Abstract:
A specialized angle valence junction fitting forms a joint for connecting two lengths of valence molding. The fitting has a pair of openings angled apart and has an internal shape matching an external shape of the molding utilized. The specialized angle joint may have a color to match or accent two lengths of molding and has an external dimension which is only about 1.5 millimeters greater than the dimension of the molding which it surrounds. Valence junction fitting can have an end edge which is straight, or beveled to imply a more stabilized or substantial relationship to the molding.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to an improvement in providing a more customized window covering valence fit while eliminating the need for an exacting miter box with exacting dimensioning and custom installation.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Valence structures have traditionally been utilized to complete a window treatment. Custom installed valences require ordering and custom cutting of what is typically a linear molding. Of course, non-extruded style valences can be used which have specific decorative patterns or lengths of constant cross sectional area punctuated with an intermittent pattern, such as a flower or the like. Custom installations with high cost and high labor rates have the relative luxury of custom cutting and fitting and significant scrap. For custom installations, a high scrap rate is tolerable both economically and in terms of availability of a large supply of materials. Conversely, for home installation a high scrap rate creates an intolerable rise in cost, and an impossible expectation that the home installer will have the tools necessary to cut and fit the valence members.  
         [0003]     One technique for valence joinder at the corners has been to form a 45° miter cut on each end of the meeting valence so that the outside or inside corners form a 90° angle. A cut also means that a thin, black crack will be left between the two members. The thin, black crack can occur through the edge effect of the saw on cutting, as well as any deviation from a completely planar cut. The alternatives to eliminate the crack are associated with further time and effort on the part of the custom installer. Putty, followed by spot painting can be performed. Complete re-painting of the valence can be accomplished, as well as installation of un-painted valence followed by initial painting.  
         [0004]     Another problem with valences is the manner of joining of the segments. Glue can be unsatisfactory and can leave an unsightly appearance. Some valence hardware can include right angle supports which are attached with threaded members. Others utilize slots which accommodate right angle hardware. With these latter two cases, any deviation by the installer can leave a mis-matched angle or mis-matched gap which will require filler, painting, or other space and color correction.  
         [0005]     Another problem with the 45° miter cut is the necessity to re-perform this cut for each 90° angle. Where the cut is too short, even by a millimeter, the length of valence must be discarded. Attempted use of any length which is too short or too long will result in corner angles deviating from 90°. Where the ends are 45° miter cut, even larger gaps will result.  
         [0006]     Most people who self-install lack a high precision miter saw, but have the ability to cut at an angle orthogonal to the main extent of the valence. Most cuts are not high precision, and self-installers very likely lack the ability to finely sand the ends to insure a match fit. Even where precision cut and sanding are present, the use of a 45° sharp end is more susceptible to dents and nicks during cutting. The production of a sharp edge, especially with the fanciful shape of most valences has the potential to produce even more scrap and wasted time.  
         [0007]     What is needed is a simple valence system for self-installers which can utilize cuts orthogonal to lengths of molding, regardless of the shape of the molding. The system should be forgiving of small errors in measurement and sawing, and should provide a finish which is compatible with the molding used and which eliminates open gaps. The system should also be forgiving of angularity and should facilitate an angle which deviates slightly from 90° where needed.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     A specialized angle valence junction fitting forms a joint for connecting two lengths of valence molding. The fitting has a pair of openings directed 90° apart and has an internal shape matching an external shape of the molding utilized. The specialized angle joint may have a color to match or accent two lengths of molding and has an external dimension which is only about 1.5 millimeters greater than the dimension of the molding which it surrounds. Valence junction fitting can have an end edge which is straight, or beveled to imply a more stabilized or substantial relationship to the molding. The fitting can have channels which are uneven to assist in the order of attachment, with the shorter fitting providing the necessity for lesser deflection of a first member to which it is attached in order to interfit with another section of molding, when a shape is being completed. Further, the longer channel can be used to better support a length of molding which is cut slightly short of the target.  
         [0009]     The fitting can be affixed by the addition of a threaded member, staple, glue, or an interference fit. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a short section of valence showing the fanciful pattern that valence molding is expected to assume;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a view looking into one of two flange openings of connector of the valence junction fitting of the invention, with the other connector shown in profile;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a view of the valence junction fitting of claim  2  turned ninety degrees and looking into the other of two flange openings of connector of the valence junction fitting of the invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the valence junction fitting seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and illustrating the dimensioning thereof and giving a direct comparison of the flange lengths;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is an outside plan view of the valence junction fitting seen in  FIGS. 2-4  and illustrating the external shape of the valence junction fitting;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a view similar to that seen in  FIG. 2  and illustrating a valence junction fitting having vertical symmetry; and  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a constant cross sectional shape material which interfits with the valence junction fitting seen in  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0018]     The description and operation of the valence junction fitting of the invention will be best begun with reference to  FIG. 1  which illustrates a typical, fairly complex surface detail of an extruded valence  21  which can be used for other purposes. The valence  21  is typically a molding made of wood and having an extruded-type design. By “extruded type” it is meant that it may have a constant cross sectional area and profile. The short section is seen in perspective and is seen to have a flat rear side  23 , and a front complex surface  25 . The front complex surface  25  includes an undulating up and down pattern across one side of a width of the valence  21 .  
         [0019]     The valence  21  is typically made of wood and may be formed by moving a plank through a shaped planer which selectively removes the wood to yield the shape seen in  FIG. 1 . Valence  21  could also be made of plastic or other material. It is also understood that the constant cross sectional area shown need not extend over the entire length of the valence  21 . For example, a valance  21  could be formed in an intricate pattern having a non-uniform cross sectional area, with only so much of the ends formed in constant cross section as are expected to provide material for cutting. As an example, a six inch diameter rose pattern could be placed at the center of a valence. The rose could be used for the center of the valence with the remaining material to be used for the sides, and the remainder discarded. In a similar fashion, the non-uniform portion of the pattern could take up progressively more of the valence  21  length with remaining portions of the valence  21  length left to provide enough material for the sides. In other words, there needs to be only enough constant cross sectional area as will interfit with a valence junction fitting to be shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0020]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a plan view of a valence junction fitting  31  is seen. The valence junction fitting  31  has a first flange  33  and a second flange  35 . The flanges  33  and  35  are angled ninety degrees apart, but valence junction fitting  31  can have flanges  33  and  35  which have a different angular relationship, including more than ninety degrees for polygonal valence shapes, and less than ninety degrees for triangular and more complex valence shapes.  
         [0021]     The flanges  33  and  35  seen in  FIG. 2  are annular, each having a shaped bore, the shaped bore  37  of flange  33  being visible. As can be sheen, the overall shape of the flange  33  bore  37  matches the shape of the constant cross section valence  21 . Further, the inside dimension of the flange  33  bore  37  closely matches the external dimension and shape of the constant cross section valence  21 .  
         [0022]     The thickness of the wall of the flange  33  can vary based upon the material utilized. One possibility to make the valence junction fitting  31  out of plastic and this may require a thickness of from one to one and a half millimeters. The flange  33  can be made of thin aluminum or other metal. The material selected may be specially prepared to support paint, appliques or other color and pattern bearing structures.  
         [0023]     The inside of the bore  37  may be so open as to allow the material of the valence  21  to continue into the flange  33  and extend to the outer wall of the flange  35 , or an interference structure could be added within the bore  37  to cause the valence  21  to stop short of any potential interference with the section of valence  21  extending through the flange  35  which might otherwise extend through to contact with the inner wall of the flange  33 .  
         [0024]     Where the path of occupation of the lengths of valence material can interfere, the individual cutting the valence  21  may take to account which valence sections are to be made to overlap. Further, in terms of layout, the valence material  21  may be cut so that one flat cut end of one length of material will touch the side of another. This will aid in layout and cutting, and will preclude the individual installing the valence system from having to add or account for an inner dimension within the valence junction fitting  31  in which the valence  21  may not extend.  
         [0025]     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the amount of overlap within the valence junction fitting  31  will be no deeper within the flange  35  than the nearest point of the back wall of flange  33  and which is seen by an innermost point of a curved portion  39 , or possibly a curvature of a bottom inside corner  41 . Where such overlap is possible, the installer can either account for such overlap, or cut the lengths of valence  21  to leave the corner of the valence junction fitting  31  un-occupied.  
         [0026]     In the alternative, small stop structures can be molded or added to the inside of the valence junction fitting  31  to force the inside corner of the valence junction fitting  31  to remain unoccupied. It may be useful to have an indication of the un-occupied space indicated to the user or perhaps faintly marked on the outside of the valence junction fitting  31 .  
         [0027]     As by example, a typical valence  21  having a width of about three to four centimeters and a thickness at its shortest dimension of about 0.7 cm will give a difference of about 0.5 cm. In other words when one valence  21  is backed out of the common space to an extent that such movement just clears the common space, the other valence  21  can move forward by the same amount, which is about 0.5 cm for a valence  21  and the valence junction fitting  31 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates other details of valence junction fitting  31 , including flange  33  outside wall  45 , flange  33  inside wall  47 . Also seen is flange  35  inside wall  49 .  
         [0028]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a view of the valence junction fitting  31  is seen similar to that seen in  FIG. 2 , but turned ninety degrees. The view of  FIG. 2  was one looking into the bore  37  of first flange  33 . The view of  FIG. 3  looks directly into a shaped bore  51  of flange  35  with flange  33  seen extending to the right. An outside wall  53  is seen, similar to outside wall  45 . The outside walls  45  and  53  extend to an adjacent corner line  57 . The corner line  55  will have a shape proportional to the outside shapes of the valence  21 . The shapes of the outside walls  45  and  53  surrounding the corner line  55  are a mirror images of each other.  
         [0029]     Comparing  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that Flange  33  may be a little longer than flange  35 . This can be the case regardless of whether the space within the valence junction fitting  31  will provide an overlap space within which the ends of the valences  21  can compete. Such differences in the lengths of flanges can accomplish several objectives. First, different lengths of flanges  33  and  35  can help the user in fitting the longer length flange first, and then provide a lesser length of flange causing reduced bending of the last length of extruded valence to complete a closed shape before fitting the shorter length flange. Of course, both flanges  33  and  35  can be made of the same length, the difference in length being shown to emphasize all possibilities.  
         [0030]     For example, where a valence box structure is made by extending two lengths of valence  21  from the wall and joining the front length of valence, the longer flanges  33  might be directed in the direction toward the wall and perpendicular to the plane of the wall, so that a smaller angular deflection of the lengths of valence  21  extending from the wall could be used to make the final inserted construction. Regardless of the lengths of the flanges  33  and  35 , the arrangement of which of two competing ends of two valences  21  which occupy the corner of the valence junction fitting  31  is made by the installer by simply backing one of the valences  21  from the corner most position and allowing the other valence  21  to occupy the corner. The slightly greater width of flange  33  with respect to flange  35  is normally not visually discernible in a rectangular valence application.  
         [0031]     A second reason for having different flange lengths may relate to a competing occupancy within the valence junction fitting  31  where the inside of the valence junction fitting  31  allows extruded valence  21  inserted within the valence junction fitting  31  to compete for the space at the apex of the two flange bores  37  and  51 . Where it is desired to have equal support of the valence  21  by the valence junction fitting  31 , a longer flange should be provided to secure the section of valence  21  not occupying the corner-most occupancy within the valence junction fitting  31 . This side is the “backed off” section of valence, and by providing it a longer flange  33  it will derive about the same support as the shorter flange  35 . Again, the slightly greater length of flange  33  with respect to flange  35  is normally not visually discernible in a rectangular valence application.  
         [0032]     Again, both flanges  33  and  35  can be of the same length, and where the length of the flanges  33  and  35  are more than sufficient to support the valence material  21 , the use of even length flanges will give a more balanced appearance. Further, the use of flanges  33  and  35  which are of the same length, and which are more than sufficient for support of either the backed off valence  21  or the valence  21  occupying the corner position of the valence junction fitting  31 , enables a user to select which of the valences  21  which will occupy the corner-most position in the valence junction fitting  31  in order to make a final adjustment for any length of valence  21  which was cut inadvertently too long or too short. For example, where the lengths of two valences  21  line up to complete a corner where one is slightly longer than the other, it can be selected to occupy the “common space” or corner-most section of the valence junction fitting  31 .  
         [0033]     The valence junction fitting  31  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  interfits with the valence  21  of  FIG. 1 . Note that the pattern is not symmetrical with respect to a midpoint of the width of the valence  21 . In this case it would be desirable to make valence junction fittings  31  with the same pattern and in half the cases with flange  35  longer than flange  33  and half with flange  33  longer than flange  35 . As before, both flanges  33  and  35  may be of the same length. In the case where the flanges are of the same length only one version of valence junction fitting  31  need be made.  
         [0034]     Also shown is a pair of optional internal depth limiting members  55  which may be employed where it is desired to limited the extent to which the valence  21  can be inserted into the valence fitting  31 . The depth limiting members  55 , based upon their corner position within the valence fitting  31  will also act to limit the depth to which valence  21  can be inserted into flange  33 .  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a bottom view of the valence junction fitting  31  seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3  emphasize the relative lengths of the flanges  33  and  35 .  FIG. 4  also illustrates that the patterns converge at an outside corner and that the outside corner is not vertically linear.  FIG. 4  also illustrates the geometric extent of the optional internal depth limiting members  55 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an angled plan view which illustrates various lines of the pattern seen in the other figures.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an example of a smaller, symmetrical valence junction fitting  61  is seen with the same type of view seen in  FIG. 2 . The valence junction fitting  61  has a first flange  63  and a second flange  65 . The flanges  63  and  65  are also annular, each having a shaped bore, bore  67  of flange  63  being visible. Other structures are similar to the structures seen with respect to valence junction fitting  31  and includes pair of innermost points  69  which may set the maximum extent to which a matching valence (not shown) could enter flange  65  and extend toward an outside wall  65 . Further structures include flange  63  inside wall  77  and flange  65  inside wall  79 . In this configuration, if the length of the flanges  63  and  65  are different, the valence junction fitting  61  can simply be inverted top to bottom and rotated to present the other of the flanges  63  and  65  to a length of valence or molding.  
         [0037]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a side view of a valence  81  illustrates a constant cross sectional shape compatible with the valence junction fitting  61  seen in  FIG. 6 . In the case of both o the valence junction fittings  31  and  61 , a seeming line across the height of the valence  21  or  81  may be created by the thickness of the side walls  45 ,  53 , or  65 . The prominence of the line will be determined by the thickness of the side walls  45 ,  53 , or  65 , their coloring, and the relative size and complexity of the valence  21  and  81 . The valence junction fittings  31  and  61  will appear as corner thickenings. Further, there is no limit on the axial length of the flanges  33 ,  35 ,  63  and  65 . Where the flanges  33 ,  35 ,  63  and  65  have an expanded length, the flange can begin to assume a predominant part of the design.  
         [0038]     Another desirable effect for the valence junction fittings  31  and  61  is the use of a high finish. A high finish can be achieved by utilizing a metallic material of construction and applying a high polish. Brass, silver, gold or other material can be used. Vacuum metalization can be applied to plastic to give the same high reflective finish as metal, and will give a wider range of color choice. In this case, the valence junction fittings  31  and  61  will appear as if they were binding fittings. Other finishes can be applied to the valence junction fittings  31  and  61  to help match the pattern of the valences  21  and  81 .  
         [0039]     While the present invention has been described in terms of a valence junction fitting having a pair of orthogonally extended flanges, the present invention can be used in any situation where a balance between ease of structural construction is to be struck with providing a high degree of the appearance of a custom finish. One skilled in the art will realize that the structure and techniques of the present invention can be applied to many structures, including any structure where the above goals can be achieved by the above goals in an interfitting manner.  
         [0040]     Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.