WO2014135836A1

WO2014135836A1 - A coving mitre

Info

Publication number: WO2014135836A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/000083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Louie Christopher Yanton Morgan MARTIN; Ronald Owthwait MARTIN
Original assignee: Martin Louie Christopher Yanton Morgan; Martin Ronald Owthwait
Priority date: 2013-03-05
Filing date: 2014-03-05
Publication date: 2014-09-12
Also published as: GB2526504A; GB2526504B; GB201517499D0; GB2511517A; GB201303887D0

Abstract

There is provided a coving mitre comprising: a plate (1) arranged with two bodies (2, 14, 16) upstanding from and extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The bodies are arranged to extend along intersecting axes on the plate. The bodies are arranged to provide at least one through passage lacuna (3).

Description

A COVING MITRE

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coving mitre, more particularly but not exclusively a coving mitre for enabling precise cutting of mitre cuts, in relation typically but not exclusively, to deep cuts, well-suited for materials such as coving. Background

There are number of occasions when joining two pieces of material by a mitre joint is required so as to fit a corner or provide a discreet join. Typically interior or exterior angles must be measured so that the materials can be cut at the appropriate corresponding angles. In order to provide an accurate cut at the desired angle, templates or guides may be used.

Some materials, such as coving, may require a high, deep or long cut and such guides need to ensure the same angle is continued throughout the body of the item (coving) that is being cut.

Such templates or aids for such use are typically cumbersome and inflexible, and/or include a saw blade prone to blunting. Others are overly complex and prone to error, or not portable.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following:

Granted United Kingdom patent GB 2 478 492 (Higgins) discloses a floor cove corner former for creating a corner between lengths of coving material running along the wall-floor interface of two adjacent differently angled walls. The cove former comprises: a rigid first portion having an upper section that matches the profile of one wall and a lower section that defines the desired cove shape, the upper and lower sections defining a first surface to which one length of coving material is connected.

A rigid second portion has an upper section that matches the profile of the other wall and a lower section that defines the desired cove shape. The upper and lower sections defining a second surface to which the other length of coving material is connected. A floor engaging part defined by the lower ends of the first and second portions; and a wall engaging means is defined by the upper sections of the first and second portions. These parts fit in or around the apex of the corner formed between the walls, first and second surfaces are arranged such that the angle between them corresponds to the angle between the two walls and the first and second portions have a common edge which defines the apex of the corner cove.

United States patent application US 2005 166 742 (Collins) discloses a mitre box for coving including a base, and a pair of opposing side walls; the sidewalls including one or more sawing slots. The box further includes at least two pairs of abutment portions, wherein the distance between the first pair of abutment portions substantially corresponds to a first predefined width- from-wall dimension of a section of coving, and the distance between the second pair of abutment portions substantially corresponds to a second predefined width-from-wall dimension of another section of coving.

United Kingdom patent application GB 2 192 150 (Clarke) discloses a cutting guide apparatus has detachable prismatic sections, for example triangular sections, adjustably attached to a base in a selected arrangement. This enables a user to make uniform, accurate and repeatable cuts through lengths of materials, by hand, using conventional hand tools at selected angles to the line of the material held or secured in the apparatus, for example the cutting of timber at 90 degrees or at 45 degrees. The apparatus may accommodate different thicknesses of cutting blade. The prismatic sections may be plastics or wood and bolted to a fibre board base and the sections may be of different heights to accommodate different thicknesses.

Other examples of prior art systems are described in Belgium Patent Application BE 1018972 (ORAC Holdings BV), Swiss Patent Application CH- A-19880429 (Bonsigniori) and US Patent US 4 218 947 (Joseph Laviola).

The invention arose in order to overcome disadvantages associated with the aforementioned devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a coving mitre comprising: a plate arranged with two bodies upstanding from and extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, wherein said bodies are arranged along intersecting axes on the plate, and said bodies are arranged with at least one through-passage lacuna.

The mitre is preferably integrally formed with the plate. The bodies may each provide a plurality of through passage lacuna.

The mitre may be used to cut all types of coving including, but not limited to: period mouldings such as, for example, egg and dart mouldings.

Each of the two bodies is preferably elongate. Each of the two bodies preferably comprises a first free end, a second free end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The two bodies are preferably arranged so as to extend substantially perpendicular to one to another. The two bodies are preferably arranged so as to form a right-angle with a lacuna provided between adjacent ends of the bodies. The two bodies are preferably arranged to divide the plate so as to comprise an external portion extending away from the outer surfaces of the two bodies, and an internal portion extending away from the inner surfaces of the two bodies.

The coving may be arranged in use to contact either the internal or the external portion of the plate and to abut either the first or second body. The cut provided by the mitre will either be an internal or external cut depending on whether the coving has been positioned adjacent the first or second body and whether the coving is contacting the internal or external portion of the plate.

Said plate may further comprise a skirt which is arranged in use to accommodate coving that when cut will have a bottom edge in contact with the plate that extends horizontally some distance from the bodies. The skirt preferably extends in a plane orthogonal to and at an equal distance from both bodies.

The plate and/or skirt may comprise one or more alignment features, such as for example visual markings, for aiding positioning of the coving relative to the bodies while the coving is being cut.

Preferably, the plate and/or skirt provides at least one first alignment feature located adjacent to and spaced apart from the first body. The plate and/or skirt preferably provides at least one second alignment feature located adjacent to and spaced apart from the second body. The at least one first alignment feature preferably extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one second alignment feature. The plate and/or skirt preferably comprises a plurality of first and second alignment features. The first and second alignment features are preferably located adjacent to, for example arranged to extend substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from each other and the corresponding first and second bodies.

The plate and/or skirt may comprise a first set of alignment features and a second set of alignment features. Each of the first and second sets of alignment features may be located adjacent the corresponding body.

Each set of alignment features preferably comprises alignment features extending substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, each other in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the corresponding adjacent body.

The plate and/or skirt may further comprise one or more abutment features for retaining the coving in position relative to the bodies while the coving is being cut. The abutment feature(s) may be any suitable feature for retaining the coving in position. For example, the abutment feature(s) may comprise one or more ridges, slots, recesses, projections, or any combination thereof.

The abutment feature(s) is/are preferably positioned so as to provide sufficient support to a portion of the coving in order to retain the coving in position relative to the bodies.

Preferably, the plate and/or skirt provides at least one first abutment feature located adjacent to and spaced apart from the first body. The plate and/or skirt preferably provides at least one second abutment feature located adjacent to and spaced apart from the second body. The at least one first abutment feature preferably extends in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the at least one second abutment feature. The plate and/or skirt preferably comprises a plurality of first and second abutment features. The first and second abutment features are preferably located adjacent to, for example arranged to extend substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from the corresponding first and second bodies. The plate and/or skirt may comprise a first set of abutment features and a second set of abutment features. Each of the first and second sets of abutment features may be located adjacent the corresponding body.

Each set of abutment features preferably comprises abutment features extending substantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the corresponding adjacent body.

In this way said mitre allows cutting vertical cuts through curved or angled materials which are supported through the cut.

A lacuna may be provided between the first free end of the first body and the first free end of the second body. The first free end of the first body and the first free end of the second body are preferably shaped so as to provide the lacuna having a pre-determined angle, preferably an angle of 45 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axes of both of the bodies. Preferably, the first free end of the first body is shaped to extend at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the first body.

Preferably, the first free end of the second body is shaped to extend at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the second body. The lacuna may be provided by the bodies at any desired location and at any desired angle. One or more of the bodies, preferably both, provide at least one further lacuna. Ideally said lacuna are arranged at acute angles to the intersecting axes along which the bodies extend. Each of the lacuna may be continuous. Each of the lacuna may extend at a constant angle through the body. Typically said angles are 45 degrees to the longitudinal axes of the bodies. Each body may provide any suitable number of lacuna. Each body may provide a series of spaced apart lacuna along the length of the body. Each lacuna provided by a first body may be aligned with the corresponding lacuna provided by the second body, such that in use the cutting tool may extend through the lacuna provided by the first and second body simultaneously. The coving comprises an upper edge, a lower edge and a body portion extending therebetween. In order to perform a straight cut, the coving is placed with the body portion in contact with the plate so that the upper or lower edge of the coving abuts and extends adjacent to one of the first or second bodies. The cutting tool aligned with the lacuna provided between the first free ends of the first and second bodies. The lacuna extends at an angle of 45 degrees to the longitudinal axes of both of the bodies. The cutting tool is moved through the lacuna to accurately cut the coving in the desired location with the desired angle for forming a straight cut. The mitre according to one embodiment of the present invention may be used to form angled and/or mitre joints in coving. In order to form a 90 degree corner, the coving is located adjacent a first or second body. The cutting tool is aligned with and operated through the lacuna provided between the first free ends of the first and second bodies. The lacuna extends at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axes of both of the bodies.

The plane of the second free ends of the first and second bodies may extend at any desired angle to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body, or to the intersecting axes along which the bodies extend. The plane of the second free ends is intended to refer to the plane extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate and at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body.

The angle of the plane of the second free end relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body is preferably selected in order to make a cut having a predetermined angle depending on the specific requirements so as for example to prepare a corner having a desired angle. The angle of the plane of the second free end relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body is preferably half the angle of the corner to be prepared. The angle of the plane of the second free end of the first body may be different to the angle of the plane of the second free end of the second body relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body.

Ideally the plane of the second free ends of the first and second bodies extends at the same angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body. For example, in order to prepare a corner having an angle of 135 degrees, the plane of each of the second free ends of the first and second bodies may extend at an angle of 67.5 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the bodies, or to the intersecting axes along which the bodies extend.

In order to form a 135 degree corner, each of the second free ends of the first and second bodies extend at an angle of 67.5 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the bodies, or to the intersecting axes along which the bodies extend. The coving is located adjacent one of the first or second body. The cutting tool is aligned with and moveable along the plane defined by the second free ends of the first or second body.

Typical embodiments of the mitre more specifically comprise: a board with visual markers for aligning materials, wherein the board includes at least one projecting body with at least one channelled lacuna or channel so as to define where a blade may be accepted to cut materials such as coving or wooden parts, wherein such materials are positioned on the board against the body.

In this way materials may be positioned on the plate against a side of the body and a blade of a cutting tool may pass through the channel so as to cut the material at precise angles to the body. Preferably the channels are arranged so as to enable both internal and external mitre cuts to be performed, for example for use when cutting coving so that two pieces of coving may be connected by a mitre joint. In preferred embodiments the plate serves as a platform on which the materials can be placed. Importantly the plate protects the surface on which it is placed from being damaged by the blade, advantageously maintaining interrelation of the bodies. Typically the plate is therefore formed from a lightweight, durable, strong material such as synthetic plastic.

In preferred embodiments the plate may be injection moulded as one piece. Preferably the plate underside is partially hollow so as to be lightweight and for economic manufacture. Typically the plate underside includes ribs so as to provide additional strength.

Additionally the plate underside may include anti slip portions so as limit movement of the plate on the surface in use. For example rubber patches or suction pads may be provided on the underside, such as at corners.

Ideally the bodies extend perpendicular to the plate so that materials may be butted up the body sides so as to be securely located in use. Typically the body sides are flats so as to provide a level surface against which materials can be butted up.

Preferably the bodies include straight channels at predefined angles through which a blade may be passed vertically in order to align the blade during cutting and to allow the material butted up to the body sides to be cut at the desired angle. For example to cut a 45 degree angle in coving to provide a corner mitre joint.

Typically the channels are dimensioned to accept the blade for a distance of at least a third to half of an average blade depth in order to aid in keeping the blade vertical in use to provide straight and precise cuts.

Ideally the channel is dimensioned slightly greater width than the width of standard hand saw blades, for example wherein the channel may be 1 mm greater than the blade so as to allow sawing to be carried out but prevent deviation.

In some embodiments the channel may be lined such as with metal, so as to prevent a saw deviating or deforming the channel.

Typically the bodies are arranged to form a comer or an L-section when viewed from above wherein the channels transect the body so as to allow a blade to be accepted. Advantageously the corner serves to replicate angles of a wall in a room, so the user may readily envisage how the coving will be fitted in the room and therefore have less difficulty arranging the coving correctly on the mitre to achieve the desired cuts. In some embodiments adjustment in the angling of the corner may be available or possible, for example wherein one or both of the odies is capable of movement with respect to the plate.

In particular in preferred embodiments of the plate there are provided abutment features, such as for example guides, recesses, channels, protrusions, or any combination thereof into which the coving bottom may be rested so as to allow for, accommodate and replicate the coving's curve when installed, and in order that the coving may be cut appropriately.

Preferably the plate comprises several abutment features, for example channels, so as to allow for different angled cuts. Furthermore pairs of abutment features, for example channels, may be provided on opposite sides of the plate so as to readily useable by left and right handed users.

In this way materials may be positioned on the internal or external portion of the plate so as to achieve internal and external cuts required for mitre joints. Furthermore the corner enables the user to be able to operate the blade easily, for example by sawing, without being obstructed. Preferably the lacuna or channel opening may include chamfered edges so as to more readily accept the blade acting as a guide to aid locating the blade in use. Ideally the bodies are dimensioned to be the same height or similar to standard or common coving so that the coving is supported during cutting. Preferably the bodies extend at least 100mm above the plate.

In some embodiments the bodies may be removably or displaceably attached to the plate so that they may be displaced or replaced with others in order to provide channels at different angles or to be different heights so as to accommodate different mitre joints and materials that may be required. In some embodiments leaning of the bodies with respect to the plate may be facilitated by partial displacement.

Typically where displaceable the bodies may attach to the plate by push fittings so as to be readily interchanged. For example the body may include at least one recess which is accepted over a notch or plurality of notches on the plate.

In preferred embodiments the visual markers may comprise lines etched, recessed drawn or embossed onto the plate so as to provide guidance for the user to align materials such as coving on the plate. In this way the user can clearly establish if the material is correctly aligned. Most preferably the markers may be embossed or drawn onto the plate so as not to provide areas in which cutting residue may collect, for example plaster dust.

Furthermore in some embodiments the markers may be stickers which can be stuck on or removed from the plate so as to define particular measurements.

Typically the lines provided are for standard and/or common coving sizes although it may be envisaged that the markers provided may be adapted to accommodate different sizes or materials. In some embodiments the markers may include increments so as to aid with measuring of the materials to be cut. Preferably the visual markers are coloured coded so as to distinguish right form left. Ideally the markers are coloured red and green, red being for right and green being for left as used for port and starboard in the marine industry. In some embodiments the plate may be annotated with guidance for example where to position for internal and external mitre cuts.

Advantageously the mitre is provided with additional or extendable supports which serve to lift materials being cut off the surface so as to the same height as the plate so as to ensure it is straight, for example where cutting a long length of coving the coving may bend where it is unsupported.

Typically the supports may be portions of equal depth to the plate and ideally the supports are at least the length of 100mm so as to be similar width to coving. Advantageously the supports may be stored on the plate underside when not in use. Preferably the supports may be removably fitted to the plate underside by means of a detent mechanism, push fitting or interlocking portions so as to allow ready detachment when required. It may be envisaged that a plurality of supports may be stowed in this way. Typically the supports may be removed in use to ensure the plate is level and stable. In some further embodiments the supports may be hingedly or slidably displaceable on or extendable from the plate.

In preferred embodiments the plate includes an aperture so that the plate may be hung from the aperture when not in use. Typically the aperture is provided in one of the plate corners so as to be easily hung and so as not be near the cutting areas where cutting residue may pass through the aperture and accumulate on the surface. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a clamp mechanism for use with the coving mitre comprising: a holder for abutting the coving or cornice and a pin for attaching the holder to the coving mitre. In this embodiment a coving or cornice can held securely against the body(ies) in order to limit movement in use, for example whilst cutting. Advantageously this may improve safety for the user.

It may be envisaged that features of the coving mitre may be used in conjunction with or as part of the clamp mechanism.

In yet further embodiments the coving mitre may be adapted to cooperate with at least one clamp mechanism that serves to hold the coving/cornice in place against the body(ies) during cutting so as to aid with achieving an accurate cut.

The clamp mechanism comprises a holder that abuts the coving or cornice in use in order to hold it against the body(ies). Typically the holder is substantially planar and arranged in use to lie parallel to the plate. The holder is proud of the plate in order to provide a barrier against which the coving or cornice abuts.

In a preferred embodiment the holder is attached to the plate by a pin which allows rotation of the holder about the pin. In this way the holder can be rotated to different positions on the plate in order to correspond to different sizes of coving/cornice.

Ideally the holder is dimensioned to correspond to the markers provided on the plate wherein an edge of the holder is aligned with a marker so as to provide a barrier against which the coving/cornice abuts. Therefore in use an edge of the holder abuts one side of the coving/cornice and the opposite side of the coving/cornice abuts the body thereby fixing the coving/cornice on the coving mitre. Preferably rotation about the axis of the pin, and thereby the holder, may be restricted, for example by means of a ratchet so that the pin is rotated to predetermined positions such as the markers and then fixed. Therefore force needs to be applied by the user in order to move the holder to a desired position. In this way the holder is accurately positioned and is fixed during cutting thereby serving to hold the item to be cut in position.

In some embodiments the plate and/or lower face of the holder may include raised and lowered portions that are in contact one with another when the holder is attached to the plate. In this way as the holder is rotated on the plate friction is generated to prevent free spinning of the holder. In addition movement of the holder over the plate may generate audible clicks to help the user to guide the holder.

Alternatively, or additionally, rotation of the pin within the plate may generate an audible click for example by means of an engagement mechanism or ratchet. In some embodiments the pin may include a locking mechanism to lock the pin in position so as to prevent movement of the holder during cutting.

In another preferred embodiment the holder has a plurality of fingers of different dimensions that can be arranged at different orientations on the plate by rotating the pin in order to correspond with the markers.

Typically one finger is adapted to correspond to one marker. The holder is then rotated about the pin so as to align a different finger with a different marker. In this way one holder can be adjusted to aid with cutting coving or cornice of different dimensions.

In a preferred embodiment the holder includes three fingers to correspond with three markers. One finger that aligns with 100mm coving, a second finger to correspond with 127mm coving and a third finger to correspond with 135mm cornice.

In preferred embodiments the clamping mechanism is displaceable from the plate. In this way the clamp mechanism can be added to and removed from the plate if required.

For example the plate may include an opening such as a hole which is adapted to receive the clamp mechanism.

Furthermore in preferred embodiments the plate may include a plurality of location points in which the clamp mechanism can be arranged. In this way the clamp mechanism can be located depending upon length of coving/cornice and/or cut to be made.

In addition one or more clamping mechanism may be arranged on the plate at any one time so as to provide multiple holders to be used to secure the coving/cornice against the body(ies). Preferably the location points for the clamping mechanism are situated away from the cutting areas so as to prevent the holder obscuring guide lines, channels or recesses on the plate.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the mitre in use;

Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with spacer block; Figure 3 shows a view from underneath of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 7 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 shows a view from above of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is a photograph from above of the coving mitre according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figures 10 to 16 show plan views of embodiments of the invention and illustrate how it is used to form different mitre cuts; Figures 17 to 19 illustrate diagrammatically how the mitre is used to make specific cuts on different coving types for different corners of a room and

Figures 20 to 24 show the coving mitre with a clamping mechanism arranged on the plate to aid with positioning of the coving or cornice when cutting.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to figures 1 to 8, the integral coving mitre 12 comprises a plate . A first body 14 and a second body 16 extend upwardly from the plate 1 in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate 1. The first and second bodies 14, 16 extend along intersecting axes of the plate 1. The first and second bodies 14, 16 are arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to each other and intersect to form a right angled guide. A lacuna 3 is provided between the first and second bodies 14, 16. Each of the first and second bodies 14, 16 provide an additional through-passage lacuna 3.

The first and second bodies 14, 16 extend upwardly from the plate 1 so as to have a predetermined height sufficient to abut the upper edge of the coving 10 or a portion of the coving 10 adjacent the upper edge of the coving 10. The first and second bodies 14, 16 divide the plate 1 into having an internal region 20 and an external region 22.

The plate 1 comprises a skirt 18 which extends outwardly away from the first and second bodies 14, 16 to provide a surface to abut the coving 10.

The skirt 18 provides a plurality of abutment features 4 located adjacent to and spaced apart from the bodies 14, 16. As can be seen in Figure 8, the skirt 18 provides a first set of abutment features 4 comprising two spaced apart abutment features 4 extending substantially parallel to the first body 14. The first set of abutment features 4 extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the first body 14.

The second set of abutment features 4 comprises two spaced apart abutment features 4 extending substantially parallel to the second body. The second set of abutment features 4 extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the second body 16. The first set of abutment features 4 extends substantially perpendicular to the second set of abutment features 4.

Although the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 has abutment features 4, provided in two separate sets comprising two abutment features 4, it is to be understood that the mitre may include any suitable number of abutment features.

The abutment features 4 of the mitre are elongate grooves shaped and dimensioned to receive a portion of the coving in order to retain the coving in position adjacent the corresponding body 14, 16. Although the embodiment illustrated in the Figures comprises abutment features 4 in the form of grooves it is to be understood that the abutment features may comprise any suitable feature for retaining the coving 10 in position relative to the adjacent corresponding body 14, 16. For example, the abutment feature(s) may comprise one or more ridges, slots, recesses, projections, or any combination thereof. The abutment features 4 are arranged to maintain the coving 10 at a correct angle for cutting. Although the illustrated embodiment provides abutment features 4, it is to be understood that the plate 1 may provide alignment features in the form of visual markings in places of these abutment features 4 so as to guide the skilled person to align the coving correctly relative to the plate. A lacuna or channel 3 is provided between the free end 24 of the first body 14 and the free end 26 of the second body 16. The first body 14 provides a further lacuna or channel 3. The second body 16 provides a further lacuna or channel 3. The lacuna 3 provided by the first 14 and second 16 body extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the intersecting axes of the plate 1. Each of the lacuna 3 is continuous. Each of the lacuna 3 extends at a constant angle through the corresponding body 14. 16.

The lacuna 3 provided by the first body 14 is aligned with the lacuna 3 provided by the second body 16. Although the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 shows the mitre as comprising bodies 14, 16 each providing one lacuna 3, it is to be understood that each body 14, 16 may provide any suitable number of lacuna. For example, each body may provide a series of spaced apart lacuna along the length of the body. The plate further provides a slot 5 for hanging the mitre when not in use. It is however to be understood that the pJate may provide any other suitable attachment feature for hanging the plate when not in use, such as for example loop(s) or hook(s).

The mitre is used in collaboration with or also comprises a spacer block 6.

The plate 1 may have any suitable shape and dimensions. Ideally the plate 1 is square, typically being at least 250mm x 250mm and preferably at least 290mm x 290mm. In some embodiments the plate 1 may be rectangular.

Preferably the plate 1 is at least 9mm deep so as protect the surface on which it is placed and so as to be of suitable strength.

With reference to Figures 9 to 19 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. The integral coving mitre 12 comprises a plate 1 . A first body 14 and a second body 16 extend upwardly from the plate 1 in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate 1.

The first and second bodies 14, 16 extend along intersecting axes of the plate 1. The first and second bodies 14, 16 are arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to each other and intersect to form a right angled guide. A lacuna 3 is provided between the first and second bodies 14, 16. Each of the first and second bodies 14, 16 provide an additional through-passage lacuna 3.

The first and second bodies 14, 16 extend upwardly from the plate 1 so as to have a predetermined height sufficient to abut the upper edge of the coving 10 or a portion of the coving 10 adjacent the upper edge of the coving 10. The first and second bodies 14, 16 divide the plate 1 into having an internal region 20 and an external region 22. The plate 1 comprises a skirt 18 which extends outwardly away from the first and second bodies 14, 16 to provide a surface to abut the coving 10.

The skirt 18 provides a plurality of alignment features 4 providing visual markings to assist the skilled person in aligning the coving relative to the bodies 14, 16 to make a precise cut. The alignment features 4 are located adjacent to and spaced apart from the bodies 14, 16. As can be seen in Figure 8, the skirt 18 provides a first set of alignment features 4 comprising three spaced apart alignment features 4 extending substantially parallel to the first body 14.

The first set of alignment features 4 extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the first body 14. The second set of alignment features 4 comprises three spaced apart alignment features 4 extending substantially parallel to the second body. The second set of alignment features 4 extend substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to and away from the second body 16. The first set of alignment features 4 extends substantially perpendicular to the second set of alignment features 4.

Although the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 has two sets of alignment features 4, each set comprising three alignment features 4, it is to be understood that the mitre may include any suitable number of alignment features.

A lacuna or channel 3 is provided between the free end 24 of the first body 14 and the free end 26 of the second body 16. The lacuna 3 extends at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the intersecting axes of the plate 1 , and to the longitudinal axes of the bodies 14, 16. Each of the lacuna 3 is continuous. Each of the lacuna 3 extends at a constant angle through the corresponding body 14. 16. Although the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9 shows the mitre as comprising bodies 14, 16 arranged to provide a single lacuna 3 extending between the first free ends 24, 26 of the bodies 14, 16, it is to be understood that each body 14, 16 may provide any suitable number of lacuna. For example, each body may provide one or more lacuna spaced apart from each other along the length of the body.

Any lacuna provided by the first body are preferably aligned with a corresponding lacuna provided by the second body such that in use the cutting tool can be received within and operated within a lacuna of the first body and a lacuna of a second body.

The second free ends 28, 30 of the bodies 14, 16 extend within a plane extending perpendicular to the plane of plate 1 and at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body 14, 16. The second free ends 28, 30 of the bodies 14, 16 are shown in Figure 9 to extend at an angle of 67.5 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body 14, 16. The angle 67.5 degrees has been selected in order to form a corner of 135 degrees. It is however to be understood that the second free end 28, 30 may be arranged to extend at any predetermined angle as required for a particular cutting operation.

Figure 17 illustrates how the mitre of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 16 can be used to prepare internal 60 and external 58 corners of coving 10. To form the internal corner 60, a right hand internal cut 54 and a left hand internal cut 56 must be prepared. Figure 17 illustrates where on the plate 1 the coving must be positioned to form these two cuts 54, 56. In particular, the coving 10 is placed in positioned adjacent the internal portion of the plate 1. To form the external corner 58, a right hand external cut 50 and a left hand external cut 52 must be prepared. Figure 17 illustrates that the coving must be positioned adjacent the external portion of the plate 1. Figure 18 illustrates a method of preparing a straight 45 degree cut in a piece of coving 10 and in particular illustrates where the coving 10 is to be positioned relative to the plate 1. Figure 19 illustrates a piece of coving 10 comprising two right angled corners and two 135 degree corners. Figure 19 also illustrates the positioning of the coving in order to form each of these corners. In particular, in order to form the 135 degree corners the coving is positioned adjacent the bodies 14, 16 such that the cutting tool is operated to be moveable along a plane defined by the free second ends 28, 30 of the bodies 14,16. In order to form the right angled corner, the coving is placed adjacent the lacuna 3 located between the first free ends of the bodies 14, 16.

Figure 20 illustrates a clam mechanism 00 fitted to the plate 1. The clamping mechanism comprises a holder 110 attached to the plate 1 by a pin 120. The holder 110 can be rotated about the pin 120 so as to adjust position of the holder 110 on the plate 1.

Figure 21 shows a coving mitre 12 with 6 location points 140 for locating/ receiving the clamp mechanisms. The location points 140 are holes for receiving a distal portion of the pin 120.

The holder 1 10 has three fingers 130A, 130B and 130C. Each finger 130 is dimensioned to correspond with a marker/alignment feature 34, 4 on the plate 1. The holder 110 is rotated on the plate so that the end of one finger 30 is aligned with the corresponding marker. The holder then prevents movement of the coving or cornice 10 away from the bodes 14, 16.

The holder 110 is arranged to lie parallel to the plate 1 in use. The holder 110 is planar but of a thickness that allows it to project from the plate 1 so as to form a barrier against which the coving or cornice abuts. The holder 110 shown in Figures 20 to 24 rotates through 110 degrees in order for each of the three fingers 130A, 130B, and 130C to be aligned with the respective marker/alignment features 34, 4. Figure 22 shows the holder 110 arranged with two of the fingers 130A and 130B aligned with cornice 135.

Figure 23 shows the holder 1 10 arranged with finger 130B aligned with Cove 127.

Figure 24 shows the holder 10 arranged with finger 130C aligned with Cornice 135.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . A coving mitre comprising: a plate arranged with two bodies upstanding from and extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, wherein said bodies are arranged to extend along intersecting axes on the plate, and said bodies are arranged to provide at least one through passage lacuna.

2. A coving mitre as claimed in claim 1 , in which said bodies are arranged with a plurality of through-passage lacuna.

3. A coving mitre as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which a first body comprises a first end, a second opposed end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and a second body comprises a first end, a second opposed end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, and in which the first and second bodies are arranged such that a lacuna is provided between the first ends of the first and second bodies.

4. A coving mitre as claimed in claim 3, in which the lacuna extends at an angle of substantially 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axes of the first and second bodies.

5. A coving mitre as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4, in which the plane of the second end extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of the plate, and extends at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding body, and in which the predetermined angle corresponds to half of the angle of the corner to be formed by the coving.

6. A coving mitre as claimed in claim 5, in which the predetermined angle is substantially 67.5 degrees.

7. A coving mitre as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the lacuna provided by each body are aligned with the lacuna provided by the other body.

8. A coving mitre according to claim any preceding claim, wherein the plate further comprises a skirt to the bodies.

9. A coving mitre according to claim 8 wherein the skirt extends orthogonal to and at a similar distance from the bodies.

10. A coving mitre according to any preceding claim, wherein the plate comprises at least one alignment or abutment feature arranged to extend parallel to the bodies.

11. A coving mitre according to any preceding claim, in which the mitre is formed as an integral unit.

12. A coving mitre according to any preceding claim including a clamp mechanism.

13. A clamp mechanism according to claim 12 comprising: a holder for abutting the coving or cornice and a pin for attaching the holder to the coving mitre.

14. A clamp mechanism according to claim 13 wherein the holder is rotatable about the pin so as to allow alignment of the holder with the coving or cornice to be cut.

15. A holder for use with the clamp mechanism according to any of claims 12 to 15 having at least one finger.

16. A coving mitre with reference to the figures and as substantially described herein.