WO2009009626A1

WO2009009626A1 - Tracks, methods for use thereof, and apparatus, system, and method for manufacture

Info

Publication number: WO2009009626A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/069572
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Spielman
Original assignee: Zamma Corporation
Priority date: 2007-07-09
Filing date: 2008-07-09
Publication date: 2009-01-15
Also published as: US20090019804A1

Abstract

Size tailorable tracks useful for connecting a first construction element (e.g., a transition molding) to a second construction element (e.g., a surface of a subfloor). In certain non-limiting embodiments, tracks which are scored during the manufacturing process to form weakened break junctions at which sections of the tracks may be separated by hand (e.g., typically 'on site') without the use of a cutting device. In certain additional, non-limiting embodiments, methods of using size tailorable tracks as well as track manufacturing systems, machines, and methods.

Description

TRACKS, METHODS FOR USE THEREOF, AND APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURE

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/948,523, entitled TRACKS FOR SECURING MOLDINGS AND METHODS, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF, and filed on July 9, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to size tailorable tracks useful for connecting a first construction element (e.g., a transition molding) to a second construction element (e.g., a surface of a subfloor). In certain non-limiting embodiments, this invention relates to tracks which are scored during the manufacturing process to form weakened break junctions at which sections of the tracks may be separated by hand (e.g., typically "on site") without the use of a cutting device. The present invention additionally relates to methods of using size tailorable tracks as well as track manufacturing systems, machines, and methods.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0003] Transitions between different flooring materials, such as between wood/laminate flooring and carpet or tile, as well as between flooring materials in different areas, are typically achieved by use of a transition molding piece, such as a T-Molding or specialized transition molding piece to transition between flooring elements of different heights. The transition molding piece is typically coupled to the subfloor through a metal track which must be cut to length for each transition area, a relatively labor intensive process requiring the use of specific cutting tools, which factor into the overall cost of flooring installation. Moreover, the use of these cutting tools increases the risk of worker injury, and may result in imprecise cuts and wasted material. [0004] In view of the above, it is apparent that there exists a need in the art for a track and/or method of its use which addresses, overcomes, mitigates, or solves one or more of the above problems and/or drawbacks and/or inefficiencies in the art. It is a purpose of this invention to fulfill this and/or other needs in the art which will become more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally speaking, this invention addresses the above-described needs in the art by providing a size tailorable track for securing a first construction element to a second construction element, the track including a plurality of spaced apart weakened or scored regions which permit the track to be manually "broken" at such regions in order to obtain a track of a desired length. In certain preferred but non-limiting embodiments, the track is designed to connect a transition molding piece (a conventional T-molding, for example) to a subfloor (between adjacent flooring elements during installation of wood or laminate flooring, for example).

[0006] In certain non-limiting embodiments, there is provided a size tailorable track comprising: a generally u-shaped elongated structure having a plurality of score marks along its length, each score mark being a region which is so weakened such that an end user can manually bifurcate or "break" said track at said weakened region using hand pressure/leverage and without the use of tooling; the score marks being spaced along the length of the track at preselected distances selected such that the track can be broken/bifurcated manually to select a length of track which is suitable for a wide variety of construction spacing applications. In preferred but non-limiting embodiments, the track segments defined by the distance between adjacent score markings are sufficiently short such that they will individually fit with the majority (or preferably all) conventional construction transition spaces (e.g., within the width of a doorway). In such or other preferred but non-limiting embodiments, the track segments are long enough such that the structural integrity of track is not compromised (e.g., due to large numbers of scores weakening the overall track structure) and/or they are particularly sized so that when a functional track length is obtained by breaking the track at a score region, the track is not more than approximately 4-6 inches shorter than the transition space to which the track will be or is being applied or utilized within (for example, conventional transition spaces in flooring installations).

[0007] In certain non-limiting embodiments, an optimum track segment length is between approximately 3.5 inches and 6 inches, more preferably between about 3.5 inches and about 4.5 inches, and most preferably is selected to be about 4 inches. Such lengths or length ranges are selected due to their suitability as being shorter than the length of the majority if not all transition applications and/or are selected at such length(s) so that a functional track length can be selected so (by breaking it at the score marks) such that the track is not more than about 4 inches shorter than the length of a conventional transition space (preferably, but not necessarily, not more than 2 inches shorter than the transition space on each side of the track). Other track segment lengths may, of course, be utilized however (such as between 3.5 and 15 inches, for example).

[0008] In certain preferred but non-limiting embodiments, the track comprises an elongated base member attached to two laterally spaced arms each extending upward from an opposite edge of said base member, wherein said base member and said arms together define a generally elongate U-shaped channel for receiving and retaining a transition molding piece.

[0009] In an alternative, non-limiting embodiment, there is provided a track for securing a molding piece to a subsurface, the track including at least first and second contiguous track sections, each of the first and second track sections including an elongate base member attached to two laterally spaced arms extending upward from the base member, wherein the base member and the arms together define a generally elongate channel for receiving and retaining a molding piece, and a groove formed in the surface of at least the base member between the first and second track sections, wherein the first track section is detachable from the second track section at the groove. The first track section may be detachable from the second track section at the groove upon flexure of the track, the channel may be generally U-shaped, and the track may be machined from a continuous piece of metal.

[0010] In any one of the above or in further alternative but non-limiting embodiments, the base member may include holes for receiving fasteners (e.g., mechanical fasteners), such as screws or nails, to secure the track to a construction surface (e.g. a subfloor), and the groove may be formed in the outer surface or the inner surface of the base member. In certain non-limiting embodiments, at least one of the arms includes a gripping member, such as an inwardly directed flange, for retaining and/or gripping a molding piece within the channel.

[0011] In still further non-limiting embodiments, there is provided a kit useful for marketing for end consumer or contractor purchase which comprises a package including: a length of transition molding; a size tailorable track as described herein; and hardware (e.g., mechanical fasteners) for securing the size tailorable track to a subfloor or similar construction element; the track having a generally u-shaped channel to accept and secure the transition molding to the subfloor (or similar construction element) when the track is attached thereto; and the track being tailorable in size without requiring the use of cutting tools so that an appropriate length of track can be user selected on a building site, for example, which is useful for a selected transition molding installation.

[0012] In still further non-limiting embodiments, there is provided a track for securing a transition molding piece to a subfloor between adjacent flooring elements, the track including at least first and second contiguous track sections, each of the first and second track sections including an elongate base member attached to two laterally spaced arms each extending upward from an opposite edge of the base member, wherein the base member and the arms together define a generally elongate U-shaped channel for receiving and retaining a transition molding piece, and a groove formed in the outer surface of each of the base member and arms between the first and second track sections, wherein the first track section is detachable from the second track section at the groove.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a track manufacturing system for manufacturing a track useful for securing a molding piece to a subsurface, the track manufacturing system including an unloading machine for receiving and providing to other machines a substantially planar track material; a marking or scoring machine for receiving the track material from the unloading machine and forming score marks or grooves (or other weakened regions) in the surface of the track material at spaced apart distances; and a shaping machine for receiving the track material from the scoring machine and shaping the track material into a generally elongate U-shaped channel. The unloading machine may include a rotating carousel for receiving and delivering the track material which can but is not required to be provided as a spool. The scoring machine may include a drum having cutting or impressing members on its face. In certain preferred but non-limiting embodiments, the drum is designed to score or provide grooves in the track length at spaced apart distances selected in accordance with the criteria discussed elsewhere herein. The track manufacturing system may further include a puncturing machine for receiving the track material and forming holes therein. In certain non- limiting embodiments, the puncturing mechanism is a drum having hole punching members on it face.

[0014] In still other embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for securing a molding piece to a subsurface, the method including the steps of: (a) providing a track which includes at least first and second contiguous track sections, each of the first and second track sections including an elongate base member attached to two laterally spaced arms extending upward from the base member, wherein the base member and the arms together define a generally elongated channel for receiving and retaining a molding piece, and a groove or score mark formed in the surface of at least the base member between the first and second track sections, wherein the first track section is manually detachable or breakable from the second track section at the groove or score mark (without requiring tools as elsewhere described herein, for example); (b) securing the track to a subsurface (using mechanical fasteners, for example); and (c) inserting a molding piece into the channel.

[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment, the present invention is related to a method for manufacturing a track useful for coupling a first construction element (e.g., a transition molding) to a second construction element (e.g., a subfloor), the method including the steps of: (a) providing a substantially planar track material, such as to an unloading machine; (b) forming grooves in the surface of the track material, such as with a scoring machine; and (c) shaping the track material into a generally elongate U-shaped channel, such as with a shaping machine. The method may further include the step (d) of forming holes in the track material, such as with a puncturing machine. [0016] Certain examples of the invention are now below described with respect to certain non- limiting embodiments thereof as illustrated in the following drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a track according to the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2a shows a top perspective view of one embodiment a track according to the present invention indicating areas at which force "F" is applied to remove a section of such track.

[0019] FIG. 2b shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a track according to the present invention having a section removed as a result of the application of force "F" at the areas so indicated in FIG. 2a.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a material unloading machine used in one embodiment of a track manufacturing system according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a material scoring machine used in one embodiment of a track manufacturing system according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of a material puncturing machine used in one embodiment of a track manufacturing system according to the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic depiction of one embodiment of a track manufacturing system according to the present invention. [0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded illustration of one embodiment of the use of a track according to the present invention for securing a floor molding piece to a subsurface.

[0025] FIG. 8 is an assembled illustration of one embodiment of the use of a track according to the present invention for securing a floor molding piece to a subsurface.

[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a track according to the present invention being "broken" by hand to a desired length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description of various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features.

[0028] Generally speaking, this invention relates to size tailorable tracks which provide the advantage of being comprised of a plurality of detachable or breakable segments of pre-selected lengths which can be bifurcated or broken without the use of tools or requiring significant force. Designed as such, a given, standard length of track can be "broken down" into a desired length by an end user for use in molding transition installations of a wide variety of sizes, for example. In this regard, due to the size tailorability of such tracks, standard lengths of track can be commercialized or sold to non-professional or professional builders or handymen without need for the end user to pre-measure the installation areas or for the end user to have specialized tools or skills. In certain preferred but non-limiting embodiments, such tracks are pre-scored or grooved to define weakened junction regions which can thereafter be snapped or bifurcated using manual or hand forces (e.g., to obtain track sections of desired lengths). As discussed in more detail below, such tracks are useful for securing construction elements to one another, such as for securing transition moldings or other molding types to a subfloor, for example. [0029] Referring now to FIG. 1, one non-limiting embodiment of a track according to the present invention is illustrated as track 100 which is particularly designed for securing a transition molding piece to a subfloor. Track 100 includes at least contiguous first and second track sections or segments 102 and 104 (defined by grooves or score marks 112 spaced apart from one another), and may include any number of segments or sections (the terms "segments" and "sections" are used interchangeably herein) depending on the desired end use (four sections are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1). With reference to first track section 102, each track section includes an elongated base member 106 having two upwardly extending laterally spaced arms 108a, 108b, which in this embodiment are formed along with base member 106 from a continuous piece of material during the manufacturing process, but may be formed otherwise in certain embodiments. Base member 106 and arms 108a, 108b together define a generally elongate U-shaped channel 110 for receiving and retaining a transition molding piece.

[0030] When a transition molding piece is inserted into channel 110, it is, in this embodiment, held in place by flanges 116a, 116b, respectively on arms 108a, 108b, such that it is generally moveable in a horizontal direction for precise placement during installation but not generally moveable vertically, so that, once installed, it is held securely in place. It is understood that other conventional means for securing a transition molding piece within the channel may be employed (e.g., gluing), either in place of or in addition to the use of flanges, where desirable for particular applications. Further, track 100 may be secured to a subfloor in any conventional way, such as by fastening with nails or screws 113 through holes 114 in base member 106 and/or by gluing track 100 to the subfloor. Of course, holes or fastener apertures 114 are optional and are not used in certain embodiments (not shown), such as when the track is only glued to the subfloor and/or when screws/nails are used that are capable of being driven directly through the track material without the need for holes or pre-drilling (e.g., self-tapping screws).

[0031] One non- limiting example of an installation of a track 100 according to the present invention for use in securing a floor molding piece 111 to a subsurface 115 is illustrated in the exploded view shown in FIG. 7, wherein the track 100 is, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, attached to the subsurface 115 by use of a screw 113. One embodiment of a final assembly of a track 100 of the present invention secured to a subsurface 115 and having a floor molding piece 111 positioned within its channel 110 is shown in FIG. 8.

[0032] Track 100 further includes at least one groove or score mark 112 formed in a surface of at least base member 106, which generally defines the boundary between first and second track sections or segments 102 and 104. Groove 112 may be formed in the outer surface of base member 106, as shown in FIG. 1, but may also be formed in the inner surface, and is of a depth and width that permits first track section 102 to be removed by hand from second track section 104 upon flexure of track 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a, 2b (e.g., by providing a weakened junction between the two or more segments or sections).

[0033] With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, during a laminate flooring installation a worker determines the length of a transition area, then grasps track 100 with his thumbs positioned on the bottom surface of base member 106 on opposite sides of groove 112. While holding track 100 steady, the worker applies force "F" with his thumbs as indicated in FIG. 2a to separate first track section 102 from second track section 104 at groove 112, resulting in the separation thereof shown in FIG. 2b. It is understood that any method may be employed that provides sufficient force to separate first track section 102 from second track section 104.

[0034] For example, one non-limiting embodiment of a worker "breaking" track 100 by hand to a desired length is illustrated in FIG. 9, which shows that the worker may position a portion of track 100 on a surface 107 and then grasp/secure each of first and second track sections 102, 104 with his hands 103, 105, respectively, and then apply a necessary amount of pressure to cause first and second track section 102, 104 to separate at edge 119.

[0035] It has been determined that the length of the resulting track 118 in FIG. 2b need only approximate the length of the transition floor area in order to properly secure a transition molding piece in place (the transition molding piece is, of course, generally cut to a precise length to span the entire length of the transition floor area). As such, the grooves at which the track sections are separated may be formed at distances which permit the tracks to be sized completely by hand for essentially all conventional applications (e.g., doorways). Moreover, grooves may be formed at different distances in tracks which are to be used in different applications.

[0036] More specifically, in preferred (but non-limiting) embodiments, the score marks or grooves are spaced along the length of the track at preselected distances such that the resulting segment or section lengths are sufficiently short such that they will individually fit with the majority (or preferably all) conventional construction transition spaces (e.g., within the width of a doorway). Conversely, in such or other preferred (but non-limiting) embodiments, the track segments or sections are particularly sized so that when a functional track length is obtained by breaking the track at a score region (e.g., to break off unneeded segments or sections), the track is not more than approximately 4-6 inches shorter than the transition space to which the track will be or is being applied or utilized within (for example, conventional transition spaces in flooring installations) and preferably, but not necessarily, not more than 2 inches shorter than the transition space on each side of the track. Moreover, it is preferred that the scoring or grooves be sufficiently spaced from one another such that the structural integrity of track is not overly compromised (e.g., due to large numbers of scores weakening the overall track structure).

[0037] Although the most preferred track section or segment length which has been discovered is approximately 4 inches (plus or minus .5 inch), other segment or section lengths may, of course, be utilized (such as between approximately 3.5 inches and 15 inches, preferably between 3.5 and 8 inches, more preferably between 3.5 and 6 inches, but most preferably between about 3.5 inches and about 4.5 inches).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2b, removal of first track section 102 from second track section 104 leaves a clean edge 119 which allows for the use of section 102 in a subsequent application by simply aligning it end-to-end with one or more other sections and securing the sections to a subfloor to form a channel which is functionally identical to a channel formed from an unbroken track.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows a material unloading machine 120 used in a track manufacturing system for the manufacture of tracks according to the present invention. Material unloading machine 120 includes a rotating carousel 122 on a support platform 124 for accepting a spool of track material 126. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the track material is unspooled in a generally longitudinal direction and, while oriented substantially vertically, as shown in FIG. 3, moves across the surface of a cylinder 128 which serves to change the direction of the track material (generally at point "D") as the track material moves towards a material scoring machine 130 (FIG. 4). In certain embodiments, cylinder 128 may be replaced by any member suitable for causing the track material to change direction, and such member may be stationary, may freely rotate, or may rotate under directional control.

[0040] As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the respective distances between spool 126, cylinder 128 and material scoring machine 130 are chosen such that the track material changes from a substantially vertical orientation as it is unspooled to a substantially horizontal orientation as it enters scoring machine 130 (FIG. 4). As will be appreciated by one of skill in the relevant art, any suitable distances may be selected that permits the track material to enter the scoring machine in a necessary orientation. Further, in certain embodiments, the track material may be unspooled in a generally horizontal manner, thereby not requiring that the track material change direction. Likewise, a scoring machine may be used that accepts the material in a generally vertical orientation, thereby not requiring that the track material change direction. Any such embodiments that permit the material to be provided to the other machines in the inventive track manufacturing system such that the inventive tracks may be formed are contemplated by the present invention.

[0041] Moreover, in certain embodiments, the inventive track manufacturing system may be under manual or computer control to ensure that the track material is unspooled in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate speed to be fed into scoring machine 130 and/or the remaining machines in the system (in certain embodiments, the track material may be fed into puncturing machine 142 (FIG. 5) prior to being fed into scoring machine 130, for example).

[0042] Moreover, while material unloading machine 120 permits the commercial manufacture of the inventive tracks, it is understood that the track material may be fed to other machines in the track manufacturing system in other ways, including by hand. [0043] Scoring machine 130 may be any machine that is capable of forming grooves in the track material so that sections of the final track product may be separated from one another by hand. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, scoring machine 130 includes a drum 132 having on its face multiple cutting or impressing members 134 for forming grooves or score marks 112 in the track material when it is fed and pressed between drums 132 and 138. Once the grooves or score marks are formed, the track material is fed into a material puncturing machine 140 (FIG. 5) for forming holes or apertures in the track material, such that the final product may be, for example, screwed to a subfloor during installation (or attached by other mechanical fastener types or other means).

[0044] As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, material puncturing machine 140 may include a drum 142 having on its face protrusions 144 for punching holes in the track material against support drum 146 to form holes 148.

[0045] The described processes illustrate only one way in which the track material having grooves and holes may be formed; others are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, the holes may be formed prior to formation of the grooves, and other machines may be used to achieve substantially the same end product.

[0046] The track material is then fed to a shaping machine 150 (indicated diagrammatically in FIGS. 5, 6), which may be a conventional machine that shapes the track material into a generally U-shaped channel. Together, two or more of material unloading machine 120, scoring machine 130, puncturing machine 140, and shaping machine 150 constitute a track manufacturing system 152 for manufacture of the inventive tracks (FIG. 6).

[0047] Tracks according to the present invention may be formed from a metal, but may also be formed from other suitable materials as needed for a particular application (e.g., such as plastic or ceramics). Notably, if the track material which is employed is not metal, other methods or mechanisms for forming the grooves or score marks in the material may be necessary or more advantageous to employ. [0048] The grooves or score marks may be formed on the tracks during the manufacturing process at predefined distances to permit separation of the tracks by hand upon flexure, and at a depth and width that permits such separation without adversely affecting the functional integrity or general handling or other characteristics of the tracks. The grooves may in certain embodiments be distanced so as to permit the ready removal of track sections for use in standard applications, such as for use in doorways.

[0049] Moreover, as tracks used for installation of transition pieces do not need to extend the entire length of the location at which they are installed (but rather may be installed at some length less than that of the location) in order to adequately secure the transition piece in place, tracks according to the present invention may be used in a wide variety of settings without giving prior consideration to the precise lengths of the locations at which they are to be installed, as an appropriate number of track sections may be removed from a given piece and/or two or more adjacent track sections may be laid end-to-end such that they abut one another to accommodate installations of any length. Removed sections may readily be used due to the uniform size of the tracks and as a result of the clean breaks afforded by the score lines, such that separate sections aligned adjacent one another and substantially flush at their ends will form channels that are functionally the same as those provided by unbroken tracks, thus significantly reducing or altogether eliminating waste track material.

[0050] The inventive tracks afford a great deal of flexibility in their packaging, transport and handling. For example, they may be manufactured and packaged in relatively long lengths, where such lengths are called for by the intended application, and where such packaging does not generally present adverse material handling concerns (as may be the case in certain large scale applications), while on the other hand they may be manufactured and packaged in relatively short lengths for other intended applications (as may be the case in residential applications where the length of the packaging is of greater concern at retail and installation sites).

[0051 ] The inventive tracks are suitable for use in any application where a molding piece may be coupled to a subsurface through a track. In all such applications, the numerous noted and other benefits realized by sizing the tracks by hand rather than with cutting tools will be realized, and all such embodiments are contemplated by the present invention. With that understanding, the description provided herein is in specific reference to wood/laminate flooring systems, where the inventive tracks are known to be particularly useful in coupling transition molding pieces to subfloors.

[0052] Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications, and improvements are therefore considered to be part of this invention, without limitation imposed by the example embodiments described herein. Moreover, any word, term, phrase, feature, example, embodiment, or part or combination thereof, unless unequivocally set forth as expressly uniquely defined or as otherwise limiting, is not intended to impart a narrowing scope to the invention in contravention of the ordinary meaning of the claim terms by which the scope of the patent property rights shall otherwise be determined.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A track for securing a molding piece to a subsurface, comprising: at least first and second contiguous track sections, each of said first and second track sections including an elongate base member attached to two laterally spaced arms extending upward from said base member, wherein said base member and said arms together define a generally elongate channel for receiving and retaining a molding piece, and a groove formed in the surface of at least said base member between said first and second track sections, wherein said first track section is detachable from said second track section at said groove.

2. A track according to Claim 1, wherein said first track section is detachable from said second track section at said groove upon flexure of said track.

3. A track according to Claim 1, wherein said channel is generally U-shaped.

4. A track according to Claim 1, wherein said track is machined from a continuous piece of metal.

5. A track according to Claim 1, wherein said elongate base member includes holes for receiving fasteners to secure said track to a subsurface.

6. A track according to Claim 5, wherein said fasteners are screws or nails.

7. A track according to Claim 1, wherein said groove is formed in the outer surface or the inner surface of said base member.

8. A track according to Claim 1, wherein at least one of said arms includes a gripping member for retaining a molding piece within said channel.

9. A track according to Claim 8, wherein said gripping member is a flange.

10. A track for securing a transition molding piece to a subfloor between adjacent flooring elements, comprising: at least first and second contiguous track sections, each of said first and second track sections including an elongate base member attached to two laterally spaced arms each extending upward from an opposite edge of said base member, wherein said base member and said arms together define a generally elongate U-shaped channel for receiving and retaining a transition molding piece, and a groove formed in the outer surface of each of said base member and arms between said first and second track sections, wherein said first track section is detachable from said second track section at said groove.

11. A track according to Claim 10, wherein said first track section is detachable from said second track section at said groove upon flexure of said track.

12. A track according to Claim 10, wherein said track is machined from a continuous piece of metal.

13. A track manufacturing system for manufacturing a track useful for securing a molding piece to a subsurface, comprising: an unloading machine for receiving and providing to other machine elements substantially planar track material; a scoring machine for receiving said track material from said unloading machine and forming grooves in the surface of said track material; and a shaping machine for receiving said track material from said scoring machine and shaping said track material into a generally elongate U-shaped channel.

14. A track manufacturing system according to Claim 13, wherein said unloading machine includes a rotating carousel for receiving said track material.

15. A track manufacturing system according to Claim 13, wherein said track material is provided as a spool.

16. A track manufacturing system according to Claim 13, wherein said scoring machine includes a drum having cutting members on its face.

17. A track manufacturing system according to Claim 13, further comprising a puncturing machine for receiving said track material and forming holes therein.

18. A track manufacturing system according to Claim 17, wherein said puncturing machine includes a drum having hole punching members on it face.

19. A method for securing a molding piece to a subsurface, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a track, said track comprising: at least first and second contiguous track sections, each of said first and second track sections including an elongate base member attached to two laterally spaced arms extending upward from said base member, wherein said base member and said arms together define a generally elongate channel for receiving and retaining a molding piece, and a groove formed in the surface of at least said base member between said first and second track sections, wherein said first track section is detachable from said second track section at said groove;

(b) securing said track to a subsurface; and

(c) inserting a molding piece into said channel.

20. A method for manufacturing a track useful for coupling a molding piece to a subsurface, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a substantially planar track material;

(b) forming grooves in the surface of said track material; and

(c) shaping said track material into a generally elongate U-shaped channel.

21. A method for manufacturing a track according to Claim 20, wherein said track material is provided in step (a) to an unloading machine.

22. A method for manufacturing a track according to Claim 20, wherein said grooves are formed in the surface of said track material in step (b) by a scoring machine.

23. A method for manufacturing a track according to Claim 20, wherein said track material is shaped into a generally elongate U-shaped channel in step (c) by a shaping machine.

24. A method for manufacturing a track according to Claim 20, further comprising the step (d) of forming holes in said track material.

25. A method for manufacturing a track according to Claim 24, wherein said holes are formed in said track material by a puncturing machine.

26. A size tailorable track comprising: a generally u-shaped elongated structure having a base portion and two oppositely located side portions extending from said base portion and defining a channel area of said track; a plurality of score marks located spaced along a length of said base portion, each said score mark defining a region which is so weakened such that an end user can manually break said track at said weakened region using hand pressure/leverage, said spacing of said score marks being located at preselected spaced distances selected such that said track can be broken manually to obtain a length of track which is suitable for a wide variety of construction transition spaces.

27. A track according to claim 26 wherein said spaced apart score marks define track segments, and wherein the length of said track segments is selected so as to be sufficiently short such that an individual track segment length will fit within a length of a majority of conventional construction transition spaces.

28. A track according to claim 27 wherein the length of said track segments is so selected such that when a functional track length is obtained by breaking said track at a score region, said functional track length, comprised of multiple track segments, is not more than approximately 4- 6 inches shorter than a length of the majority of conventional construction transition spaces.

29. A track according to claim 27 wherein track segment lengths are selected to be between approximately 3.5 and 15 inches.

30. A track according to claim 27 wherein track segment lengths are selected to be between approximately 3.5 and 8 inches.

31. A track according to claim 27 wherein track segment lengths are selected to be between approximately 3.5 and 6 inches.

32. A track according to claim 27 wherein track segment lengths are selected to be approximately 4 inches.

33. A track according to claim 28 wherein track segment lengths are selected to be approximately 4 inches.

34. A kit comprising, packaged in combination: a length of transition molding; a size tailorable track as claimed in claim 26; and hardware for securing said size tailorable track to a construction element.

35. A kit comprising, packaged in combination: a length of transition molding; a size tailorable track as claimed in claim 28; and hardware for securing said size tailorable track to a construction element.

36. A kit comprising, packaged in combination: a length of transition molding; a size tailorable track as claimed in claim 30; and hardware for securing said size tailorable track to a construction element.