Abstract:
A kit for use in finishing a cut edge of floor coverings such as mats, carpets, carpet runners, and roll runners having a cut side edge including an elongated edging strip which has a length equal to or exceeding the length of the cut edge to be finished. The lateral width of the edging strip is selected so that when secured in place, the strip substantially covers and conceals the cut edge. The edging strip includes a flexible ribbon and an attachment member provided to permanently secure the ribbon in position substantially overlapping the cut edge. Preferably, the attachment member comprises a piece of two-sided tape having a length and width generally corresponding to that of the finishing strip. The two-sided tape is secured along a first side to the finishing strip, and a release sheet is carried by and releasably secured to the second other side of the tape. In use, the release sheet is removed to activate the adhesive tape, whereupon the second side of the tape is pressed into contact with the floor covering to secure the finishing strip or ribbon in place.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/770,454 filed Jan. 29, 2001. 
     
    
     
       SCOPE OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a finishing strip which is adapted to be secured along the cut edges of floor coverings and more particularly, a kit containing one or more finishing strips which permits an individual consumer to finish such a cut edge without the need for special tools.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Floor coverings, such as floor runners and mats are frequently sold and dispensed in roll format. Conventional carpet rolls consist of an elongated carpet runner which is wound about a spool. Conventional carpet runners and mats are typically manufactured with stitching along each of their longitudinal edges to provide a finished and more aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, the edge stitching helps prevent the unraveling of carpet fibers as the carpet wears. Consumers purchase carpet runners and mats by the yard or metre, unrolling the desired length of runner from the spool, after which the unraveled length of carpet runner is cut transversely to its longitudinal length to separate it from a remainder of the roll.  
           [0004]    A disadvantage with conventional roll carpet runners exists in that as carpet runners are cut to varying lengths depending upon the needs of the individual consumers, the purchased carpet runner is typically left with ragged cut ends which do not match the stitching of the factory formed longitudinal edges. In addition to being unsightly, the unfinished ends of the carpet tend to fray and separate.  
           [0005]    Heretofore, if a retailer wished to sell variable lengths of carpet from a roll, or even carpet remnants with a finished edge, it has been necessary to send the carpet to a carpet finisher offsite to finish the edges. This increases the inconvenience to the carpet purchaser and may delay delivery of the finished product by several weeks.  
           [0006]    Various individuals have proposed wooden or plastic trim pieces which are adapted to be secured over the cut ends of the carpet runner. In addition to causing discomfort if walked or stepped upon, conventional end trim pieces are typically unsightly and do not provide the purchased length of carpet runner with a factory or handmade appearance.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    The present invention seeks to overcome at least some of the difficulties associated with prior art devices by providing a finishing strip which is adapted to be secured over the cut edge or end of a carpet runner, mat, or other floor covering.  
           [0008]    Another object of the invention is to provide a kit which permits the attachment of a fabric strip over or along a cut edge of a floor covering without special tools, equipment or skills.  
           [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide a fabric strip which is adapted to be positioned so as to conceal the cut edge of a floor covering, and which has a fiber configuration and/or colour substantially corresponding to the fiber configuration and/or colour of any factory finished edges.  
           [0010]    A further object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive and easily applied finishing strip which is adapted to be placed over the cut edge of a carpet runner and which prevents the end and/or stitched prefinished edges of the runner from fraying.  
           [0011]    Another object of the invention is to provide for use in combination with a carpet runner roll, an edging strip comprising a fabric ribbon and an adhesive which may be used to permanently secure the ribbon over a cut end of a selected length of carpet runner.  
           [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide a kit which may be used in combination with a rolled carpet runner and which includes an adhesive backed serging ribbon having a length and width selected to permit its placement over a cut edge or end of the runner, and which has a fiber orientation which mimics the fiber orientation of any preformed factory stitched or formed edges of the runner.  
           [0013]    The present invention provides a kit for use in finishing one or more cut edge of floor coverings such as mats, carpets and carpet runners. Most preferably, the kit is adapted to finish the cut ends of roll runners which are characterized by parallel and longitudinally extending preformed factory stitched or otherwise finished side edges. The kit includes a finishing or edging strip which is elongated in a longitudinal direction and which preferably has a length equal to or exceeding the length of the cut edge to be finished. The lateral width of the edging strip is selected so that when secured in place, the strip substantially covers and conceals the cut edge. Although not essential, more preferably, the lateral width of the finishing strip is selected greater than the maximum thickness of the floor covering along the cut edge, so as to overlap upper and/or lower edge portions of the floor covering immediately adjacent to the cut edge. The edging strip includes a flexible fabric or non-fabric ribbon or other suitable finishing strip. The ribbon may have various configurations, and may include without limitation, fabric ribbons, ribbons made from woven and/or knit fibers, ribbons made from serged fibers, and ribbons made from knotted fibers, with or without tassels. Most preferably the fabric has colour and/or fiber orientation which corresponds or complements the colour and/or fiber orientation of any factory finished edges on the uncut ends or sides of the floor covering. Most preferably, the ribbon comprises a serging ribbon having a medial portion with woven and/or elongated fibers oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the strip. Optionally, the elongated fibers may be tied off to form elongated tassels or the like, which extend laterally from a longitudinal side edge of the ribbon.  
           [0014]    An attachment member is provided to permanently secure the ribbon in position substantially overlapping the cut edge. Suitable attachment members include adhesive tape or a bead of adhesive which permanently bonds the finishing strip to the floor covering. The adhesives may include either heat or non-heat activated glues provided at spaced locations or continuously along the cut edge. More preferably, however, the attachment member comprises a piece of two-sided tape having a length and width generally corresponding to that of the finishing strip. The two-sided tape is secured along a first side to the finishing strip, and a release sheet is carried by and releasably secured to the second other side of the tape. The release sheet is removed to activate the adhesive tape, whereupon the second side of the tape is pressed into contact with the floor covering to secure the finishing strip or ribbon in place.  
           [0015]    Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention resides in a kit for finishing a cut edge of a floor covering comprising,  
           [0016]    a fabric strip, said strip being elongated in a longitudinal direction and having a lateral width selected greater than a maximum thickness of said floor covering along said cut edge,  
           [0017]    and an attachment member for securing said strip to said floor covering in a position substantially overlapping said cut edge, said attachment member including an adhesive for permanently bonding said strip to said floor covering.  
           [0018]    In another aspect a kit for finishing a cut edge of a floor covering comprising,  
           [0019]    a finishing strip selected from fabric, woven fibers, knit fibers, serged fibers, knitted fibers, finishing strips, said strip being elongated in a longitudinal direction and having a lateral width selected greater than a maximum thickness of said floor covering along said cut edge,  
           [0020]    and an attachment member for securing said strip to said floor covering in a position substantially adjacent to said cut edge, said attachment member including an adhesive for permanently bonding said strip to said floor covering.  
           [0021]    In another aspect, the present invention resides in combination a carpet roll and a carpet edging strip,  
           [0022]    the carpet roll having prefinished longitudinally extending side edges, and being adapted to be cut laterally into at least one carpet runner presenting an unfinished cut edge,  
           [0023]    the carpet edging strip including  
           [0024]    a ribbon elongated in a longitudinal direction and having a lateral width selected to substantially overlap said cut ends, and  
           [0025]    an adhesive strip for permanently securing said ribbon in overlying juxtaposition with a first one of said cut ends.  
           [0026]    In a further aspect, the present invention resides in combination a carpet runner and a kit for finishing a cut edge of said carpet runner,  
           [0027]    the carpet runner having prefinished longitudinally extending side edges, and at least one generally laterally extending cut end,  
           [0028]    a kit including an edging strip comprising  
           [0029]    an elongate serge ribbon having a longitudinal length and a lateral width, the ribbon including a longitudinally extending medial portion characterized by at least 80% of said fibers being arranged in an orientation of between about ±60 to 90 degrees (ie. oriented in either direction), and more preferably about ±70 to 90 degrees, from the longitudinal direction of said ribbon,  
           [0030]    an adhesive strip of double-sided tape for securing said ribbon in overlying juxtaposition with said cut end, said double-sided tape having a longitudinal length and width substantially corresponding to that of said ribbon, a first side of said tape being aligned with and secured to a first side of said ribbon, and  
           [0031]    a release sheet being releasably secured to the second other side of tape.  
           [0032]    In yet another aspect, the invention resides in a finishing strip for use in finishing a cut edge of a floor covering having at least one other factory finished edge, the finishing strip being elongated in a longitudinal direction and including an attachment member for securing said strip to said floor covering in a position substantially adjacent to said cut edge, a portion of said strip characterized by elongate fibers being arranged in an orientation of between about ±60 to 90 degrees from the longitudinal direction of said strip, the attachment member including an adhesive for placement generally interposed between said finishing strip and said floor covering to permanently bond said strip over the cut edge of said floor covering. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]    Reference may now be had to the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 illustrates schematically the storage and display of rolled carpet runners for use with the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a partial cut away perspective view of a carpet edging strip for use in finishing a cut end of a carpet runner in accordance with a preferred embodiment;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cut end of a carpet runner with the edge strip of FIG. 2 in position secured thereto;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective bottom view of the carpet runner and edge strip of FIG. 3;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective top view of the carpet runner and edge strip of FIG. 3; and  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 6 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a carpet with an edge strip in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention positioned thereon. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0040]    [0040]FIG. 1 shows a roll runner display and dispensing stand  10  which is used in the display and dispensation of whole length floor runners which have been rolled along their longitudinal length into cylindrical carpet rolls  12   a,   12   b,   12   c.  The stand  10  includes a metal frame  14  which is used to mount a series of carpet roll supporting rods  16   a,   16   b,   16   c  which are inserted through the middle of each carpet roll  12   a,   12   b,   12   c,  respectively.  
         [0041]    Each carpet roll  12   a,   12   b,   12   c  typically consists of an elongated continuous piece of carpet having a lateral width selected between about 2 and 6 feet, and an overall longitudinal length of between about 50 to 200 feet, depending upon the thickness of the carpet pile and the size of the display stand  10  used. In the use of the display stand  10 , a desired length of carpet runner is uncoiled from a selected roll  12  in the longitudinal direction. A knife (not shown) is then drawn laterally across the width of the runner to sever the desired length of uncoiled carpet runner  18  (FIG. 3) from a remainder of the carpet roll  12 . It is to be appreciated that each end of the severed carpet runner  18  is characterized by cut unfinished edges or ends, namely, a first cut end  20  (FIG. 1) formed upon the severing of the previous length of carpet runner (not shown) dispensed from the roll  12 , with the second and opposing cut end  22  (FIG. 4) formed when the dispensed length of carpet runner  18  is severed.  
         [0042]    As shown best in FIG. 3, the carpet runner  18  includes a woven rubber, gel foam, plastic or other mesh or synthetic backing  26  onto which the carpet fibers  28  are secured by either gluing or weaving. Each longitudinal edge  30   a,   30   b  (FIG. 1) of the carpet runner  18  is prefinished during the manufacture of the roll  12 . Most preferably, the edges  30   a,   30   b  are finished by stitching with a wool, nylon or other synthetic thread or fiber. Although not essential, as shown best in FIGS. 4 and 5 typically the stitching of the prefinished edges  30   a,   30   b  is done with the majority and preferably at least about 80% of the individual edging fibers  32  arranged in an orientation of between about ±60 to 90 degrees from the longitudinal extent of the edges  30   a,   30   b.  Most preferably, the fibers  32  are oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the respective edges  30   a,   30   b.    
         [0043]    As shown best in FIG. 2, to provide the dispensed length of carpet runner  18  with a factory finished or customized look and eliminate the exposure of aesthetically unpleasing cut carpet ends, the present invention further provides for an edge finishing kit  36  to be used in conjunction with the dispensed length of carpet runner  18 . As will be described, the kit  36  is used to provide a factory finished or customized appearance to the carpet ends  20 , 22  which mimics the appearance of the factory prefinished edges  30   a,   30   b.    
         [0044]    The kit  36  most preferably consists of an elongated edging strip  38  for concealing the carpet ends  20 , 22  and instructions (not shown) used to guide the consumer in the application of the edging strip  38  to the carpet runner  18 . Although not essential, edging strip  38  preferably has a longitudinal length greater than one and preferably both of the carpet ends  20 , 22 . The edging strip  38  may be presented in a compact roll, and preferably consists of a fabric ribbon  40 , an elongated strip of double-sided adhesive tape  42  and a release sheet  44  which, for example, may be formed from plastic, waxed or other coated papers.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 2 shows best the fabric ribbon  40  as comprising a serging fabric strip of woven fibers. The ribbon  40  has a lateral width W which is selected to overlap adjacent edge portions of both the carpet fibers  28  and the carpet backing  26  when positioned in overlapping juxtaposition with one of the runner ends  20 , 22 . The ribbon  40  includes a medial portion  46  which is defined by one or more rows of edge stitching  48  which extend longitudinally the length of the ribbon  40 . The medial portion  46  of the ribbon  40  is characterized by elongated wool, olefin, nylon or other synthetic fibers, of which at least 70%, and more preferably at least 80%, are arranged in an orientation of between about ±70 to 90 degrees relative to the direction of the longitudinal extent of the ribbon  40 . It is to be appreciated that the edge stitching  48  provides the necessary strength and integrity to the ribbon  40  and maintains the desired orientation of the fibers which form the medial portion  46 . The lateral width w of the medial portion  46  is also selected greater than the thickness of the cut ends  20 , 22  so that when the ribbon  40  is secured in place, the fibers which comprise the medial portion  46  extend substantially over a respective cut end  20 , 22  and a marginal distance over the carpet fibers  28  which locate immediately adjacent thereto.  
         [0046]    Preferably, the ribbon  40  has a colour which is complementary, and more preferably substantially identical to the colour of the fibers  46  used to form the prefinished side edges  30   a,   30   b  of the carpet runner  18 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 2 shows best the double-sided adhesive tape  42  as comprising an elongated rectangular strip of material having a length and width substantially corresponding to the longitudinal length and lateral width of the serging ribbon  40 . A first side  48  of the double-sided tape  42  is bonded to the back of the ribbon  40 , aligned therewith. The release sheet  44  is positioned over the second other rear side  50  of the double-sided tape  42  so as to prevent the rear side  50  of the tape  42  from accidentally bonding to the ribbon  40  when coiled.  
         [0048]    Optionally, the double-sided tape  42  and/or release sheet  40  may be provided with visual indicia  52  (FIG. 2) to assist a user in the correct positioning of the strip  38  along an end  20 , 22  and/or to determine the desired length of ribbon  40  required to cover a cut end  20 , 22 . Although not essential, the double-sided tape  42  is preferably a clear transparent tape so as to minimize the possibility that the tape  42  may create an unsightly or aesthetically unpleasing appearance when the ribbon  40  is installed. Most preferably, a longitudinally extending thread  52  of contrasting colour is provided between the ribbon  40  and tape  42  to assist the user in aligning the strip  38  in the correct position.  
         [0049]    The tape  42  is selected to comply with five regulations and may, for example, comprise latex based or low volatile adhesives on a synthetic or natural rubber based backing film.  
         [0050]    In use of the invention, the individual purchases a desired length of carpet runner  18  in the manner previously described, together with an edge finishing kit  38  which contains one or more serging ribbons  40  having a complementary or identical colour to that of the prefinished longitudinal side edges  30   a,   30   b  of the carpet runner  18  purchased.  
         [0051]    To finish the cut end  22  of the carpet runner  18 , a length of edging strip  38  is either cut or is supplied in pre-cut lengths approximately 3 to 6 inches longer than the length of the cut end  22  (FIG. 3) to be finished. The release sheet  44  is removed from the back side  50  of the cut length of tape  42  by peeling it away, to expose the adhesive on the back side  50  of the tape  42 . As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4, the double-sided tape  42  is then aligned with and pressed against the carpet end  22 , to secure it together with the ribbon  40  in a position partially overlapping not only the cut edge  22  itself, but an adjacent portion of the carpet backing  26  and the carpet fibers  28  immediately adjacent thereto. The tape  42  and ribbon  40  are secured in place so that the medial portion  46  of the ribbon  40  extends substantially upwardly across the cut end  22 , and over approximately one-quarter to three-quarters of an inch of the carpet fibers  28  immediately adjacent the end  22 . As shown in FIG. 4, at each comer of the carpet runner  18  where the cut end  22  meets the prefinished edges  30   a,   30   b,  the ribbon  40  is folded back under the carpet runner  18  at approximately a 30 to 60 degree angle. The adhesive tape  42  of the edging strip  38  is bonded to the carpet backing  20  to secure the folded under portion  56  of the strip  38  against the carpet  18 . The opposite cut end  20  is finished in the identical manner.  
         [0052]    It is to be appreciated that when the ribbon  40  is secured over the ends  20 , 22 , the fibers of the medial portion  46  of the serging ribbon  40  assume an orientation approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the end  20 , 22 , just as the fibers of the prefinished edges  30   a,   30   b  are oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal edge of each side. As a result, as shown best in FIG. 5, the carpet runner  18  visually appears to have factory preformed edges, not only along each longitudinal side edge  30   a,   30   b,  but also across each cut end  20 , 22 , creating a more visually pleasing appearance. The attachment of the serging ribbon  40  further advantageously prevents the carpet fibers and/or the stitching of the preformed edges  30   a,   30   b  adjacent to the cut ends  20 , 22  from fraying.  
         [0053]    The use of double-sided tape  42  has been found to be preferred in that it assists in maintaining the desired fiber orientation of the medial portion  46  of the serging ribbon  40 , minimizing the likelihood that the fibers may be torn or pulled apart with carpet wear or vacuuming. Similarly, the use of a clear transparent double-sided tape  42 , while not essential, advantageously minimizes the likelihood that the tape  42  will leave an unsightly appearance if, for example, the fibers of the serging ribbon  40  pull or separate from each other.  
         [0054]    While the preferred embodiment of the invention describes a finishing strip having a serging ribbon  40 , the invention is not so limited. If desired, other fabric and non-fabric finishing ribbons or strips could equally be used depending on the appearance of the edge to be achieved.  
         [0055]    Although the disclosure describes the placement of the serging ribbon  40  over the cut ends  20 , 22  of a carpet runner  18 , it is to be appreciated that the invention may be used to conceal the unfinished edges of various different types of floor coverings. Reference may be had to FIG. 6 which illustrates an edging strip  38  used to conceal a cut edge  60  of a carpet  62  in accordance with a further embodiment, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like components. In FIG. 6, the edging strip  38  comprises an elongated woven or knit ribbon  40  which is secured over the cut edge  64  of a carpet  66  by a strip of double sided tape  42 . To better conceal the edge  64 , the knit ribbon  40  includes tassels  70  extending from one longitudinal edge of the strip  38 .  
         [0056]    The knit ribbon  40  is secured in place by first removing a release sheet (not shown) from the back of the tape  42 . The ribbon  40  is then positioned with the double sided tape  42  overlying the carpet fibers  28  immediately adjacent to the cut edge  64 , so that the tassels  70  extend beyond and conceal the edge  64 .  
         [0057]    While the disclosure describes the use of a double sided tape  42  as an attachment member used to secure the ribbon  40  in position, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that a single-sided adhesive tape which is chemically bonded or physically attached to the ribbon  40 , as for example by stitching, could also be used. Similarly, hot melt adhesives, non-heat activated adhesives and epoxies or even mechanical fasteners could also be used with the edging strip  38 , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0058]    It is to be appreciated that the kit  38  of the present invention may be sold to the individual consumers who purchase the length of carpet runner  18  for in home use. Alternately, the kit  38  could be marketed to retailers for use by in-store employees who finish the cut ends of a length of floor runner  38  on behalf of the end purchasers.  
         [0059]    Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. Many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention, reference may be had to the appended claims.