TRANSITION MOLDING WITH FLEXIBLE HINGES

A variety of molding profiles and related methods of manufacturing and installing the molding profiles are described. An example molding includes: an extruded profile of unitary construction including: a substantially planar central portion; at least one downwardly depending substantially planar wing; at least one hinge section joining the at least one wing to the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein the central portion, the at least one wing, and the vertical legs are formed of a first material, wherein the at least one hinge section is formed of a second material, and wherein the second material is more flexible than the first material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In general, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to molding profiles and, in certain examples, to a universal transition molding configured for mounting in a slot or gap between adjacent building materials, such as flooring materials.

BACKGROUND

Transition molding can be used to provide a smooth transition between two adjacent flooring materials, particularly when there is a noticeable gap or height difference between the flooring materials. By covering abrupt or unfinished edges between flooring materials, transition molding can reduce potential safety hazards and improve appearance of a floor installation. Existing transition molding products, however, can be challenging to install and/or cannot adequately accommodate a variety of height transitions.

A long standing problem in the residential and commercial construction industry relates to floor transitions of different heights requiring a “multiple transition” molding, as well as floors of the same height requiring an “even transition” molding. These transitions can occur between the same or different flooring materials (e.g., wood to wood, wood to tile, tile to linoleum, etc.). Currently, the industry addresses this problem by supplying two separate products: a T-molding for same height flooring transitions and an MPR (multi-purpose reducer) molding for different floor height transitions.

Multiple profiles of both T- and MPR moldings are manufactured, to accommodate vastly different thicknesses of floors. This entails purchasing and maintaining an inventory of a large number of similar, but differently dimensioned, moldings.

There is a need for a universal transition molding that is easy to install and capable of accommodating a wide range of height transitions between adjacent flooring materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the articles and methods described herein relate to a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces or materials. The universal transition molding can be formed by extrusion and can be or include a molding profile of unitary construction. The universal transition molding can be installed by pressing or pounding a portion of the molding into a gap or slot between the two floor surfaces. In some instances, vertical legs on the molding can be pressed into the slot, which can include or be defined by a U-shaped track configured to receive the vertical legs. In other examples, the articles and methods described herein relate to an end molding or a stair nose.

In general, in one aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces. The molding is or includes a substantially symmetrical extruded profile of unitary construction including: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion.

In certain examples, the extruded profile is made of or includes PVC and/or can have a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about 90. The central portion can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. The central portion can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each wing can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Each wing can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Each wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. Each hinge section can have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of each of the central portion and each wing. Each leg can have a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Each leg can have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Each leg can include a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing. The molding can include a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings. The cover can be adhered to at least a portion of the upper surfaces. The cover can include a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, a wear resistant finish, or any combination thereof. The molding can further include a U-shaped track defining a slot for receiving the vertical legs therein. The U-shaped track can include means for attaching a base of the U-shaped track to a surface. The attaching means can be or include an adhesive layer, a plurality of apertures formed in the base for receiving fasteners therethrough, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces. The method includes the steps of: (i) extruding a substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction having: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion; and (ii) cooling the extruded profile.

In some implementations, the extruded profile is made of or includes PVC and/or can have a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about 90. The central portion can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. The central portion can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each wing can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Each wing can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Each wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. Each hinge section can have a thickness in a range of about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of each of the central portion and each wing. Each leg can have a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Each leg can have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Each leg can include a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing. The method can include applying a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings. Applying the cover can include co-extruding, coating, and/or adhering the cover onto at least a portion of the upper surfaces. The cover can include a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, a wear resistant finish, or any combination thereof. The method can include providing a U-shaped track defining a slot for receiving the vertical legs therein. The U-shaped track can include means for attaching a base of the U-shaped track to a surface. The attaching means can be or include an adhesive layer, a plurality of apertures formed in the base for receiving fasteners therethrough, or any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method of installing a universal transition molding for bridging two floor surfaces. The method includes the steps of: (i) obtaining a substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction having: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion; and (ii) pressing the legs into a slot between the two floor surfaces.

In various examples, the slot is formed by a saw kerf, opposing edges of flooring, a U-shaped track mounted between the two floor surfaces, or any combination thereof. The extruded profile can be made of or include PVC and/or can have a Shore D durometer in a range of about 50 to about 90. The central portion can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about mm. The central portion can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 2 mm. Each wing can have a width in a range of about 7 mm to about 20 mm. Each wing can have a thickness in a range of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. Each wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. Each hinge section can have a thickness in a range of about to about 1.5 mm. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or each wing. Each hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of each of the central portion and each wing. Each leg can have a height in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Each leg can have a thickness in a range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm. Each leg can include a plurality of friction barbs protruding from a side thereof proximate a respective wing. The molding profile can have or include a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the wings. The cover can be adhered to at least a portion of the upper surfaces. The cover can include a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, a wear resistant finish, or any combination thereof. The method can include mounting a U-shaped track between the two floor surfaces, and pressing the legs into the slot can include inserting the legs into the U-shaped track. Mounting the U-shaped track can include attaching the U-shaped track to a surface using at least one of an adhesive layer and a mechanical fastener.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a molding. The molding includes: an extruded profile of unitary construction including: a substantially planar central portion; at least one downwardly depending substantially planar wing; at least one hinge section joining the at least one wing to the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein the central portion, the at least one wing, and the vertical legs are formed of a first material (e.g., a rigid material), wherein the at least one hinge section is formed of a second material (e.g., a flexible material), and wherein the second material is more flexible than the first material.

In certain examples, the first material has a Shore D durometer from about 70 to about and the second material has a Shore A durometer from about 70 to about 90. A modulus of elasticity of the second material can be less than a modulus of elasticity of the first material. The first material and the second material can each include polyvinyl chloride. The first material and the second material can enable the at least one wing to rotate as a rigid body about the at least one hinge section when a force is applied to a tip of the at least one wing. The at least one wing can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the central portion. The at least one hinge section can have a thickness less than a thickness of at least one of the central portion or the at least one wing. The molding can be substantially symmetrical and configured for bridging two floor surfaces, wherein the at least one wing includes a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings, and wherein the at least one hinge section includes a pair of hinge sections joining the pair of wings to opposing edges of the central portion. Alternatively or additionally, the extruded profile can form a stair nose or an end molding. The vertical legs can be adapted to be received in a slot. In some examples, the molding can further include a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the at least one wing, wherein the cover includes at least one of a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, or a wear resistant finish.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a molding. The method includes the steps of: co-extruding a profile of unitary construction including: a substantially planar central portion; at least one downwardly depending substantially planar wing; at least one hinge section joining the at least one wing to the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein the central portion, the at least one wing, and the vertical legs are formed of a first material, wherein the at least one hinge section is formed of a second material, and wherein the second material is more flexible than the first material.

In some implementations, the coextruding includes: extruding the central portion, the at least one wing, and the pair of vertical legs using the first material; and extruding the at least one hinge section using the second material. The coextruding can include merging a melt stream of the first material with a melt stream of the second material. The method can include applying a cover extending along upper surfaces of the central portion and the at least one wing, wherein applying the cover includes at least one of co-extruding, coating, or adhering the cover onto at least a portion of the upper surfaces.

In another aspect, the subject matter of this disclosure relates to a method of installing a molding. The method includes the steps of: obtaining an extruded profile of unitary construction including: a substantially planar central portion; at least one downwardly depending substantially planar wing; at least one hinge section joining the at least one wing to the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion, wherein the central portion, the at least one wing, and the vertical legs are formed of a first material, wherein the at least one hinge section is formed of a second material, and wherein the second material is more flexible than the first material; and pressing the legs into a slot. In certain examples, the slot is formed by at least one of a saw kerf, opposing edges of flooring, a U-shaped track, or a combination thereof.

These and other objects, along with advantages and features of embodiments of the present invention herein disclosed, will become more apparent through reference to the following description, the figures, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is contemplated that apparatus, systems, methods, and processes of the claimed invention encompass variations and adaptations developed using information from the embodiments described herein. Adaptation and/or modification of the apparatus, systems, methods, and processes described herein may be performed by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed invention.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain actions is immaterial, so long as the invention remains operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously.

Referring toFIG.1, in certain examples, a universal transition molding10(also referred to herein simply as “molding”) is configured to be installed or mounted in a slot between two adjacent building materials, such as two adjacent flooring, wall, or ceiling materials, to provide a smooth or more gradual transition between the adjacent building materials, which can have different heights or thicknesses. The molding10can be symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about a central vertical plane12. As used herein, substantially symmetrical can mean visually symmetrical. Accordingly, dimensional variations of up to 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5% or less between corresponding structures can be considered substantially symmetrical. The molding10can be or include a profile that can be formed by extrusion, molding, or other manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, the molding10or a portion thereof (e.g., an extruded profile) is of unitary construction, for example, with elements of the molding10formed from a single, continuous material, a blend of materials (e.g., a homogeneous blend), or multiple co-extruded materials. The molding10can be formed from or include a polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon, an elastomer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or other polymeric materials. A durometer (e.g., Shore D) of the material used in the molding10can be about 60 or can range from about 50 to about 90, though values above and below this range are contemplated. Optionally, the material can include fillers or reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber or carbon fiber, to enhance structural integrity.

In the depicted example, the universal transition molding10includes a central portion14, a pair of wings16aand16b, and a pair of vertical legs18aand18b. The central portion14is or includes a planar or substantially planar (or flat) sheet or strip portion of the molding10. Each wing16aor16bis also planar or substantially planar (or flat). As used herein, substantially planar can mean visually planar. For example, a surface can be substantially planar along a length dimension when a radius of curvature for the length dimension (e.g., in a direction normal to the surface) is at least 2, 3, 5, or 10 times larger than the length dimension (e.g., a length dimension of 1 cm has a radius of curvature of at least 2, 3, 5, or cm). The wings16aand16bare joined to opposing edges of the central portion14by a pair of respective hinge sections20aand20b. When the molding10is in a relaxed or uninstalled state, the wings16aand16bdepend or hang slightly downwardly from the central portion14, to define a wing angle Aw between each wing16aor16band a horizontal plane22defined by the central portion14. This feature provides a resilient bias, so that the tips of the wings16aand16breliably remain in contact with the abutting floor surfaces after installation of the molding10. The hinge sections20aand20bare generally more flexible than the wings16aand16band/or the central portion14, such that the hinge sections20aand20bpermit the wings16aand16bto flex or rotate about the hinge sections20aand20brelative to the central portion14, thereby changing the wing angle Aw. The greater flexibility of the hinge sections20aand20bcan be achieved by making the hinge sections20aand20bthinner than the wings16aand16band/or the central portion14. The thinner hinge sections20aand20bcan be achieved by forming an inner radius at a bottom surface of each hinge section20aor20b. The pair of vertical legs18aand18bextend from a bottom surface of the central portion14, proximate the hinge sections20aand20b. Each vertical leg18aor18bcan include one or more friction barbs24protruding from an inner and/or outer side of the vertical leg18aor18b.

Referring toFIG.2, the molding10can be installed in a gap or slot30between two adjacent flooring materials, including a first flooring material32and a second flooring material34. The first flooring material32and the second flooring material34can have different thicknesses or heights (HF1and HF2, respectively) above a sub-floor36, such that a height difference ΔH exists between exposed upper surfaces of the two flooring materials32and34. To facilitate installation, a U-shaped track38can be mounted to the sub-floor36in the slot30(e.g., using adhesive or fasteners through apertures39in the U-shaped track38) and can be sized and configured to receive the vertical legs18aand18bof the molding10. For example, the vertical legs18aand18bcan be pressed into the U-shaped track38during installation, to achieve a friction or interference fit between outer walls or barbs24of the vertical legs18aand18band inner vertical wall surfaces of the U-shaped track38. The friction barbs24can provide enhanced friction between the vertical legs18aand18band the U-shaped track38, to ensure the molding10is properly secured and retained in the U-shaped track38. In alternative examples, the molding10can be installed without the U-shaped track38by achieving a friction or interference fit directly with sidewalls of the adjacent flooring materials32and34. Installation can be achieved by pressing or pounding the molding10into position by hand or with a mallet.

FIG.3depicts the molding10, the U-shaped track38, and the two flooring materials32and34after the molding10has been installed. Advantageously, the flexibility and downward bias afforded by the hinge sections20aand20bpermits the two wings16aand16bto rotate about the hinge sections20aand20b, as needed, to accommodate the difference in height between the two flooring materials32and34, while maintaining reliable contact with the flooring materials32and34. In the installed position, each wing16aor16bremains planar or substantially planar and is resting on an adjacent flooring material32or34, with little or no gap or separation between at least a tip of the wing16aor16band the flooring material32or34. The installed molding fills the slot30between the two flooring materials32and34and provides a smooth transition from the first flooring material32to the second flooring material34.

Referring toFIG.4, in some examples, the molding10can have or include a cover40extending along upper surfaces of the central portion14and the wings16aand16b. In the depicted example, the cover40extends around outer tips42aand42bof the wings16aand16band covers at least a portion of bottom surfaces of the wings16aand16b, so as to be reliably retained and/or visually appealing. The cover40can be or include, for example, a coating (e.g., paint or stain), a film, a foil, or a laminate material. The cover40can be formed on the molding through co-extrusion, in which the cover40is co-extruded onto the depicted portion of the profile of the extruded molding10. Alternatively or additionally, the cover40can be applied or adhered to the molding10after the profile of the molding10has been formed. The cover40can have or provide a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, and/or a wear resistant finish. In some instances, the decorative finish can achieve an appearance of a natural building material, such as wood or stone, through the use of one or more pigments and/or a printed pattern.

FIG.5illustrates various dimensions for this embodiment of the molding10, including a thickness TCof the central portion14, a width WCof the central portion14, a thickness TWof each wing16aor16b, a width WWof each wing16aor16b, a thickness THof the hinge sections, a width W H of the hinge sections, a thickness TLof each vertical leg18aor18b, a height HLof each vertical leg18aor18b, a total height HTof the molding10(e.g., in its relaxed or uninstalled state), a total width W T of the molding10(e.g., in its relaxed or uninstalled state), and a distance DLbetween outer sides of the vertical legs18aand18b, which can be equal to or substantially the same as (e.g., within 5%, 10%, or 20%) the width WCof the central portion14. The total height H T can be equal to a distance from a top surface of the central portion14to a bottom surface of the vertical legs18aand18b. Example low, high, and typical range values for these dimensions and other parameters for the molding10are provided in Table 1. The listed values for thicknesses TC, TH, TL, and/or TWcan be minimum, maximum, or average thicknesses. Various embodiments include any parameter value (e.g., integer or decimal value) within the cited ranges. For example, the thickness TCof the central portion14can be 1, 1.1, 1.2, . . . , 1.9, or 2 mm. Likewise, the width W H of each hinge section can be 1, 2, 3, . . . , 7, or 8 mm. Express support and written description of these parameter values for each parameter are hereby represented.

FIG.6is a flowchart of a method60of manufacturing a universal transition molding (e.g., for bridging two floor surfaces) in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. A substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction is extruded (step62). The molding profile includes: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending (e.g., hanging) substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion. A cover is optionally co-extruded (step64), coated, and/or adhered onto at least a portion of the molding profile. The cover can provide a decorative finish, a friction enhancing finish, or a wear resistant finish to the molding profile, as described herein. The extruded profile is cooled (step66) and can be cut to desired lengths for shipping and installation. In other examples, the method60can be modified to form extruded profiles that are not symmetric and/or are formed of a rigid material and a flexible material, as described herein. For example, the extrusion step62can involve co-extruding a profile using a rigid material to form one or more portions of the profile (e.g., a wing, a center portion, a leg, and/or a body portion) and a flexible material to form one or more other portions of the profile (e.g., a hinge section).

FIG.7is a flowchart of a method70of installing a universal transition molding (e.g., for bridging two floor surfaces) in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. A substantially symmetrical molding profile of unitary construction is obtained (step72). The molding profile includes: a substantially planar central portion; a pair of downwardly depending substantially planar wings; a pair of hinge sections joining the wings to opposing edges of the central portion; and a pair of vertical legs depending from a bottom surface of the central portion. A U-shaped track can optionally be mounted (step74) in a slot or gap between two floor surfaces. The legs are pressed (step76) into the slot (e.g., the U-shaped track). In other examples, the method70can be used and/or modified to install extruded profiles that are not symmetric and/or that have a rigid material and a flexible material, as described herein.

Referring toFIG.8, in certain implementations, a universal transition molding80can include a flexible material82and a rigid material84. The flexible material82can be located within hinge sections86aand86bof the molding80, and the rigid material84can be located within other portions of the molding80, including wings87aand87b, a central portion88, and/or vertical legs89aand89b. In some examples, each of the flexible material82and the rigid material84can be or include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, a foam material (e.g., closed cell), and/or other suitable material(s). The universal transition molding80can have a shape and size that are similar or identical to a shape and size for the universal transition molding10. For example, the dimensions of the universal transition molding80can be equal to or consistent with the dimensions listed in Table 1. In various examples, the rigid material84is referred to herein as a “first material,” and the flexible material82is referred to herein as a “second material.”

Example material properties for the flexible material82and the rigid material84are presented in Table 2, below. In some implementations, a durometer for the flexible material82can range from about 60 Shore A to about 100 Shore A, or from about 70 Shore A to about 90 Shore A, or can be about 80 Shore A (e.g., at a temperature from about 21° C. to about 25° C.). Additionally or alternatively, a durometer for the rigid material84can range from about 70 Shore D to about 90 Shore D, or can be about 80 Shore D (e.g., at a temperature from about 21° C. to about 25° C.). In certain examples, a stiffness or modulus of elasticity for the flexible material82can be less than a stiffness or modulus of elasticity for the rigid material84, such that the flexible material82is more flexible than the rigid material84. For example, the modulus of elasticity for the flexible material82can be less than or equal to about 50%, about 10%, about 5%, about 1%, about 0.5%, about 0.1%, about 0.05% or about 0.01% of the modulus of elasticity for the rigid material84.

The universal transition molding80can be manufactured using a variety of techniques. In some examples, the universal transition molding80can be manufactured by coextrusion in which the flexible material82is extruded at the hinge sections86aand86band the rigid material84is extruded at one or more other portions (e.g., the wings87aand87b, the central portion88, and/or the vertical legs89aand89b). During the coextrusion process, a melt stream of the flexible material82can be merged or combined with a melt stream of the rigid material84. The melt streams can be combined upstream or near an exit of an extrusion die, which can define one or more openings corresponding to a profile of the universal transition molding80. For example, the melt stream of the flexible material82can be directed toward regions of the extrusion die corresponding to the hinge sections86aand86b, and the melt stream of the rigid material84can be directed toward other regions of the extrusion die. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, the universal transition molding80can be manufactured using molding or 3D printing techniques. In each case, the resulting universal transition molding can be or include a single, unitary part that includes the flexible material82and the rigid material84.

While the flexible material82is generally located in the hinge sections86aand86band the rigid material84is generally located in other portions, it is understood that there may be some mixing of the two materials. This can result in a transition zone between the two materials, such that the transition zone can include the flexible material82on one side, the rigid material84on an opposite side, and a mixture of the two materials between the two sides, which can be separated by a short distance (e.g., less than 1 mm, 2 mm, or 5 mm). The transition zone can include a concentration gradient for each material, which can range from 100% of the material on one side to 0% of the material on the opposite side. Such mixing can improve bonding between the two materials. Alternatively or additionally, in some examples there can be an abrupt transition from the flexible material82to the rigid material84, with little or no mixing of the two materials and/or a small or nonexistent transition zone.

Compared to other universal transitional moldings, the universal transition molding has several advantages. For example, the universal transition molding80can provide better flexibility and range for the hinge sections86aand86bto flex or adapt to a given application, with little or no deformation (e.g., visible deformation) occurring in other portions of the universal transition molding80(e.g., the wings87aand87b, the central portion88, or the vertical legs89aand89b). For example, when a force or torque is applied to a tip or other portion of one of the wings87aor87b, the wing87aor87bmay be able to rotate about its respective hinge as a rigid body (e.g., with little or no visible deformation of the wing87aor87b). The universal transition molding80can also achieve cost savings, given that recycled, rigid PVC materials can be used for the wings87aand87b, the central portion88, and/or the legs89aand89b, which is where the bulk of the materials are located. Use of the more expensive, flexible material82can be limited to the hinge sections86aand86b, which can occupy a small portion of a total volume of the universal transition molding80. Additionally or alternatively, use of rigid PVC materials throughout most of the universal transition molding80(e.g., other than in the hinge sections86aand86b) can improve thermal stability. Such rigid materials can be able to withstand loads and/or minimize deformation over a wide range of temperatures (e.g., 0-100° F.).

FIGS.9-13are schematic diagrams of other profiles or moldings that can be formed using the flexible material82and the rigid material84.FIGS.9and10depict a small stair nose and a medium stair nose100, respectively. The stair noses90and100can be used to form a nose for a stair and can provide a transition from the nose to an adjacent flooring or stair tread material (e.g., wood or vinyl).FIGS.11,12, and13depict a small end molding110, a medium end molding120, and a large end molding130, respectively. The end moldings110,120, and130can be used to transition from one flooring material (e.g., wood or vinyl) to a different flooring material (e.g., carpet, concrete, or ceramic tile). Other profile shapes are contemplated.

In each of the examples depicted inFIGS.9-13, the flexible material82can be included in a hinge section92and the rigid material84can be included in one or more other portions (e.g., all remaining portions) of the profile or molding90,100,110,120, or130. For example, the hinge section92can be formed of the flexible material82and can connect a wing94with a body or central portion96(e.g., containing vertical legs) formed of the rigid material84. The flexible material82can allow the hinge section92to bend or flex while the rigid material84can prevent such bending or flexing in the wing94or other portions of the profile or molding90,100,110,120, or130.

Like the universal transition molding80, each of the profiles or moldings90,100,110,120, or130can be of unitary construction and/or can be manufactured by coextrusion, 3D printing, or other techniques. The profiles or moldings90,100,110,120, and130can include the cover40over at least a portion of an outer surface, including one or more portions that are visible after the profiles or moldings90,100,110,120, and130have been installed. Each of the profiles or moldings90,100,110,120, or130can include a single wing94and/or can be asymmetric.

In various implementations, any of the profiles or moldings90,100,110,120, and130can have dimensions that are equal to or consistent with corresponding dimensions for the universal transition moldings10and80, described herein. For example, each molding90,100,110,120, or130can have a central portion thickness, a central portion width, a wing thickness, a wing width, a hinge section thickness, a hinge section width, a leg thickness, a leg height, a total height, a total width, a vertical leg distance, and/or a wing angle as listed in Table 1.

Each numerical value presented herein, for example, in a table, a chart, or a graph, is contemplated to represent a minimum value or a maximum value in a range for a corresponding parameter. Accordingly, when added to the claims, the numerical value provides express support for claiming the range, which may lie above or below the numerical value, in accordance with the teachings herein. Absent inclusion in the claims, each numerical value presented herein is not to be considered limiting in any regard.

The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms and expressions of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof. In addition, having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the molding may include solely one vertical mounting leg, with no barbs or barbs formed on one or both sidewalls. Alternatively, for the two leg embodiment, the barbs may be formed on one or both inner opposing sidewalls, to friction grip a vertical protrusion centrally or otherwise located in the slot or gap. Yet further, the barbs may be formed on both inner and outer sidewalls of the two leg embodiment, to optionally be mountable in slots or gaps with correspondingly spaced sidewalls and/or protrusions.

The features and functions of the various embodiments may be arranged in various combinations and permutations, and all are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, the configurations, materials, and dimensions described herein are intended as illustrative and in no way limiting. Similarly, although physical explanations have been provided for explanatory purposes, there is no intent to be bound by any particular theory or mechanism, or to limit the claims in accordance therewith.