Decorative strip for showers

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Application No. 20 2010 001 352.6 filed on Jan. 25, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a decorative strip for ceramic, natural stone or synthetic coverings or coatings, in particular for the formation of walk-in showers with a sloped floor, comprising a decorative strip profile having a visible decorative surface.

2. Description of the Related Art

When producing walk-in showers the floor of the shower is provided with a slope that is inclined towards a floor drain in order to guarantee proper discharge of the shower water. If a so-called line drain is chosen as the floor drain, for example in the form of a drain channel disposed on the wall side and extending parallel to the bathroom wall, due to the slope of the floor in the shower area a wedge-shaped recess is formed in relation to the rest of the bathroom floor which is delimited by wedge-shaped recess walls lying opposite one another and by a rectangular recess wall connecting the latter to one another and which extends along the bathroom wall. It can also be desirable for there to be a small recess on the access side of the shower floor so that shower water does not flow to the adjacent floor area. In this case a further rectangular recess wall is provided on the access side of the show floor. Tiles can be used to cover the recess walls. However, this is very laborious and time-consuming due to the need to cut the tiles, in particular in the region of the wedge-shaped recess side walls. Alternatively, decorative strips developed especially for this purpose can be used which can be fitted easily and quickly.

A decorative strip that can be fixed to the floor in order to cover wedge-shaped recess walls is marketed, for example, by the Iserlohn-based company Blanke GmbH & Co. KG under the product name “Aqua-Keil”. The decorative strip is formed in one piece and comprises a decorative strip profile with a visible decorative surface tapering in the manner of a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile. In order to fix the decorative strip to the adjacent subsurface said strip further comprises an attachment arm provided with openings which extends perpendicularly to the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile so that overall the decorative strip profile has a T-shaped cross-section with a decorative strip profile projecting to both sides from the attachment arm. However, one problem with this decorative strip is that the gradient of the wedge-like tapering of the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile is determined when producing the decorative strip, and can in no way be varied at a later stage. Therefore, the decorative strip can only be used to cover wedge-shaped recess walls with a corresponding gradient. Even small deviations in the gradients are immediately apparent. In order to adapt the decorative strip to different thicknesses of floor coverings and floor covering superstructures said strip is furthermore offered in different embodiments which differ from one another as regards the overall height of the decorative strip profile and the height of the floor covering end edge formed by the decorative strip profile. The production and storage of different embodiments of a decorative strip profile is, however, very cost-intensive, and so it is desirable to keep the number of embodiments as small as possible.

A further decorative strip formed in one piece and that can be fixed to a wall for covering wedge-shaped recess walls is marketed by Blanke GmbH & Co. KG under the product name “Aqua-Keil Wand”. This decorative strip also comprises a decorative strip profile with a visible decorative surface that tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile. A cross-over arm, the width of which is substantially matched to the tile thickness plus a slight addition for the tile adhesive is attached to the decorative surface at right angles. An attachment arm provided with openings is attached in turn at right angles to the cross-over arm, said attachment arm serving to secure the decorative strip in the wall region. Therefore, overall the decorative strip has a substantially Z-shaped cross-section. However, the gradient of the wedge-type tapering of the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile is also determined when this decorative strip is produced, and so it can not be varied at all at a later stage. Likewise, the decorative strip is offered in different embodiments in order to match different thicknesses of floor coverings and floor covering superstructures, said embodiments differing from one another as regards the overall height of the decorative strip profile and the width of the cross-over arm, by means of which they already have the disadvantages described in relation to the “Aqua Keil” product.

In order to cover rectangular recess walls a decorative strip formed as one piece is offered by the company Blanke GmbH & Co. KG under the product name “Aqua-Deko”. This decorative strip comprises a decorative strip profile that is correspondingly provided with a rectangular visible decorative surface. Clamping arms respectively disposed laterally to the decorative surface and bent towards one another are attached to the upper and lower section of the decorative surface. With these clamping arms the decorative strip is pressed, for example, into a tile adhesive so that the tile adhesive surrounds the clamping arms. Due to the undercuts made, anchoring of the decorative strip takes place in this way when the tile adhesive is in the hardened state. However, with this decorative strip too the height of the visible decorative surface is fixed, and so the decorative strip can not be used flexibly.

A further disadvantage of the previously described “Aqua-Keil”, “Aqua-Keil Wand” and “Aqua-Deko” products made by the company Blanke GmbH & Co. KG is that these decorative strips do not enable any height adjustment in the case of a subsurface that lowers over time, resulting in unsightly gaps being able to form beneath the fitted decorative strips. This lowering of the subsurface can occur, for example, if insulating under-layers are fitted in the floor area which compact little by little due to the loads acting upon it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from this prior art it is an object of the present invention to provide a decorative strip of the type specified at the start with an alternative structure, which can be used flexibly, which is variably adaptable to the respective height situation and the material thickness of the floor covering material, and which enables height adjustment in the case of a subsurface lowering over time.

In order to achieve this object the present invention provides a decorative strip of the type specified at the start wherein the decorative strip has a holding profile in which the decorative strip profile is retained height-adjustably so as to vary the height of its visible decorative surface. In other words, the decorative strip according to the invention comprises a decorative strip profile and a separate holding profile which can be moved relative to one another in order to vary the height of the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile. Due to this height-adjustability the decorative strip profile according to the invention can be used very variably and additionally enables height adjustment in the case of a subsurface lowering over time.

The holding profile preferably has a U-shaped cross-section area for retaining the decorative strip profile. The distance between the arms of the U-shaped cross-section area disposed parallel to one another is matched here to the thickness of the decorative strip. The securing of the decorative strip at a desired height level within the retaining groove defined by the U-shaped cross-section area of the holding profile is implemented, for example, by the cavity to be found between the bottom of the groove and the lower side of the decorative strip being filled with silicone, tile adhesive or the like. The decorative strip can also be tilted in relation to the bottom of the groove within the retaining groove, by means of which the gradient of the visible decorative surface edge is changed in relation to the bottom of the groove. In this way further adjustability is produced. The U-shaped cross-section area can be formed like a clamp so that it retains the decorative strip profile with a predetermined pretension and/or it can be provided with an insertion aid for the decorative strip profile.

According to one embodiment of the present invention the decorative surface of the decorative strip profile is rectangular in form so that substantially rectangularly shaped recess walls can be covered with the decorative strip.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention the decorative surface of the decorative strip profile tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile so that recess walls formed like a wedge can be covered with this decorative strip.

The decorative strip profile and/or the holding profile can have an attachment arm provided with openings in order to be able to fix the decorative strip to the floor or to the wall by means of tile adhesive or the like. Here the tile adhesive passes through the openings and clamps to the attachment arm, by means of which a secure connection is achieved.

Alternatively or in addition the decorative strip profile and/or the holding profile can be provided with an adhesion structure, in particular with a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which is formed such that it forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive, grouting material or the like.

According to one embodiment of the present invention the holding profile has an overall substantially F-shaped cross-section. In the region of the arm of the F-shaped cross-section extending laterally to the parallel arms openings can be formed so that this arm serves as an attachment arm.

The decorative strip profile can have an overall substantially I-shaped cross-section. The one main surface of the decorative strip profile can thus define the decorative surface, and the other main surface can be provided with an adhesion structure.

Alternatively, the decorative strip profile can have an overall substantially T-shaped cross-section. The one arm of the T-shaped cross-section can thus define the visible decorative surface, whereas the other arm can be provided with openings or an adhesion structure, and so can form the attachment arm.

Furthermore, the decorative strip can have a third, substantially U-shaped end profile that is retained height-adjustably on the decorative strip profile. In this way further height-adjustability of the decorative strip according to the invention is produced.

According to one embodiment of the present invention the decorative strip profile has an overall substantially L-shaped cross-section. An arm of the L-shaped cross-section can thus define the visible decorative surface, and the other arm can form a tile covering.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention the decorative strip profile has a substantially h-shaped cross-section area, the arms of the substantially h-shaped cross-section area disposed parallel to one another being designed to retain a plate element, in particular to retain a glass or plastic panel which forms, for example, a shower cubicle wall. As an extension of the arm of the substantially h-shaped cross-section area of the decorative strip profile extending laterally to the parallel arms an attachment arm provided with through holes can be attached.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention the decorative strip profile has an overall substantially U-shaped cross-section with two parallel arms and a connection arm connecting the latter and which extends at an angle to the parallel arms which is different from 90° so that in the fitted state the connection arm forms an inclined surface.

Furthermore, a third retaining profile which is substantially L-shaped when considered as a cross-section and provided with an attachment arm having openings, can be provided on which the decorative strip profile is retained height-adjustably. In this way further height-adjustability can also be achieved.

The decorative profile and/or the holding profile and/or the end profile and/or the retaining profile is/are preferably produced as a strand part(s) or by the roll forming method or as a flanged profile(s). Furthermore the decorative profile and/or the holding profile and/or the end profile and/or the retaining profile can be produced from metal, in particular stainless steel and/or from plastic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following the same reference numbers identify components and component sections corresponding to one another.

FIG. 1shows a section of a bathroom with a bathroom floor200and a bathroom wall202which are respectively covered with tiles204. In order to fit a walk-in shower a shower floor206is prepared in the bathroom floor200which is provided with a slope that is inclined towards a floor drain208in order to guarantee proper discharge of the shower water. The floor drain208is a so-called line drain in the form of a drain channel that is disposed on the wall side and extends parallel to the bathroom wall202. Due to its slope the shower floor206forms in relation to the rest of the bathroom floor200a wedge-shaped recess which is defined by wedge-shaped recess walls210lying opposite one another and by a rectangular recess wall212connecting these to one another. In order to cover these recess walls210and212the present invention provides a decorative strip. Different embodiments of this decorative strip according to the invention are described in greater detail below with reference toFIGS. 2 to 17.

FIGS. 2 and 3show a decorative strip10according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip10comprises a decorative strip profile12and a holding profile14.

The decorative strip profile12is an elongate stainless steel strand profile with a rectangular cross-section. It defines a decorative surface16which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall210shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the decorative surface16of the decorative strip profile12for covering the rectangular recess wall212shown inFIG. 1can also be rectangular in form, as shown inFIG. 3by the dashed line18. The rear-side surface20of the decorative strip profile12lying opposite the decorative surface16is provided with an adhesion structure22in the manner of an adhesive strip which can be, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like.

The holding profile14is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an F-shaped cross-section. The two parallel arms24and26of the F-shaped cross-section define a retaining groove28in which the decorative strip profile12is retained height-adjustably. In the exposed area of the arm30of the F-shaped cross-section extending laterally to the arms24and26openings32are provided at regular intervals over the whole length of the holding profiles14through which adhesive mortar for fixing the holding profile14to the subsurface can pass and clamp.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, as shown by dashes inFIG. 2, in a first step the holding profile14of the decorative strip10is fixed to the shower floor208along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. The holding profile14is then placed over a previously applied insulating strip33for noise and/or stress decoupling. Directly afterwards the tiles204are laid on the arm30of the holding profile14. After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile12is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile14, the edges204afacing towards the decorative strip profile12of the tiles204laid over the bathroom floor200adjacent to the shower floor206and/or the adhesion structure22of the decorative strip profile12having previously been provided with an adhesive, for example with tile adhesive or silicone. Due to the height-adjustable retaining of the decorative strip profile12in the retainer28of the holding profile14the upper edge of the decorative strip profile12can now be aligned flush with the upper side of the tiles204. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile12and the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile14can be filled with a filler material34, such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile12with additional support from below.

By means of the height-adjustable retaining of the decorative strip profile12in the holding profile14variation of the height of the visible decorative surface16is therefore possible. The decorative strip profile12can also be tilted within the retaining groove28in relation to the bottom of the groove in order to match the gradient of the wedge-shaped decorative strip profile12to the actual gradient of the wedge-shaped recess walls210. Different height movements can also be accommodated between the decorative strip profile12and the retaining groove28.

FIGS. 4 and 5show a decorative strip40according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip40comprises a decorative strip profile42and a holding profile44.

The decorative strip profile42is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a T-shaped cross-section formed by two arms46and48that are disposed perpendicularly to one another. The arm46defines a decorative surface50that tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the decorative strip profile42in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall210shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the decorative surface50of the decorative strip profile42can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall212shown inFIG. 1, as indicated inFIG. 5by the dashed line52. The arm48of the decorative strip profile42positioned horizontally inFIG. 4is provided with openings54at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile42through which tile adhesive for fixing the holding profile14to the subsurface can pass and clamp. Therefore, the arm48forms an attachment arm.

The holding profile44is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an F-shaped cross-section which is formed similarly to the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment, and so the holding profile44will not be described again below.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 4, the holding profile44of the decorative strip40is fixed to the shower floor206along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile44can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly toFIG. 2, even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile44. After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile42is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile44, and the arm48of the decorative strip profile42extending horizontally inFIG. 4is stuck onto the bathroom floor200by means of tile adhesive. Optionally, the gap created between the decorative strips42and the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile44can be filled with a filler material34such as, for example, tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile42with additional support from below. The tiles204are then stuck onto the arm48of the decorative strip profile42.

FIGS. 6 and 7show a decorative strip60according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip60comprises a decorative strip profile62and a holding profile64.

The decorative strip profile62is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with an L-shaped cross-section that is made up from two arms66and68disposed perpendicularly to one another. The arm66disposed perpendicularly inFIG. 6defines a decorative surface70which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall210shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the decorative surface70of the decorative strip profile62can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall212shown inFIG. 1, as indicated inFIG. 7by the dashed line72. The rear-side surface74of the decorative strip profile62lying opposite the decorative surface70is provided with an adhesion structure76in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. The same applies to the lower side of the arm68of the decorative strip profile62extending horizontally inFIG. 6.

The holding profile64corresponds to the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the holding profile64will not be described again below.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 6, the holding profile64of the decorative strip60is fixed to the shower floor206along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile64can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly toFIG. 2, even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile64. After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile62is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile64, the adhesion structures76of the decorative strip profile62having previously been provided with an adhesive, for example with tile adhesive. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile62and the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile64can be filled with a filler material34, such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile62with additional support from below. Then the decorative strip profile62is pressed into the retaining groove28until the lower side of the arm68of the decorative strip profile62extending horizontally inFIG. 6comes to rest on the tiles204laid over the bathroom floor200.

FIGS. 8 and 9show a decorative strip80according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip80comprises a decorative strip profile82and a holding profile84.

The decorative strip profile82is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with an h-shaped cross-section that is formed by two arms86and88arranged in parallel and an arm90extending laterally to the latter. The longer of the two parallel arms86defines a decorative surface92that tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall210shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the decorative surface92of the decorative strip profile82can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall212shown inFIG. 1, as indicated inFIG. 9by the dashed line94. The rear-side surface96of the arm86lying opposite the decorative surface92is provided with an adhesion structure98in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure that forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. The same applies to the lower side of the arm90of the decorative strip profile82extending horizontally inFIG. 8. The distance between the arms86and88of the decorative strip profile82is chosen such that there can be accommodated between the arms86and88a partition wall88, for example a glass or plastic panel, which for example forms a shower cubicle wall.

The holding profile84corresponds to the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so this will not be described again below.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 8, the holding profile84on the decorative strip80is fixed to the shower floor206along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile84can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly toFIG. 2, even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile84. After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile82is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile84, the adhesion structures98having previously been provided with an adhesive, such as for example with tile adhesive. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile82and the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile84is filled with a filler material34, such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile82with additional support from below. Then the tiles204are laid on the bathroom floor200next to the arm88of the decorative strip profile82. A shower cubicle wall, for example, can then be fitted into the retainer defined between the arms86and88of the decorative strip profile82.

FIGS. 10 and 11show a decorative strip100according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip100comprises a decorative strip profile102and a holding profile104.

The decorative strip profile102is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic that substantially corresponds to the h-shaped decorative strip profile82according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention that was described above with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. Accordingly, another description of component sections corresponding to one another and which are provided here with the same reference numbers will not be given. One difference between the decorative strip profile102and the decorative strip profile82is that with the decorative strip profile102there is provided over the extension of the arm90extending horizontally inFIG. 10an attachment arm106in which openings108are formed at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile102. Moreover, in contrast to the arm of the decorative strip profile82, no adhesion structure is provided on the lower side of the arm90of the decorative strip profile102because this is made superfluous by the openings108.

The decorative strip profile102corresponds to the decorative strip profile12of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment, and so this will not be described again.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 10, the holding profile104of the decorative strip100is fixed to the shower floor206along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile104can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly toFIG. 2, even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile14. After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile102is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile104, and the attachment arm106of the decorative strip profile102is laid on the bathroom floor200by means of tile adhesive. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile102and the bottom of the retainer of the holding profile104can be filled with a filler material34, such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile102with additional support from below. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the attachment arm106along the decorative strip profile102.

FIGS. 12 and 13show a decorative strip120according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip120comprises a decorative strip profile122and a holding profile124.

The decorative strip profile122is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a rectangular cross-section. It defines a decorative surface126which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall210shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the decorative surface126of the decorative strip profile122can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall212shown inFIG. 1, as shown by the dashed line128inFIG. 13. The rear-side surface130of the decorative strip profile122lying opposite the decorative surface126is provided with an adhesion structure132in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like.

The holding profile124is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with a U-shaped cross-section which is formed by two parallel arms134and136and an arm138extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms134and136to one another. The two parallel arms134and136define a retaining groove140in which the decorative strip profile122is retained height-adjustably. The outwardly facing surface of the arm134defines a further decorative surface142. The outwardly facing surface of the arm136is also provided with an adhesion structure132.

In order to form the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 12, the decorative strip profile122is inserted into the retaining groove140of the holding profile124, the space remaining between the bottom of the retaining groove140and the decorative strip profile122possibly being filled with a filler material144, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. Then the decorative strip120is fixed to the recess wall210or to the outwardly facing edge204aof the tiles204laid on the bathroom floor200using tile adhesive, the upper side of the holding profile224being aligned flush to the upper side of the tiles204. For noise and/or stress decoupling, similarly toFIG. 2, the decorative strip profile122can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, even if this is not shown here. Then the tiles204are laid on the shower floor206along the decorative strip profile122of the decorative strip120.

FIGS. 14 and 15show a decorative strip150according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip150comprises a decorative strip profile152, a holding profile154and a retaining profile156.

The decorative strip profile152is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a J-shaped cross-section that is formed from two parallel arms158and160and an arm162extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms158,160to one another. Here the arm158is longer than the arm160disposed parallel to the latter. The outside of the arm158defines a decorative surface164which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall210shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the decorative surface164of the decorative strip profile250can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall212shown inFIG. 1, as shown inFIG. 15by the dashed line166. The rear-side surface168of the arm158lying opposite the decorative surface164is provided with an adhesion structure170in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being a grid-, fabric, or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like.

The holding profile154corresponds to the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the design of the holding profile154will not be discussed again below.

The retaining profile156is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an L-shaped cross-section that is formed by an arm172extending vertically inFIG. 14and an arm174disposed at right angles to the latter. The arm174is provided with openings176arranged at regular intervals over the whole length of the retaining profile156.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 14, the holding profile154of the decorative strip150is fixed to the shower floor206along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile254. Next the retaining profile156is fixed to the bathroom floor200by means of tile adhesive. Then the decorative strip profile152is hooked into the perpendicularly extending arm172of the retaining profile156and inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile154. The space to be found between the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile254and the decorative strip profile152can be filled with a filler material, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. In a further step the tiles204are laid along the arm174of the retaining profile156, and the upper side of the decorative strip profile152is aligned flush with the upper side of the tiles204.

FIGS. 16 and 17show a decorative strip180according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip180comprises a decorative strip profile182, a holding profile184and an end profile186. The decorative strip profile182and the holding profile184correspond respectively to the decorative strip profile12and the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the latter will not be described again below.

The end profile186is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a U-shaped cross-section which is formed by two parallel arms188and190and an arm192extending perpendicularly to the latter. The outside of the arm188forms a further decorative surface196. The outside of the arm190is provided with an adhesion structure198in the manner of an adhesive strip which can, for example, be a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown by dashes inFIG. 16, the holding profile184of the decorative strip180is fixed to the shower floor206along the recess wall210to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile184. Next the tiles204are laid on the bathroom floor200. In a further step the decorative strip profile182is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile184, and then the end profile186is placed on the decorative strip profile182and stuck by means of tile adhesive to the facing tile edges204aof the tiles204. By providing both a holding profile284and an end profile186the possibility of double height-adjustment is offered.

FIG. 18shows the decorative strip120already shown inFIGS. 12 and 13according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in a slightly modified form and in an alternative fitting situation in which the decorative strip profile120covers the recess wall212on the bathroom wall side shown inFIG. 1. One modification in comparison to the decorative strip shown inFIGS. 12 and 13is to the effect that the rear arm136of the holding profile124, considered as a cross-section, is substantially bent like a gable roof and is elastic in form so that the holding profile124incorporates the decorative strip profile122like a clamp with pretensioning. Furthermore, the free end of the arm136is bent away from the decorative strip profile122, by means of which an insertion aid is produced which facilitates the insertion of the decorative strip profile122into the holding profile124. In a similar way, for example, one of the arms24or26of an F-shaped holding profile can also be formed like, for example, the F-shaped holding profile shown inFIG. 2.

With the embodiment of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step, as shown inFIG. 18, an insulating strip33is disposed between the bathroom wall202and the shower floor206. An inclined board220accommodating the floor drain208is then fixed onto the shower floor206such that the inclined board220comes to rest against the insulating strip33. The floor drain208is provided on its side facing towards the bathroom wall202with a flexible and water-impermeable sealing strip222which is directed upwards and is secured with tile adhesive or the like to the bathroom wall202. The tiles204are then stuck onto the bathroom wall202at least partially overlapping the sealing strip222. In order to cover the recess wall212the decorative strip120is now inserted into the space to be found between the floor drain208and the tiles204and is on the one hand secured to the sealing strip222on the rear side with tile adhesive, and on the other hand to the lower side of the floor drain208on the lower side with silicone. A height adjustment of the decorative strip profile120can then take place by the decorative strip profile122and the holding profile124being moved relative to one another. In order to fix a desired height adjustment the space to be found between the decorative strip profile122and the holding profile124can be filled with a filler material144such as, for example, tile adhesive, silicone or the like.

FIG. 19shows a decorative strip230according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention in the fitted state. The decorative strip230comprises a decorative strip profile232and a holding profile234.

The decorative strip profile232is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a rectangular cross-section. It defines a decorative surface236which also has a rectangular form for covering the recess wall212shown inFIG. 1. The rear-side surface238of the decorative strip profile232lying opposite the decorative surface236is provided with an adhesion structure240in the manner of an adhesive strip which can be, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like.

The holding profile234is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with a U-shaped cross-section area that is formed from two parallel arms242and244and an arm246extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms242and244to one another, and an L-shaped cross-section area which is formed by two arms248and250disposed perpendicularly to one another, the arm248being attached flush to the arm246of the U-shaped cross-section area and openings252being formed at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile232in the arm250.

In order to cover the recess wall212shown inFIG. 1the insulating strip33, the inclined board220with the floor drain208held against it and the sealing strip222of the floor drain208are initially fitted as already described with reference toFIG. 18. The decorative strip230is then aligned in relation to its height, and the desired alignment fixed by means of filler material144. The decorative strip230is then fixed on the one hand by means of silicone to the upper side of the floor drain208, and on the other hand by means of tile adhesive to the sealing strip222of the floor drain208. Next the tiles204are stuck to the bathroom wall202using tile adhesive, the tiles204being aligned to the L-shaped cross-section area of the holding profile234.

FIG. 20shows a decorative strip260according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip260comprises a decorative strip profile262, a holding profile264and a retaining profile266.

The decorative strip profile262is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a substantially U-shaped cross-section which is formed from two parallel arms268and270and a connection arm272extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms268and270to one another. The connection arm272extends at an angle a of approximately 30° to the horizontal so that the angles enclosed between the connection arm272and the arms268and270are different from 90°. Correspondingly, the decorative surface274of the decorative strip profile262forms in the fitted state an inclined surface, as can be seen inFIG. 20.

The holding profile264corresponds to that of the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the design of the holding profile264will not be discussed again below.

The retaining profile266is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an L-shaped cross-section which is formed by an arm276extending vertically inFIG. 20and an arm278disposed at right angles to the latter. The arm278is provided with openings280arranged at regular intervals over the whole length of the retaining profile266.

With the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, there is provided on the shower floor access side between the bathroom floor200and the shower floor206a ledge214that prevents shower water from flowing onto the adjacent surface of the bathroom floor200. In order to cover this ledge214with the decorative strip260, in a first step the holding profile264of the decorative strip260is fixed to the shower floor206along the ledge214to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile264. Next the retaining profile266is fixed to the bathroom floor200by means of tile adhesive. Then the arm270of the decorative strip profile262is hooked into the perpendicularly extending arm276of the retaining profile266and inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile264. The space to be found between the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile264and the arm268of the decorative strip profile262can be filled with a filler material, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. In a further step the tiles204are laid along the arm276of the retaining profile266.

FIG. 21shows a decorative strip290according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip290comprises a decorative strip profile292and a holding profile294.

The decorative strip profile292is a strand profile made of metal or plastic, and similarly to the decorative strip profile262shown inFIG. 20comprises a substantially U-shaped cross-section area which is formed by two parallel arms296and298and a connection arm300extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms296and298to one another. Here the connection arm300encloses with the arms296and298an angle which is different from 90° so that the decorative surface302formed by the connection arm300is inclined in the fitted state, as can be seen inFIG. 21. Furthermore, the decorative strip profile292comprises an attachment arm304attached to the arm298and extending perpendicularly to the latter which is provided with openings306arranged at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile292.

The holding profile294corresponds to the holding profile14of the decorative strip10according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the design of the holding profile294will not be discussed again below.

Similarly to the fitting of the decorative strip290shown inFIG. 20, in order to cover the ledge214of the shower floor206shown inFIG. 1, in a first step the holding profile294of the decorative strip290is fixed to the shower floor206along the ledge214to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles204are then laid on the arm30of the holding profile294. Next the arm296of the decorative strip profile292is inserted into the retaining groove28of the holding profile294. The space to be found between the bottom of the retaining groove28of the holding profile294and the arm296of the decorative strip profile292can be filled with a filler material, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. At the same time the attachment arm298is fixed to the bathroom floor200by means of tile adhesive. In a further step the tiles204are laid on the attachment arm304of the decorative strip profile292along the arm298of the decorative strip profile292.

All of the embodiments described above of the decorative strip according to the invention are characterised by their height-adjustability and can correspondingly be used variably. Moreover, all of the decorative strips which have a wedge-shaped decorative surface can be produced and marketed in excess lengths so that additional height-adjustability, in particular rough height-adjustability, can be achieved by appropriate cutting to length of the decorative strips. The fine height adjustment can then be implemented in the way described in many cases above.