Abstract:
The invention provides an architectural molding system including at least one section of molding that comprises an elongated body having a longitudinally extending light clip channel and a longitudinally extending slot through a front surface of the elongated body and communicating with the longitudinally extending light clip channel. The longitudinally extending slot is downwardly and outwardly sloped in a direction from the longitudinally extending light clip channel towards the bottom of the front surface. A flexible light source, such as, a rope light is removably postionable within the light clip channel. When the light source is turned on the longitudinally extending slot directs the light from the light clip channel upon a floor surface adjacent the molding.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/609,097, filed Mar. 9, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to architectural moldings for covering the joint between a wall surface and a floor surface or for covering the joint between a wall surface and a ceiling surface, and more particularly, relating to such architectural moldings commonly referred to as baseboards or crown moldings which incorporate one or more channels for retaining a rope lighting fixture for illuminating the wall, floor and/or ceiling surface to which the molding is mounted. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Architectural moldings such as baseboards (skirting board) and crown molding are old and well known. These moldings are available in a myriad of ornamental and decorative designs to compliment a particular décor and to satisfy personal preference. Despite a number of improvements that have been made of the years to the methods of manufacturing and installing such architectural moldings, there remains a need for an improved architectural molding that may be used with surface coverings such as interlocking pavers and which may be illuminated to provide various aesthetically pleasing light effects. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Embodiments of the present invention provide an architectural molding system for both baseboard and crown molding applications that includes a plurality of inter-connectable elements that are connected together to form a continuous molding structure. 
         [0005]    Embodiment of the present invention also provide an architectural molding system that is constructed for application with interlocking pavers and the like and includes a paver edge channel for receiving the edges of pavers at the junction between the ground and wall surfaces which serves to conceal gaps between the pavers and the wall, and which further serves to aid in retaining the molding system and the pavers. 
         [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention also provide an architectural molding system that is configurable for application with various different types of floor surfaces including pavers, ceramic tile hardwood and the like. 
         [0007]    Embodiments of the present invention also provide an architectural molding system that for providing illumination to a building interior or exterior either in a baseboard application or a crown molding application with channels designed specifically for receiving and retaining therein ropes lights. 
         [0008]    In a specific application, an embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated molding (trim) section of a unitary extrusion of a suitable material that includes an upper and lower light rope receiving channel that extends the entire length of the section. 
         [0009]    Further, in a specific application, an embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated molding (trim) section of a unitary extrusion of a suitable material that includes a channel for receiving a flooring or ground covering material, such as pavers, that may be removed from the section according to a desired application. 
         [0010]    To achieve these and other advantages, in general, in one aspect, an architectural molding is provided. The molding includes an elongated body of a unitary extrusion of suitable material, upper and lower rope light clip channels extending the entire length of the body and a flooring channel extending the entire length of the body. The body further includes a substantially flat back surface for mounting to a wall, and an opposed decorative front surface. The upper rope light clip channel is rearwardly opening and is semi-circular shaped for the purpose of frictionally receiving and retaining a light rope therein along the length of the body. The lower rope light clip channel is generally downwardly and forwardly opening and is semi-circular shaped for the purpose of frictionally receiving and retaining a light rope therein along the length of the body. The flooring channel is defined by upper and lower forwardly projecting legs that are connected at a rearward side by a vertical web. 
         [0011]    To achieve these and other advantages, in general, in another aspect, an architectural molding system is provided. The architectural molding system includes at least one section of molding that comprises an elongated body having a longitudinally extending light clip channel and a longitudinally extending slot through a front surface of the elongated body and communicating with the longitudinally extending light clip channel. The longitudinally extending slot is downwardly and outwardly sloped in a direction from the longitudinally extending light clip channel towards the bottom of the front surface. 
         [0012]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
         [0013]    Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0014]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0015]    For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, in-use environmental view of an architectural molding system constructed in accordance with the principles of an embodiment the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a linear molding section constructed in accordance with the principles of an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a cross-section view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a linear molding section constructed in accordance with the principles of an embodiment of the present invention shown in an alternative configuration from the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the linear molding section of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic view of an outside corner coupling for joining the ends of two molding sections that meet at an inside corner between two wall surfaces; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic view of an inside corner coupling for joining the ends of two molding sections that meet at an outside corner between two wall surfaces; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic view of a straight coupling for joining the ends of two molding sections that meet along a common wall surface; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view of an end cap for terminating the end of a molding section for the purpose of providing a finished end; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view of a rectangular support column having mounted thereon the architectural molding system of the present invention in accordance with an embodiment thereof; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a partial cross-sectional view of a circular support column having mounted thereon the architectural molding system of the present invention in accordance with an embodiment thereof; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a transverse cross-section of a molding section according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    As a preliminary matter, it should be noted that in this document (including the claims) directional terms, such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. Additionally, it is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., without departing from the principles of the invention. 
         [0030]    With reference now to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, there is illustrated an architectural molding system  10  embodying the principals and concepts of the present invention. As depicted here, the architectural molding system  10  is configured as a baseboard and is mounted to wall  14  along the interface or joint between the wall and a floor surface covering  16  that is laid over a subfloor surface  18 . The wall  14  is an exterior wall of a building and floor surface covering  16  is comprised of interlocking pavers; however, the invention is not limited to this configuration. 
         [0031]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of molding sections  12   a - d  are mounted to wall  14  and are joined end-to-end by couplings  20 ,  22  and  24 . Of course one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the system  10  may utilize more elements than what is shown in the partial and exemplary depiction of  FIG. 1 , which is a simplified illustration for the purpose of understanding the present invention. While it is not shown, sections  12   a - d  are mounted to wall  14  by a suitable construction adhesive. Alternatively, and possibly less desirable, sections  12   a - d  may be fastened to the wall surface using fasteners such as nails, brads, screws, etc. 
         [0032]    Coupling  20  is a straight coupling for connecting together the confronting ends of molding sections, such as molding sections  12   a  and  12   b  that are mounted to a common wall surface. Coupling  22  is an inset corner coupling for connecting together the ends of molding sections that meet at an inside corner, such as molding sections  12   b  and  12   c . Coupling  24  is an outside corner coupling for connecting together the ends of molding sections that meet at an outside corner, such as molding sections  12   c  and  12   d.    
         [0033]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1  along with further reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each molding section, for example molding sections  12   a - d  is a unitary extrusion formed from a suitable plastic, rubber or rubberized material. In an embodiment, molding sections are a unitary extrusion formed from a suitable material that permits some form of curving the molding section around a curved wall surface. 
         [0034]    Molding section  12   a - d  includes a horizontally elongated body  26  having a substantially flat back surface  28 , longitudinally extending upper and lower rope light clip channels  30  and  32 , a decorative front side  34 , and a longitudinally extending, and forwardly opening flooring channel  36 . Back surface  26  is substantially flat to interface with wall  14 , and may be textured to permit better bonding with an adhesive used to mount body  26  to the wall. 
         [0035]    The upper rope light clip channel  30  is rearwardly opening and extends the entire length of body  26 . Further, the upper rope light clip channel  30  has a continuous semi-circular cross-section for frictionally receiving and retaining therein a rope light, such as rope light  38 . As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the upper leg  42  of the upper rope light clip channel  30  stops short of wall  14 , thereby forming a small gap  44  between the body  26  and the wall. The lower light clip channel  32  is generally forwardly and downwardly opening and extends the entire length of body  26 . Similarly, the lower rope light clip channel  26  has a continuous semi-circular cross-section for frictionally receiving and retaining therein a rope light, such as rope light  40 . 
         [0036]    Rope light  38  and  40  extend the upper and lower rope light clip channels  30  and  32 , respectively of interconnected molding sections  12   a - d , thereby extending the length of the architectural molding system  10 . When illuminated, rope light  38  back lights wall  14  through gap  44 , and rope light  40  illuminates the floor surface  16  along the length of the molding section. For the purpose of herein, rope light means a string of light bulbs, light emitting diodes or other light source within a solid or hollow tube of flexible material. 
         [0037]    Flooring channel or in the depicted example, paver channel  36  is defined by upper and lower forwardly projecting legs  46 ,  48  that are connected at the rearward side of body  26  by vertical web  50 . Channel  36  has a generally C-shaped cross-section as defined by projecting legs  46 ,  48  and vertical web  50 , and is sized to receive therein an edge  52  of paver  54 . This arrangement advantageously helps to retain positioning of both the molding section  12   a - d  and of the paver  54 . Further, leg  46  conceals gaps between the paver and wall  14  that otherwise would be visible. It is contemplated that body  26  may be formed of a suitable material that is sufficiently ridged such that an adhesive is not required for mounting to wall  14 , and rather the body is simply retained in position by a paver inserted into channel  36 . 
         [0038]    In certain applications, it may be advantageous to eliminate channel  36 , for example when using the architectural molding system  10  with an alternative flooring material, such as hard woods floors, ceramic tile and the like, or when using the architectural molding system in a crown molding application as opposed to a baseboard application. Accordingly, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , channel  36  may be eliminated by detaching web  50  along with leg  48  from the remaining portion of body  26 . In embodiments, body  26  may be formed from a material that can be cut with a conventional utility knife, and in such embodiments, the body may be cut along the top web  50 . In other embodiments, the body  26  may be formed from a material suitable for cutting with a power saw, such as a table saw or the like. In embodiments, body  26  may be formed with a provision, such as, for example a groove, perforation, serration or the like to permit breaking of web  50  from the body  26 . Alternatively, the body  12  may be initially formed without channel  36 . 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , there is a cross-sectional view, similar to  FIG. 3 , illustrating an application of the architectural molding system  10  with channel  36  removed from body  26  of molding section  12   a - d . As depicted here, flooring is comprised of ceramic tile or hardwood  52 . Molding section  12   a - d  is attached to wall  54  by a suitable construction adhesive (not shown). Alternatively, and possibly less desirable, sections  12   a - d  may be fastened to the wall surface using fasteners such as nails, brads, screws, etc. Similar to the prior discussed application made with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , leg  46  advantageously conceals gaps between the flooring material  52  and the wall  54 . 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 6  there is illustrated an outside corner coupling  24  used for joining together the adjacent ends of two molding sections that meet at an inside corner. 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 7  there is illustrated an inside corner coupling  22  used for joining together the adjacent ends of two molding sections that meet at an outside corner. 
         [0042]    In  FIG. 8  there is illustrated a straight coupling  20  used for joining together the confronting ends of two molding sections that are attached along a common wall surface. 
         [0043]    In  FIG. 9  there is illustrated an end cap  56  used for terminating an end of a molding section such that terminated end is provided with a finished, decorative appearance. 
         [0044]    Couplings  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  56  are designed to be snapped or clipped over the surface of the molding sections such that the ends of the molding sections are received by the couplings. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate this connecting structure without providing additional details herein. Couplings  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  56  may be made from the same material as the molding sections and have the same finish so as to bend into and form a continuous structure. Alternatively, couplings  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  56  may have a decorative patterned finish so as to provide a more complex decorative appearance to the structure. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated an application of the architectural molding system  10  with a rectangular shaped support column  58 . In this application, molding sections  60   a - d  are mounted to each vertical wall of the support column along the joint with floor surface  62 . Outside corner coupling  64  joins together the ends of molding sections  60   a  and  60   d , outside corner coupling  66  joins together the ends of molding sections  60   a  and  60   b , outside corner coupling  68  joins together the ends of molding sections  60   b  and  60   c , and outside corner coupling  70  joins together the ends of molding sections  60   c  and  60   d.    
         [0046]    In  FIG. 11 , there is illustrated an application of the architectural molding system  10  with a circular shaped support column  72 . In this application, molding sections  74   a - d  are mounted to and are curved around vertical wall of the support column along the joint with floor surface  76 . Straight coupling  78  joins together the ends of molding sections  74   a  and  74   d , straight coupling  12 ′ joins together the ends of molding sections  74   a  and  74   b , straight coupling  82  joins together the ends of molding sections  74   b  and  74   c , and straight coupling  84  joins together the ends of molding sections  74   c  and  74   d.    
         [0047]    Other embodiments of the architectural molding system  10  while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, molding sections may be made of translucent or semi-transparent materials to allow some light from the illuminated rope light(s) to pass through the molding section itself, thus providing additional illumination and an alternative lighting effect. Additionally, the front side  34  of the molding sections can have many different configurations to match or compliment the décor and personal preference. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 12 , there is representatively illustrated a cross-section of a molding section  12 ′ in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Molding section  12 ′ may be substituted for molding sections  12  of system  10  and comprises an elongated body  82 . Body  82  includes a vertically extending back surface or wall  84 , a bottom surface or wall  86 , and a decorative front surface or wall  88 . 
         [0049]    The back wall  84  is substantially flat to interface with wall  14 , and may be textured to permit better bonding with an adhesive used to mount body  82  to the wall. The bottom surface  86  extending forwardly from the back wall and forms a 90-degree angle therewith permitting the molding section to be placed along the interface edge between a wall and floor surface with the back wall adjacent the wall surface and the bottom wall adjacent the floor surface. The decorative front surface  88  may be configured to have any desirable decorative design. Here front surface  88  is shown to be simple in form and includes a downwardly sloped with a smooth surface. 
         [0050]    Body  82  further includes a longitudinally extending rope light clip channel  90  configured to receive a rope light  94  or the like therein and a longitudinally extending slot  92  formed through the front surface  88  and communicating with the rope light clip channel  90 , through which a length of rope light may be passed to be received and retained by the rope light channel. 
         [0051]    Longitudinally extending slot  92  is downwardly and outwardly sloped providing a light communicating pathway from which light emitted from the rope light  94  may pass to be projected upon and illuminate a floor surface area approximate the molding  12 ′. 
         [0052]    Body  82  may further include a longitudinally extending lip or leg  96  that downwardly depends from the bottom wall  86  at its forward edge opposite from the back wall  84 . Leg  96  serves to elevate the bottom wall  86  slightly above a floor surface to provide a small longitudinally extending gap  98  between the floor surface and the bottom wall. Gap  98  may serve several purposes including providing a weep passage or a space for adhesive between the bottom wall  86  and a floor surface. 
         [0053]    Body  82  may further include a projection  100  that extends inwardly into and longitudinally along the rope light clip channel  90 . Projection  100  narrows an opening into the rope light clip channel  90  and serves to retain a rope light within the channel. 
         [0054]    Further, while the main focus of the above description was made in connection with the architectural molding system  10  being implemented in a baseboard configuration, it is important to realize the system may be implemented in a crown molding configuration and remain within the scope of the invention. 
         [0055]    Additionally, it is contemplated that other light sources could also be used. For example, a fiber optic light source can be run through either of the upper and lower rope light clip channels  30  and  32 . It is known, that a fiber optic system may allow the light to change color according to user preference. Of course an LED equipped rope light could also provide the change color effect. 
         [0056]    A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. 
         [0057]    Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.