Patent Publication Number: US-11643212-B2

Title: Monument fixtures

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/199,584, filed Jun. 30, 2016, issued as U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/124,897, which is herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Monuments are typically included in vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, and ships, to provide closets, lavatories, galleys, partitions, and other structures. In such vehicles, space is typically at a premium, and such monuments are subject to impacts by passengers, luggage, drink carts, and other objects on board the vehicle. To protect the monuments from damage and unsightly blemishes, the monuments often have rub strips affixed at strategic spots. For example, a monument may include rub strips at floor level to protect against kicks (i.e., a kick strip), rub strips several feet above the floor to protect against impacts from carts and luggage, and vertical rub strips arranged at corners. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, frame member for a vehicle monument includes an extrusion. The extrusion includes a spar. The spar includes a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface arranged between a first end and an opposing second end. The spar includes a first retention lip protruding from the first planar surface such that the first planar surface and the first retention lip form an acute angle. The extrusion also includes a rub strip protrusion extending from the first planar surface of the spar at a location between the first end and the second end. The rub strip protrusion terminates at a third end. The rub strip protrusion includes a third surface facing the first end of the spar. The rub strip protrusion also includes a second retention lip protruding from the third surface such that the third surface and the second retention lip form an acute angle. The first retention lip and the second retention lip define a window that can receive retention tabs of a rub strip therethrough. 
     According to one aspect, monument for a vehicle includes an extrusion. The extrusion includes a spar. The spar includes a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface arranged between a first end and an opposing second end. The spar includes a first retention lip protruding from the first planar surface such that the first planar surface of the spar and the first retention lip form an acute angle. The extrusion also includes a rub strip protrusion extending from the first planar surface of the spar at a location between the first end and the second end. The rub strip protrusion terminates at a third end. The rub strip protrusion includes a third surface facing the first end of the spar. The rub strip protrusion also includes a second retention lip protruding from the third surface such that the third surface of the rub strip protrusion and the second retention lip form an acute angle. The first retention lip and the second retention lip define a window that can receive retention tabs of a rub strip therethrough. The monument also includes a wall panel abutting to the second planar surface of the spar. 
     According to one aspect, a vehicle includes a monument that includes an extrusion. The extrusion includes a spar. The spar includes a first planar surface and an opposing second planar surface arranged between a first end and an opposing second end. The spar includes a first retention lip arranged along the first end of the spar and protruding from the first planar surface such that the first planar surface of the spar and the first retention lip form an acute angle. The extrusion also includes a rub strip protrusion extending from the first planar surface of the spar at a location between the first end and the second end. The rub strip protrusion terminates at a third end. The rub strip protrusion includes a third surface facing the first end of the spar. The rub strip protrusion also includes a second retention lip arranged along the third end and protruding from the third surface such that the third surface of the rub strip protrusion and the second retention lip form an acute angle. The first retention lip and the second retention lip define a window that can receive retention tabs of a rub strip therethrough. The extrusion also includes at least two panel protrusions extending from the second planar surface of the spar. The monument also includes a wall panel attached to the at least two panel protrusions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIONS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a closet for a vehicle that includes horizontal rub strips and a vertical rub strip according to various aspects; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective cross-sectional view of an interior corner of a closet that includes a vertical rub strip and extrusion according to at least one aspect; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an end view of the extrusion illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is an end view of a variation of the extrusion illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is an end view of the vertical rub strip illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is an end view of a variation of the vertical rub strip illustrated in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is an end view of the extrusion and vertical rub strip illustrated in  FIG.  2    assembled together; 
         FIG.  5 B  is an end view of the variations of the extrusion and vertical rub strip from  FIGS.  3 B and  4 B , respectively, assembled together; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a perspective view of a retaining rail according to one aspect affixed to a wall surface with end caps arranged at ends of the retaining rail; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a perspective view of retaining rails according to the aspect illustrated in  FIG.  6 A  on two walls, wherein the walls meet at a corner, and a corner end cap arranged at ends of the retaining rails proximal to the corner; 
         FIG.  7 A  is an end cross-sectional view of a retaining rail according to the aspect illustrated in  FIG.  6 A  affixed to a wall surface with a rub strip illustrated in exploded view; 
         FIG.  7 B  is an end cross-sectional view of a retaining rail of  FIG.  7 A  with the rub strip of  FIG.  7 A  installed on the retaining rail; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a perspective view of a monument surface after a first step in a process, according to one aspect, in which end caps according to one aspect are affixed to a wall surface; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a perspective view of the monument wall after a second step of the process illustrated in  FIG.  8 A , in which a retaining rail according to the aspect is affixed to the wall surface between and in line with the end caps; 
         FIG.  8 C  is a perspective view of the monument wall after a third step of the process illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , in which a rub strip according to the aspect is arranged over the retaining rail and a portion of the end caps; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of a monument wall after a first step in a process, according to another aspect, in which end caps according to another aspect are affixed to a wall surface; 
         FIG.  9 B  is a perspective view of the monument wall after a second step of the process illustrated in  FIG.  9 A , in which a retaining rail according to the another aspect is affixed to the wall surface between and in line with the end caps; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a perspective view of the monument wall after a third step of the process illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , in which a rub strip according to the another aspect is arranged over the retaining rail and a portion of the end caps; 
         FIG.  9 D  is an end view of the rub strip of  FIG.  9 C  in a relaxed state; 
         FIG.  9 E  is an end view of the rub strip of  FIG.  9 D  deformed from the relaxed state shown in  FIG.  9 D ; 
         FIG.  9 F  is an end view of the rub strip of  FIG.  9 E , deformed from the relaxed state and aligned with the retaining rail of  FIG.  9 B ; 
         FIG.  9 G  is an end view of the rub strip of  FIG.  9 E  returned to the relaxed state such that the rub strip is affixed to the retaining rail of  FIG.  9 B ; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional end view of a rub strip affixed to a retaining rail according to another aspect; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a perspective view of an exterior corner of a closet after a first step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which a vertical rub strip according to the aspect depicted in  FIG.  4    has been installed along a partial length of the extrusion according to the aspect depicted in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet of  FIG.  11 A  after a second step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which a bracket has been installed into the extrusion; 
         FIG.  11 C  is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet of  FIG.  11 A  after a third step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which a snap fixture has been installed onto the extrusion and the bracket; 
         FIG.  11 D  is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet of  FIG.  11 A  after a fourth step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which another vertical rub strip according to the aspect depicted in  FIG.  4    has been installed above the snap fixture; 
         FIG.  12 A  is a perspective view of an exterior corner of a closet after a first step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which an extrusion according to the aspect depicted in  FIG.  3    has been installed with a slot formed in the extrusion; 
         FIG.  12 B  is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet of  FIG.  12 A  after a second step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which brackets have been installed into the extrusion proximal to the slot formed in the extrusion and in which a vertical rub strip according to the aspect depicted in  FIG.  4    has been installed along the length of the extrusion, and wherein the vertical rub strip includes an aperture therethrough aligned with the slot in the extrusion; 
         FIG.  12 C  is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet of  FIG.  12 A  after a third step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which a light fixture has been installed onto the extrusion and the bracket through the aperture in the vertical rub strip of  FIG.  12 B ; and 
         FIG.  12 D  is a perspective view of the exterior corner of the closet of  FIG.  11 A  after a fourth step of a process, according to one embodiment, in which a light source has been installed onto the light fixture of  FIG.  12 C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following, reference is made to aspects presented in this disclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specific described aspects. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different aspects or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated aspects. Furthermore, although aspects disclosed herein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given aspect is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention” or “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). 
     Monuments are typically included in passenger compartments of vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, and ships, to provide closets, lavatories, galleys, partitions, and other structures. In such vehicles, space is typically at a premium, and such monuments are subject to impacts by passengers, luggage, drink carts, and other objects on board the vehicle. To protect the monuments from damage and unsightly blemishes, the monuments typically include rub strips affixed at strategic spots. For example, a monument may include rub strips at floor level to protect against kicks, rub strips several feet above the floor to protect against impacts from carts and luggage, and vertical rub strips arranged at corners. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a monument  100  arranged on a floor  112  in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. The monument  100  includes a wall  102  and a door  104 . The monument  100  includes a vertical rub strip arranged at a corner  106  between the wall  102  and the door  104 . Horizontal rub strips (i.e., wall guards) are disposed along the wall  102  and the door  104  at a location  110  adjacent to the floor  112 . The monument  100  also includes horizontal rub strips (i.e., wall guards)  108  along the wall  102  and the door  104  positioned at a location  108  spaced apart from the floor  112  (e.g., 3 feet or 1 meter from the floor). 
     Such rub strips typically were attached to the monument  100  using discrete fasteners, such as tabs on the rub strips that fit into slots in the monument  100 . Significant processing (e.g., trimming and fitting) may be needed during installation of such rub strips (e.g., to fit around doorways), which increases the amount of time to install the rub strips. Additionally, such rub strips typically included several exposed seams. The exposed seams could be unsightly and could also trap dirt or other debris. 
     In aspects described herein, vertical and horizontal rub strips (or rub strip arranged in other orientations), and systems for affixing such rub strips to a monument, are disclosed. In the various aspects, a reduced amount of processing is performed to install the rub strips. Additionally, the installed rub strips have a reduced number of exposed seams. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective cross-sectional view of an interior of a corner  106  of the monument  100 , such as a closet, that includes a door  104 . The corner  106  of the monument  100  includes an extrusion  210  according to one aspect that supports a hinge  202  to which the door  104  is attached (e.g., via fasteners  204 ). The extrusion  210  also supports wall panels  230  and  232 . In the aspect shown in  FIG.  2   , the monument includes an interior wall panel  232  and an exterior wall panel  230 . The exterior wall panel  232  could be specific to a particular vehicle or vehicle operator and it could include a decorative design or color on an outward-facing surface that matches and/or complements other interior details of the vehicle. The interior wall panel  230  could be standardized across all similar monuments. In various other aspects, the monument could include a single wall panel in place of the two wall panels  230  and  232  illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The monument optionally includes a light fixture  260  arranged in the interior of the corner and abutting a wire raceway  240 . Wiring  245  can be routed to the light fixture  260  (and optionally to other equipment) via the wire raceway  240 . The wire raceway  240  includes a visible cover  242  and a surface  246  abutting an interior-facing surface  233  of the interior wall panel  232 . The surface  246  can include fastener holes  250  that can receive fasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, or plugs) to affix the surface  246  to the interior wall panel  232 . The visible cover  242  also includes a flange  248  that can engage a retention hook  328  (discussed in greater detail with respect to  FIG.  3   , below) of the extrusion  210 . The visible cover  242  of the wire raceway  240  can be made of a resilient material (such as a nylon material) that is flexible such that an installer can bend the visible cover  242  away from the interior wall panel  232  to install fasteners through the fastener holes  250  of the surface  246 . Thereafter, the installer can push the visible cover  242  such that the flange  248  engages the retention hook  328  of the extrusion  210 . The corner  106  of the monument  100  also includes a vertical rub strip  220  engaged with the extrusion  210  according to one aspect. 
       FIG.  3 A  is an end view of the extrusion  210  depicted in  FIG.  2   . An extrusion has a constant cross-sectional profile along a lengthwise direction of the extrusion. After an extrusion has been formed, holes, slots, or the like can be formed at specific locations in the extrusion through drilling or other machining procedures. In the subsequent description of the extrusion shown in  FIG.  3 A , the cross-sectional profile along the lengthwise direction (i.e., into and out of the page) is constant except where described otherwise. Furthermore, in the subsequent description of the extrusion, the described features are in directions perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. Referring to  FIG.  3 A , the extrusion  210  includes a spar  302  that includes a first planar surface  304  and a second planar surface  306  on opposing side from the first planar surface  304 . The spar  302  includes a first end  330  and a second opposing end  332 . The first planar surface  304  and the second planar surface  306  span between the first end  330  and the second end  332 . 
     The spar  302  includes a first retention lip  308  arranged along the first end  330  and protruding from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302 , such that the first retention lip  308  and the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  form an acute angle α. In one aspect, the angle α is between 30° and 85°. In another aspect, the angle α is between 40° and 50°. In another aspect, the angle α is 45°. 
     The extrusion  210  also includes a rub strip protrusion  310  extending from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  at a location between the first end  330  and the opposing second end  332 . In one aspect, the rub strip protrusion  310  extends substantially perpendicular from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  and terminates at a third end  334 . The rub strip protrusion  310  includes a third surface  312  facing the first end  330  of the spar  302 . The third end  334  of the rub strip protrusion  310  is opposite the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302 . The rub strip protrusion  310  includes a second retention lip  314  arranged along the third end  334  of the rub strip protrusion  310  such that the second retention lip  314  and the third surface  312  of the rub strip protrusion  310  form an acute angle β. In one aspect, the angle β is between 30° and 85°. In another aspect, the angle β is between 40° and 50°. In another aspect, the angle β is 45°. As depicted in  FIG.  3 A , the rub strip protrusion  310  could protrude from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  at a location approximately equidistant from the first end  330  and the opposing second end  332 . In other aspects, the rub strip protrusion  310  could protrude from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  and to a location closer to the first end  330  or closer to the second end  332 . In one aspect, the rub strip protrusion  310  protrudes from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  at a location where a distance from the rub strip protrusion  310  to the first end  330  of the spar  302  is the same as a dimension of the rub strip protrusion from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  to the third end  334 . For example, in aspects in which the angles α and β are 45°, having the dimension of the rub strip protrusion  310  and the distance along the spar  302  from the rub strip protrusion  310  to the first end  330  being equal to each other results in the first retention lip  308  and the second retention lip  314  being aligned with one another. The first retention lip  308  and the second retention lip  314  define a window  390  therebetween (regardless of the alignment between the retention lips  308  and  314 ). The window  390  can receive retention tabs of a rub strip therethrough such that outward-facing notches on ends of the retention tabs can engage the retention lips  308  and  314 . Such retention tabs and outward-facing notches are described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS.  4 A and  5 A . 
     The extrusion  210  also includes panel protrusions in some aspects that receive and hold panels that form a monument. In the illustrated aspect, the extrusion  210  includes a first panel protrusion  318  extending from the second planar surface  306  of the spar  302  along the first end  330  of the spar  302 . The first panel protrusion  318  terminates at a sixth end  342 . The extrusion  210  includes a second panel protrusion  320  extending from the second planar surface  306  of the spar  302  along the second opposing end  332  of the spar  302 . The extrusion  210  includes a third panel protrusion  322  extending from the second planar surface  306  of the spar  302  at a location between the first end  330  and the second opposing end  332  of the spar  302 . In one aspect, the first panel protrusion  318 , the second panel protrusion  320 , and the third panel protrusion  322  extend substantially perpendicularly from the second planar surface  306  of the spar  302 . Referring again to  FIG.  2   , the exterior wall panel  230  can be arranged between the first panel protrusion  318  and the third panel protrusion  322  and the interior wall panel  232  can be arranged between the second panel protrusion  320  and the third panel protrusion  322 . In aspects in which the interior wall panel  232  and the exterior wall panel  230  are a single panel, the third panel protrusion  322  of the extrusion  210  can be omitted. 
     The second panel protrusion  320  of the extrusion  210  includes a fourth surface  324  facing away from the first panel protrusion  318  and the third panel protrusion  322 . The extrusion  210  includes a raceway protrusion  326  extending from the fourth surface  324 . In one aspect, the raceway protrusion  326  extends perpendicularly from the fourth surface  324  of the second panel protrusion  320 . The raceway protrusion  326  terminates at a fourth end  336  opposite the fourth surface  324 . The raceway protrusion  326  includes the retention hook  328  that engages the flange  248  of the visible cover  242  of the wire raceway  240 , discussed above with reference to  FIG.  2   . In various aspects, the wire raceway  240  could be replaced with another part, and the other part could include a flange similar to the flange  248  to engage the retention hook  328 . 
     The extrusion  210  also includes a hinge protrusion  316  extending from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  along the second end  332  of the spar  302 . In one aspect, the hinge protrusion  316  extends perpendicularly from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302 . The hinge protrusion  316  includes a fifth surface  350  facing away from the spar  302  and the rub strip protrusion  310 . Referring again to  FIG.  2   , a hinge (e.g., the hinge  202 ) can be attached to the fifth surface  350  of the hinge protrusion  316  such that a door (e.g., the door  104 ) can be mounted for the monument  100 . As discussed above, after the extrusion  210  is formed, fastener holes can be drilled through the fifth surface  350 , and fasteners could be inserted through the hinge and the holes in the hinge protrusion  316  to attach the hinge to the hinge protrusion  316 . In at least one aspect, the extrusion  210  could be located at a corner that does not have a door. In such instances, the hinge protrusion  350  could support another wall panel, such as the exterior wall panel  230  and/or the interior wall panel  232  shown in  FIG.  2   . Furthermore, in such instances, the hinge protrusion  316  could include additional protrusions extending away from the fifth surface  350  to support such wall panels. In at least one aspect, the hinge protrusion  316  terminates at a fifth end  338  opposite the spar  302 . The extrusion  210  can include a bridge protrusion  340  extending between the third end  334  of the rub strip protrusion  310  and a fifth end  338  of the hinge protrusion  316 . The bridge protrusion  340  can provide additional strength to the rub strip protrusion  310  and/or the hinge protrusion  316 . 
     In one aspect, the extrusion  210  is formed from a metal, such as an aluminum alloy, a steel alloy, a magnesium alloy, and/or a titanium alloy. In other aspects, the extrusion  210  is formed from an engineering plastic material, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, a polystyrene material, a polypropylene material, and/or a polyethylene material. 
       FIG.  4 A  is an end view of the vertical rub strip  220  depicted in  FIG.  2   . The vertical rub strip  220  typically is formed from a rubber or a resilient plastic material, such as a nylon polymer. The vertical rub strip  220  could be formed through an extrusion process. The vertical rub strip  220  includes an elongate body  402  with an exterior side  404  and an interior side  406 . The elongate body  402  includes a center portion  408  that bends toward the interior side  406 . For example, the exterior side  404  could define an arcuate surface. The elongate body  402  includes a first straight portion  410  extending from one side of the center portion  408  and a second straight portion  412  extending from an opposite side of the center portion  408 . The first straight portion  410  includes a first end  422  with a first lip  420  protruding from the interior side  406  of the elongate body  402  at the first end  422 . The second straight portion  412  includes a second end  426  with a second lip  424  protruding from the interior side  406  of the elongate body  402  at the second end  426 . In one aspect, the lips  422  and  424  fully cover and hide from view the extrusion  210  to reduce visible parting lines and exposed seams. 
     The vertical rub strip  220  also includes a first retention tab  413  extending from the interior side  406  of the elongate body  402  and a second retention tab  416  extending from the interior side  406  of the elongate body  402 . The first retention tab  413  and the second retention tab  416  extend from the center portion  408  of the elongate body  402 . The first retention tab  413  includes a first outward-facing notch  414  and the second retention tab  416  includes a second outward-facing notch  418 . Because the vertical rub strip  220  is made from a resilient material, the first retention tab  413  and the second retention tab  416  are deformable in the direction of arrows A. Put differently, the first retention tab  413  and the second retention tab  416  can be squeezed together. When such a squeezing force is removed, the first retention tab  413  and the second retention tab  416  move in the direction indicated by arrows B to return to a relaxed state. 
     The vertical rub strip  220  also includes a first alignment protrusion  430  extending from the interior side  406  of the elongate body  402  and a second alignment protrusion  432  extending from the interior side  406  of the elongate body  402 . The first alignment protrusion  430  and the second alignment protrusion  432  extend from the center portion  408  of the elongate body  402  and/or a transition between the center portion  408  and the respective straight portions  410  and  412  of the elongate body  402 . 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates the vertical rub strip  220  of  FIG.  4 A  installed in the extrusion  210  of  FIG.  3 A . The outward-facing notch  414  of the first retention tab  413  of the vertical rub strip  220  is engaged with the first retention lip  308  of the extrusion  210 . Also, the outward-facing notch  418  of the second retention tab  416  of the vertical rub strip  220  is engaged with the second retention lip  314  of the extrusion  210 . The retention tabs  413  and  416  deflect inwardly (in the direction of arrows A in  FIG.  4 A ) such that the outward-facing notches  414  and  418  can move through the window  390  and past the first and second retention lips  308  and  314 . Once the notches  414  and  418  pass the first and second retention lip  308  and  314 , the retention tabs  413  and  416  can relax outwardly (in the direction of arrows B in  FIG.  4 A ) such that the outward-facing notches  414  and  418  engage the respective retention lips  308  and  314 . 
     The first alignment protrusion  430  of the vertical rub strip  220  can abut an outward-facing surface  352  of the first alignment protrusion  308 . Similarly, the second alignment protrusion  432  of the vertical rub strip  220  abuts an outward-facing surface  354  of the second alignment protrusion  314 . The first and second alignment protrusions  430  and  432  pressing against the respective retention lips  308  and  314  can provide tension between the notches  414  and  418  and the first and second retention lips  308  and  314 , respectively. Stated differently, the first and second alignment protrusions  430  and  432  may be deformed from a relaxed state when the notches  414  and  418  and the first and second retention lips  308  and  314  are engaged. The deformation of the first and second alignment protrusions  430  and  432  introduces a biasing force that pulls the notches  414  and  418  into engagement with the first and second retention lips  308  and  314 . The biasing force increases frictional forces between the notches  414  and  418  and the retention lips  308  and  314  that could prevent inadvertent disengagement. The first and second alignment protrusions  430  and  432  can also urge the vertical rub strip  220  into alignment with the extrusion  210 . In one aspect, the first and second alignment protrusions  430  and  432  are relatively short and stiff to positively locate and keep the vertical rub strip  220  centered in alignment with the extrusion  210 , which allows the  413  and  416  retention tabs to be relatively long and flexible to create an optimal snap-in engagement feature. 
     In at least one aspect, the extrusion  210  also includes a small notch  339  or joggle local to the fifth end  338  and an slightly shortened first panel protrusion  318  such that the first lip  420  and second lip  424  can wrap around these edges and fully hide the extrusion  210  from view. 
     The vertical rub strip  220  can also be attached to the extrusion  210  along the first end  422  and the second end  426 . As illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , the first lip  420  along the first end  422  of the elongate body  402  can engage the sixth end  342  of the first panel protrusion  318 . Similarly, the second lip  424  along the second end  426  of the elongate body  402  can engage the fifth end  338  of the hinge protrusion  316 . In at least one aspect, the extrusion  210  and the vertical rub strip  220  are sized such that the first straight portion  410  and the second straight portion  412  stretch slightly for the first lip  422  engage the sixth end  342  of the first panel protrusion  318  and for the second lip  424  two engage the fifth end  338  of the hinge protrusion  316 . Such slight stretching can increase friction forces between the lips  420  and  424  of the vertical rub strip  220  and the respective ends  342  and  338  of the extrusion  210 , thereby increasing engagement therebetween. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  2   , the vertical rub strip  220  wraps neatly around the extrusion  210  and does not require any trimming after installation. For example, the vertical rub strip  220  does not require trimming proximate to the hinge  202  for the door panel  104 . In at least one aspect, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the hinge  202  can at least partially cover the second end  426  of the vertical rub strip  220 . Additionally on the non-hinge side for door openings the second end  426  of the vertical rub strip  220  wraps around the edge of the extrusion  210  at the fifth end  338  and terminates flush with the fifth surface  350  on the hinge protrusion such that the rub strip  220  does not require trimming to be kept clear of the door opening. 
       FIGS.  3 B,  4 B, and  5 B  are top views of an extrusion  210 ′ and rub strip  220 ′ that are variations of the extrusion  210  and rub strip  220  illustrated in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A,  4 A, and  5 A . The extrusion  210 ′ illustrated in  FIG.  3 B  includes a first retention lip  308 ′ that extends from the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  at a location that is spaced apart from the first end  330 . Additionally, the extrusion  210 ′ includes a second retention lip  314 ′ that extends from the third surface  312  of the rub strip protrusion  310  at a location that is spaced apart from the third end  334 . As a result of the first retention lip  308 ′ being spaced apart from the first end  330 , the first end  330  includes a first corner  331 . Likewise, as a result of the second retention lip  314 ′ being spaced apart from the third end  334 , the third end  334  includes a second corner  311 . The vertical rub strip  220 ′ illustrated in  FIG.  4 B  includes a first retention tab  413 ′ that extends from the interior surface  406  of the elongate body  402  and includes a first outward-facing notch  414 ′ formed as an angled kink at an end of the first retention tab  413 ′. The vertical rub strip  220 ′ also includes a second retention tab  416 ′ that extends from the interior surface  406  of the elongate body  402  and includes a second outward-facing notch  418 ′ formed as an angled kink at an end of the first retention tab  416 ′. Furthermore, the vertical rub strip  220 ′ includes a first alignment nub  430 ′ in place of the first alignment protrusion  430  illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . Also, the vertical rub strip  220 ′ includes a second alignment nub  432 ′ in place of the second alignment protrusion  432  illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates the vertical rub strip  220 ′ of  FIG.  4 B  installed in the extrusion  210 ′ of  FIG.  3 B . The outward-facing notch  414 ′ of the first retention tab  413 ′ of the vertical rub strip  220 ′ is engaged with the first retention lip  308 ′ of the extrusion  210 ′. Also, the outward-facing notch  418 ′ of the second retention tab  416 ′ of the vertical rub strip  220 ′ is engaged with the second retention lip  314 ′ of the extrusion  210 ′. The retention tabs  413 ′ and  416 ′ deflect inwardly (in the direction of arrows A in  FIG.  4 B ) such that the outward-facing notches  414 ′ and  418 ′ can move through the window  390 ′ and past the first and second retention lips  308  and  314 . Once the notches  414 ′ and  418 ′ pass the first and second retention lip  308 ′ and  314 ′, the retention tabs  413 ′ and  416 ′ can relax outwardly (in the direction of arrows B in  FIG.  4 B ) such that the outward-facing notches  414 ′ and  418 ′ engage the respective retention lips  308 ′ and  314 ′. 
     When the vertical rub strip  220 ′ is installed on the extrusion  210 ′, the first alignment nub  430 ′ on the vertical rub strip  220 ′ abuts the first corner  331  at the first end  330  of the spar  203 . Also, the second alignment nub  432 ′ on the vertical rub strip  220 ′ abuts the second corner  311  at the third end  334  of the rub strip protrusion  310 . The first and second alignment nubs  430 ′ and  432 ′ can urge the vertical rub strip  220 ′ into alignment with the extrusion  210 ′. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  1   , the monument  100  can also include horizontal rub strips  110  arranged at a base of the monument  100  and horizontal rub strips  108  positioned along the wall  102  and door  104  at a position spaced apart from the floor  112 .  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are perspective views of retaining rails and end caps that can be used with such horizontal rub strips. As shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , the retaining rails and end caps are positioned at the base of the monument  100  adjacent to the floor  112 . However, the retaining rails and caps could also be positioned at a different location of the monument spaced apart from the floor  112 .  FIG.  6 A  illustrates a retaining rail  602  that includes a first retaining rail segment  602   a  and a second retaining rail segment  602   b . In various aspects, the retaining rail  602  could be made of a single retaining rail segment or more than two retaining rail segments. The use of retaining rail segments, such as retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b , provide for a modular design such that a suitable number of retaining rail segments can be aligned in a row and spaced apart to provide a retaining rail of nearly any length. Thus, the retaining rail  602  does not have to be custom sized for every different application. 
     The retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b  include pluralities of fastener holes  604 . Fasteners  606  are inserted through selected ones of the pluralities of fastener holes  604  to affix the first and second retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b  to the wall surface  102  (or to a door panel  104 ). As shown in  FIG.  6 A , each of the retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b  is attached to the wall by four fasteners  606 . In various aspects, more or fewer numbers of fasteners can attach the retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b  to the wall  102 . The retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b  include alignment notches  620  arranged at ends of the retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b .  FIG.  6 A  also illustrates end caps  610  arranged at ends of the row of retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b . The end caps  610  include alignment tabs  614  that engage the alignment notches  620  of the retaining rail segments  602   a  and  602   b . The alignment tabs  614  can also include fastener holes  616  the receive fasteners  606  to affix the end caps  610  to the wall  102 . The end caps  610  include an outward-facing surface  612  with an exterior profile that matches the profile of a rub strip (discussed in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B ) installed over the retaining rail  602  so that the outward-facing surfaces  612  of the end caps  610  and the rub strip form a nearly continuous surface. 
       FIG.  6 B  illustrates an end cap  652  that covers a corner between intersecting walls  102 . The endcap  652  includes an exterior profile  654  that bends around the corner and it also matches the profile of the rub strips installed over the retaining rails  602  on the walls  102 . The endcap  652  includes alignment tabs  614  that engage alignment notches  620  of retaining rail segments adjacent to the corner. For example, as shown in  FIG.  6 B , a first alignment tab  614  of the endcap  652  engages an alignment notch  620  of a retaining rail segment  602   e  on a first wall and a second alignment tab  614  of the endcap  652  engages an alignment notch  620  of a retaining rail segment  602   a  and a second wall  102 . As shown in  FIG.  6 B , the endcap  652  can be arranged over the extrusion  210  in at least one aspect. In such aspects, the endcap  652  can include interior features similar to or identical to the first retaining tab  413  the second retaining tab  416  and the respective outward-facing notches  414  and  418  of the vertical rub strip  220 , discussed above with reference to  FIGS.  4  and  5   , to further secure the endcap  652  in the corner. 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are side views of the retaining rail  602  from the side and also illustrate a rub strip  700  in an unattached state and an attached state with respect to the retaining rail  602 , respectively. The retaining rail  602  includes a flat side  664  abutting the surface of the wall  102  and an opposing side  666 . The retaining rail  602  further includes a first lengthwise end  662  and a second lengthwise end  660  opposite the first lengthwise end  662 . The first lengthwise end  662  includes a first outward-facing retention lip  672  and the second lengthwise end  660  includes a second outward-facing retention lip  670 . 
     The rub strip  700  includes a resilient, elongate body  702  that includes a third lengthwise end  706  and a fourth lengthwise end  704  opposite the third lengthwise end  706 . The elongate body includes an exterior surface  712  and an interior surface  714  between the third lengthwise end  706  and the fourth lengthwise end  704 . The third lengthwise end  706  of the elongate body includes a first inward-facing retention tab  710  that engages the first outward-facing retention lip  672  of the retaining rail  602 . Similarly, the fourth lengthwise end  704  of the elongate body  702  includes a second inward-facing retention tab  708  that engages the second outward-facing retention lip  670  of the retaining rail  602 . The resilient body  702  can be deformed from a relaxed state to spread apart the first inward-facing retention tab  710  and the second inward-facing retention tab  708  such that the inward-facing retention tabs  710  and  708  can be placed over the respective outward-facing retention lips  672  and  670  of the retaining rail. After the elongate body  702  is placed over the retaining rail  602 , the elongate body  702  can be released such that it returns to the relaxed state. As a result, the first inward-facing retention tab  710  engages the first outward-facing retention lip  672  and the second inward-facing retention tab  708  engages the second outward-facing retention lip  670 , and the rub strip  700  is attached to the retaining rail  602 . Alternatively, the second inward-facing retention tab  708  of the rub strip  700  in the relaxed state can be placed over (hooked onto) the second outward-facing retention lip  670  of the retention rail  602 , and then subsequently the third lengthwise end  706  of the rub strip  700  can be deformed to allow the first inward-facing retention tab  710  to flex over the first outward-facing retention tab  672  to reach the engaged position between the rub strip  700  and retention rail  602  shown in  FIG.  7 B . The retaining rail  602 , rub strip  700 , and endcaps  610  and/or  652  are collectively referred to as a wall guard herein. 
     In at least one aspect, the retaining rail  602  can include at least one protrusion  668  extending from the outward-facing side  666  of the retaining rail  602 . As illustrated in FIG.  7 B, an exterior surface  669  of the at least one protrusion  668  can press against the interior surface  714  of the elongate body  702 . The pressing engagement between the exterior surface  669  of the at least one protrusion  668  and the interior surface  714  of the elongate body  702  creates tension between the retention tabs and can increase frictional forces between the inward-facing retention tabs  710  and  708  of the elongate body  702  and the outward-facing retention lips  672  and  670 , respectively, of the retaining rail  602 , thereby increasing engagement and retention therebetween. The protrusion  668  can also limit any deformation of the rub strip  700  in the event that the exterior surface  712  of the rub strip  700  is impacted by a person or object, for example. The protrusion  668  can also ensure the profile of the rub strip  700  (which may be somewhat flexible) is nominally held in a position that matches the profile of the adjacent end cap  610  or  652  to maintain a nearly continuous surface. 
     In various aspects, the rub strip  700  can include an outward-facing protrusion  720  extending from the third lengthwise end  706  of the elongate body  702 . The outward-facing protrusion  720  forms a reduced gap  722  with the floor  112  when the rub strip  700  is installed on the retaining rails  602 . In various circumstances, the reduced gap  722  is suitably small such that a sealant bead of caulk (or other sealant) could be formed between the floor  112  and the outward-facing protrusion  720 . Such sealing capability may be advantageous in environments that are potentially exposed to water, such as galleys and lavatories. The outward-facing protrusion  720  can be recessed from the exterior surface  712  as shown in  FIG.  7 B  to mostly hide from view the caulk or other sealant. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  are perspective views that illustrate a process by which a wall guard according to one aspect can be installed on a wall surface.  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate a wall guard spaced apart from the floor surface, but the process shown herein is equally applicable to a wall guard placed at floor level. As shown in a first process step  800  in  FIG.  8 A , end caps  610  can be arranged at ends of a wall guard arrangement on a wall surface  102 . The end caps are secured to the wall surface  102  via fasteners  606 . As shown in  FIG.  8 B , a retaining rail  602  can be arranged between the end caps  610 .  FIG.  8 B  illustrates a second process step  802  in which a total of six retaining rail segments  602   a ,  602   b ,  602   c ,  602   d ,  602   e , and  602   f  are arranged between and aligned with the end caps. As discussed above, the number of retaining rail segments used in the spacing between adjacent retaining rail segments can be adjusted based on the length of the wall guard to be installed on the wall surface  102 .  FIG.  8 C  illustrates a third process step  804  in which the rub strip  700  is placed over the retaining rail  602 . The rub strip  700  fits between the end caps  610  such that the end caps  610  cover ends of the rub strip  700 . Stated differently, the end caps  610  block a view of the retaining rail  602  behind the rub strip  700  that would be visible through ends of the rub strip  700 . The resulting wall guard includes two exposed seams  730  where the rub strip  700  meets the end caps  610 . The seams  730  are relatively small and therefore provide a small target for dust, dirt, or other debris to accumulate. As discussed above, an exterior surface of the end caps  610  includes a profile that matches an exterior profile of the rub strip  700  to provide, among other things, a continuous surface appearance. 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  are perspective views that illustrate a process by which a wall guard according to another aspect can be installed on a wall surface.  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  illustrate a wall guard spaced apart from the floor surface, but the process shown herein is equally applicable to a wall guard placed at floor level. The wall guard illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  is not as wide as the wall guard illustrated in  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C . As shown in  FIG.  9 A , end caps  902  can be arranged at ends of a wall guard arrangement on a wall surface  102 . The end caps are secured to the wall surface  102  via fasteners  912  (which could be the same or different as the fasteners  606  discussed above with reference to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 C ). As shown in  FIG.  9 B , a retaining rail  920  can be arranged between the end caps  902 . In the aspect shown in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B , the retaining rail  920  comprises a single, continuous retaining rail. However, the retaining rail  920  could include a plurality of retaining rail segments. The retaining rail  920  includes a first lengthwise end  924  and a second lengthwise end  926  opposite the first lengthwise end  924 . The retaining rail  920  is attached to the wall surface  102  with fasteners  922  (which could be the same or different as the fastener  606  and/or  912 ). In this aspect, the end caps  902  include retaining rail extensions  906 . The retaining rail extensions  906  include a fifth lengthwise end  908  aligned with the first lengthwise end  924  of the retaining rail  920 . The retaining rail extensions  906  also include a sixth lengthwise end  910  aligned with the second lengthwise end  926  of the retaining rail  920 .  FIG.  8 C  illustrates a rub strip  930  placed over the retaining rail  920 . The rub strip  930  includes an exterior surface  932  with a profile that is matched by an exterior surface  904  of the end caps  902 . The rub strip  930  fits between the end caps  904  such that the end caps  904  cover ends of the rub strip  930 . Stated differently, the end caps  902  block a view of the retaining rail  920  behind the rub strip  930  that would be visible through ends of the rub strip  930 . The resulting wall guard includes two small seams  940  where the rub strip  930  meets the end caps  902 . As discussed above, the exterior surface of the end caps  904  includes a profile that matches an exterior profile of the rub strip  930  to provide, among other things, a continuous surface appearance. 
       FIGS.  9 D- 9 G  are end views that illustrate steps for attaching the rub strip  930  to the retaining rail  920 .  FIG.  9 D  illustrates an end view of the rub strip  930 . The rub strip  930  includes a third lengthwise end  934  and a fourth lengthwise end  936  opposite the third lengthwise end  934 . The third lengthwise end  934  includes a first inward-facing retention tab  950  and the fourth lengthwise end  936  includes a second inward-facing retention tab  952 . The rub strip  930  is made of a resilient material such that the rub strip  932  can be deformed from a relaxed state shown in  FIG.  9 D  to a stretched state shown in  FIG.  9 E  (in which the third lengthwise end  934  and the fourth lengthwise end  936  have been pulled apart from one another as indicated by arrows C).  FIG.  9 F  illustrates the rub strip  930  positioned over and aligned with the retaining rail  920  in the stretched state. The retaining rail  920  includes a flat side  921  that can be arranged against a wall surface and an opposing side  923 . As shown in  FIG.  9 F , the second inward-facing retention tab  952  is engaged with a second outward-facing retention lip  962  along the second lengthwise end  926  of the retaining rail  920 . Also, the first inward-facing retention tab  950  is aligned with but not engaged with a first outward-facing retention lip  960  along the first lengthwise end  924  of the retaining rail  920 . The arrangement shown in  FIG.  9 F  could be achieved by an installer engaging the second inward-facing retention tab  952  of the rub strip  930  with the second outward-facing retention lip  962  and then pulling on the third lengthwise end  934  of the rub strip  930  such that the third lengthwise end  934  moves away from the fourth lengthwise end  936 . Consequently, the third lengthwise end  934  and the first inward-facing retention tab  950  will be spaced apart from the first outward-facing retention lip  960  of the retaining rail  920 . The inward-facing retention tabs  950  and  952  could also engage outward-facing retention lips on the fifth lengthwise ends  908  and the sixth lengthwise ends  910  on the rail extensions  906  of the end caps  902 . 
     In  FIG.  9 G , after the rub strip  930  is aligned with the retaining rail, any force being applied to the rub strip  930  can be relaxed so that the rub strip  930  can return to the relaxed state shown in  FIG.  9 D . As a result, as shown in  FIG.  9 G , the first inward-facing retention tab  950  is engaged with the first outward-facing retention lip  960  and the second inward-facing retention tab  952  is engaged with the second outward-facing retention lip  962 , thereby attaching the rub strip  930  to the retaining rail  920 . 
       FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional end view of another aspect of a rub strip  1020  and retaining rail  1000  attached to a wall  102  (or to another surface, such as a door  104 ). The retaining rail  1000  includes a body  1002  that includes a wall-facing surface  1006  that abuts the wall  102  (or other surface) and an opposing surface  1008 . The body  1002  includes a plurality of fastener holes  1004  (only one is shown in the cross-sectional view) to receive fasteners that attach the retaining rail  1000  to the wall  102  (or other surface). The retaining rail  1000  includes a first protrusion  1010  and a second protrusion  1014  extending away from the opposing surface  1008  of the body  1002 . In at least one aspect, the first protrusion  1010  and the second protrusion  1014  extend away from lengthwise ends of the body  1002 . The first protrusion  1010  includes a first inward-facing notch  1012  and the second protrusion  1014  includes a second inward-facing notch  1016 . The inward-facing notches  1012  and  1016  define a gap  1018  therebetween. As discussed in greater detail below, the inward-facing notches  1012  and  1016  engage outward-facing notches  1040  and  1044 , respectively, on the rub strip  1020  to hold the rub strip  1020  in place against the wall  102  (or other surface). In one aspect, the retaining rail  1000  is made of a rigid material, such as a plastic material. 
     The rub strip  1020  includes a body  1050  that includes an outward-facing surface  1022  and an opposing interior surface  1024 . The interior surface includes a first retention tab  1038  and a second retention tab  1042  extending from the interior surface  1024  toward the retaining rail  1000 . The first retention tab  1038  includes a first outward-facing notch  1040  and the second retention tab  1042  includes a second outward-facing notch  1044 . The rub strip  1020  is made of a resilient material, such as a nylon polymer or metal. When the rub strip  1020  is installed on the retaining rail  1000 , the retention tabs  1038  and  1042  can flex inwardly such that the outward-facing notches  1040  and  1044  can pass through the gap  1018  between the inward-facing notches  1012  and  1016 . Thereafter, the retention tabs  1038  and  1042  return to an relaxed state such that the outward-facing notches  1040  and  1044  of the rub strip  1020  are engaged with the respective inward-facing retention notches  1012  and  1016  of the retaining rail  1000 . As a result, the rub strip  1020  is attached to the retaining rail  1000 . This method of outward-facing retention notches on rub strip  1020  provides superior retention performance because when the rub strip  1020  is impacted (for example by luggage or a galley cart) in the center of the exterior surface  1022  it causes the retention tabs  1038  and  1042  to flex outward increasing their engagement with inward-facing notches  1012  and  1016  on the retaining rail  1000  during the impact. If the configuration were reversed with inward-facing retention notches on the rub strip  1020  the same impact could cause the rub strip  1020  to disengage from the retaining rail  1000 . 
     The rub strip  1020  includes extensions along lengthwise ends  1026  and  1032  that contact the wall  102  (or other surface). The rub strip  1020  includes a first outer edge extension  1034  extending from a first end  1032  to the wall  102  and a second outer edge extension  1028  extending from a second end  1026  to the wall  102 . In at least one aspect, the rub strip  1020  also includes a first inner edge extension  1036  extending from the interior surface  1024  at a location proximal to the first end  1032  to the wall  102  and a second inner edge extension  1030  extending from the interior surface  1024  at a location proximal to the second end  1026  to the wall  102 . Providing two edge extensions at and toward the ends  1032  and  1026  of the rub strip  1020  can provide extra rigidity of the ends of the rub strip  1020  (relative to a rub strip  1020  that has single edge protrusions). Additionally, the two edge extensions at and toward the ends  1032  and  1026  of the rub strip  1020  can provide a channel into which the alignment tabs on the end caps  904  can index to ensure the profile of the rub strip  1020  and end caps  904  are aligned to create a nearly continuous surface. 
     The rub strip  1020  illustrated in  FIG.  10    is combined with end caps  902  to create a wall guard. The resulting wall guard includes two exposed seams where the rub strip  1020  meets the end caps  902 . The seams are relatively small and therefore provide a small target for dust, dirt, or other debris to accumulate. 
     In the aspects discussed above, the various rub strips are attached in a continuous manner along a length of a retaining rail and/or in extrusion. Stated differently, the rub strips do not require an alignment of tabs in slots or the like for attachment to the retaining rails and/or the extrusions. As a result, the rub strips can be easily installed in the retaining rails and/or the extrusions. Furthermore, because the rub strips do not require an alignment of attachment features at particular locations, the rub strips can be easily modified to incorporate additional features. As an example,  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D  are perspective views that illustrate steps for installing a curtain snap on the extrusion  210  on a corner of a monument  1100 .  FIG.  11 A  illustrates the monument  1100  that includes a wall panel  1102  and a door panel  1104  that are attached to the extrusion  210 . In  FIG.  11 A , a first vertical rub strip  220  has been installed in the extrusion (as discussed above with reference to  FIG.  5   ) along a portion of a length of the extrusion  210 . In  FIG.  11 B , a bracket  1106  is installed in the extrusion. For example, the bracket  1106  may be welded, glued, or otherwise affixed between the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  and the third surface  312  of the rub strip protrusion  310  of the extrusion  210 . In  FIG.  11 C , a curtain snap housing  1108  is installed over the extrusion  210  at a location such that a bottom end of the curtain snap housing  1108  abuts the top end of the first vertical rub strip  220 . The curtain snap housing  1108  may be fastened to the bracket  1106  via bolts, a clamp, or other fastener. In  FIG.  11 D , a second vertical rub strip  220  is attached to the extrusion  210  above the curtain snap housing  1108 . The second vertical rub strip  210  is attached at a location such that a bottom end of the second vertical rub strip  210  abuts a top end of the curtain snap housing  1108 . As discussed above, because the vertical rub strips  220  are attached in a continuous manner to the extrusion  210  (e.g., without the use of slots and tabs or other location-dependent fastening means), the vertical rub strips  220  can simply be cut to length and attached to the extrusion  210 . 
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 D  are perspective views that illustrate steps for installing a light fixture on the extrusion  210  on a corner of the monument  1100 .  FIG.  12 A  illustrates that the extrusion  210  has been modified to include a slot  1202  passing through at least the rub strip protrusion  310  of the extrusion  210 . The slot  1202  can be used to pass wiring to power a light fixture.  FIG.  12 B  illustrates that brackets  1204  have been installed in the extrusion  210 . Similar to the bracket  1106  discussed above with reference to  FIGS.  11 A- 11 D , the brackets  1204  may be welded, glued, or otherwise affixed between the first planar surface  304  of the spar  302  and the third surface  312  of the rub strip protrusion  310  of the extrusion  210 .  FIG.  12 B  also illustrates that an aperture  1206  has been cut through the vertical rub strip  220 , which has been attached to the extrusion  210 . As discussed above, because the vertical rub strip  220  is attached in a continuous manner to the extrusion  210 , the vertical rub strip  220  can simply be cut to length and the aperture  1206  can be cut at the desired location for the light fixture along the length of the vertical rub strip  220 .  FIG.  12 C  illustrates a light housing  1218  installed in the aperture  1206 . The light housing  1218  may be fastened to the brackets  1204  via bolts, clamps, or other fasteners. The light housing  1218  includes an aperture  1210  through which electrical wiring can be accessed. The light housing  1218  also includes fastener holes  1212 .  FIG.  12 D  illustrates a light  1214  installed in the light housing. The light  1214  may be affixed to the light housing  1218  using fasteners  1216  (e.g., bolts) engaged with the fastener holes  1212  in the light housing  1218 . 
     In the aspects described herein, rub strips can be attached to wall surfaces and/or corner surfaces with little to no cutting or trimming required. Additionally, as discussed above, the rub strips are attached to the various retaining rails and/or extrusions in a continuous manner such that the rub strips do not have to be aligned with discrete fasteners (e.g., slots and tabs). As a result, the aspects described herein result in reduced assembly time and cost. Additionally, in the aspects described herein, the resulting rub strips (i.e., wall guards) include a small number of exposed and/or visible seams, thereby providing a cleaner visual appearance and fewer locations that could collect dirt and/or other debris. 
     The descriptions of the various aspects have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the aspects disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described aspects. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the aspects, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the aspects disclosed herein. 
     While the foregoing is directed to certain aspects, other and further aspects may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.