Abstract:
A plastic trim strip useful for trimming the installation of doors, windows, and the like. The trim strip has a first side suitable for viewing in a finished installation, and a second side with at least one band of contact adhesive. In storage, the contact adhesive is covered by a peelable backing. The trim strip is formed of material which is capable of some deformation while retaining the elastic memory to retain its original flat shape. The trim strip can be cut, bent, roll formed, etc. to produce the shape desired for the installation. The user then removes the peelable backing and uses the contact adhesive to affix the strip in the desired location. The trim strip is preferably stored in a roll within a dispenser box. The dispenser box allows the compact storage and transportation of many feet of the material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/876,955 to Rivest, which was filed on 26 Jun. 2004. The entire disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/876,955 is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable.  
       MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention.  
         [0005]     This invention relates to the field of construction and repair. More specifically, the invention comprises a trim material useful for completing the installation of windows, doors, and the like.  
         [0006]     2. Description of the Related Art.  
         [0007]      FIG. 1  shows a typical window installed in the wall of a structure. Those skilled in the art will know that there are many variations in window and wall construction known in the art. Thus, the illustrations in  FIGS. 1 through 6  are merely representative. Old window  10  is installed in wall  11 . Panels of siding  12  cover the exterior of wall  11 . Window casings  14 —typically wood boards—are attached both to old window  10  and to siding  12 . They provide a finished appearance, as well as providing a moisture seal. The exterior surface of wall  11  could also typically be covered by lapped board siding, brick veneer, or vinyl.  
         [0008]      FIG. 2  shows the same structure from the interior side of wall  1 . There would typically be insulation, drywall, and other materials present in this view. These have been removed in order to clearly illustrate the structure. Wall  11  is formed by a series of studs  16 . When wall  11  is framed, provisions must be made for the mounting of old window  10 . A series of cripple studs  22  are installed. An opening for the window is then formed through the use of header  18 , two portal sides  24 , and a portal base  20 . Again, there are many different approaches to forming such a portal. The one illustrated is merely representative.  
         [0009]     Old window  10  is installed within the portal thus formed. A series of shims  26  are used to bridge the gap between portal sides  24  and old window  10 . These also serve to center the window in the opening.  
         [0010]     It is common for windows to be replaced long before the structure containing them wears out.  FIG. 3  illustrates the first step in the process of removing a window. Casings  14  have been removed, exposing opening  28  in siding  12 .  FIG. 4  shows old window  10  having been removed from wall  11 . Shims  26  are shown still attached to old window  10 , though in reality they may be removed during the process. The reader will observe that header  18 , the two portal sides  24 , and portal base  20  are now visible through opening  28 . A new window must typically be attached using these elements.  
         [0011]      FIG. 5  shows new window  30  in position for installation. As for old window  10 , there are many different types of new window  30 . The replacement window shown is formed of vinyl. It consists primarily of box structure  34 . The mounting methodology for new window  30  is different, as it is designed to be attached using long screws driven through the side jambs and into the surrounding window opening.  
         [0012]     Those skilled in the art will know that many older windows were made to non-standard sizes. Although many sizes of new windows are now available, it is often only possible to approximate the size of a window to be replaced. This is the case for the version shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  shows new window  30  installed in opening  28 . Window facing  32  is the forward-facing portion of the window. It provides the basis for attaching any trim elements.  
         [0013]     The reader will observe that the new window is an inexact fit. Gaps  38  are visible around the perimeter. These will need to be properly covered, both for aesthetic and functional purposes. In addition, window facing  32  does not provide a truly finished appearance. Although it can be painted, it is often not intended to present the same visual appeal as the casings  14  did for old window  10 . Accordingly, a new element is needed. This new element comprises the present invention.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention comprises a plastic trim strip useful for trimming the installation of doors, windows, and the like. The trim strip has a first side suitable for viewing in a finished installation, and a second side with at least one band of contact adhesive. In storage, the contact adhesive is covered by a peelable backing. The trim strip is formed of material which is capable of some deformation while retaining the elastic memory to retain its original flat shape. The trim strip can be cut, sheared, mitered, sanded, etc. to produce the shape desired for the installation. The user then removes the peelable backing and uses the contact adhesive to affix the strip in the desired location. The trim strip is preferably stored in a roll within a dispenser box. The dispenser box allows the compact storage and transportation of many feet of the material. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, showing a prior art window.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing a prior art window.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, showing a prior art window.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view, showing a prior art window being removed.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view, showing a modern window being installed.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view, showing a modern window installed.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, showing the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view, showing the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view, showing the present invention  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view, showing the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view, showing the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view, showing the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment.  
         [0028]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment.  
         [0029]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment.  
         [0030]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment.  
         [0031]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view, showing an alternate embodiment.  
                                                 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS                                10   old window   11   wall       12   siding   14   casing       16   stud   18   header       20   portal base   22   cripple stud       24   portal side   26   shim       28   opening   30   new window       32   window facing   34   box structure       38   gap   40   trim strip       42   miter cut   44   facing       46   contact adhesive   48   backing       50   trim strip roll   52   dispenser box       54   feed slot   58   handle       62   outer portion   64   inner portion       66   alternate trim strip   68   score line       70   first trim strip   72   second trim strip       74   waste material   76   first side edge       78   second side edge                    
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     As explained previously,  FIG. 6  shows new window  30  installed in opening  28 , leaving gaps  38 . In  FIG. 7 , four trim strips  40  have been cut to fit over window facing  32  and cover gaps  38 . Each trims trip  40  has a pair of miter cuts  42 . Other types of joinery can be used between adjoining trim strips, such as square cuts. The back surface of each trim strip  40  (facing away from the viewer as shown) is covered with a high-strength adhesive strip. These strips are pressed into contact with facing  32 , thereby holding each trim strip  40  in place.  
         [0033]      FIG. 8  shows the four trim strips  40  pressed into place, with the four pairs of miter cuts  42  aligned a bead of caulk can be applied around the outer perimeter of the four trim strips  40  to provide additional trim strip bonding and a weather tight seal. The installation shown will last for many years.  
         [0034]     The material used for the trim strips  40  must be easily cut to the appropriate shape, since it is impractical to have trim strips  40  pre-cut to the right length and shape (owing to the endless variety of such lengths and shapes which will be needed for various installations).  FIG. 9  shows a section of trim strip  40  in more detail. The primary structural element is facing  44 . It has two sides. The side facing away from the viewer in  FIG. 9  is the side facing the viewer in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . It is a finished surface having a smooth, aesthetically appealing appearance. It matches or visually blends with the window material. It can also be painted to match the color of other trim. The side facing toward the viewer in  FIG. 9  has a strip of contact adhesive  46  affixed. Contact adhesive  46  is covered by a peelable backing  48 .  
         [0035]     Facing  44  is preferably made from an inexpensive plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Those skilled in the art will know that many grades and formulations of PVC are available. For this application, a grade should be selected which is capable of some deformation while retaining the elastic memory to retain its original flat shape. The need for these features will be made apparent in the following.  
         [0036]     A user installing windows will need many feet of trim strips  40 . It is difficult to carry such strips. Additionally, if such strips are cut into fixed lengths, many feet of scrap will result. Accordingly, it is preferable to carry such strips in the form of a roll.  FIG. 10  shows trim strip roll  50 . It is simply a roll of facing  44  with the adhesive and backing  48  in place. The PVC is selected so that it is capable of deforming to form the roll without retaining the deformation. In other words, when drawn out of the roll, it will return nearly to a flat state (some warpage may remain, but this will be easily smoothed during installation). Because of this fact, trim strip roll  50  has a tendency to unwind itself. It is therefore desirable-to retain trim strip roll  50  in some sort of housing.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  shows trim strip roll  50  placed inside dispenser box  52 . Dispenser box  52  is preferably made of an inexpensive material such as cardboard. The inner portion  64  of trim strip roll  50  is placed near the box&#39;s center. Outer portion  62  (coming off the outside of the roll) extends out of dispenser box  52  through feed slot  54 .  
         [0038]     When the user needs a piece of trim strip  40 , he or she grabs outer portion  62  and pulls a sufficient length out of dispenser box  52 . The user then cuts this portion free using a utility knife or other suitable implement. The free portion is then flattened and cut to fit the desired trim application. It can be cut using a utility knife, tin snips, or other prior art equipment.  
         [0039]     Those skilled in the art will realize that the loops of trim strip  40  contained within trim strip roll  50  can be bunched much more tightly than is illustrated. Thus, many feet of the material can be contained within a box of modest size.  
         [0040]     Additional features can be added to dispenser box  52  to improve the device.  FIG. 12  depicts improved dispenser box  54 . Those skilled in the art will also realize that a full box—containing many feet of trim strip  40 —can be quite heavy. Handle  58 —which is simply a slot punched through the sides of the box—can added to dispenser box  54  to aid in carrying the device to the work site.  
         [0041]     It is often necessary to reduce the width of facing  44 . The PVC material used for trim strip  40  can be placed in a mechanical press break or shear, as is typically used for sheet metal work. The shear will simply shear the trim strip to the appropriate width. The press break will bend the trim strip—thereby scoring it along a straight line which can then be manually cut.  
         [0042]     Many additional operations can be performed on trim strips  40 . They can be ripped (such as by a table saw) to reduce their overall width, sheared to reduce length, miter cut for joinery, roll formed for larger curves, sanded, and painted.  
         [0043]     For some persons performing installation work, it may be undesirable to carry a shear or press break (generally large and bulky items). Features allowing the width of the trim strip to be varied without the use of a saw, shear, or similar item are therefore desirable. Looking back at  FIG. 7 , the reader will appreciate that the width of trim strip  40  need not be exact. This is true because a portion of its inner edge overlaps a portion of the flat forward-facing surface of the window frame. A bit more or bit less of overlap allows some adjustment in the width needed for the trim strip. Thus, if the trim strip can be modified to provide several incremental widths, it can serve for nearly all windows.  
         [0044]      FIG. 13  shows just such a trim strip, denoted as alternate trim strip  66 . It features a facing  44  as for the original design. However, it has two strips of contact adhesive. A first strip of contact adhesive  46  runs proximate first side edge  76 . A second strip of contact adhesive runs proximate second side edge  78 .  
         [0045]     A plurality of score lines  68  run between the two strips of contact adhesive. These are notches cut into the inward facing surface (meaning the side that faces the window when the strip is installed). One score line is preferably located at the center of the facing. All the score lines are deep enough so that if the facing is bent along the score line, it will break.  
         [0046]      FIG. 14  shows this operation. Alternate trim strip  66  is being bent along score line  68 . Once the bend is made, the trim strip can be separated into two pieces along the score line (Some repetitive flexing may be needed to completely separate the two pieces).  FIG. 15  shows an alternate trim strip which has been separated into three pieces, by breaking it along to of the score lines. The reader will observe that first trim strip  70  and second trim strip  72  are identical. They can both be cut to length and pressed onto a window. The remaining central piece is generally discarded, which is why it is labeled as waste material  74  in the view. Of course, two identical trim strips can be made by breaking the alternate trim strip along the score line running down its center.  
         [0047]     The reader will note that the score lines may also be used as a “guide” for cutting the trim material with a utility knife. Instead of repeatedly bending the trim strip until the trim fractures along the score line, the user may run a utility knife or blade down the length of the appropriate score line. This will allow the trim strip to be more easily separated than if the trim material is simply bent along the score line.  
         [0048]     The use of three score lines allows the creation of a trim strip having three different widths.  FIG. 16  demonstrates this fact. The upper trim strip has been cut or broken along the left hand (with respect to the particular view) score line  68 . The middle trim strip has been cut or broken along the center score line. The lower trim strip has been cut or broken along the right hand trim strip.  
         [0049]      FIG. 17  shows alternate trim strip  66  wound into a trim strip roll  50 . It can be placed in a box or other suitable storage in order to facilitate transporting and dispensing the product.  
         [0050]     The reader will appreciate that the trim strip can also be provided with a single strip of contact adhesive. For example, the trim material may appear similar to the trim strip shown at the bottom of  FIG. 16 . In this embodiment, the trim strip has a single strip of contact adhesive on one side and an adhesive-free portion on the other side. Various numbers of score lines may be provided in the adhesive-free portion. However, the trim material preferably has between two to six score lines to accommodate most trimming applications.  
         [0051]     Although the installation has been shown on a structure using simple panel siding, the invention can be employed with virtually any type of construction, including formed concrete, concrete block, lapped siding, and brick veneer siding. It is equally applicable to finishing door installations, cabinetry, and interior trim. The principles of using the invention for these applications is the same as for the window application illustrated.  
         [0052]     The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It is should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. As one example, a wider trim strip could be provided with four, five, six, or more score lines. This would allow such a trim strip to be used over a wider range of widths. Such a modification is still within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given.