a single guide edge suitably used to shape ends of opposed strips to a single complementary shape. It is also contemplated to offer the device 10 in pre-cut strips of standard bathtub lengths and also with ends already cut for a corner joint to further facilitate installation.
The device can also be used to conceal the vertical caulking joint between shower walls, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, a piece of the device lOC is adhesively connected at the junction of the two walls 24,25 in a similar way as the one described for pieces 10A and lOB. There are a number of different ways to insure a watertight joint at the junction of pieces 10A, lOB and 10C.
For example, device lOC can be installed over the horizontal junction of devices l0A and lOB after cutting the edge in contact with devices 10A,B to an appropriate shape. One appropriate shape can be seen in FIG. 5 where the flaps l4a,b of device lOC have a straight transversal edge aligned with hinge joints 18a of devices l0A and lOB and the central strip 12 has a rounded pointed shape to conform to the front side of the central strips 12 of pieces l0A and lOB.
The device is not only adapted to be installed on joints between bathroom walls or between walls and bathtub, but can also be used over similar joints, including, but not limited to, joints between a bathtub and a bathroom floor and joints between a bathroom counter and a wall.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. In particular, the central strip 12 can be transversally straight but very flexible in order to be able to conform to the shape of the existing caulking joint 22. Also, the _ g _ whole device 10 can be continuous, with no apparent demarcation between the flaps l4a,b and the central strip 12, as long as the device is flexible enough to conform to the joint and adjoining surfaces. Furthermore, other water-s resistant adhesive means can be used to replace the adhesive strips 20. These variations and other that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included in the present invention.
There is also provided a method for concealing a caulking joint between two adjacent surfaces with an S elongated body having a central strip with elongated first and second flaps, comprising the steps of: a) placing and adhering the first flap to one of the surfaces, adjacent to the caulking joint; b) placing and adhering the second flap to the other of the surfaces, adjacent to the caulking joint; such that the central strip is over the caulking joint so that the central strip encloses the caulking joint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The features comprising this device are established in the claims presented below. This invention is detailed in the following description of the preferred embodiment interpreted in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. lA is a perspective view of a device for concealing caulking joints according to the invention in a flat configuration thereof;
FIG. 1B is an end view of the configuration presented in FIG. lA;
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the device of the invention in an installation configuration thereof;
FIG. 2B is an end view of the configuration presented in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of the invention installed on consecutive caulking joints between adjacent bathroom walls and a bathtub;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a template used to cut the device of the invention; and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the installation of FIG. 3 with the addition of the device of the invention on the caulking joint between the two adjacent bathroom walls.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. lA to 2B and will now be described. A device generally shown at 10 is composed of a transversally convex elongated central strip 12 linking two flaps l4a,b. Each of the flaps l4a,b is terminated by a tapered edge l6a,b slightly inclined towards a back side thereof. The flaps l4a,b are connected to the central strip 12 through hinge joints l8a,b. Each joint l8a,b acts as a hinge to allow easy folding of the flaps l4a,b from a flat configuration illustrated in FIG. lA-1B to an installation configuration illustrated in FIG. 2A-2B. An adhesive strip 20a,b is preferably installed on the back side of each flap l4a,b. A
backing strip 2la,b protects the exposed side of each adhesive strip 20a,b.
In order to protect the covered caulking joint from water infiltration, the device must be made of a water-resisting and watertight material. In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of a flexible water-resisting and watertight plastic including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, thermoplastic olefin (TPO) and thermoplastic rubber (TPR). It is also possible to use a more rigid material such as aluminum, as long as the joints to be covered are straight and hinge joints l8a,b allow the flaps l4a,b to reach an appropriate installation configuration. Depending on the material used, the device can be white or beige to form a relatively discreet joint or it can be of any color necessary to obtain a decorative effect with respect to the tile, bathtub or wall color. It is also preferable that the device has a smooth finish to facilitate cleaning. The device must be thick enough so as to withstand the risks of puncture occurring in normal use yet thin enough so as to form an esthetically pleasing joint.
Also, the adhesive strips 20a,b are preferably composed of a water-resisting adhesive to form a barrier helping to stop the water from reaching the enclosed caulking joint. It is also possible to manufacture the device 10 without the adhesive strips 20a,b installed on the back of the flaps l4a,b. In this case, an adhesive (e. g., strips) can be provided in a kit along with the device 10.
Before installation, it would be preferable to clean the adjoining surfaces and the caulking joint to be covered in order to ensure a good adhesion of the device 10. It is also possible to cut the device 10 to obtain a length or an end geometry needed for a particular caulking joint to be covered. An installation process for the device will be described in the following, the results of which are illustrated in FIG. 3 where two pieces of the device lOA,B
are installed on consecutive caulking joints 22,23 between adjacent bathroom walls 24,25 and a bathtub 26. Since it is necessary in this case, devices lOA,B are cut to obtain the end shape needed for an adequate joint where the caulking joints 22,23 meet (details will be given on this process in a following paragraph). Starting with device 10A, the backing tape 21a of the adhesive strips 20a (as shown in FIG. lA to 2B) is removed. The flap 14a is pressed against the bathroom wall 24 until the adhesive 20a is sufficiently cured. The central strip 12 is then placed so as to cover the existing caulking joint 22. The procedure described for flap 14a is repeated for flap 14b, i.e., the backing tape 21b of the adhesive strips 20b is removed before pressing flap 14b against the bathtub 26 until the adhesive 20b is sufficiently cured. The procedure is then repeated for the installation of the device lOB on caulking joint 23 where flap 14a is set against the bathroom wall 25 and flap 14b is set against the bathtub 26.
During use, the tapered edge l6a,b will deflect water to minimize water infiltration between the device and the wall and tub surfaces. The tapered edges l6a,b are advantageous when the device is made of a relatively thick material. However, they can be omitted if the material is thin enough so that a straight edge is sufficient to deflect incoming water.
A difficulty often encountered in sealing a joint is forming adequate corner joints, such as shown in FIG. 3.
It can be hard to find the appropriate cutting angle needed for adjoining pieces of sealer material in order to obtain an esthetic, watertight junction between the pieces.
Accordingly, a cutting template 28, a preferred embodiment of which is presented in FIG. 4, can be provided in a kit with the device 10 in order to facilitate its installation in corner joints. The template 28 is composed of two parts 30, 32. To form an appropriate corner joint, one of the adjoining members l0A (refer to FIG. 3) must be cut transversally according to template part 30 and the other member lOB is cut transversally according to template part 32. The flap 14a and central strip 12 of the member lOB
will be installed overlapping the flap 14a and central strip 12 of the member 10A. Overlapping of the flaps 14a and central strips 12 will insure a better watertight joint.
The flaps 14b of members l0A and lOB can be installed in an adjacent manner or overlapped as well. The template 28 is designed for perpendicular surfaces, but it is contemplated to design other templates for other junction angles.
Alternatively, the template may consist of a single member having the different edges on opposite sides, or having a single guide edge suitably used to shape ends of opposed strips to a single complementary shape. It is also contemplated to offer the device 10 in pre-cut strips of standard bathtub lengths and also with ends already cut for a corner joint to further facilitate installation.
The device can also be used to conceal the vertical caulking joint between shower walls, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, a piece of the device lOC is adhesively connected at the junction of the two walls 24,25 in a similar way as the one described for pieces 10A and lOB. There are a number of different ways to insure a watertight joint at the junction of pieces 10A, lOB and 10C.
For example, device lOC can be installed over the horizontal junction of devices l0A and lOB after cutting the edge in contact with devices 10A,B to an appropriate shape. One appropriate shape can be seen in FIG. 5 where the flaps l4a,b of device lOC have a straight transversal edge aligned with hinge joints 18a of devices l0A and lOB and the central strip 12 has a rounded pointed shape to conform to the front side of the central strips 12 of pieces l0A and lOB.
The device is not only adapted to be installed on joints between bathroom walls or between walls and bathtub, but can also be used over similar joints, including, but not limited to, joints between a bathtub and a bathroom floor and joints between a bathroom counter and a wall.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described. In particular, the central strip 12 can be transversally straight but very flexible in order to be able to conform to the shape of the existing caulking joint 22. Also, the _ g _ whole device 10 can be continuous, with no apparent demarcation between the flaps l4a,b and the central strip 12, as long as the device is flexible enough to conform to the joint and adjoining surfaces. Furthermore, other water-s resistant adhesive means can be used to replace the adhesive strips 20. These variations and other that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included in the present invention.
Claims (20)
1. In combination, a caulking joint concealing device, adjacent first and second waterproof surfaces, the first surface being a bathtub surface and the second surface being a tile-covered surface, and a caulking joint covering a joint between the bathtub surface and the tile-covered surface, the device comprising:
a flexible elongated central strip having first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second sides;
a first flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adhered to the bathtub surface in a watertight manner;
a second flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adhered to the tile-covered surface in a watertight manner; and the central strip covering and concealing the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the bathtub surface and the second flap is adhered to the tile-covered surface.
a flexible elongated central strip having first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second sides;
a first flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adhered to the bathtub surface in a watertight manner;
a second flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adhered to the tile-covered surface in a watertight manner; and the central strip covering and concealing the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the bathtub surface and the second flap is adhered to the tile-covered surface.
2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein an exterior longitudinal edge of each of the first and second flaps is tapered.
3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal connection of the first and second flaps to the first and second edges of the central strip are flexible hinges, such that the first and second flaps pivot about a respective one of the hinges from a flat configuration where the first and second flaps are aligned to an installation configuration where the first and second flaps are substantially perpendicular.
4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flaps are integrally formed with the central strip and have a lesser degree of flexibility than the central strip.
5. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flaps are integrally formed with the central strip and have a greater degree of flexibility than the central strip.
6. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the central strip is transversally convex with respect to the second side of the central strip such that the first side forms a concavity to enclose the caulking joint.
7. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the first side of each of the first and second flaps is covered with an adhesive.
8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the adhesive is in the form of at least an adhesive strip.
9. The combination according to claim 7, wherein an exposed part of the adhesive is protected by a removable backing strip.
10. The combination according to claim 7, wherein the adhesive is in the form of two independent adhesive strips, a first of the adhesive strips being pre-applied on the first side of the first flap and a second of the adhesive strips being pre-applied on the first side of the second flap.
11. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the central strip has no contact with the caulking joint.
12. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the central strip is flexible enough to conform to the caulking joint.
13. In combination, a caulking joint concealing device, adjacent first and second waterproof shower walls, and a caulking compound covering a joint between the first and second shower walls, the device comprising:
a flexible elongated central strip having first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second sides;
a first flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adhered to the first shower wall in a watertight manner;
a second flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adhered to the second shower wall in a watertight manner; and the central strip covering and concealing the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the first shower wall and the second flap is adhered to the second shower wall.
a flexible elongated central strip having first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second sides;
a first flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the first edge, the first flap having a first side adhered to the first shower wall in a watertight manner;
a second flexible flap longitudinally connected to the elongated central strip along the second edge, the second flap having a first side adhered to the second shower wall in a watertight manner; and the central strip covering and concealing the caulking joint with the first side of the central strip facing the caulking joint when the first flap is adhered to the first shower wall and the second flap is adhered to the second shower wall.
14. The combination according to claim 13, wherein an exterior longitudinal edge of each of the first and second flaps is tapered.
15. The combination according to claim 13, wherein longitudinal connection of the first and second flaps to the first and second edges of the central strip are flexible hinges such that the first and second flaps pivot about a respective one of the hinges from a flat configuration where the first and second flaps are aligned to an installation configuration where the first and second flaps are substantially perpendicular.
16. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the central strip is transversally convex with respect to the second side of the central strip such that the first side forms a concavity to enclose the caulking joint.
17. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the central strip is spaced from the caulking joint.
18. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the central strip is flexible enough to conform to the caulking joint.
19. The combination according to claim 1, wherein the flexible elongated strip and the first and second flexible flaps are made of a same material, the same material being selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, thermoplastic olefin and thermoplastic rubber.
20. The combination according to claim 13, wherein the flexible elongated strip and the first and second flexible flaps are made of a same material, the same material being selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, thermoplastic olefin and thermoplastic rubber.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002442220A CA2442220C (en) | 2003-09-23 | 2003-09-23 | Device for concealing caulking joint and method |
| EP03292778A EP1518970A3 (en) | 2003-09-23 | 2003-11-06 | Device for concealing caulking joint amd method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002442220A CA2442220C (en) | 2003-09-23 | 2003-09-23 | Device for concealing caulking joint and method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2442220A1 CA2442220A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 |
| CA2442220C true CA2442220C (en) | 2009-04-21 |
Family
ID=34383891
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002442220A Expired - Lifetime CA2442220C (en) | 2003-09-23 | 2003-09-23 | Device for concealing caulking joint and method |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2442220C (en) |
-
2003
- 2003-09-23 CA CA002442220A patent/CA2442220C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2442220A1 (en) | 2005-03-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20230925 |