WO1995008034A1

WO1995008034A1 - Architectural decorations

Info

Publication number: WO1995008034A1
Application number: PCT/GB1994/001948
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Trevor Billson
Original assignee: Aristo-Vac Limited
Priority date: 1993-09-15
Filing date: 1994-09-08
Publication date: 1995-03-23
Also published as: GB2281879A; GB9319127D0; GB9418116D0

Abstract

An architectural decoration such as a ceiling centre (30) comprises a shell (31) of thin rigid plastics material having at least one position-locating edge portion (32) and at least one insert (33) of rigid light weight material bonded inside the shell and having at least one mounting surface (34) flush with the edge portion (32), for receiving one side of a double-sided adhesive tape (35) having the other side protected by peelable sheet material (36). When it is desired to fix the decoration (30) in place the position is marked on the ceiling, the protective sheet material (36) is peeled off from the double-sided adhesive tape (35) applied t the mounting surface (34), and the decoration pressed into place, whereafter it is held by the double-sided adhesive tape.

Description

ARCHITECTURAL DECORATIONS

This invention relates to architectural decorations, such as ceiling centres, cornices, dado rails, door surrounds, fire surrounds, mirror and picture frames, panel surrounds, plaques and niches. It is known to manufacture architectural decorations by casting plaster pieces in moulds, sometimes with fibre reinforcement, and then - when the pieces have set, been removed from the moulds, and dried - the pieces are secured in place by screws and/or cement, screws being used to hold heavy pieces in place while cement sets.

It is also known to manufacture lightweight architectural decorations by moulding plastics sheet material and securing them by cement applied to resilient foam material bonded inside the mouldings. Both forms of mouldings are available on the DIY market, but both suffer from the disadvantage of requiring the additional purchase of suitable cement, carrying it home, spreading of it on either the plaster pieces or the resilient foam material, removal of surplus cement without spoiling adjacent surfaces or details, and waiting for the cement to set before any further work, such as painting, can be satisfactorily carried out.

The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide architectural decorations that do not suffer from these disadvantages.

According to the present invention, an architectural decoration comprises at least one rigid shell having at least - Δ —

one position-locating edge portion, and at least one insert of rigid light-weight material bonded inside the shell and having at least one mounting surface flush with the edge portion, for receiving one side of double-sided adhesive tape having the other side protected by peelable sheet material. The decoration may be sold with the double-sided adhesive tape already affixed thereto, and/or double-sided adhesive tape may be supplied separately for application to the mounting surface by the user. When it is desired to fix the decoration in place on a wall and/or ceiling all that is needed is to mark or otherwise locate the position for the decoration, peel off the protective sheet material from the double-sided adhesive tape applied to the mounting surface, and press the decoration into place, whereafter it is held by the double-sided adhesive tape.

Thus there is no need to purchase and carry home cement, apply it, remove surplus cement, or wait for cement setting before carrying out any further work. However, it may be necessary to apply a little quick- drying filler or sealant where the edge portion meets the wall and/or ceiling.

If, as is preferred, the insert conforms closely - but not necessarily precisely - to at least a major part of the inside of the shell, then the shell can be formed from very thin plastics sheet, e.g., "rigid" PVC or high-impact polystyrene having a thickness of the order of 750 microns to 1.0 mm, which enables very sharp architectural details to be reproduced by vacuum-moulding, as well as a very close fit of overlapping shells where more than one shell is required to form a complete decoration, e.g., a cornice or dado rail.

The insert may be formed of foamed polystyrene or other suitable foamed plastics, which may be moulded in situ within the shell to effect the bonding thereto, as well as filling the inside of a shell formed from very thin plastics sheet.

A length for a dado rail or panel surround may comprise a shell with longitudinal position-locating coplanar edges (but may also have end edges coplanar with the longitudinal edges), preferably with the insert extending the full width and full length of the inside of the shell. End portions of the length may have a slightly reduced cross- section, for flush fitting of a corner member for a panel surround or a connector for a dado rail or panel side.

A corner member for a panel surround may comprise a shell having coplanar inner and outer position-locating edge portions terminating at mutually-perpendicular end openings in the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent side lengths; and the insert may be a square having two adjacent sides against the outer edge portion of the shell, its other two adjacent sides spaced from the respective end openings in the shell, and having its mounting surface flush with the edge portions.

A connector for adjacent lengths of dado rail or panel sides may comprise a shell with longitudinal position-locating coplanar edges between open ends of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over the adjacent lengths; and the shell may contain an insert having ends spaced from the open ends of the shell and having a mounting surface flush with the longitudinal edges of the shell; or the inside of the shell may be provided (initially or subsequently) with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape adjacent its longitudinal edges for affixing to the corresponding external parts of the adjacent lengths of dado rail or panel sides.

Preferably, however, a kit of parts for a dado rail in accordance with the invention comprises lengths as aforesaid (without end edges coplanar with the longitudinal edges or end portions having a slightly reduced cross-section), and connectors formed as open-ended shells without inserts and with a slightly greater cross-section than that of the lengths of dado rail, and with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape inside each connector shell for affixing to corresponding external parts of adjacent lengths of dado rail.

An outer corner connector for a dado rail may comprise a shell having upper and lower position-locating edge portions lying in mutually-perpendicular planes between mutually- perpendicular open ends of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent face lengths, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to corresponding external parts of the adjacent face lengths.

An inner corner connector for a dado rail preferably comprises two integral shell portions with a vertical hinge at the corner proper betwee-n mating faces each at slightly less than 45° to upper and lower coplanar position-locating edge p.;-tions terminating at open ends of the shell portions for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent face lengths, the insides of the shell portions being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to corresponding external parts of the adjacent face lengths. The less than 45° angle between each mating face and the respective plane of the upper and lower edge portions of the respective shell portion enables the shell portions to be p.- itioned in an inner corner having an angle of precisely 90° or slightly more or slightly less than 90°, and any gap between the mating faces may be made up with compressible foam with double-sided adhesive tape on both faces and/or quick- drying filler or sealant. A kit of parts for a panel surround in accordance with the invention preferably comprises at least four lengths as aforesaid (without end edges coplanar with the longitudinal edges or end portions having a slightly reduced cross- section), and four corner members. Each corner member may be as described above; or each corner member may have the same cross-section as the adjacent side lengths and have two stub portions mutually perpendicular to each other at each end of a quarter-circle portion, with an insert or insert portions having a mounting surface or surfaces provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape, in which case the kit also includes connectors formed as open-ended shells without inserts and with a slightly greater cross-section than that of the lengths of panel surround, with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape inside each connector shell for affixing to corresponding external parts of one end of a length of panel surround and the adjacent stub portion of a corner member.

A length for a cornice may comprise a shell with a lower longitudinal wall-engaging edge and an upper longitudinal ceiling-engaging edge (but may also have closed ends each having edge portions coplanar respectively with the lower and upper longitudinal edges) , preferably with the insert extending the full length of the inside of the shell and having mutually-perpendicular mounting surfaces flush respectively with the lower and upper longitudinal edges of the shell. Again, end portions of the length may have a slightly reduced cross-section, for flush fitting of a corner member or a connector. Alternatively, a length for a cornice may comprise a shell with lower and upper longitudinal wall-engaging edges, with the upper edge along a plain ceiling abutting face of the shell, and a piece or pieces of double-sided adhesive tape is preferably provided on the ceiling abutting face as well as on the mounting surface of the insert flush with the lower and upper longitudinal edges of the shell.

A connector for adjacent lengths of cornice may comprise a shell having a lower longitudinal wall-engaging edge and an upper ceiling-engaging edge for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to corresponding external parts of the cornice lengths. An outer corner connector for a cornice may comprise a shell having lower wall-engaging edge portions and upper ceiling-engaging edge portions between mutually-perpendicular open ends of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths; and the shell may contain an insert having a generally L-shaped mounting surface flush with the ceiling-engaging edge portions of the shell and a pair of mutually-perpendicular mounting surfaces flush with the wall- engaging edge portions of the shell; or the inside of the shell may be provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape adjacent its open ends for affixing to external parts of the adjacent lengths of cornice.

An inner corner connector for a cornice preferably comprises two integral shell portions with a vertical hinge at the corner proper between mating faces each at slightly less than 45° to respective lower wall-engaging edge portions, there also being upper ceiling-engaging edge portions which along with the lower edge portions terminate at open ends of the shell portions for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths, the insides of the shell portions being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to external parts of the adjacent cornice lengths. The less than 45° angle between each mating face and the respective wall-engaging edge portion enables the shell portions to be positioned in an inner corner having an angle of precisely 90° or slightly more or slightly less than 90°, and any gap between the mating faces may be made up with compressible foam with double-sided adhesive tape on both faces and/or quick-drying filler or sealant.

A kit of parts for a cornice in accordance with th invention preferably comprises at least four cornice lengths, each with lower and upper longitudinal wall-engaging edge (without end edges coplanar with the longitudinal edges or en portions having a slightly reduced cross-section) , and a least four inner corner members as aforesaid.

Each distinct mounting surface is preferably provide with at least one piece of double-sided adhesive tape, whic piece may be contiguous with a piece on an adjacent mountin surface. A large or wide mounting surface may be provide with two (or more) pieces of double-sided adhesive tap preferably one adjacent each of two opposite parallel edges o the mounting surface. Double-sided adhesive tape may b supplied separately for additional application to a mountin surface, including re-application when any architectura decoration in accordance with the invention has bee incorrectly positioned.

A ceiling centre will comprise a shell having a endless edge portion round its periphery, with at least a annular insert extending an appreciable radial distance i from the endless edge portion of the shell, with which edg portion the mounting surface of the insert will lie flush. Double-sided adhesive tape may be provided as a singula annulus, straight lengths applied in proximation to a annulus, or straight lengths applied radially.

A niche or niche surround comprises a shell having a endless outer edge portion, and a niche surround will als have an endless inner edge portion in the same plane as the outer edge portion, either preferably having an insert only in a lower shelf portion of the shell, while the apex of the shell is provided with a keyhole plate bonded into the shell, for securing by a screw in a wall engaged by the keyhole slot.

A number of embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is an elevation of a ceiling centre; Figure 2 is the reverse elevation of the ceiling centre;

Figure 3 is a section on the line III - III of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front elevation of a length for a dado rail or panel surround;

Figure 5 is the reverse elevation of the object of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a section from the line VI - VI of Figure 4; Figure 7 is an end elevation showing a variant of the object of Figures 4 to 6;

Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 7 but shows a modification;

Figure 9 is a side elevation of a corner member for a panel surround;

Figure 10 is a section from the line X-X of Figure 9 showing how two lengths of panel surround as in Figures 4 to 6 fit into the corner member; Figure 11 is a diagram of a kit of parts for a panel surround comprising four corner members as in Figures 9 and 10 and four side lengths as in Figures 4 to 6;

Figure 12 corresponds to Figure 11 but shows an alternative kit of parts for a panel surround;

Figure 13 is a front elevation of a connector for adjacent lengths of dado rail in position on two such lengths;

Figure 14 is the reverse elevation of the connector of Figure 13; Figure 15 corresponds to Figure 14 but shows a modified form of connector;

Figure 16 is a side elevation of an outer corner member for a dado rail of the type shown in Figures 4 to 6. Figure 17 is a top view of the object of Figure 16; Figure 18 is a front elevation of an inner corner member for a dado rail of the type shown in Figures 4 to 6; Figure 19 is a top view of the object of Figure 18; Figure 20 corresponds to Figure 19 but shows the inner corner member adapted for an inner corner having an angle less than 90°;

Figure 21 corresponds to Figure 20 but shows the inner corner member adapted for an inner corner having an angle of precisely 90°;

Figure 22 is a vertical section through one form of length for a cornice;

Figure 23 corresponds to Figure 22 but shows a modified form of cornice length;

Figure 24 is an end view of a connector for use with either of the forms of cornice lengths shown in Figures 22 and 23;

Figure 25 is a view of the connector of Figure 24 as seen from the right-hand side of that Figure; Figure 26 is a top view of an outer corner member for a cornice made of lengths as in Figure 22 or Figure 23;

Figure 27 is a top view of an inner corner member for a cornice made of lengths as in Figure 22 or Figure 23;

Figure 28 is a reverse elevation of a niche surround; and

Figure 29 is a view of the niche surround of Figure 28 as seen from the left-hand side of that Figure.

The ceiling centre 30 shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a rigid shell 31 having a position-locating edge portion 32 round its periphery, and an insert 33 of rigid light-weight material bonded inside the shell and having a mounting surface 34 flush with the edge portion, for receiving c side of double-sided adhesive tape 35 having the other ε .. ^■.-.. protected :>y peelable sheet material 36. The ceiling centre 30 may be sold with the double-sided adhesive tape 35 already affixed thereto, and/or double-sided adhesive tape may be supplied separately for application to the mounting surface 34 by the user.

When it is desired ;. o fix the ceiling centre 30 in place on a ceiling all that is needed is to mark or otherwise locate the position on the ceiling, peel off the protective tape 36 from the double-sided adhesive tape 35 applied to the mounting surface 34, and press the ceiling centre into place, whereafter it is held by the double-sided adhesive tape.

It may be necessary to apply a little quick-drying filler or sealant where the edge portion 32 meets the ceiling, but otherwise the ceiling centre is ready substantially immediately for painting, if desired.

Although the double-sided adhesive tape 35 is shown applied in straight lengths in proximation to an annulus, straight lengths could, alternatively, be applied radially, or the double-sided adhesive tape may be provided as a custom made annulus.

In Figures 4 to 6 a length 40 for a dado rail or panel surround comprises a rigid shell 41 with longitudinal position-locating coplanar edges 42 (but, as indicated by Figure 7, may also have end edges 43 coplanar with the longitudinal edges), and a rigid light-weight insert 44 extending the full length and width of the inside of the shell, to which the insert is bonded, the insert having a mounting surface 45 flush with the edges 42 of the shell for receiving one side of double-sided adhesive tape 35 having the other side protected by peelable sheet material 36.

When it is desired to fix the length of dado rail or panel surround to a wall all that is needed is to mark a straight line on the wall (corresponding to, say, the upper edge of the dado rail or the o ters edge of the panel surround), peel off the protective tape 36 from the double- sided adhesive tape 35 applied to the mounting surface 45, and press the length 40 into place on the wall, whereafter it is held by the double-sided adhesive tape. It may be necessary to apply a little quick-drying filler or sealant along where the edges 42 meet the wall, except - possibly - where wallpaper will closely abut the shell 41. Figure 8 indicates the shell 41X of a length 40X of dado rail or panel surround as having reduced end portions 46 for flush fitting of a connector (not shown) having the same outer profile as the shell 41X.

The corner member 50 (Figures 9 and 10) for a panel surround comprises a shell 51 having coplanar inner and outer position-locating edge portions 52, 53 respectively terminating at mutually-perpendicular end openings 54 in the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent side lengths 40 as Figures 4 to 6; and the insert 55 is a square having two adjacent sides 56 against the outer edge portion 53 of the shell, its other two adjacent sides 57 spaced from the respective end openings 54 in the shell, and having its mounting surface 58 (which carries strips 35 of double-sided adhesive tape) flush with the edge portions, 52, 53.

Figure 11 shows diagrammatically the least number of parts for forming a panel surround, being four lengths 40 as in Figures 4 to 6 and four corner members 50 as in Figures 9 and 10. If the sides of the panel surround have a greater length than the maximum available length 40 then two (or more) lengths 40 can be joined together, e.g., by connectors (not shown) similar to the corner members 50 but with opposite end openings, or by connectors such as are shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15 for connecting lengths 40 of dado rail together. It will be appreciated that a length 40 can be cut for any length needed to make up a required total length of side of a panel surround with another similar length or other similar lengths, together with a connector or connectors as aforesaid.

In Figure 12 each of four corner members 60 has the same cross-section as the adjacent side lengths 40 and has two stub portions 61 mutually perpendicular to each other at each end of a quarter-circle portion 62, with an insert (not shown) having a mounting surface provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape, and connectors 70 formed as open-ended shells without inserts and with a slightly greater cross-section than the lengths 40 of panel surround, with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape inside each connector shell for affixing to corresponding external parts of one end of a length 40 of panel surround and the adjacent stub portion 61 of a corner member 60, similar to what will shortly be described with reference to Figure 15.

In Figure 13 two lengths 40 for a dado rail or panel side are shown coupled together by a connector 70 formed as an open-ended shell with a slightly greater cross-section than the lengths 40. In Figure 14 the connector is shown with an insert 71 having ends 72 spaced from the open ends 73 of the shell and having a mounting surface 74 flush with the longitudinal edges 75 of the shell and provided with a piece of double-sided adhesive tape 35; while in Figure 15 there is no insert and the inside of the shell is provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape 35 adjacent its longitudinal edges 75 for affixing to the corresponding external parts of the adjacent lengths 40 of dado rail or panel side.

The outer corner connector 80 for a dado rail, which connector is shown in Figures 16 and 17, comprises a shell having upper and lower position-locating edge portions 81 lying in mutually-perpendicular planes between mutually- perpendicular open ends 82 of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship (not shown, but similarly to the connector 70 in Figure 13) over adjacent face lengths, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape 35 for affixing to corresponding external parts of the adjacent face lengths.

Figures 18 to 21 show an inner corner connector 90 for a dado rail comprising two integral shell portions 91 with a vertical hinge 92 at the corner proper between mating faces 93 each at slightly less than 45° to upper and lower coplanar position-locating edge portions 94 terminating at open ends 95 of the shell portions for fitting in overlapping relationship (not shown, but - again - similarly to the connector 70 in Figure 13) over adjacent face lengths, the insides of the shell portions 91 being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape 35 for affixing to corresponding external parts of the adjacent face lengths. The less than 45° angle between each mating face 93 and the respective plane of the upper and lower edge portions 94 of the respective shell portion 91 enables the shell portions to be positioned in an inner corner having an angle of precisely 90° (as demonstrated by Figure 21) or slightly more than 90° (not illustrated) or slightly less than 90° (as demonstrated by Figure 20), any gap between the mating faces 93 being made up with compressible foam with double-sided adhesive tape on both faces or, as shown in Figure 21, with quick-drying filler or sealant 96. Figure 22 is an end view of a length 100 for a cornice comprising a shell 101 with a lower longitudinal wall-engaging edge 102 and an upper longitudinal ceiling-engaging edge 103, with an insert 104 bonded to and extending the full length of the inside of the shell and having mutually-perpendicular mounting surfaces 105, 106 respectively flush respectively with the lower and upper longitudinal edges of the shell, and the mounting surfaces are provided with strips of double-sided adhesive tape 35 adjacent the longitudinal edges for securing the cornice length to both the wall and the ceiling. The corner 107 between the mounting surfaces 105, 106 may be bevelled to accommodate an otherwise than truly square corner between the wall and the ceiling.

In Figure 23 the length 100 for a cornice is generaly similar to that of Figure 22 (as indicated by like reference numerals) but has an upper longitudinal wall-engaging edge 108 as well as the lower longitudinal wall-engaging edge 102, with the upper edge along a plain ceiling-abutting face 109 of the shell 101, and a piece of double-sided adhesive tape 35 is provided on the ceiling-abutting face as well as on the mounting surface 105 flush with the lower and upper edges 102, 108 of the shell. Again, the corner 107 may be bevelled.

The connector 110 shown in Figures 24 and 25 can be used with cornice lengths 100 as in Figure 22 or Figure 23 and comprises a shell having a lower wall-engaging edge 111 and an upper ceiling-engaging edge 112 for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesvie tape 35 for affixing to corresponding external parts of the cornice lengths.

Figure 26 is a view from above of an outer corner connector 120 for a cornice, the connector comprising a shell having lower wall-engaging edge portions 121 and upper ceiling-engaging edge portions 122 between mutually- perpendicular open ends 123 of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths 100 as in Figure 22 or Figure 23, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape 35 adjacent its open ends 123 for affixing to external parts of the adjacent lengths of cornice.

Figure 27 is a similar view of an inner corner connector 130 for cornice lengths 100 as in Figure 22 or Figure 23, the connector comprising two integral shell portions 131 with a vertical hinge 132 at the corner proper between mating faces 133 each at slightly less than 45° to respective lower wall-engaging edge portions 134, there also being upper ceiling-engaging edge portions 135 which along with the lower edge portions terminate at open ends 136 of the shell portions for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths the insides of the shell portions 131 being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape 35 for affixing to external parts of the adjacent cornice lengths. As in the case of the inner dado corner connector of Figures 18 to 21, the less than 45° angle between each mating face 133 and the respective wall-engaging edge portion enables the shell portions 131 to be positioned in an inner corner having an angle of precisely 90° or slightly more or slightly less than 90°, and - again - any gap between the mating faces may be made up with compressible foam with double-sided adhesive tape on both faces or quick-drying filler or sealant. The niche surround 140 shown in Figures 28 and 29 comprises a shell 141 having endless outer and inner edge portions 142, 143 in the same plane and an insert 144 only in a lower shelf portion 145 of the shell having a mounting surface 146 flush with the edge portions 142, 143 provided with lengths of double-sided adhesive tape 35. The apex of the shell 141 is provided with a keyhole plate 147 bonded into the shell, for securing by a screw (not shown) in a wall engaged by the keyhole slot 148.

Claims

1. An architectural decoration comprising at least one rigid shell having at least one position-locating edge portion, and at least one insert of rigid light-weight material bonded inside the shell and having at least one mounting surface flush with the edge portion, for receiving one side of double-sided adhesive tape having the other side protected by peelable sheet material.

2. An architectural decoration as in Claim 1, sold with the double-sided adhesive tape affixed thereto.

3. An architectural decoration as in Claim 1 or

Claim 2, wherein double-sided adhesive tape is supplied separately for application to the mounting surface by the user.

4. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the shell is formed from "rigid" PVC or high-impact polystyrene having a thickness of the order of 750 microns to 1.0 mm.

5. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the insert is formed of foamed polystyrene.

6. An architectural decoration as in Claim 5, wherein the insert is moulded in situ within the shell to effect the bonding thereto.

7. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 consisting of a length for a dado rail or panel surround and comprising a shell with longitudinal position- locating coplanar edges.

8. An architectural decoration as in Claim 7, wherein the shell also has end edges coplanar with the longitudinal edges.

9. An architectural decoration as in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the insert extends the full width and full length of the inside of the shell.

10. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 7 to 9, wherein end portions of the length have a slightly reduced cross-section, for flush fitting of a corner member for a panel surround or a connector for a dado rail or panel side.

11. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6, consisting of a corner member for a panel surround and comprising a shell having coplanar inner and outer position-locating edge portions terminating at mutually- perpendicular end openings in the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent side lengths, and a square insert having two adjacent sides against the outer edge portion of the shell, its other two adjacent sides spaced from the respective end openings in the shell, and having its mounting surface flush with the edge portions.

12. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 consisting of a connector for adjacent lengths of dado rail or panel sides, and comprising a shell with longitudinal position-locating coplanar edges between open ends of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over the adjacent lengths, and an insert having ends spaced from the open ends of the shell and having a mounting surface flush with the longitudinal edges of the shell.

13. A kit of parts for a dado rail comprising lengths as in Claim 7, and connectors formed as open-ended shells without inserts and with a slightly greater cross- section than that of the lengths of dado rail, and with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape inside each connector shell for affixing to corresponding external parts of adjacent lengths of dado rail.

14. A kit of parts as in Claim 13, provided with an outer corner connector comprising a shell having upper and lower position-locating edge portions lying in mutually- perpendicular planes between mutually-perpendicular open ends of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent face lengths, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to corresponding external parts of the adjacent face lengths.

15. A kit of parts as in Claim 13 or Claim 14 provided with an inner corner connector comprising two integral shell portions with a vertical hinge at the corner proper between mating faces each at slightly less than 45° to upper and lower coplanar position-locating edge portions terminating at open ends of the shell portions for fitting in overlapping relationship^' over adjacent face lengths, the insides of the shell portions being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to corresponding external parts of the adjacent face lengths.

16. A kit of parts for a panel surround comprising at least four lengths as in Claim 7, and four corner members as in Claim 11.

17. A kit of parts for a panel surround comprising at least four lengths as in Claim 7, and our corner members each having the same cross-section as the adjacent side lengths and two stub portions mutually perpendicular to each other at each end of a quarter-circle portion, with an insert or insert portions having a mounting surface or surfaces provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape, together with connectors formed as open-ended shells without inserts and with a slightly greater cross-section than that of the lengths of panel surround, with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape inside each connector shell for affixing to corresponding external parts of one end of a length of panel surround and the adjacent stub portion of a corner member.

18. An architectural decoration as in any one of

Claims 1 to 6 consisting of a length of cornice and comprising a shell with a lower longitudinal wall-engaging edge and an upper longitudinal ceiling-engaging edge.

19. An architectural decoration as in Claim 18, wherein the shell also has closed ends each having edge portions coplanar respectively with the lower and upper longitudinal edges.

20. An architectural decoration as in Claim 18 or Claim 19, wherein the insert extends the full length of the inside of the shell and has mutually-perpendicular mounting surfaces flush respectively with the lower and upper longitudinal edges of the shell.

21. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 18 to 20, wherein end portions of the length have a slightly reduced cross-section, for flush fitting of a corner member or a connector.

22. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 con -sting of a length of cornice and comprising a shell with lower and upper longitudinal wall-engaging edges, with the upper edge along a plain ceiling abutting face of the shell, and a piece or pieces of double-sided adhesive tape provided on the ceiling abutting face as well as on the mounting surface of the insert flush with the lower and upper longitudinal edges of the shell.

23. A kit of parts for a cornice comprising lengths as in any one of Claims 18 to 21 or Claim 22 provided with at least one connector for adjacent lengths of cornice and comprising a shell having a lower longitudinal wall-engaging edge and an upper ceiling-engaging edge for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths, the inside of the shell being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to corresponding external parts of the cornice lengths.

24. A kit of parts as in Claim 23 provided with an outer corner connector comprising a shell having lower wall- engaging edge portions and upper ceiling-engaging edge portions between mutually-perpendicular open ends of the shell for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths.

25. A kit of parts as in Claim 24 wherein the shell of the connector contains an insert having a generally L- shaped mounting surface flush with the ceiling-engaging edge portions of the shell and a pair of mutually-perpendicular mounting surfaces flush with the wall-engaging edge portions of the shell.

26. A kit of parts as in Claim 24 wherein the shell of the connector is provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape adjacent its open ends for affixing to external parts of the adjacent lengths of cornice.

27. A kit of parts as in any one of Claims 23 to 26 provided with an inner corner connector comprising two integral shell portions with a vertical hinge at the corner proper between mating faces each at slightly less than 45° to respective lower wall-engaging edge portions, there also being upper ceiling-engaging edge portions which along with the lower edge portions terminate at open ends of the shell portions for fitting in overlapping relationship over adjacent cornice lengths, the insides of the shell portions being provided with pieces of double-sided adhesive tape for affixing to external parts of the adjacent cornice lengths.

28. A kit of parts for a cornice comprising at least four cornice lengths as in any one of Claims 18 to 22, and at least four inner corner members as in Claim 27.

29. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 consisting of a ceiling centre comprising a shell having an endless edge portion round its periphery, with at least an annular insert extending an appreciable radial distance in from the endless edge portion of the shell, with which edge portion the mounting surface of the insert will lie flush.

30. An architectural decoration as in Claim 29, wherein double-sided adhesive tape is provided as a singular annulus.

31. An architectural decoration as in Claim 29, wherein double-sided adhesive tape is provided in straight lengths applied in proximation to an annulus.

32. An architectural decoration as in Claim 29, wherein double-sided adhesive tape is provided in straight lengths applied radially.

33. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 consisting of a niche comprising a shell having an endless outer edge portion.

34. An architectural decoration as in any one of Claims 1 to 6 consisting of a niche surround comprising a shell having endless outer and inner edge portions in the same plane, with the insert only in a lower shelf portion of the shell.

35. An architectural decoration as in Claim 33 or Claim 34, wherein a keyhole plate is bonded into the shell at its apex, for securing by a screw in a wall engaged by the keyhole slot.