GB2401379A

GB2401379A - Securing a trim element over an expansion gap around a floor covering

Info

Publication number: GB2401379A
Application number: GB0310507A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Vincent William Ballarin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-05-08
Filing date: 2003-05-08
Publication date: 2004-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-08
Also published as: GB2401379B; GB0310507D0

Abstract

A securing device (1) comprises a trim retaining means, spacing means and means for fixing the device in position (13, 15). Preferably the retaining means includes at least one trim support (5, 7) which, in use, upstands perpendicular to a horizontal base (3) of the device. Each support may have a stepped portion (5a) and a barb (9) arranged to engage a trim element (17, Figures 2a,b). The base may include a pointed formation (11, 11a) which, in use, is arranged to cut into a boundary wall (19, Figure 3) when force is applied to the device. The device is also claimed in combination with an elongate trim element. A method of using such a device is also disclosed.

Description

Apparatus for, and method of, laying flooring systems T he present

invention relates to a floor trim apparatus for use with flooring systems of the type that requires an expansion gap between at least one edge of the flooring and a floor boundary and a method of laying such flooring systems on a floor substrate using the apparatus.

When laying some flooring systems in domestic residences or offices it is necessary to leave expansion yaps between the edges ofthe flooring and floorboundaries such as skirting boards plaster board or walls. This is because the flooring expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Such flooring systems typically include floating flooring systems such as wooden floors laminated flooring and some tiling systems. This presents a problem to 0 tradesmen since the layer wants to obtain a flush boundary at the flooring - boundary interface to obtain an aesthetically pleasing finish and to preventing dirt accumulating in the gaps. The gaps may also present a hazard in domestic settings since young children and family pets may snag themselves on any rough flooring edges.

For rooms having walls with skirting boards one way of achieving a flush finish is to remove Is the skirting boards from the walls and to lay the flooring so that there are expansion gaps between the walls and the edges ofthcflooriilgthat arenanowerthanthcwidth ofthe skirting boards then reattaching the skirting boards to the walls on top of the flooring. The flooring is then free to expand and contract beneath the skirting boards. This approach is cumbersome and Nay damage the walls when removing the skirting boards. Also if only a part of a r oom is to receive the flooring there may be discontinuities in the skirting boards particularly where one flooring system abuts a second type of flooring which is unsightly.

An a]tenative approach is to day the flooring with expansion gaps between the:flooring edges and the skirting boards. The gaps are then covered by attaching beading to the skirting boards that extends over the width (and length) of the gaps. The beading is nailed or cemented to the skirting boards. The disadvantage of nailing is that it fonns holes in the skirting boards and beading and detracts fi own the visual effect of the beading. Cementing beading in place may dead to surface damage of the skirting boards if the beading is removed.

One attempt at overcoming these problems that is known in the art is to undercut the skirting boards whilst positioned on the walls and day the flooring thereunder. Whilst this obviates the need to remove the skirting boards from the walls, it leads to inreparab]c damage ofthe skirting boards and it has proved difficult in practice to lay flooring boards underneath the skirting boards and to join those boards to adjacent boards.

Accordingly the present invention seeks to provide apparatus for, and a method of, laying flooring that mitigates at least some of the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a floor trim apparatus for use with flooring systems comprising a floor covering laid on a floor substrate; the apparatus including at least one elongate trim element for covering an edge of the floor covering and at least one device for securing the position of the trim element, said securing device including means for retaining the trim element, means for engaging a boundary wall to space the trim element a predetermined distance from the boundary wall and means for fixing the securing device in a selected position.

The floor substrate is the base floor on which the flooring is laid, for example the floor substrate may be a concrete floor slab or wooden floor boards. The boundary wall may be a IS wall that defines a space or some finishing media attached thereto such as plaster board or skirting boards.

The trim element is used to cover the gap between the boundary and the flooring and may be, for example, an edge profile trim. Advantageously, the trim element has a substantially T shaped cross-section. Preferably the T shaped cross section is non-syinmetrica], and preferably one face of the trim element is tapered.

Advantageously the retaining means includes at least one trim support member. For example, the trim support memDcr may include at least one of a wa]], an upright member, a caste]lation, a strut, or an engaging Connation that is comp]ellentary to a fomlation located on the trim.

Preferably at least one past of the trim support member is resilient, and may be arranged 2s substantially perpendicular to a base member.

Advantageously the retaining means includes the means for engaging a boundary war]. For example, the retaining means includes a step that defines a first past and a second past offset from the first past. Prcterab]y the first part extends upwards fiom a base member and is arranged to abut the boundary and the second part is an-anged for engaging the trim element.

Preferably the retaining means includes a barb arranged to engage the trim element.

Preferably the fixing means and the retaining means are fonned integrally with a base member.

Preferably the fixing means, the retaining means and the base member are made from a resilient metal, and are preferably made from spring steed.

s Advantageously the fixing means includes a Connation that is arranged to cut into the boundary wall with the application of force to the device. Preferably the formation includes at least one tapered edge, and preferably a barb arranged to engage the boundary wall.

Preferably the fixing means includes means for cementing, or nailing or screwing the device to the floor substrate.

l o According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for use with flooring systems to be laid on a floor substrate of the type that requires an expansion gap between at least one edge of the flooring and a floor boundary, said device including a base member, means for retaining the trim el ement, means for engaging the floor boundary to space the trim element a predetermined distance from theboundary and means for fixing the position of the device relative to at least one of the floor boundary and the floor substrate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of laying flooring systems of the type that requires an expansion gap between at least one edge of the flooring and a floor boundary onto a floor substrate, using a floor trim apparatus substantially as describe herein, including the steps: driving at least one securing device into the floor boundary until the means for engaging the boundary engages said boundary, laying the flooring such that there is an expansion gap between a flooring edge and the means for retaining the trim element, and engaging the trim element with the device such that the trim element at least partially covers the expansion gap.

Typically a plurality of the securing devices are used and they are positioned in a spaced relationship to one another along the boundary. Preferably the devices are spaced at approximately 30cm intervals along the boundary.

An embodiment ofthe present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate equivalent features, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a clip; Figure 2a is a perspective view of a flooring trim; Figure 2b is an end view of a flooring trim of Figure 2a; and Figure 3 is a cross-section showing the invention in use; s Figure 1 shows a clip I including a base 3, two profiled support members 5 and a straight support member 7. Attached to the support members 5,7 are barbs 9. 'the base 3 also includes two tapered edges] 1, two barbs 13 and three holes 1 S. The clip I is typically made from a resilient material such as spring steel and preferably fabricated by stamping the base 3 out of sheet material. The clip I is approximately 90 mm lo long, 25 mm wide and has a thickness of I mm. The support members 5,7 are stamped out of the body of the base 3, without disassociating the support members 5,7 *om the base 3, and bent into shape as required. The straight support member 7 is located in a position in between the profiled support members 5 but is offset by approximately 5 mm. The straight support member 7 is substantially perpendicular to the base 3, and in use is substantially vertical. The straight support member 7 extends to a height of 10 mm above the base 3 and is 7 mm wide.

The prodded support members S are approximately 14 mn1 long and S mm wide and are positioned in line side by side and are spaced apart by 7 mm. The profiled support members S are shaped to include steps Sa at positions approximately S mm along the lengths of the support members S. The steps Sa define lower parts ofthe support members Sb and upper pasts Sc. The steps Sa offset the upper and lower parts Sb,Sc of the profiled support members S by 4 mm. The upper and lower parts ofthc support members S arc substantially perpendicular to the base 3. The profiled support members S extend to approximately the same height as the straight support member 7 above the base 3.

Preferably, the support members 5,7 include barbs 9 for more firmly holding a trim 17 in place.

The tapered edges I I in the base 3 arc arranged to fowl a point I I a. The tapered edges I I are ananged to cut into a floor boundary, for example a skirting board 19, when an appropriate force is applied to the clip 1, for example by hammering. Barbs 13 can be included adjacent -s the tapered edges I] to provide additional gripping force if necessary. The edges 1 1 may be sharpened.

Figures 2a and 2b show an edge profile flooring trim 17. The trim 17 is elongate and has a substantially 'T' shaped cross-section that includes a first cover part 1 7a, a second cover part 17h and a support part 17c. Preferably the 'T' shaped cross-section is Donned non symmetrically by offsetting the position of the support part 1 7c towards the first cover pan' 17a.

The first cover part 1 7a includes a tapered face. In use, the tapered face reduces the surface area of the trim 17 that contacts the skirting board 19 which helps prevent the trim 17 fi om lo bowing when the skirting board 19 is uneven, and tends to cause the trim 17 to slope downwards and apply pressure on the flooring located below. The second cover part 1 7b can have a square edge or a rounded profile. Advantageously, in use a trim 17 having a second cover part] 7b with a square edge does not have to be mitred at room corners, instead the ends of the trims can be butted up against each other, making the floor laying process easier, I 5 particularly for home owners having limited craft skills.

The trim 17 can be made from any suitable material including aluninium, MDF, wood and plastic, and may be finished with a suitable medium such as a foil wrap or veneer.

The method of use of a single clip I will now be described. The clip 1 is driven into a skirting board 19, or wall, towards the base thereof, point I 1 a first, until the lower parts of the profiled support members 5b abut the skirting board 19. This defines the position of the clip I, and hence the flooring trim 17, relative to the skirting board 19 and base flooring. By base flooring we mean the concrete substrate or wooden floor boards underneath the flooring system being rayed. The clip I may be secured to the base flooring by cementing or hammering nails 25 through holes 15, if required. Underlay 21 is then laid over a past ofthe base 3 and the flooring 23 is superimposed thereon such that an expansion gap remains between an edge of the flooring 23a and the straight support member 7. The gap between the skirting board 19 and the flooring 23 is covered by a length of edge profile flooring trim] 7. The trim 17 is attached to the clip I by inserting the support part 17c between the upper parts 5c of the profiled support members and the straight support member 7. The support members 5,7 are arranged to grip the support past 1 7c to secure the position of trim 17 relative to the skirting board 19.

This is achieved by forming the support members 5,7 from a resilient material such as spring steel. If additional grip is required barbs 9 can be Conned in the support members 5,7.

The gap between the skirting board 19 and the profiled support members 5 is covered by the first cover past 1 7a and the expansion gap between the straight support member 7 and the edge of the flooring 23a is covered by the second cover part 1 7b.

The barbs 13 are arranged such that a retraction force acting on the clip] would cause the barbs 13 to cut into the skirting board 19 and resist removal therefrom.

Typically, when laying flooring 23 a number of clips I are hammered into the skirting boards 19, walls or plaster finish as appropriate, preferably at approximately 30cm intervals. In some lo instances there are smal] gaps between the skirting boards 19, walls or plaster finish and the base floor. In this case, the clips 1 may be positioned in such gaps provided that the fit is tight enough to retain the clips I in position, or the clip I is fixed to the base flooring, for example by cementing or nailing.

It will be appreciated that alterations can be made to the embodiment described above without IS departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the cross-section of the trim 17 could be different, and may be substantially 'L' shaped. The profiled support members 5 could be replaced by straight support members 7, and vice versa. The shape and position of the support members 5,7 could also be altered.

The insertion past of the base 3 (edges I I and point I 1 a) could be reshaped and may include a rounded portion. The holes 15 and the barbs 9 could be omitted without substantially affecting the utility of the invention.

The clip I is not restricted to spring steel, or resilient metals. The clip 1 can be made frown any

suitable material.

Claims

Claims . A floor trim apparatus for use with flooring systems comprising a

floor covering laid on a floor substrate; the apparatus including at least one elongate trim element for covering an edge of the floor coveting and at least one device for securing the position of the trim element, said securing device including means for retaining the trim element, means for engaging a boundary wall to space the trim element a predetermined distance from the boundary wall and means for fixing the securing device in a selected position.

2. A floor trim apparatus according to claim], wherein the r Staining means includes at least one trim support member.

3. A floor trim apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one past of the trim support member is resilient.

4. A floor trim apparatus according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the trim support member is substantially perpendicular to a base member.

5. A floor trim apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means includes the means for engaging a boundary wall.

6. A floor trim apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the retaining means includes a step that defines a first past and a second part offset Tom the first past.

7. A floor trim apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining means includes a barb arranged to engage the trim element.

8. A floor trim apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means and the retaining means are formed integrally with a base member.

9. A floor trim apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the fixing means, the retaining means and the base member are made from a resilient metal, and are preferably made from spring steel.

It). A floor trim apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means includes a Connation that is arranged to cut into the boundary wall with the application of force to the device.

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I I. A floor tim apparatus according to c]aim 10, wherein the fonnation includes at lea.st one tapered edge, and preferably a barb an-anged to engage the boundary wall.

12. A floor trim apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means includes means for cementing, or nailing or screwing the device to the floor substrate.

] 3. A device for use with flooring systems to be laid on a floor substrate of the type that requires an expansion gap between at least one edge of the flooring and a floor boundary, said device including a base member, means for retaining the trim element, means for engaging the floor boundary to space the trim element a predetermined distance from the boundary and means for fixing the position of the device relative to at least one of the floor boundary and the floor substrate.

14. A method of laying flooring systems of the type that requires an expansion gap between at least one edge of the flooring and a floor boundary onto a floor substrate, using a floor trim apparatus according to any one of claims I to 12, including the steps: driving at least one securing device into the floor boundary until the means for engaging the boundary engages said boundary, laying the flooring such that there is an expansion gap between a flooring edge and the means for retaining the trim element, and engaging the trim element with the device such that the trim element at least partially covers the expansion gap.

15. A device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.