Patent Abstract:
The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.

Full Description:
[0001]     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/034,941, filed Jan. 14, 2005, which in turn is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/347,489, filed Jan. 21, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,074, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/986,414, filed Nov. 8, 2001 (now abandoned), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The invention is a joint cover assembly that includes a molding, similar to a T-Molding, for covering a gap that may be formed adjacent a panel in a generally planar surface, such as between two adjacent flooring materials, a floor and a wall, or a riser and a runner in a step (or a series of steps).  
         [0004]     2. Background of the Invention  
         [0005]     Wood or laminate flooring has become increasingly popular. As such, many different types of this flooring have been developed. Generally, this type of flooring is assembled by providing a plurality of similar panels. The differing types of panels that have developed, of course, may have differing depths and thicknesses. Thus, when panels having different thicknesses are placed adjacent to each other, transition moldings are often used to create a smooth joint.  
         [0006]     Additionally, one may desire to install floor panels adjacent to an area with different types of material. For example, one may desire to have one type of flooring in a kitchen (e.g., laminate flooring or ceramic tile), and a different appearance in an adjacent living room (e.g., linoleum or carpeting), and an entirely different look in an adjacent bath. Therefore, it has become necessary to develop a type of molding or seal that could be used as a transition from one type of flooring to another.  
         [0007]     A problem is encountered, however, when flooring materials that are dissimilar in shape or texture are used. For example, when a hard floor is placed adjacent a carpet, problems are encountered with conventional edge moldings placed there between. Such problems include difficulty in covering the gap that may be formed between the floorings having different height or thickness.  
         [0008]     Moreover, for purposes of reducing cost, it is important to be able to have a molding that is versatile, having the ability to cover gaps between relatively coplanar surfaces, as well as surfaces of differing thicknesses.  
         [0009]     It would also be of benefit to reduce the number of molding profiles that need to be kept in inventory by a seller or installer of laminate flooring. Thus, the invention also provides a method by which the number of moldings can be reduced while still providing all the functions necessary of transition moldings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap between edges of adjacent floor elements, such as panels. The assembly includes a body having a foot positioned along a longitudinal axis, and a first arm extending generally perpendicularly from the foot. The assembly may include a second arm also extending generally perpendicular to the foot. A tab may additionally be provided on either the first or second arms, displaced from the foot, extending perpendicularly from the arm.  
         [0011]     The assembly is preferably provided with a securing means to prevent the assembly from moving once assembled. In one embodiment, the securing means is a clamp, designed to grab the foot. Preferably, the clamp includes a groove into which the foot is inserted. In a preferred embodiment, a rail may be joined directly to a subsurface below the floor element, such as a subfloor, by any conventional means, such as, a nail, screw or adhesive.  
         [0012]     The outward-facing surface of the assembly may be formed as a single, unitary, monolithic surface that covers both the first and second arms. This outward-facing surface may be treated, for example, with a laminate or a paper, such as a decor, impregnated with a resin, in order to increase its aesthetic value, or blend, to match or contrast with the panels.  
         [0013]     A shim may also be placed between the foot and the subfloor. In one embodiment, the shim may be positioned on the underside of the clamp; however, if a clamp is not used, the shim may be positioned between the foot and the subfloor. The shim may be adhered to either the foot or subfloor using an adhesive or a conventional fastener, e.g., nail or screw.  
         [0014]     The assembly may also include a leveling block positioned between the first arm and the adjacent panel. The leveling block generally has an upper surface that engages the arm, and a bottom that abuts against the adjacent panel. In a preferred embodiment, the leveling block has a channel formed in upper surface, configured to receive the tab on the arm. The particular size of leveling block is chosen, conforming essentially to the difference in thicknesses between the first and second panels. The exposed surfaces of the leveling block is typically formed from a variety of materials, such as a carpet, laminate flooring, ceramic or wood tile, linoleum, turf, paper, natural wood or veneer, vinyl, wood, ceramic or composite finish, or any type of covering, while the interior of the leveling block is generally formed from a wood or other structural material. The leveling block additionally facilitates the use of floor coverings having varying thicknesses when covering a subfloor. The leveling block helps the molding not only cover the gap, but provide a smoother transition from one surface to another.  
         [0015]     Alternatively, the tab may be positioned to slidingly engage the edge of a panel when no leveling block is used. A lip may additionally be positioned on the tab in order to slidingly engage a protuberance, adjacent an upper edge of the clamp in order to retain the assembly in its installed position.  
         [0016]     The tab is preferably shaped as to provide forces to maintain the assembly in the installed position. Thus, typically the tab may be frustum-shaped, with its narrow edge closest to the arm and the wider edge furthest from the arm. Additionally, the tab may be lobe shaped, having a bulbous end furthest from the arm. Of course, any suitable shape is sufficient, as long as the tab can provide enough resistive forces to hinder removal of the installed assembly. By forming a corresponding channel in the leveling block (or in the upper surface of the flooring element), the tab can help to secure the assembly in place.  
         [0017]     The assembly may additionally be used to cover gaps between tongue-and-groove type panels, such as glueless laminate floor panels. In addition to the uses mentioned above, the tab may also be designed to mate with a corresponding channel in the panel the edge of one of the flooring elements, or may actually fit within a grooved edge. In order to better accommodate this type of gap, a second tab may be positioned to depend from the second panel engaging surface.  
         [0018]     An adhesive, such as a glue, a microballoon adhesive, contact adhesive, or chemically activated adhesive including a water-activated adhesive, may be positioned on the tab, the foot, and the arms. Of course, such an adhesive is not necessary, but may enhance or supplement the snap-type fit of the assembly into the gap between the floor elements. Additionally, the adhesive may assist in creating a more air-tight or moisture-tight joint.  
         [0019]     The assembly may be used in other non-coplanar areas, such as the edge between a wall and a floor, or even on stairs. For example, the assembly may include, the first and second arms, and foot as described above, but instead of transitioning between two floor elements placed in the same plane, may form the joint between the horizontal and vertical surfaces of a single stair element.  
         [0020]     The inventive assembly may be used for positioning between adjacent tongue-and-groove panels; in this regard, the assembly functions as a transition molding, which provides a cover for edges of dissimilar surfaces. For example, when installing floors into a home, the assembly could be used to provide an edge between a hallway and a bedroom, between a kitchen and living or bathroom, or any areas where distinct flooring is desired. Additionally, the assembly may be incorporated into differing types of flooring, such as wood, tile, linoleum, carpet, or turf.  
         [0021]     The invention also is drawn to an inventive method for covering a gap between adjacent panels of a generally planar surface. The method includes multiple steps, including, inter alia, placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective arms into contact with the respective floor elements, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the assembly in the gap after the assembly has been installed.  
         [0022]     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the joint cover assembly in accordance with the invention;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are alternate embodiments for the molding of the invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the joint cover assembly in accordance with the invention;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 3 and 3 A are a comparative perspective views of embodiments of the leveling block;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is perspective view of an additional embodiment of the joint cover assembly in accordance with the invention;  
         [0028]      FIGS. 5 and 5 A are a comparative perspective views of embodiments of the leveling block;  
         [0029]      FIGS. 6-16  show comparative cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the molding portion of the joint cover assembly;  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  depicts an embodiment of the assembly of the invention for use with stairs;  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  shows a second embodiment of the assembly for use with stairs;  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a generic element, which may be broken into the components of the invention; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  shows a postforming laminate glued to a longitudinal carrier. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0034]      FIG. 1  shows an exploded view of the various parts of the inventive joint cover assembly  10 . The assembly  10  includes a T-shaped molding  11 , having an foot  16  formed so that it can fit in a gap  20  between adjacent floor elements  24 ,  25 .  FIG. 1  demonstrates a typical use, in which the gap  20  is formed adjacent an edge  27  of a floor element  24 . Although  FIG. 1 , depicts all of the floor elements  24  to be conventional tongue-and-groove type floor panels (having a groove  27  positioned adjacent to the gap  20 ), this is merely one of any number of embodiments. For example, floor elements  24 ,  25  need not be the same type of floor element. Specifically, the floor elements  24  can be any type of flooring designed to used as a floor or placed over a subfloor  22 , e.g., tile, linoleum, laminate flooring, concrete slab, parquet, vinyl, turf, composite or hardwood. As is known, laminate floors are not attached to the subfloor  22 , but are considered “floating floors”.  
         [0035]     The molding  11  is provided with a first arm  12  and a second arm  14  extending in a single plane generally perpendicular to the foot  16 . Preferably, the foot  16 , first arm  12 , and the second arm  14  from a general T-shape, with the arms  12  and  14  forming the upper structure and the foot  16  forming the lower structure.  
         [0036]     The molding  11 , as well as any of the other components used in the invention, may be formed of any suitable, sturdy material, such as wood, polymer, or even a wood/polymer composite. Due to the growing popularity of wood and laminate flooring and wood wall paneling, however, a natural or simulated wood-grain appearance may be provided as the outward facing surface  34  of the molding  11 . The outward facing surface  34  may be a conventional laminate, such as a high pressure laminate (HPL), direct laminate (DL) or a post-formed laminate (as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/817,391, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety); a foil; a print, such as a photograph or a digitally generated image; or a liquid coating including, for example, aluminum oxide. Thus, in the event natural wood or wood veneer is not selected as the material, the appearance of wood may be simulated by coating the outer surface  34  with a laminate having a decor sheet that simulates wood. Alternatively, the decor can simulate stone, brick, inlays, or even fantasy patterns. Preferably, the outward facing surface  34  extends completely across the upper face of the molding, and optionally over under surface  36  and  38  of arms  12  and  14 , respectively.  
         [0037]     The core structure of components of the invention, including the center of the molding  11 , that is in contact with the outward facing surface  34  is formed from a core material. Typical core materials include wood based products, such as high density fiberboard (HDF), medium density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, strandboard, and solid wood; plastic-based products, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermal plastics or mixtures of plastic and other products; and metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or copper. The various components of the invention are preferably constructed in accordance with the methods disclosed by U.S. application Ser. No. 08/817,391, as well as U.S. application Ser. No. 10/319,820, filed Dec. 16, 2002, Attorney Docket No. TPP30422CIP, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.  
         [0038]     A securing means, such as a metal clamp  26 , may be coupled to the subfloor  22  within the gap  20  formed between the two floor elements  24  and  25 . The clamp may be coupled to the subfloor  22  by fasteners, such as screws or any conventional coupling method, such as nails or glue. The clamp  26  and the foot  16  are preferably cooperatively formed so that the foot  16  can slide within the clamp  26  without being removed. For example, the clamp  26  may be provided with in-turned ends  30  designed to grab the outer surface of the foot  16 . Typically, the foot  16  has a dove-tail shape, having the shorter parallel edge joined to the arms  12  and  14 ; and the clamp  26  is a wire element having a corresponding shape as to mate with the foot  16  and hold it in place. Additionally, the securing element may take the form of an inverted T-element  50  ( FIG. 1A ), configured to mate with a corresponding groove  52  in an end of foot  16 , such that friction between the T-element  50  and the groove  52  secures the molding  11  in place, or, in the alternative, the end of the foot  16  may be provided with a narrowed section, designed to mate with a groove in the securing element. Finally, each of the T-element  50 , mating section of the foot  16  and/or various grooves, may be provided with notched or barbed edges  55  to simultaneously assist in mating and resist disassembly ( FIG. 1B ). However, in an alternative embodiment, the securing element can be eliminated because the molding  11  can be affixed to one of the floor elements  24 ,  25 , by, for example, an adhesive. Preferably however, the molding  11  is not secured to both floor elements  24 ,  25 , as to permit a degree of relative movement, or floating, between the floor elements  24 ,  25 .  
         [0039]     The clamp  26  may additionally be formed of a sturdy, yet pliable material that will outwardly deform as the foot  16  is inserted, but will retain the foot  16  therein. Such materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, wood/polymer composites, wood, and polymers.  
         [0040]     A tab  18  is shown as extending downwardly from the first arm  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the tab  18  extends downward, or away from an outward facing surface  34  of the molding, and runs generally parallel to the foot  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the tab  18  may also be in the shape of a dove-tail with a shorter edge adjacent to the first arm  12 ; however, other suitable shapes are possible. The shape of the outwardly facing surface  34  of the molding  11  is shown as being convex in some of the Figures (e.g.,  FIGS. 1A, 1B  and  7 ), and substantially planar in others (e.g.,  FIGS. 1, 2 ,  4 , and  6 ). When the outwardly facing surface  34  is substantially planar, the edges of the molding  11  may either be upright or at an angle, typically angling away from the foot  16 .  
         [0041]     The assembly may further include a leveling block  40 . When flooring elements  24  and  25  are of differing heights, the leveling block  40  is positioned between either the first arm  12  or the second arm  14  and the subfloor  22 . Preferably, the size of the leveling block  40  is selected to correspond essentially to the difference in heights of the two flooring elements  24  and  25 . For example, if one flooring element  24  is a ceramic tile, having a thickness of 2″ and the second flooring element  25  is linoleum, having a thickness of ¼″, the leveling block  40  would typically have a thickness of ¾″ to bridge the difference and be placed between arm  12  and the other flooring element  25 . Without the leveling block  40 , a significant space would exist between the second flooring element  25  and the molding  11 , allowing for moisture and dirt to accumulate. While the difference in heights of the flooring elements  24 ,  25  is generally caused by a difference in thickness between the two flooring elements  24 ,  25 , the present invention may also be used to “flatten out” an uneven subfloor  22 . In a preferred embodiment, the leveling block is provided with a channel  42  designed to receive the tab  18 .  
         [0042]     Even though the assembly  10  may function without any type of glue or adhesive, an alternate embodiment includes the placement of adhesive  31  on the molding  11 . The adhesive may be placed on molding  11  at the factory (for example, pre-glued). Alternatively, the glue may be applied while the floor elements  24 ,  25  are being assembled. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the adhesive  31  may be provided as a strip-type adhesive, but any type of adhesive, such as glue, chemical or chemically-activated adhesive, water-activated adhesive, contact cements, microballoon adhesive may be used. Additionally, while the embodiment in  FIG. 6  shows a single adhesive strip  31  attached to the arm  12 , the adhesive  31  may be attached to the tab  18 , foot  16 , and/or any location where two pieces of the assembly are joined. Preferably, adhesive  31  is only applied to one of the arms  12 ,  14  in order to allow accommodate some slight relative movement that may occur during changes of temperature, for example. This relative movement is known in the flooring art as “float”. Allowing float may also eliminate unneeded material stresses as well, thereby reducing warping or deterioration of the material surface. Typical adhesives used in the invention include a fresh adhesive, such as PERGO GLUE (available from Perstorp AB of Perstorp, Sweden), water activated dry glue, dry glue (needing no activation) or an adhesive strip with a peel off protector of paper.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  shows a typical embodiment of the assembly  10  in an installed condition, wherein the floor elements  24  and  25  are of differing thicknesses (H and H′ respectively). Of course, the element  24  may be of any type of covering, such as carpet, turf, tile, linoleum or the like. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the leveling block  40  typically includes a substantially flat bottom  46 , and a top  45  having a channel  42 , and an inner surface  44 . The top  45  of the leveling block  40  is designed to firmly abut the under surface  36  of the first arm  12 , while the bottom  46  abuts floor element  25 . Typically, the channel  42  is shaped as to firmly hold the tab  18 . The inner surface  44  of the leveling block  40  need not abut the foot, as generally, a small amount of clearance is provided between the clamp  26  or foot  16  and the inner surface  44  of the leveling block. However, the inner surface  44  may configured to contact either of the clamp  26  or foot  16 .  
         [0044]     The leveling block  40  may be made of a composite, pliable material that is also resilient. For example, the tab  18  may be formed to be slightly larger than the opening of the channel  42 , thereby forcing the channel  42  to outwardly deform in order to accommodate the tab  18 , and therefore snap-fit together.  
         [0045]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the outer surface  47  of the leveling block  40  is generally treated to match or blend with the outer surface  34  of the molding or the floor element  24 ,  25  in order to improve aesthetics.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3A  shows an alternate embodiment of a leveling block  40 ′. An outer surface  47 ′ of this embodiment is configured generally perpendicular to an upper surface  44 ′ and a lower surface  46 ′ of the leveling block  40 ′. This alternate configuration of the outer surface  47 ′ not only provides a different appearance, it also has been shown to be preferred when softer surfaces, such as carpet or turf, are positioned beneath the lower surface  46 ′ of the leveling block  40 ′.  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  shows yet another alternate embodiment of the leveling block  140 . The leveling block  140  includes a bottom  146 , and a top  145  and an inner surface  144 . The top  145  of the leveling block  140  is designed to firmly abut the under surface  36  of the first arm  112 , while the bottom  146  abuts floor element  125 . This leveling block  140  is positioned between a first arm  112  of the molding  111  and the flooring element  125 . In this embodiment of the assembly  110 , the tab  118  engages the inner surface  144  of the leveling block  140 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a leveling block  40  that may be used in the assembly shown in  FIG. 4 . Specifically, the leveling block  40  in  FIG. 5  has a solid, uninterrupted upper surface  45 , without the need for a channel because the tab ( 118 , as in  FIG. 4 ) will engage the inner surface  44  of the leveling block of instead of the top surface  45 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 5A  shows an additional shape of a leveling block  140 ′ that can be incorporated into the assembly shown in  FIG. 4 . Leveling block  40 ′ has a front surface  46 ′ that will be generally perpendicular to a floor  122  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) when the leveling block  40 ′ is installed. This perpendicular configuration of the front surface  47 ′ not only provides a different appearance, it has also been found to be preferred with softer surfaces, such as carpet or turf.  
         [0050]      FIG. 6  shows an underside view of the molding  11 . In particular the first under surface  36  of the first arm  12 , and the second under surface  38  of the second arm  14  are shown. In one embodiment, under surface  36  is provided with the adhesive  31  positioned to adhere to a surface of a floor element  24 ,  25  or leveling block  40 ,  40 ′,  140 ,  140 ′.  
         [0051]      FIGS. 7-15  show various cross-sectional views of the molding  11 . These figures show comparative configurations for the arms  12 ,  14 , the tab  18 , and the shape of molding  11 .  
         [0052]     In  FIG. 7 , the tab  18  is selected to be an outward-facing hook having a barb facing away from the foot  16 , while the upper surface of the molding has a convex curvature. This particular selection for the tab  18  may be used to engage an edge or groove of an adjacent floor element  24 ,  25 , or in the alternative, an adjacent leveling block  40 . Additionally, a shim  48  may be positioned between the foot  16  and the subfloor  22 . The shim  48  is generally a pliable and flexible, yet durable material. The shim  48  may be used in place of, or in combination with, clamp  26 .  
         [0053]      FIGS. 8-15  show cross-sections of other shapes for the molding  11 . The configurations of the moldings are very similar, except for the shape of the tab  18 . The differing tabs have been assigned decimal numbers beginning with  18 . 1 , for clarity purposes. A tab  18 . 1  ( FIG. 8 ) is a bulbous shape, having its rounded end furthest from the arm  12 . A tab  18 . 2  of  FIG. 9  is provided with a hook-shape with a point facing the foot  16 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , a tab  18 . 3  is in the shape of a dove-tail, similar to the shape of the tab  18  shown in  FIG. 17 .  
         [0054]     The purpose of the various-shaped tabs ( 18 - 18 . 8 ) is multi-fold. Primarily, the tab  18  serves to engage the channel  42  of the leveling block  40 , which is used when covering of differing thickness is used. Alternatively, the respective tab ( 18 - 18 . 8 ) may engage an edge of a panel, carpet, turf, or other type of floor covering. As shown herein, the respective tab ( 18 - 18 . 8 ) may even be configured to engage a leveling block.  
         [0055]     It is additionally considered within the scope of the invention to eliminate the tab. In such an embodiment, preferably, the molding  11  includes an adhesive on the under surface  36 ,  38  of one of the arms  12 ,  14 .  
         [0056]     With respect to  FIG. 16 , the invention may also be used when the floor elements are not co-planar. For example, one embodiment includes a stair nose attachment  210  that can be attached to the same molding  11 , as described above. As used herein, a stair nose attachment is a component capable of mating with the molding  11  as to conceal, protect or otherwise cover a joint forming a single stair. Typically, the molding  11  is provided atop the first floor element  24  on the horizontal, or run  220  of the stair, such that the stair nose attachment  210  bridges the joint between the first floor element  24  and the second floor element  25 , forming the vertical section of the stair, or rise  230 . As a result, the invention can be used to cover and protect joints between flooring elements on stairs. While in a preferred embodiment, the floor elements covering the rise  220  and run  230  are the same type of flooring material, the flooring elements need not be of the same construction.  
         [0057]     The stair nose attachment  210  may include a tab receiving groove  212 , permitting connection of the stair nose attachment  210  to the molding  11 . Because the tab receiving groove  212  in the stair nose attachment  210  is preferably shaped according to the shape of the tab  18  of the molding  11 , the stair nose attachment  210  may be attached to the molding  11  by, for example, snapping or sliding.  
         [0058]     However, in other embodiments, the tab on the under surface  36  of first arm  12  is eliminated. While the tabs and corresponding grooves may be eliminated, it is nevertheless considered within the scope of the invention to utilize an adhesive, as described herein. Alternatively, the stair nose attachment  210  may include a tab  218  to mate with a corresponding groove  219  on the foot  16  of the molding  11  ( FIG. 18 ), or vice-versa.  
         [0059]     Additionally, an adhesive, as described herein, may be applied to any component in order to secure the connection between the molding  11  and the stair nose attachment  210 . Although  FIG. 17  shows tab  18  (and accordingly the tab receiving groove  212 ) as having a dove-tail shape, it is considered within the scope of the invention to vary the particular shape of the tab  18  and tab receiving groove  212 . For example, the shapes may be bulbous, or slide tongue to matching groove, or any other configuration described herein.  
         [0060]     It is also possible to form the molding  11 , leveling block  40  and stair nose attachment  210  from the same element, as shown in  FIG. 18 . Specifically, a generic element, indicated at  300  can be milled, sawed or otherwise constructed with a variety of “break away” sections  300 A,  300 B, and  300 C. When one or more break away sections  300 A,  300 B,  300 C are removed, by for example, scoring and snapping, cutting, sawing or simply bending, the individual pieces can result. Preferably, the generic element  300  is formed as a unitary structure which is then scored as to provide stress-points to allow the removal of the break-away sections. While not required by the present invention, typically, the removal of the break away sections  300 A,  300 B,  300 C requires a significant amount of physical force or labor, as the remaining structure must maintain its structural integrity. Alternatively, removal of the break-away sections  300 A,  300 B,  300 C may require the use of a specialized tool.  
         [0061]     By designing the generic element  300  in accordance with the invention. An installer can manipulate the generic element  300  to produce any needed component. For example, removing sections  300 B and  300 C would produce a typical stair nose attachment  210 , while removing sections  300 A and  300 C would produce a typical molding  11 . Due to this construction, it is possible to manufacture the generic elements to be purchased and appropriately broken down by the installer. Similarly, when removing sections  300 A and  300 C to form the molding  11 , section  300 A can be used as a leveling block as described herein.  
         [0062]     By allowing an end user to purchase the generic element  300  instead of separate components, the retailers and/or distributors may accordingly reduce their inventory requirements. For example, typically over one-hundred different design patterns for the outwardly facing surface  34  of the molding  11  (as well as for the leveling block  40  and stair nose attachment  210 ) are produced. By allowing for the inventory to include only the generic elements of the invention, the total number of components retained can be reduced from three per design to one per design. Similarly, the installer only need purchase the generic elements  300 , rather than three individual components.  
         [0063]     It should be apparent that embodiments other than those specifically described above may come within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Hence, the present invention is not limited by the above description.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4