WO2000056997A1

WO2000056997A1 - Wall element

Info

Publication number: WO2000056997A1
Application number: PCT/ZA2000/000055
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Shaun Abel
Original assignee: Gregory Shaun Abel
Priority date: 1999-03-24
Filing date: 2000-03-23
Publication date: 2000-09-28
Also published as: AU3775800A

Abstract

The invention provides a wall element including a skirting strip (12), a decorative strip (14) adapted to be secured to one side of the skirting strip (12) and along the length of the skirting strip, and a cover strip (22) which is adapted to be secured to one edge of the skirting strip (12) and along the length of the skirting strip and which projects outwardly from one side of the skirting strip (12) opposite to that of the decorative strip (14).

Description

WALL ELEMENT

INTRODUCTION:

This invention relates to a wall element. More particularly, this

invention relates to a wall element such as a skirting board, a

dado rail, a picture rail, an architrave, a ceiling cornice, and the

like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Originally skirting boards, and the aforementioned building

elements, were considered primarily decorative and otherwise

intended for example to hide a corner and hence hide a joint

between floor and wall, or, for example, to cover an edge of a

carpet.

However, more recently, skirting boards, and particularly

(power) ducting or trunking, have not only been used for the

aforementioned purposes, but have also been used to house electrical and other cables such as computer and telephone

cables, and the like. Ducting or trunking find application

essentially in offices and factories whilst skirting boards are

traditionally still used in houses, townhouses or apartments.

Such skirting boards in the prior art, as are known to the

inventor, however, suffer the disadvantage that the entire

skirting board has to be removed from a wall to insert or

remove a cable.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

It is an object of the present invention to provide a skirting

board which is both attractive and functional.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a

skirting board as aforementioned, which does not include the

disadvantages of prior art skirting boards. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is

provided a wall element including a skirting strip, a decorative

strip adapted to be secured to one side of the skirting strip and

along the length of the skirting strip, and a cover strip which is

adapted to be secured to one edge of the skirting strip and

along the length of the skirting strip and which projects

outwardly from one side of the skirting strip opposite to that

of the decorative strip.

When used in this specification, the term "skirting strip" or

"skirting board" includes a dado rail, an architrave, a ceiling

cornice, or the like strip, board or rail, as the case may be.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is

provided a wall element as herein described, which is adapted

when secured to a wall to provide a recess between the

skirting strip and the wall. The recess may be adapted to accommodate at least one cable

such as an electrical cable, computer cable, wire, or the like.

The recess may also be adapted to receive a pipe such as a

hot water pipe, or the like.

In one form of the invention, the skirting strip may be adapted

to be secured to an existing skirting board or strip by suitable

fastening means for example a plurality of wood screws.

In another form of the invention, the skirting strip may include

an integral or attached backing strip extending along the side

of the skirting strip opposite to that of the decorative strip.

Such backing strip may or may not extend the entire length of

the skirting strip, but such backing strip provides an equivalent

to the aforementioned skirting board.

The decorative strip may conveniently be accommodated

within an elongate rebate provided in the skirting strip. The rebate may be adapted to accommodate a plurality of

fastening means at spaced intervals within the rebate. In this

manner the decorative strip covers the fastening means and

also provides a decorative finish to the skirting strip for

example by having a selected profile thereon.

The decorative strip may be releasably engagable with one

side of the skirting strip.

The cover strip may be adapted to be releasably engagable

with one edge of the skirting strip.

The cover strip may also project outwardly on the same side

of the skirting strip to which the decorative is applied.

The cover strip may have an opening therein extending parallel

to the longitudinal axis of the cover strip. Such opening may

be adapted to permit access for cables, and the like, through

the cover strip. The wall element may be suitably adapted at its ends such

that cables, and the like, can be accommodated around

corners and past abutting ends of two adjacent skirting strips.

The wall element may have a cover strip provided along both

edges of the skirting strip and along the length of the skirting

strip.

The skirting strip may include a slot or opening adapted to

receive at least one electrical and/or electronic socket.

The aforementioned electrical and/or electronic socket or

sockets may be secured to the skirting board, or a wall, as the

case may be. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way

of non-limiting example, with reference to the following

drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 (a) shows a side sectional view of a wall element

according to one form of the invention;

Fig. 1 (b) shows a side sectional view of a wall element

according to another form of the invention;

Fig. 1 (c) shows a side sectional view of a wall element

according to yet another form of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a side sectional view of the wall element of Fig.

Kb) secured to a wall;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a length of cover strip

having an elongate opening therein, according to one form of

the invention; and

Fig. 4 shows a front view of part of a skirting strip having an

opening therein to receive an electrical multi-socket, according

to one form of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts,

unless otherwise indicated.

Referring generally to the drawings, reference numeral 10

refers to a wall element according to one form of the

invention. The wall element 10 includes a skirting strip 12

having a rebate 12.1 therein into which a decorative strip 14

can be removably fitted with a tight sliding fit. The strip 14

may have any desired outside profile for example fluting or

grooving or the like (not shown) therein, to impart an

aesthetically attractive appearance to the skirting strip 12 and

hence to the wall element 10.

It will be seen in Fig. 1 (c) that the skirting strip 12 has two

rebates 12.1 , 12.1 therein, into which the decorative strip 14

can be removably fitted with a tight sliding fit, i.e. the

decorative strip 14 has two protruding formations which fit into each of the rebates 12.1 , 12.1 , respectively. Within each

of the aforementioned protrusions of the decorative strip 14

may be provided two elongate grooves 14.1 , 14.1 , each

groove 14.1 being adapted to receive an electrical or

electronic cable, wire, or the like. If desired, only one such

groove 14.1 may be provided in the decorative strip of the

wall element of Fig. 1 (c), or, for that matter, if desired, in the

decorative strip 14 of the wall element shown in Fig. 1 (a) or

Fig. Kb).

Also provided in the strip 12 are a plurality of spaced apart

holes, of which only one namely 12.2 is shown, each to

receive a securing means in the form of wood screws 13 to

secure the strip 12, and hence the wall element 10, to an

existing skirting board 16, as shown particularly in Fig.2. In

the event that there is no existing skirting board 16, the strip

12 can include either an integral or a separately attached

backing strip 18 as shown particularly in Fig. 1 . The strip 18

need not extend the entire length of the strip 12 but may

extend along portions thereof to act as a spacing strip between the strip 12 and a wall indicated by reference

numeral 20 as shown in Fig. 2.

A cover strip 22 is fitted to the upper edge of the strip 12 by

means of a slot 22.1 provided in the cover strip 22, with a

tight sliding fit.

A recess 24, as shown in Fig. 2, which can accommodate

electrical or computer cables, for example, is provided

between the strip 12 and the wall 20. The recess 24 can also

for example accommodate a heating pipe. An electrical cable

28 is shown in the recess 24 in Fig. 2 which shows the

element 10 secured to the wall 20 and on top of a carpet 21 .

As shown in Fig. 2, a loose insert in the form of a cable tray

30 made, for example, from a suitable plastics material, may

be inserted in the recess 24. As seen in Fig. 2, into each

compartment of the tray 30 an electrical cable 28 or computer

cable, or wire, or the like may conveniently be inserted. Referring next to Fig. 3, a short length of cover strip 22 is

shown having an elongate opening 22.2 therein extending

through the strip 22 to provide access and egress for electrical

cables, computer cables, or the like, or possibly even a water

pipe (not shown).

Referring next to Fig. 4, part of a length of strip 12 is shown

having an opening 12.3 cut therein to permit a multiple

electrical socket unit 26 which is secured either to the wall 20

or to the skirting board 16 to extend through the strip 12. The

opening 12.3 may also be provided for a computer or

telephone connection or jack.

The aforementioned strips may preferably be made or

machined from wood or a wood product or wood composite.

However, it will be understood that the aforementioned strips

may be made from any suitable material. In use, the decorative strip 14 is removed from the recess

12.1 , and likewise the cover strip 22 is removed from the strip

12. The strip 1 is then secured by means of screws 13 to an

existing skirting board 16 or through a spacer strip 18 to a

wall 20, as shown in Fig. 2.

When the strip 12 is secured, as aforementioned, to a wall 20,

the decorative strip 14 is then replaced in the recesses 12.1 .

One or more electrical or computer cables, wires, or a heater

pipe is/are then provided in the recess 24 and otherwise

adjacent to the wall 20 and parallel to the strip 12, for

example as shown in Fig. 2 by reference numeral 28.

As an alternative to providing cables, wires, or the like in the

recess 24 on a loose and non-organised basis, it is possible to

use the cable tray 30 and, for example, to locate the cable 28

in one of the compartments of the tray 30. The tray 30 can

conveniently be used when inserting a number of cables by first positioning such cables in and along each compartment of

the tray 30 and then inserting the tray 30 in the recess 24. In

similar fashion, removal of such cables is facilitated by

removing the entire tray 30 from the recess 24.

The cover strip 22 is then fitted on top of the strip 12, as

shown in the drawings (Figs. 1 & 2), to close the recess 24 as

shown more particularly in Fig. 2.

As shown in Fig. 3, a length of slotted cover strip 22 may be

provided, the slot 22.2 providing access to the recess 24.

Such length of cover strip 22 may be located on top of a strip

12 whereafter cabling is passed through the slot 22.2 and laid

along and within the recess 24. Thereafter two ordinary

lengths of cover strip 22 are placed on top of the strip 12, on

either side of the slotted strip 22.

As shown in Fig. 4, a suitable opening 12.3 may be provided

in a length of strip 12 so that an electrical outlet or multi- socket unit 26 can be secured to the wall 20 and can extend

through the strip 12 to provide access to power from the front

of the strip 12.

Although not shown, at each corner of a room, abutting ends

of strip 12 may be profiled so as to provide closure on the

front side but to provide cables to extend around the corners

formed by the abutting edges of the strips 12.

Although also not shown, when an architrave is provided

having the aforementioned characteristics, cabling or a pipe

can be led about and around a door frame (not shown) when

using the wall element 10.

It will also be understood that the wall element 10 can be

used as a dado rail, a picture rail, as a ceiling cornice, or the

like (not shown). Naturally a dado rail, a picture rail, and a

ceiling cornice will have suitably selected profiles, respectively.

When the wall element is used as a ceiling cornice, it will be understood that the cover strip 22 may be fitted to the lower

edge of the strip 12, and for this purpose, the decorative strip

12 may have its lower end shortened so as to permit the cover

strip 22 to fit over the strip 12 with a tight sliding fit. It will

also be understood that with a dado rail, for example, an upper

cover strip 22 may be used, but it is also possible to use a

lower cover strip, or for certain applications, both a lower and

an upper cover strip may be used.

A particular advantage of the wall element 10 is that when

cabling or a water pipe is required to be installed, removed, or

repaired, this can be readily achieved by removing the cover

strip 22 and inserting the cabling or pipe, as the case may be.

In similar fashion, when a cable has to be removed or possibly

repaired, it can be readily accessed and removed without

removing the entire wall element 10 or strip 12 from the wall.

The cover strip 22 is readily removed from the strip 12 to

provide inspection of and access to the recess 24 and to such cabling or pipe, as the case may be, whereafter the strip 22 is

replaced on the strip 12, as explained previously.

It will be understood that the cable tray 30 can facilitate the

insertion or removal of cabling from the recess 24, whilst it

assists in separating and holding such cables in an ordered

fashion throughout.

It will therefore be seen from the aforementioned that the wall

element 10 provides an attractive and at the same time a

functional finish to accommodate and conceal cabling or a

water/heater pipe, for example.

The wall element can be manufactured relatively

inexpensively, and is readily installed as shown in Fig. 2 even

by relatively untrained or inexperienced persons. In addition,

further installation or maintenance of cabling, or the like, can

likewise be carried out in simple fashion. Although certain embodiments only of the invention have been

described herein, it will be readily understood by any person

skilled in the art that other possibilities, modifications, and/or

variations of the invention are possible. Such possibilities,

modifications and/or variations are therefore to be considered

as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein

described and claimed.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A wall element including a skirting strip, a decorative

strip adapted to be secured to one side of the skirting

strip and along the length of the skirting strip, and a

cover strip which is adapted to be secured to one edge

of the skirting strip and along the length of the skirting

strip and which projects outwardly from one side of the

skirting strip opposite to that of the decorative strip.

2. A wall element including a skirting strip as claimed in

claim 1 , which is adapted when secured to a wall to

provide a recess between the skirting strip and the wall.

3. A wall element as claimed in claim 2, the recess being

adapted to accommodate at least one electrical cable,

wire, water pipe, or the like.

4. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, the skirting strip being adapted to be secured to

an existing skirting board or strip by suitable fastening

means.

5. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, the skirting strip including an integral backing

strip extending along the side of the skirting strip

opposite to that of the decorative strip.

6. A wall element including as claimed in any one of the

preceding claims, the decorative strip being

accommodated within an elongate rebate provided in the

skirting strip.

7. A wall element as claimed in claim 6, the rebate being

adapted to accommodate a plurality of fastening means

at spaced intervals within the rebate.

8. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, the decorative strip being releasably engagable

with one side of the skirting strip.

9. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, the cover strip being releasably engagable with

one edge of the skirting strip.

10. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, the cover strip having an opening therein

extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cover

strip.

1 1 . A wall element as claimed in claim 10, the opening being

adapted to permit access for cables, and the like,

through the cover strip.

12. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, being suitably adapted at its ends, such that

cables, and the like, can be accommodated around

corners and past abutting ends of two adjacent skirting

strips.

13. A wall element as claimed in any one of preceding

claims, wherein a cover strip is provided along both

edges of the skirting strip and along the length of the

skirting strip.

14. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, the decorative strip and/or the skirting strip

including at least one recess therein adapted to receive at

least one electrical cable, electronic cable, wire, or the

like.

15. A wall element as claimed in any one of the preceding

claims, including a cable tray consisting of a plurality of

vertically spaced compartments, the tray being adapted

to be accommodated in the recess.

16. A wall element as claimed in claim 1 , substantially as

herein described and/or exemplified.