Patent ID: 12234998

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A more complete understanding of the devices and components disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and in the claims, the terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases that require the presence of the named components/parts and permit the presence of other components/parts. However, such description should be construed as also describing devices “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” the enumerated components/parts, which allows the presence of only the named components/parts and excludes other components/parts.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 watts to 10 watts” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 watts and 10 watts, and all the intermediate values). Numerical values should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

As used herein, approximating language may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” may not be limited to the precise value specified. The modifier “about” should also be considered as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression “from about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For example, “about 10%” may indicate a range of 9% to 11%, and “about 1” may mean from 0.9-1.1.

Some of the terms used herein are relative terms. For example, the terms “front” and “rear” and “side” are relative to a center, with the front being spaced apart from and in the opposite direction of the rear, and opposite sides being spaced apart from each other along an axis normal to the axis from front to rear. “Top” and “bottom” are also relative terms. As used herein, the front and rear are located along an x-axis, the left and right are located along a y-axis, and the top and bottom are located along a z-axis, wherein the three axes are perpendicular to each other.

The terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used to indicate direction relative to an absolute reference, i.e. ground level. However, these terms should not be construed to require structures to be absolutely parallel or absolutely perpendicular to each other. For example, a first vertical structure and a second vertical structure are not necessarily parallel to each other. The terms “upward” and “downward” are also relative to an absolute reference, i.e. the surface of the earth. Put another way, an element that extends “upward” always extends away from the surface of the earth, opposite an element that extends “downward” toward the surface of the earth.

The term “parallel” should be construed in its lay term as two edges or faces generally continuously having the same distance between them, and should not be strictly construed in mathematical terms as requiring that the two edges or faces cannot intersect when extended for an infinite distance. Similarly, the term “perpendicular” should not be construed as requiring that two faces meet at an angle of absolutely 90°.

The present disclosure relates to tamper-resistant end caps, couplers, and corner pieces for a baseboard heater cover assembly. These prevent baseboard heaters from being quickly or easily damaged, stolen, or otherwise tampered with compared to current designs. The devices described herein can be used in combination with any baseboard heater, e.g. baseboard heaters having a resistive heating element or a fluid heating element. It is further contemplated that the present devices can be used wherever it is desirable to protect baseboard heaters, air vents, or the like. The present devices address the shortcomings of prior devices.

FIG.1andFIG.2illustrate different views of an end cap100for a heater cover assembly. The end cap is formed from a closed face110, an open face120, a top face130, a front face140, and a rear face160. The bottom of the end cap is open.

The closed face110has an interior surface112and an exterior surface (not visible), and can be considered a first side of the end cap. The perimeter of the closed face is formed from a first top side edge175, a first rear side edge174, a first front side edge173, and a first bottom side edge172.

The open face120is on the other side of the end cap opposite the closed face110, and can be considered a second side of the end cap. The open face gives access to the interior volume of the end cap and accommodates the insertion of a heater cover panel, as will be described further herein. The perimeter of the open face is formed from a second top side edge179, a second rear side edge178, a second front side edge177, and a second bottom side edge176.

The top face130is generally solid, i.e. has no holes or vents. The perimeter of the top face is formed from a top front edge180, a top rear edge181, a first top side edge175, and a second top side edge179.

As illustrated here, the front face140is made of an upper surface146and a lower surface148, with the lower surface being vertical and the upper surface being angled relative to the lower surface. The design of the front face140can contain one surface or multiple surfaces, based upon design preferences. The perimeter of the front face is formed from the top front edge180, a bottom front edge170, a first front side edge173, and a second front side edge177. It is noted that here, the front face is rectangular, with first front side edge173and second front side edge177being substantially parallel to each other. However, this is not required. For example, the second front side edge177, adjacent the open face120, can be nonlinear (e.g. curved) or formed from multiple straight edges angled relative to adjacent edges, as illustrated in U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/546,355 or 29/546,359, which are incorporated by reference.

The front face has an interior surface142and an exterior surface144, with a generally constant thickness therebetween. As best seen inFIG.2, a retainer150is fixed along the bottom edge170on the interior surface142of the front face140. The retainer150is adapted to hold a heater cover panel in place, as will be illustrated further herein.

The rear face160is defined by the top rear edge181, a bottom rear edge171, the first rear side edge174, and the second rear side edge178. As illustrated here, the rear face is formed from two strips162,164and has an opening168. The first strip162is located along the top rear edge181, and the second strip164is located along one of the rear side edges (here it is first rear side edge174). However, it is also contemplated that the rear face could be solid with no openings.

The rear face160contains at least one bottom aperture152positioned along the bottom edge171of the rear face160, which is adapted to accommodate a fastener (e.g. screw, nail, staple, etc.) for fixing the end cap100to a wall. As illustrated here, the bottom aperture152is adjacent the closed face110, and is present on second strip164. A top aperture154is located along the top edge181of the rear face160. As illustrated here, the top aperture154is adjacent the open face120. Put another way, the bottom aperture152and the top aperture154are located on opposite corners of the rear face. The top aperture is adapted to accommodate a fastener for additional attachment to a wall, or provide a means for additionally securing an inserted cover panel to the end cap with an associated fastener. A front hole156is located along a bottom edge170of the front face140and is adapted to provide an opening through which a tool can access the bottom aperture152and insert a fastener. As a result, here the front hole is positioned adjacent the closed face110. In some embodiments as shown further below, a plurality of bottom apertures152or a plurality of top apertures154can be present in the rear face. It can be helpful if the front hole156is larger (i.e. greater diameter) than the bottom aperture152. A removable or permanent plug158can be placed in the front hole156to restrict access to the fastener and provide a clean aesthetic.

It is noted that no bottom face is present. The sides of the end cap should be sized so that the top face130is generally parallel to the bottom face, which could be defined by bottom front edge170, bottom rear edge171, first bottom side edge172, and second bottom side edge176.

FIG.3shows an end cap100with a heater cover panel190inserted through the open face120and into the interior volume of the end cap100. As illustrated, the cover panel190is supported by the retainer150and fixed against the front face140. The first end192of the cover panel abuts and is adjacent to the interior surface112of the closed face110.

The end cap100is designed such that it can accommodate the heater cover panel190as well as fit over the end of a baseboard heater unit. When two end caps and a heater cover panel190are fully assembled, i.e. an end cap over each end of a baseboard unit and a cover panel with each panel end inserted into an end cap shielding the underlying baseboard unit, the end caps can be fastened to a wall to fix the heater cover panel in place and restrict its removal. A fastener, via a tool, can be inserted through the front hole156and threaded through each bottom aperture152and into a wall such that the end caps are then secured to the wall. The plug158can be inserted back into the hole156to restrict access to the fastener. While the end caps holding the heater cover panel190are fixed to the wall, access to the underlying baseboard heater unit is restricted. This deters unwanted tampering of the baseboarder heater unit (e.g. removing metal for scrapping or rewiring of the unit).

In preferred embodiments, the end caps are made from steel, specifically galvanized steel and preferably at least 22 gauge steel. The end caps can be power coated or painted to a desired color and to resist rusting of the steel.

FIG.4illustrates a coupler200for use in a heater cover assembly. The coupler is adapted to accommodate the insertion of two separate heater cover panels in each open face. The coupler200has a top face230, a front face240, a bottom face235, and a rear face260. The coupler has two open side faces210,220.

The top face230is generally solid, i.e. has no holes or vents. The perimeter of the top face is formed from a top front edge280, a top rear edge281, a first top side edge275, and a second top side edge279.

The front face240is connected to the top face230along the top front edge280. As illustrated here, the front face240is made of an upper surface246and a lower surface248, with the lower surface being vertical and the upper surface being angled relative to the lower surface. The design of the front face240can contain one surface or multiple surfaces, based upon design preferences. The perimeter of the front face is formed from the top front edge280, a bottom front edge270, a first front side edge273, and a second front side edge277. The exterior surface244is visible.

The bottom face235is connected to the front face240along the bottom front edge270. The bottom face230is generally solid, i.e. has no holes or vents. The perimeter of the bottom face is formed from the bottom front edge270, a bottom face rear edge271, a first bottom side edge272, and a second bottom side edge276.

The rear face260is connected to the top face230along the top rear edge281. The rear face hangs down from the top face. It should be noted that the rear face260is not directly connected to the bottom face235.

The coupler can be attached to a wall by inserting fasteners through apertures. Two different sets of apertures are illustrated here. It is contemplated that only one such set of apertures needs to be present, though in some embodiments both sets of apertures are present.

First, the rear face260contains at least one rear face aperture252located along a bottom edge261of the rear face. The rear face aperture(s)252are adapted to accommodate a fastener for attachment to a wall.

As illustrated here, the rear face is formed from two vertical strips262,264, the rear face extends beyond the bottom face235. The bottom edge261of the rear face is lower than the bottom face rear edge271. There is an opening268between the two strips. The first strip262is located adjacent one side of the coupler, and the second strip264is located adjacent the opposite side of the coupler. Each strip terminates in a flange266in which at least one rear face aperture252is located; here, a plurality of rear face apertures252is present. Fasteners can be inserted through the rear face apertures252.

Second, the bottom face235further comprises a tab236extending downwards from the bottom face rear edge271. The tab extends from one open face210to the other open face220, and in some embodiments can extend beyond the open side faces of the coupler200. The tab236contains at least one tab aperture238adapted to accommodate a fastener which can be used to fasten the coupler to a wall. When both sets of apertures252,238are present, they should be substantially aligned with each other so that one fastener can pass through both sets of apertures. As a result, the rear face and bottom face are selectively attachable to each other.

Although not visible here, it is contemplated that in some embodiments a retainer can be attached to the interior surface of the front face of the coupler. The coupler would be adapted to accommodate at least one cover panel. The retainer would operate in the same fashion as described above with respect toFIG.2.

In preferred embodiments the coupler200is made from steel, specifically galvanized steel. The coupler can be powder coated or painted to a desired color and to resist rusting of the steel. The steel is preferably at least 22 gauge steel.

FIGS.5A-5Dare photographs of another exemplary end cap. This end cap is similar to that depicted inFIG.1andFIG.2. However, here the closed face of the end cap includes a cutout116, here having a rectangular shape. InFIG.5B, multiple bottom apertures152are present on the rear face. This can permit multiple fasteners to be used, or can accommodate fasteners with heads of different sizes. The bottom apertures are arranged vertically, one above another,

FIG.6AandFIG.6Bare photographs of a heater cover panel inserted into an end cap.FIG.6Aillustrates best how the retainer150of the end cap interacts with the heater cover panel. The heater cover panel includes vents through which heated air passes. The vents themselves can be of any desired shape: rectangular, square, triangular, oval (elliptical), circular, etc. The heater cover panel should retain sufficient solidity that the internal components of the baseboard heater themselves are still fairly well hidden and difficult to see through the cover panel.

FIGS.7A-7Cshow a heater cover panel and two end caps operating together as a heater cover assembly.FIGS.8A-8Bshow a heater cover panel, two end caps, and a coupler.FIGS.9A-9Care photographs of an exemplary coupler.FIG.9Ashows how the rear face can flex to be placed around the baseboard heater unit. The tab236having multiple apertures is most visible inFIG.9B.

A first exemplary embodiment of a corner piece is shown inFIG.10andFIG.11.FIG.10is a front perspective view andFIG.11is a rear perspective view. The corner piece1000is formed from a top face300, a front face310, at least one rear face320, a bottom face330, and two open side faces340.

The perimeter of the top face300is formed from a front edge302, a first side edge304, a second side edge305, a first rear edge306, and a second rear edge307. The top face300has five sides and is configured such that the first rear edge306meets the second rear edge307at a rear corner350of the top face. The first side edge304meets the first rear edge306at a first side corner352. The second side edge305meets the second rear edge307at a second side corner354. The top face300is generally solid, i.e. has no holes or vents.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.10andFIG.11, the first side face304and the second rear face307are generally parallel to one another and the second side face305and the first rear face306are generally parallel to one another. The angle between the first rear edge306and the second rear edge307at the rear corner350is approximately 90°. The front edge302of the top face300is angled relative to the first and second side edges304,305. In this embodiment, the angle A between the front edge302and the first side edge304is about 135°. The angle B between the front edge302and the second side edge305is also about 135°.

As can be seen inFIG.11andFIG.13, the top face300may be curled downward along the first and second rear edges306,307over a portion of the rear face320. This curled-down portion, or “lip”, is to be understood as constituting part of the top face300and may be present in order to provide a surface for attaching the top face300to the rear face320.

The front face310extends downwardly from the front edge302of the top face300. As illustrated here, the front face310is made of an upper surface312and a lower surface314, with the lower surface being vertical and the upper surface being angled relative to the lower surface. The design of the front face310can contain one surface or multiple surfaces, based upon design preferences. The perimeter of the front face is formed from the top front edge302, a bottom front edge318, a first front side edge, and a second front side edge.

The corner piece further includes at least one rear face320. In the embodiment shown inFIG.10andFIG.11, two rear faces324,326are present. The rear face320extends downwardly from the first rear edge306or from the second rear edge307of the top face300. The precise location of the rear face320may vary. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG.10andFIG.11, a first rear face324and second rear face326are shown. The first rear face324extends from the first rear edge306of the top face300. The first rear face324can be considered a full rear face because it extends substantially the entire length of the first rear edge306. That is, the first rear face324extends from the rear corner324to the first side corner352. The second rear face326extends from the second rear edge307of the top face300, and is adjacent the rear corner150or adjacent the first rear face324. The second rear face326can be considered a partial rear face because it does not extend substantially the entire length of the rear edge and is not solid for that entire length, or alternatively the second rear face326can be considered as including an opening or a gap.

The rear face320has a bottom edge328. The bottom edge328of the rear face120has at least one rear face aperture322. The aperture322may be of any suitable size or shape and is generally adapted to accommodate an associated fastener for securing the corner piece1000/baseboard heater cover to an associated wall once installed. Once installed, the corner piece1000/baseboard heater cover cannot be quickly or easily removed without removing the associated fastener. In this regard, the aperture322may be designed to accommodate specialty fasteners that are not removable without specially-designed tools. It is to be understood that the rear face320may include as many apertures322as is desired, such as is shown inFIG.11andFIG.13. Additional apertures provide for more security between the baseboard heater cover and the associated wall. The apertures322may be dimensioned and spaced to provide the desired amount of security. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the apertures322can be used to provide desired convective heat transfer away from predetermined areas of the associated baseboard heater.

The bottom face330extends from a bottom edge318of the front face310. The bottom face330extends inwardly from the front face310such that at least a portion of the bottom face330is below the top face310once installed, such as is shown in the embodiment inFIG.10andFIG.11. The bottom face330has a lip334at a distal edge336of the bottom face130. The distal edge336should be very close to the rear face320. The lip334extends downwardly from the distal edge336and has at least one lip aperture332. The lip aperture332may be of any suitable size or shape and is generally adapted to accommodate an associated fastener for securing the corner piece1000/baseboard heater cover to an associated wall once installed.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.10andFIG.11, the bottom face330has a first leg portion338and a second leg portion339extending from the bottom edge318of the front face310. Put another way, there is an opening in the bottom face, or the bottom face is not completely solid. Generally, the first and second leg portions338,339extend in different directions such that they are at an angle relative to one another. It is to be understood that the angle between the first and second leg portions338,339can be varied as desired. In this embodiment, the angle between the first and second leg portions is approximately 90°, which angle is measured between inner edges335of the first and second leg portions. As such, this embodiment features a bottom face330having a generally L-shaped cross-section.

It is to be understood that the bottom face330may include as many leg portions as is desired and that such leg portions may be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration. Generally, each leg portion has a lip334at a distal end336of the leg portion, and each lip generally includes at least one lip aperture332. The apertures can be dimensioned and spaced in any manner desired, such as has already been explained with regard to the aperture322of the rear face320. The lip aperture332can be aligned with a rear face aperture322, so that a common fastener can pass through both apertures (e.g. on the first side324,338), or they can be independent of each other (e.g. on the second side326,339).

As can be best seen inFIG.11, the bottom face330may further include at least one retainer330. The retainer serves to secure associated heater cover panels near the front face of the corner piece. Generally, the retainer337is formed as part of the bottom face330and is cut therefrom. The retainer337is then bent upwardly from the bottom face330towards the top face300. The retainer337may be of any suitable size and shape. It is to be further understood that the retainer337may be placed anywhere along the bottom face330that is desirable.

As can also be seen inFIG.11, the bottom face330may include its own aperture. The aperture in the bottom face can be used as another point at which the corner piece1000/baseboard heater cover may be secured using an associated fastener, or, alternatively, to provide desired convective heat transfer away from predetermined areas of the associated baseboard heater.

Finally, the corner piece has two open side faces340. Each open face gives access to the interior volume of the corner piece and accommodates the insertion of a heater cover panel, as will be described further herein. The perimeter of each open side face is formed from a top side edge, a rear side edge, a front side edge, and a bottom side edge.

FIG.12andFIG.13illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a corner piece of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown inFIG.12, the front face310also has an upper surface/portion312and a lower surface/portion314. The upper and lower surfaces/portions312,314of the front face310may be angled relative to one another. The angle between the upper and lower portions312,314of the front face310may be varied as desired for aesthetic appeal. In this regard, the front face310may be of any suitable size, shape, or configuration and is generally the same shape as the associated baseboard cover pieces to which it is designed to mate. In addition, both the first rear face324and the second rear face326are full rear faces that each extend substantially the entire length of its respective rear edge. That is, the first rear face324extends from the rear corner350to the first side corner352along the first rear edge306, and the second rear face326extends from the rear corner350to the second side corner354along the second rear edge307.

The bottom face330may extend from the bottom edge318of the front face310as far as is desired. It is generally desirable, however, for the bottom face330to extend to a plane created by the first and second rear edges306,307. More particularly, it is desirable to design the corner piece1000such that the bottom face330extends to and abuts the rear face320. As is shown inFIG.13, it is further desirable to place the lip aperture332of the bottom face330in alignment with the aperture322of the rear face320. In this way, a single associated fastener can be passed through both apertures to secure the corner piece1000/baseboard heater cover to an associated wall. For example,FIG.12shows an embodiment in which the second leg portion339of the bottom face330extends to and abuts a second rear face326, while a first leg portion338of the bottom face330extends to and abuts a first rear face324.

Turning now toFIG.14, additional features of a corner piece according to the present disclosure can be seen, which can be contrasted withFIG.10andFIG.12. In the embodiment shown inFIG.14, the bottom face330is a full bottom face. That is, the bottom face330extends from the bottom edge318of the front face310to rear faces324,326, such that the bottom face330is closed or is a solid surface. This embodiment does not have leg portions as in the embodiments ofFIG.10andFIG.12. In this way, the cross-section of the bottom face330is substantially similar in shape and configuration to the top face300. With such a construction, it is advantageous that the bottom face330and the top face300are substantially parallel to one another once installed. Further, as shown inFIG.14, when the bottom face330is a full bottom face, each distal rear edge336has a lip334extending downwardly therefrom, with a lip aperture therein (not visible).

FIGS.15-17show yet another embodiment of a corner piece according to the present disclosure.FIG.15is a side view through one of the open side faces340of the corner piece1000. As seen inFIG.15, the first rear face has two finger portions327. The first rear face finger portions327generally extend downward from the first rear edge306of the top face300towards the bottom face330. Each first rear face finger portion327can be considered a partial rear face portion because neither finger portion alone extends substantially the entire length of the rear edge and is not solid for that entire length, or alternatively the first rear face finger portions327can be considered as including an opening or a gap therebetween. Generally, one of the first rear face finger portions327is adjacent the rear corner350of the top face300and another of the first rear face finger portions327is adjacent the first side corner352of the top face300. Put another way, there is generally an opening in the first rear face between the first rear face finger portions, or the first rear face is not completely solid. The first rear face finger portions327are generally connected to one another by a rear face finger portion connector329. As seen inFIG.15, the rear face finger portion connector329connects the first rear face finger portions327adjacent their top edges (i.e., proximate the top face300), though it is to be understood that the rear face finger portion connector329can be placed anywhere along the rear face finger portions for the desired interconnection therebetween. Of course, the rear face finger portions could also be two separate pieces.

FIG.16is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the corner piece1000ofFIG.15. As shown inFIG.16, the top face300can include a lip308. The lip308of the top face300generally extends downward from the first rear edge306of the top face300towards the bottom face330. The lip308generally covers at least a portion of the first rear face or the second rear face. It is contemplated that a similar lip can be provided on the second rear edge307of the top face300to cover at least a portion of the second rear face, such as is shown inFIG.16. The lip308may include an aperture309therein. As shown inFIG.16, the aperture309in the lip308of the top face300can align with an aperture in the portion of the rear face(s) covered by the lip. The aperture309may be of any suitable size or shape and is generally adapted to accommodate an associated fastener for securing the corner piece1000to an associated wall once installed. Once installed, the corner piece cannot be quickly or easily removed without removing the associated fastener. In this regard, the aperture309may be designed to accommodate specialty fasteners that are not removable without specially-designed tools. It is to be understood that the lip309of the top face300and the rear face320may include as many apertures as is desired, such as is shown inFIG.11andFIG.13. Additional apertures provide more possible attachments between the corner piece1000and the associated wall. The apertures may be dimensioned and spaced as desired.

As can be best seen inFIG.17, the front corner piece1000includes a single second rear face finger portion325. That is, the second rear face326is not a full rear face. The rear face can be considered as including a single rear face finger portion325or, as explained above, as a partial rear face because it does not extend substantially the entire length of the second rear edge307of the top face300and is not solid for that entire length, or alternatively the second rear face can be considered as including an opening or a gap. As shown inFIG.17, the single finger portion325of the second rear face326extends from the second rear edge307of the top face300, and is adjacent the rear corner350, though it is to be understood that the second rear face finger portions can be positioned anywhere between the rear corner350and the second side corner354. Put another way, there is generally an opening in the second rear face, or the second rear face is not completely solid.

Turning now toFIG.18, additional features in another embodiment of a corner piece according to the present disclosure are visible. The corner piece1000ofFIG.18has two first rear face finger portions327and two second rear face finger portions325.

The two second rear face finger portions327are the same as those described in the embodiment shown inFIG.17. The second rear face finger portions325generally extend downward from the second rear edge307of the top face300towards the bottom face330. Each second rear face finger portion325can be considered a partial rear face portion because neither finger portion alone extends substantially the entire length of the rear edge and is not solid for that entire length, or alternatively the second rear face can be considered as including an opening or a gap therebetween. One of the second rear face finger portions325is adjacent the rear corner350of the top face300and another of the second rear face finger portions325is adjacent the second side corner354of the top face300, though it is to be understood that the second rear face finger portions can be positioned anywhere between the rear corner350and the second side corner354. Put another way, there is generally an opening in the second rear face between the second rear face finger portions, or the second rear face is not completely solid. The second rear face finger portions325can be connected to one another by a rear face finger connector portion as explained above.

The first rear face finger portions327generally extend downward from the first rear edge306of the top face300towards the bottom face330. Each first rear face finger portion327can be considered a partial rear face portion because neither finger portion alone extends substantially the entire length of the rear edge and is not solid for that entire length, or alternatively the first rear face can be considered as including an opening or a gap therebetween. One of the first rear face finger portions327is adjacent the rear corner350of the top face300and another of the first rear face finger portions327is adjacent the first side corner352of the top face300, though it is to be understood that the first rear face finger portions can be positioned anywhere between the rear corner350and the first side corner352. Put another way, there is generally an opening in the first rear face between the first rear face finger portions, or the first rear face is not completely solid. The first rear face finger portions327can be connected to one another by a rear face finger connector portion as explained above.

It should be understood that the first rear face324and second rear face326can be formed from as many finger portions as is desired and that such finger portions may be of any suitable size, shape, and configuration. In this regard, each finger portion can have an aperture along bottom or top edges thereof. The apertures can be dimensioned and spaced in any manner desired, such as has already been explained with regard to the aperture322of the rear face320. The aperture322of the finger portion of the rear face320can be aligned with a bottom face aperture332, such as is shown inFIG.16, so that a common fastener can pass through both apertures (e.g. proximate332), or they can be independent of each other (e.g. proximate322).

The novel and useful tamper-resistant end caps, couplers, and corner pieces described herein are particularly advantageous. For example, the presently disclosed devices improve greatly upon existing devices by protecting the associated baseboard heater cover panels from damage while also providing a tamper-resistant cover. This allows for less need to continually replace covers, thereby leading to efficiency and safety.

The present disclosure overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages with a cost-effective, easy-to-use tamper-resistant system that is capable of being easily adapted for use with baseboard heaters, air vents, and the like and is further capable of withstanding attempts to tamper with or remove the components thereof. It is more specifically contemplated that the presently disclosed corner piece can be used in a corner or other turn to mate associated cover pieces, especially in applications where it is desirable to minimize the ability to remove or tamper with the cover pieces or baseboard heater. Similarly, the presently disclosed coupler can be used to mate associated cover pieces, and the presently disclosed end cap can be used to provide an aesthetically pleasant piece at the end of a cover panel. Generally, the end cap and coupler contain additional security features, such as apertures that permit them to be placed for use on a baseboard heating unit, and then be secured to the wall to deter tampering with the heating unit.

The presently disclosed end caps, couplers, and corner pieces can be easily adapted to meet the needs of any project. As such, there is no inherent limit on their size, shape, or length, or the material from which they can be composed or the items they can be used to cover. In preferred embodiments, any one or more of the end cap, coupler, and corner piece are made from steel, specifically galvanized steel and preferably at least 22 gauge steel. Any one or more of the end cap, coupler, and corner piece can be power coated or painted to a desired color and to resist rusting of the steel.

The present system can be quickly and easily installed by sliding associated heater cover panels through the open side faces, which cover panels may be secured using one or more retainers. Associated fasteners may then be passed through the one or more apertures of the rear face(s) to secure the cover to a wall.

Also particularly disclosed herein are the following embodiments of corner pieces:

Embodiment 1: A corner piece for a baseboard heating unit, comprising: a top face having a front edge, a first side edge, a second side edge, a first rear edge, and a second rear edge; a front face extending downwardly from the front edge of the top face; at least one rear face extending downwardly from the first or second rear edge of the top face; a bottom face extending from a bottom edge of the front face; and a first open side face and a second open side face, each adapted to receive a portion of an associated cover piece; wherein either (a) the at least one rear face has at least one rear face aperture along a bottom edge thereof that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall; or (b) the bottom face has a lip extending downwardly from a distal edge thereof, the lip having at least one lip aperture that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall.

Embodiment 2: The corner piece of Embodiment 1, wherein the bottom face has a generally L-shaped cross section.

Embodiment 3: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-2, wherein the bottom face has first and second leg portions extending from the bottom edge of the front face at an angle relative to one another.

Embodiment 4: The corner piece of Embodiment 3, wherein the angle between the first and second leg portions, measured from inner edges of the first and second leg portions, is from about 45° to about 135°.

Embodiment 5: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 3-4, wherein the first and second leg portions each have a lip extending downwardly from a distal edge thereof, the lip having at least one lip aperture that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall.

Embodiment 6: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the bottom face has at least one retainer adapted to secure associated cover pieces to the corner piece.

Embodiment 7: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the at least one rear face includes a full face extending downwardly from the first rear edge of the top face and a partial face extending downwardly from the second rear edge of the top face.

Embodiment 8: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the at least one rear face includes a first partial face extending downwardly from the first rear edge of the top face and a second partial face extending downwardly from the second rear edge of the top face.

Embodiment 9: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-8, wherein both (a) the at least one rear face has at least one rear face aperture along a bottom edge thereof that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall; and (b) the bottom face has a lip extending downwardly from a distal edge thereof, the lip having at least one lip aperture that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall.

Embodiment 10: The corner piece of Embodiment 9, wherein the at least one rear face aperture is aligned with the at least one lip aperture.

Embodiment 11: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 9-10, wherein the bottom face has (a) a first leg portion extending rearwards from the bottom edge of the front face towards a first rear face; and (b) a second leg portion extending rearwards from the bottom edge of the front face towards a second rear face, each leg portion having a lip extending downwardly from a distal edge thereof with at least one lip aperture that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall.

Embodiment 12: The corner piece of Embodiment 11, wherein the second rear face is a partial rear face adjacent a rear corner, such that the at least one rear face aperture of the second rear face is not aligned with the at least one lip aperture of the second leg portion.

Embodiment 13: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 11-12, wherein the first rear face is a full rear face having at least a first rear face aperture and a second rear aperture, wherein the first rear aperture is aligned with the at least one lip aperture of the first leg portion and the second rear aperture is independent from the at least one lip aperture of the first leg portion.

Embodiment 14: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 11-13, wherein the first rear face and the second rear face are each a full rear face having at least a first rear face aperture and a second rear aperture, wherein the first rear aperture of each rear face is aligned with the at least one lip aperture of one leg portion of the bottom face and the second rear aperture is independent from the at least one lip aperture of the one leg portion.

Embodiment 15: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-14, wherein the bottom face is a full bottom face having a first rear edge and a second rear edge, each rear edge having a lip extending downwardly thereof with at least one lip aperture that can accommodate an associated fastener for attachment to a wall; wherein the at least one rear face includes a first rear face extending downwardly from the first rear edge of the top face and a second rear face extending downwardly from the second rear edge of the top face; wherein a rear face aperture of the first rear face is aligned with the at least one lip aperture on the lip on the first rear edge of the bottom face; and wherein a rear face aperture of the second rear face is aligned with the at least one lip aperture on the lip on the second rear edge of the bottom face.

Embodiment 16: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-15, wherein the front face comprises an angled upper surface and vertical lower surface.

Embodiment 17: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-16, wherein the front edge of the top face is angled relative to the first and second side edges approximately 135°.

Embodiment 18: The corner piece of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the at least one rear face is formed from at least two finger portions extending downwardly from the first or second rear edge of the top face.

Embodiment 19: The corner piece of Embodiment 18, wherein a rear face finger portion connector interconnects the at least two finger portions of the at least one rear face.

The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.