Abstract:
A trim frame assembly includes a first trim member, a first end member, and a second end member. The first end member has a first side facing the first end of the first trim member and a second side opposite the first side, with the first side having a recess formed therein that extends into the first end member through the first side but terminates before reaching the second side. The recess has a perimeter edge, which has a shape that generally follows the profile of the trim member wherein the trim member is insertable into the recess. The second end member similarly has a first side facing the second end of the first trim member and a second side opposite the first side, with the first side of the second end member having a recess formed therein, which extends into the second end member through the first side of the second end member but terminates before reaching the second side of the second end member. This recess also has a perimeter edge with a shape that generally follows the profile of the trim member wherein the trim member is insertable into the recess of the second end member.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to wood trim components and, more particularly, to various wood trim components that can be assembled in various combinations to form various wood trim assemblies or systems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention provides a simplified trim assembly and method of making the trim assembly by reducing the amount of precision cut trim pieces to form the trim assembly.  
         [0003]     In one aspect of the invention, a trim frame assembly includes a first trim member, a first end member, and a second end member. The first trim member has an outer facing surface with a profile, a first end, and a second end opposed from the first end. The first end member has a first side facing the first end of the first trim member and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the first end member has a recess formed therein, which extends into the first end member through the first side but terminates before reaching the second side. The recess has a perimeter edge that has a shape generally following the profile of the trim member wherein the trim member is insertable into the recess through the first side of the first end member. The second end member has a first side facing the second end of the first trim member and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the second end member also has a recess formed therein, which extends into the second end member through the first side of the second end member but terminates before reaching the second side of the second end member. This recess also has a perimeter edge that has a shape generally following the profile of the trim member wherein the trim member is insertable into the recess of the second end member.  
         [0004]     In one aspect, the trim member comprises at least two trim pieces.  
         [0005]     In another aspect, the recess of the first end member and/or the second end member extends to at least one edge of the first end member and/or the second end member.  
         [0006]     In further aspects, the trim frame assembly further includes a second trim member and a third end member. The second trim member has opposed first and second ends and an outer facing surface. The second trim member is mounted between the second side of the first end member and the third end member.  
         [0007]     Optionally, the trim frame assembly may further include a third trim member and a fourth end member, with the third trim member having opposed first and second ends and an outer facing surface. The third trim member is mounted between the second side of the second end member and the fourth end member.  
         [0008]     Additionally, the trim frame assembly may include a fourth trim member having opposed first and second ends. The first end of the fourth trim member extending between the first and third end members wherein the second trim member overlaps with the first end of the fourth trim member. In a further aspect, the fourth trim member includes an outer facing surface with a profile, and the second trim member includes an edge having a contour generally following the profile of the fourth trim member where the second trim member overlaps with the fourth trim member.  
         [0009]     According to yet a further aspect, the trim frame assembly may include a fifth trim member, with opposed first and second ends and an outer facing surface. The first end of the fifth trim member extends between the second and fourth end members wherein the third trim member overlaps with the first end of the fifth trim member. Similarly, the third trim member includes an edge having a contour generally following the profile of the fifth trim member where the third trim member overlaps with the fifth trim member.  
         [0010]     In any of these combinations, the trim members may comprise two or more trim pieces. For example, at least one of the trim members may comprise a first trim piece and a second trim piece, with the first trim piece having a recess and the second trim piece nesting in the recess of the first trim piece.  
         [0011]     According to another form of the invention, a trim assembly includes a first trim member, a first end member, a second end member, and a second trim member. The first trim member is mounted between the first and second ends. The second trim member has opposed first and second ends and an outer facing surface with a profile. The first end of the second trim member extends between the first and second end members behind the first trim member so that the first trim member overlaps first end of the second trim member. The first trim member has an edge with a contour that generally follows the profile of the second trim member where the first trim member overlaps with the second trim member.  
         [0012]     In one aspect, the trim assembly forms a column trim assembly.  
         [0013]     In another aspect, the trim assembly further includes a third trim member, with opposed first and second ends and an outer facing surface with a profile. The first end member includes a recess in its second side, with the first end of the third trim extending into the second side of the first end member in the recess. The recess has a perimeter edge with a contour generally following the profile of the third trim member.  
         [0014]     In a further aspect, the trim assembly further includes a third end member, with a first side facing the second end of the third trim member and a second side. The first side of the third end member has a recess, which has a perimeter edge with a contour generally following the profile of the third trim member. The second end of the third trim member extends into the recess of the third end member.  
         [0015]     In any of the preceding combinations, one or more of the members may be formed from wood, wood composite, wood laminate, or a molded material such as MDF. In addition, in any one of the preceding combinations, the end members may comprise a plate member. Further, any of the trim members may be formed from one or more trim pieces.  
         [0016]     In accordance with another form of the invention, a trim assembly is formed by providing a first end member with a first side of a second side, providing a trim member with first and second opposed ends and an outer facing surface having a profile, and forming a recess in the first side of the first end member, which includes shaping a perimeter edge of the recess to generally follow the profile of the trim members. In addition, a second end member with first and second sides is provided and a second recess is formed in the first side of the second end member. The perimeter of the second recess is shaped to generally follow the profile of the trim member. The trim member is then positioned in the recesses of the first and second end members to thereby form the trim assembly.  
         [0017]     In one aspect, the trim member is provided by first and second trim pieces. For example, a recess may be formed in the first trim piece, with the second trim piece placed in the recess of the first trim piece to thereby form the trim member.  
         [0018]     In other aspects, third and fourth end members are provided, each with a first side and a second side. Second and third trim members are also provided, with the second trim member mounted between the first end member and a third end member and the third trim member mounted between the second end member and the fourth end member.  
         [0019]     In yet a further aspect, a fourth trim member is provided, with the end of fourth trim member positioned between the first and third end members. The second trim member is overlapped with the fourth trim member wherein the fourth trim member extends behind the second trim member between the first and third end members.  
         [0020]     Additionally, a fifth trim member may be provided and positioned between the second and fourth end members. The third trim member is then overlapped with an end of the fifth trim member wherein the fifth trim member extends behind the third trim member between the second and fourth end members.  
         [0021]     Optionally, the lower edge of the second trim member is shaped so that it generally follows a contour of an outer facing surface of the fourth trim member where the second trim member overlaps with the fourth trim member.  
         [0022]     Similarly, the lower edge of the third trim member may be shaped to generally follow a profile of an outer facing surface of the fifth trim member.  
         [0023]     Accordingly, the present invention provides a simplified trim assembly that is easier to assemble and install by eliminating at least some of the precision cutting required with conventional trim work while still providing precision joinery. Further, given the modular nature of the trim components, the trim components can be combined in numerous different ways to create customized trim work at a significantly reduced cost over conventional trim work.  
         [0024]     These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a wood trim assembly of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a right-hand corner block of the trim assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the left-hand corner block of a trim assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is a photograph of another embodiment of a trim assembly of the present invention incorporating a column that extends into the left-hand corner block of the trim assembly;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged detailed view of the column trim member extending into a right-hand corner block of the trim assembly of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 5A  is an enlarged perspective view of the left-hand corner block of the trim assembly of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded perspective view of the corner block of  FIG. 5A ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 5C  is an enlarged perspective view of the right-hand corner block of the trim assembly of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5D  is an exploded perspective view of the corner block of  FIG. 5C ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 5E  is a perspective view of a splice block of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 5F  is an exploded perspective view of the splice block of  FIG. 5E ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is a similar view to  FIG. 4  illustrating the trim assembly formed from a different wood;  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  is a similar view to  FIG. 6  of the trim assembly;  
         [0038]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the left-hand corner block of the trim assembly in  FIG. 8  illustrating the column trim member of the trim assembly inserting into the left-hand corner block;  
         [0040]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two other embodiments of the trim assembly of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of another embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention illustrating another embodiment of a right-hand corner block;  
         [0043]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the trim frame assembly of the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another trim assembly of the present invention; and  
         [0045]      FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of the trim assembly of  FIG. 14 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0046]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the numeral  10  generally designates a trim assembly of the present invention. Trim assembly  10  is formed from a plurality of trim components that are configured to provide a simplified trim assembly that is easier to assemble and install by eliminating at least some of the precision cutting required with conventional trim work while still providing precision joinery. Further, given the modular nature of the trim components of the present invention, the trim components can be combined in numerous different ways to create customized trim work at a significantly reduced cost over conventional trim work.  
         [0047]     In the illustrated embodiment, trim assembly  10  includes left and right corner blocks  12  and  14  and a crown trim member  16  which are assembled to form crown-molding. As will be more fully described below, trim assembly  10  may be used to trim areas in the kitchen of a recreational vehicle or may be used to trim the perimeter of a slide-out, for example. Further, as will be more fully appreciated from the description that follows, various components of the trim assembly may be combined with other components to create a simplified modular system for installing trim work.  
         [0048]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , corner blocks  12  and  14  are adapted to provide receptacles for and receive trim member  16  in the corner blocks, which facilitates the installation of the trim assembly and, further, reduces the accuracy needed for cutting trim member  16 ; therefore, this arrangement provides for a greater tolerance for the length of the trim member  16  when installing trim assembly  10 . This greatly facilitates the installation and, further, the speed of the installation.  
         [0049]     As best seen in  FIGS. 1-3 , each corner block  12 ,  14  is formed from a pair of end members  18 ,  20  and  48 ,  50 . For ease of description, only the left-hand corner block  12  will be described in detail with the understanding that the right-hand corner block is a substantially mirror image of the left-hand corner block. Though it should be understood that the blocks need not be identical. In the illustrated embodiment, end members  18  and  20  comprise plate members with inwardly facing sides  22  and  24  and outwardly facing sides  26  and  28 . In the left-hand corner block configuration, inwardly and outwardly facing sides  22 ,  24 , and  26  are generally planar. While outwardly facing side  28 , which faces the end  16   a  of trim member  16 , includes a recess  30  to receive end  16   a  of trim member  16 . Optionally, recess  30  includes a perimeter  32 , which is shaped to generally follow the profile of the outwardly facing surface  16   b  of trim member  16 . In this manner, when corner block  12  is mounted over the end of trim member  16 , the joint will have the appearance of precision joinery. Further, recess  30  may extend from perimeter  32  to rearward edge  34  and also to upper edge  36  of end member  20 , which further simplifies the installation process. For example, with this configuration, trim member  16  may be first mounted to a fixed surface, for example, a wall or other structure, and then the corner block  12  may be mounted over the end of trim member  16 .  
         [0050]     To provide a more aesthetically appealing trim assembly, preferably the lower end  30   a  (as viewed in  FIG. 3 ) of recess  30  terminates before lower edge  38  of end member  20  so as to provide end member  20  with an uninterrupted substantially continuous outer surface  40  starting at the forward end of upper edge  36  and extending downwardly and rearwardly to the rearward-most edge  42  of end member  20 . In this manner, when viewed from below or a normal standing position, trim assembly  10  will have all of the indicia of custom trim work.  
         [0051]     In addition, block member  12  includes a trim member  44  mounted between end members  20  and  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, trim member  44  comprises two trim pieces  46  and  47  which are joined together to form trim member  44  and extend between and are mounted to the respective end members  20  and  22 . Optionally, trim member  44  may have a similar profile as trim member  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, the connections between trim member  44  and end members  20  and  22  comprise butt joints; however, it may be appreciated that other types of joints or connections may be used. For example, blocks  12  and  14  may be preassembly with a standard width, so that the only variable is the length of trim member  16 .  
         [0052]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , right-hand corner block  14  is similarly configured to left-hand corner block  12  with two end members  48  and  50  and a trim member  52 , which extends between end members  48  and  50 . Similarly, trim member  52  is formed from two trim pieces  54  and  56 . However, for further details of end members  48  and  50  and trim member  52 , reference is made herein to corner block  12 , but with the understanding that they are mirror images. In this manner, after trim member  16  is mounted to a fixed surface, such as a wall, and corner block  12  is mounted to the fixed surface over the first end of trim member  16 , block  14  may be then mounted to the fixed surface over the other end of trim member  16 . It should be understood that the order of the blocks may be reversed—in other words block  14  is first mounted to the fixed surface over the end of trim member  16 , and then block  12  is mounted to the fixed surface over end  16   a  of trim member  16 . In this manner, the components of trim assembly  10  allow for a greater tolerance for the length of trim member  16  when installing trim assembly  10  and greater flexibility in the location of the corner blocks; thereby greatly reducing the time and cost to install trim assembly  10  in for example, as noted above, a recreational vehicle.  
         [0053]     In the illustrated embodiment, end members  18 ,  20 ,  48  and  50  are four-sided plate-shaped members; however, it may be appreciated that the shape, size, and cross-section of the end members may be varied as desired depending on the shape of the trim members and also the desired appearance of the trim assembly. In addition, as will be more fully described in reference to the further embodiments described below, trim members  16 ,  44 , and  52  may be varied to accommodate different styles and configurations. Further, additional trim members or pieces may be added to trim assembly  10 . For example, the column trim members described in reference to the later embodiments may be added to trim assembly  10  to form a trim frame assembly for framing, for example an archway or an opening in a wall or, as noted above, for framing a slider in a recreational vehicle.  
         [0054]     Referring to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment  110  of the frame assembly of the present invention. Frame assembly  110  is similar to frame assembly  10  in that it includes a left-hand corner block  112 , a right-hand corner block  114  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and a trim member  116 , which is mounted to a fixed surface and extends between corner blocks  112  and  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, corner blocks  112 ,  114  are assembled from end members  118 ,  120 ,  148 , and  150  that include extensions  118   a ,  120   a ,  148   a , and  150   a  to accommodate a larger trim member  116 .  
         [0055]     As best understood from  FIG. 4 , trim member  116  is formed from two trim pieces  154  and  156 . In the illustrated embodiment, trim piece  156  includes a groove or recessed portion  158 , which allows additional trim pieces to be added to trim member  116  to alter the appearance of the trim member, as will be more fully described in reference to the third embodiment. Additionally, as described in reference to the column trim members, when an insert trim piece is located in the groove  158 , the insert trim piece may be used to hide mounting hardware.  
         [0056]     In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, trim assembly  110  incorporates column trim members  160  ( FIG. 4 ) and  162  ( FIG. 5 ), which extend up into corner blocks  112  and  114  between end members  118 ,  120  and  148 ,  150 , respectively. Further, column trim members  160  and  162  extend behind trim members  144  such that at least trim piece  147  of corner block  112  overlaps with the upper end of column  160  and trim piece  147  of corner block  114  overlaps with the upper end of column trim member  162 . In addition, lower edges  147   a  of trim pieces  147  are optionally shaped to generally conform to the profile of column trim members  160 ,  162 .  
         [0057]     In the illustrated embodiment, column trim member  162  includes a base trim piece  164  and an insert trim piece  166 , which is inserted into a recess  168  formed in base trim piece  164 . Similarly, recess  168  permits various-shaped decorative insert trim pieces to be placed in the recess to vary the overall appearance of the trim assembly. In addition, insert trim pieces  166  may be used to hide the mounting hardware that mounts base trim piece to the fixed surface. For example, the mounting hardware for the base trim pieces may be located in recesses  168  so that when insert trim pieces are located in recesses  168 , pieces  166  will cover the hardware. The insert pieces may then be mounted to base trim pieces by adhesive and/or by pin nails or screws or the like.  
         [0058]     When installing trim assembly  110 , column trim members  160  and  162  are typically mounted to the fixed surface (wall or slider, for example). Once the columns are in place, trim member  116  is then mounted so that it extends between column trim members  160  and  162 . Thereafter, blocks  112  and  114  may be mounted to the fixed surface so that they cover the ends of trim member  116  and column trim members  160 ,  162 . Alternately, trim member  116  may be mounted first, followed by the column trim members.  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIGS. 5E and 5F , the numeral  170  generally designates a splice block of the present invention. Splice block  170  is particularly useful when the span between two corner blocks is long. Splice block  170  is of similar construction to corner blocks  112  and  114  and includes end members  172 ,  174  and a trim member  176  mounted between the end members  172  and  174 , except that its end members  172  and  174  each include on their outer facing sides a recess  178 ,  180 , respectively, for receiving the end of a trim member.  
         [0060]     In the illustrated embodiment, trim member  176  includes three trim pieces—an upper decorative trim piece  182 , lower trim piece  184 , and an intermediate trim piece  186 , which comprises a return trim piece as would be understood by those skilled in the art.  
         [0061]     To install a trim assembly with splice block  170 , a first of the trim members is mounted to a fixed mounting surface, such as a slide-out or wall, and the other trim member is mounted to the fixed surface aligned and spaced from the first trim member sufficient to accommodate splice block  170 . Then splice block  170  is mounted over the ends of the trim members and secured to the fixed surface. The corner blocks are then mounted over the other ends of the respective trim members, in the same manner described in reference to trim assembly  110 .  
         [0062]     As will be understood by those skilled in the art, with the overlapping and receptacle arrangement provided between the various trim members and the corner blocks, the trim assembly of the present invention may be quickly and easily installed, which significantly reduces the cost of providing decorative trim work.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 ,  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate a similar trim assembly to trim assembly  110 ; however, the various trim components are formed from a different wood or have a different wood finish.  
         [0064]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the numeral  210  designates another embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention. Trim assembly  210  is similar to trim assembly  110  and includes a left corner block  212  and a right corner block (not shown) and a trim member  216 , which extends between the left and right corner blocks. In the illustrated embodiment, trim member  216  includes trim pieces  256 ,  258 , and  258   a . Trim piece  256  includes a recess  258  into which the third trim piece ( 258   a ) is inserted to provide further detailing to trim assembly  210 . As would be understood, similar to the previous embodiments, the end members of the respective corner blocks include recesses with perimeter edges that follow the profiles of trim member  216  with the added trim insert  258   a.    
         [0065]     Similarly, column trim member  260  includes a base trim member  264  and an insert trim member  266 . In the illustrated embodiment, insert trim member  266  includes a fluted profile to further enhance the detail of the trim assembly  210 . Optionally, trim pieces  247  of the respective corner blocks include lower edges  247   a  that generally follow the contour of the column trim members with the fluted insert trim piece  266 . It should be understood, therefore, the present invention provides a modular system of trim components that can substituted or added to enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the trim assembly.  
         [0066]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the numeral  310  refers to another embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention. Trim assembly  310  may be suitable for use as crown molding between a wall and a cabinet or between cabinets or the like. As best seen in  FIG. 10 , trim assembly  310  includes a right-hand end member  348  and a left-hand end member (not shown but similar to end member  220  of the previous embodiment), and a trim member  316  which extends between the respective end members. For further details of the end members and trim member  316 , reference is made to the previous embodiment.  
         [0067]     Referring again to  FIG. 10 , the numeral  410  designates another embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention. Trim assembly  410  forms a column trim assembly and includes a corner block  412 , which is similar to corner block  212  of the previous embodiment, and a column trim member  460 , which is also similar to column trim member  260  of the previous embodiment. However, in this application, end member  420  does not include a recess on its outwardly facing side and, instead, is planar similar to end member  418 .  
         [0068]     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the numeral  510  generally designates a sixth embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention. Trim assembly  510  is similar to trim assembly  10  of the first embodiment but incorporates left and right column trim members  560  (right-handed column trim member not illustrated). Therefore, for further details of end members  518 ,  520 , and trim members  512  and  516 , reference is made to the first embodiment. The column trim members are of similar construction to column trim members  260 ,  262 , with each column trim member including a base trim piece  564  and an insert trim piece  566  which is positioned in a recess  568  formed in base trim piece  564 . The upper end of column trim member  560  extends between end members  518  and  520  and, further, extends behind trim member  544 . In addition, the lower edge  547   a  of lower trim piece  547  (of trim member  544 ) is preferably shaped to at least generally follow the profile or contour of column trim member  560 .  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the numeral  610  generally designates a seventh embodiment of the trim assembly of the present invention. Trim assembly  610  includes a left and right-hand corner block  614  (only right-hand corner block is shown), a trim member  616 , and a column trim member  662 , which extends into the lower end  614   a  of corner block  614 . In the illustrated embodiment, the corner blocks are formed from a solid block of material with two recesses—one at its inwardly facing side and one at its lower facing side, as will be described below. Trim member  616  extends into the inwardly facing side  614   a  of corner block  614  and, preferably, extends into a recess  614   b  formed in inwardly facing side  614   a  and, further, into a recess  614   b  that includes a perimeter edge  614   c  that is shaped to at least generally match the profile of the outwardly facing surface  616   a  of trim member  616 . Similarly, lower end  614   d  includes a recess  614   e  into which column trim member  662  extends and, further, that includes a perimeter edge  614   f  that generally follows the profile of the outwardly facing surface column  662 .  
         [0070]     In the illustrated embodiment, trim member  616  includes a base trim piece  654  and an insert trim piece  654   a  that is located in a recess  654   b  formed in trim piece  654 . Again, the recess can be left unfilled or filled with yet another trim piece with a different profile to vary the appearance of the trim assembly. Similarly, column trim member  662  includes a base trim piece  664  and an insert trim piece  666 , which is located in recess  668  formed in base trim piece  664 . In this manner, each of the trim members may be modified with different inserts to thereby vary the aesthetic appearance of the trim assembly.  
         [0071]     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the numeral  610 A designates another embodiment of a trim assembly, which is of similar construction to trim assembly  610 . Trim assembly  610 A includes left and right corner blocks  612 ,  614  and two trim members  616 A and  616 B, which are spliced together by splice block  670 . Splice block  670  is of similar construction to corner blocks  612 ,  614  except that it includes a recess on each of its outwardly facing sides  670 A,  670 B similar to splice block  170 . For the remaining details of corner blocks  612 ,  614 , and trim members  616 A,  616 B, reference is made to the previous embodiments.  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the numeral  710  generally designates another embodiment of a trim assembly of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, trim assembly  710  includes a pair of corner blocks  712 ,  714  and a trim assembly  716  that extends between the two corner blocks.  
         [0073]     Corner blocks  712 ,  714  are each formed from two plate members  718  and  720  that are joined at right angles. Plate member  718  forms the front facing side of the corner block and includes at its inwardly facing edge  722  a recess  724  for receiving the end of trim member  716 . Plate member  720 , which is optionally configured to have the same profile as trim member  716 , is similarly received in a recess  726  formed in edge  728  to thereby form an L-shaped corner block.  
         [0074]     Optionally, trim assembly  710  may further include a second trim member  730  and a third trim (not shown), which close the space between trim member  716  and the surface to which trim assembly  710  is mounted. For example, these additional trim members may be planar or may have a decorative profile and may similarly extend into recesses formed or provided in the inwardly facing sides of plate members  720 . Further, these additional trim members may be jointed with trim member  716  to form a three-sided box that can be mounted to the mounting surface, such as the wall of an RV, and then trimmed with corner blocks  712  and  714 .  
         [0075]     As best seen in  FIG. 14 , recesses  724  formed in plate members  718  are optionally configured and shaped to substantially or at least generally follow the contour or contours of the outwardly facing side  716   a  of trim member  716 .  
         [0076]     In the illustrated embodiment, the outer facing side  718   a  of plate member  718  is contoured to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the trim assembly.  
         [0077]     It should be understood that trim assembly  710  may be used to form valences around windows or may be used as a component with another trim assembly to form a modular trim system.  
         [0078]     As will be understood from the foregoing, the trim assembly of the present invention may be formed from a variety of different trim components or pieces that allow for modular construction of the trim assembly and, further, allow for greater flexibility in the design of the trim assembly. In addition, one or more assemblies may be combined. In this manner, the present invention provides a modular trim system in which various components can be mixed and matched in a large number of different combinations without the expense and time associated with conventional trim work.  
         [0079]     The various components of the present invention may be joined or mounted using a variety of different fastening methods, including adhesives, pin nails, screws or the like. In addition, by providing the receptacle-type connections in one or more of the joints, for example between the trim member and the end members or between the column trim member and the corner blocks, the need for precision cutting normally associated with conventional trim work is eliminated. Instead, the individual pieces may be cut using far greater tolerances, for example, on the order of a ¼ inch, ½ inch, or even more in some cases, which greatly reduces the cost of installing the trim assemblies.  
         [0080]     While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, further modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the various components in the trim assemblies may be formed from solid wood components or wood-like components—for example MDF substrates covered with a wood-like sheet of paper or vinyl. Alternately, the components may be made from impregnated cellulose that creates a wood-like appearance. Further, the components may be painted and, therefore, may be formed from other materials, such as plastic or MDF or the like. In addition, one feature from one assembly may be combined with the feature of another assembly. For example, in one application, one end of the trim member may terminate at a corner block, while the other end of the trim member may terminate at an end member. In addition, any of the corner blocks may be modified as a splice block, such as described in reference to  FIGS. 5E and 5F , and used to splice two or more trim members together—in which case both outwardly facing sides of the end members forming the corner block would be formed with recesses to provide receptacles for the ends of the trim members.  
         [0081]     Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.