Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Application No. 20 2010 001 352.6 filed on Jan. 25, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a decorative strip for ceramic, natural stone or synthetic coverings or coatings, in particular for the formation of walk-in showers with a sloped floor, comprising a decorative strip profile having a visible decorative surface. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     When producing walk-in showers the floor of the shower is provided with a slope that is inclined towards a floor drain in order to guarantee proper discharge of the shower water. If a so-called line drain is chosen as the floor drain, for example in the form of a drain channel disposed on the wall side and extending parallel to the bathroom wall, due to the slope of the floor in the shower area a wedge-shaped recess is formed in relation to the rest of the bathroom floor which is delimited by wedge-shaped recess walls lying opposite one another and by a rectangular recess wall connecting the latter to one another and which extends along the bathroom wall. It can also be desirable for there to be a small recess on the access side of the shower floor so that shower water does not flow to the adjacent floor area. In this case a further rectangular recess wall is provided on the access side of the show floor. Tiles can be used to cover the recess walls. However, this is very laborious and time-consuming due to the need to cut the tiles, in particular in the region of the wedge-shaped recess side walls. Alternatively, decorative strips developed especially for this purpose can be used which can be fitted easily and quickly. 
     A decorative strip that can be fixed to the floor in order to cover wedge-shaped recess walls is marketed, for example, by the Iserlohn-based company Blanke GmbH &amp; Co. KG under the product name “Aqua-Keil”. The decorative strip is formed in one piece and comprises a decorative strip profile with a visible decorative surface tapering in the manner of a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile. In order to fix the decorative strip to the adjacent subsurface said strip further comprises an attachment arm provided with openings which extends perpendicularly to the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile so that overall the decorative strip profile has a T-shaped cross-section with a decorative strip profile projecting to both sides from the attachment arm. However, one problem with this decorative strip is that the gradient of the wedge-like tapering of the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile is determined when producing the decorative strip, and can in no way be varied at a later stage. Therefore, the decorative strip can only be used to cover wedge-shaped recess walls with a corresponding gradient. Even small deviations in the gradients are immediately apparent. In order to adapt the decorative strip to different thicknesses of floor coverings and floor covering superstructures said strip is furthermore offered in different embodiments which differ from one another as regards the overall height of the decorative strip profile and the height of the floor covering end edge formed by the decorative strip profile. The production and storage of different embodiments of a decorative strip profile is, however, very cost-intensive, and so it is desirable to keep the number of embodiments as small as possible. 
     A further decorative strip formed in one piece and that can be fixed to a wall for covering wedge-shaped recess walls is marketed by Blanke GmbH &amp; Co. KG under the product name “Aqua-Keil Wand”. This decorative strip also comprises a decorative strip profile with a visible decorative surface that tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile. A cross-over arm, the width of which is substantially matched to the tile thickness plus a slight addition for the tile adhesive is attached to the decorative surface at right angles. An attachment arm provided with openings is attached in turn at right angles to the cross-over arm, said attachment arm serving to secure the decorative strip in the wall region. Therefore, overall the decorative strip has a substantially Z-shaped cross-section. However, the gradient of the wedge-type tapering of the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile is also determined when this decorative strip is produced, and so it can not be varied at all at a later stage. Likewise, the decorative strip is offered in different embodiments in order to match different thicknesses of floor coverings and floor covering superstructures, said embodiments differing from one another as regards the overall height of the decorative strip profile and the width of the cross-over arm, by means of which they already have the disadvantages described in relation to the “Aqua Keil” product. 
     In order to cover rectangular recess walls a decorative strip formed as one piece is offered by the company Blanke GmbH &amp; Co. KG under the product name “Aqua-Deko”. This decorative strip comprises a decorative strip profile that is correspondingly provided with a rectangular visible decorative surface. Clamping arms respectively disposed laterally to the decorative surface and bent towards one another are attached to the upper and lower section of the decorative surface. With these clamping arms the decorative strip is pressed, for example, into a tile adhesive so that the tile adhesive surrounds the clamping arms. Due to the undercuts made, anchoring of the decorative strip takes place in this way when the tile adhesive is in the hardened state. However, with this decorative strip too the height of the visible decorative surface is fixed, and so the decorative strip can not be used flexibly. 
     A further disadvantage of the previously described “Aqua-Keil”, “Aqua-Keil Wand” and “Aqua-Deko” products made by the company Blanke GmbH &amp; Co. KG is that these decorative strips do not enable any height adjustment in the case of a subsurface that lowers over time, resulting in unsightly gaps being able to form beneath the fitted decorative strips. This lowering of the subsurface can occur, for example, if insulating under-layers are fitted in the floor area which compact little by little due to the loads acting upon it. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Proceeding from this prior art it is an object of the present invention to provide a decorative strip of the type specified at the start with an alternative structure, which can be used flexibly, which is variably adaptable to the respective height situation and the material thickness of the floor covering material, and which enables height adjustment in the case of a subsurface lowering over time. 
     In order to achieve this object the present invention provides a decorative strip of the type specified at the start wherein the decorative strip has a holding profile in which the decorative strip profile is retained height-adjustably so as to vary the height of its visible decorative surface. In other words, the decorative strip according to the invention comprises a decorative strip profile and a separate holding profile which can be moved relative to one another in order to vary the height of the visible decorative surface of the decorative strip profile. Due to this height-adjustability the decorative strip profile according to the invention can be used very variably and additionally enables height adjustment in the case of a subsurface lowering over time. 
     The holding profile preferably has a U-shaped cross-section area for retaining the decorative strip profile. The distance between the arms of the U-shaped cross-section area disposed parallel to one another is matched here to the thickness of the decorative strip. The securing of the decorative strip at a desired height level within the retaining groove defined by the U-shaped cross-section area of the holding profile is implemented, for example, by the cavity to be found between the bottom of the groove and the lower side of the decorative strip being filled with silicone, tile adhesive or the like. The decorative strip can also be tilted in relation to the bottom of the groove within the retaining groove, by means of which the gradient of the visible decorative surface edge is changed in relation to the bottom of the groove. In this way further adjustability is produced. The U-shaped cross-section area can be formed like a clamp so that it retains the decorative strip profile with a predetermined pretension and/or it can be provided with an insertion aid for the decorative strip profile. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention the decorative surface of the decorative strip profile is rectangular in form so that substantially rectangularly shaped recess walls can be covered with the decorative strip. 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention the decorative surface of the decorative strip profile tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile so that recess walls formed like a wedge can be covered with this decorative strip. 
     The decorative strip profile and/or the holding profile can have an attachment arm provided with openings in order to be able to fix the decorative strip to the floor or to the wall by means of tile adhesive or the like. Here the tile adhesive passes through the openings and clamps to the attachment arm, by means of which a secure connection is achieved. 
     Alternatively or in addition the decorative strip profile and/or the holding profile can be provided with an adhesion structure, in particular with a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which is formed such that it forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive, grouting material or the like. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention the holding profile has an overall substantially F-shaped cross-section. In the region of the arm of the F-shaped cross-section extending laterally to the parallel arms openings can be formed so that this arm serves as an attachment arm. 
     The decorative strip profile can have an overall substantially I-shaped cross-section. The one main surface of the decorative strip profile can thus define the decorative surface, and the other main surface can be provided with an adhesion structure. 
     Alternatively, the decorative strip profile can have an overall substantially T-shaped cross-section. The one arm of the T-shaped cross-section can thus define the visible decorative surface, whereas the other arm can be provided with openings or an adhesion structure, and so can form the attachment arm. 
     Furthermore, the decorative strip can have a third, substantially U-shaped end profile that is retained height-adjustably on the decorative strip profile. In this way further height-adjustability of the decorative strip according to the invention is produced. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention the decorative strip profile has an overall substantially L-shaped cross-section. An arm of the L-shaped cross-section can thus define the visible decorative surface, and the other arm can form a tile covering. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention the decorative strip profile has a substantially h-shaped cross-section area, the arms of the substantially h-shaped cross-section area disposed parallel to one another being designed to retain a plate element, in particular to retain a glass or plastic panel which forms, for example, a shower cubicle wall. As an extension of the arm of the substantially h-shaped cross-section area of the decorative strip profile extending laterally to the parallel arms an attachment arm provided with through holes can be attached. 
     According to a further embodiment of the present invention the decorative strip profile has an overall substantially U-shaped cross-section with two parallel arms and a connection arm connecting the latter and which extends at an angle to the parallel arms which is different from 90° so that in the fitted state the connection arm forms an inclined surface. 
     Furthermore, a third retaining profile which is substantially L-shaped when considered as a cross-section and provided with an attachment arm having openings, can be provided on which the decorative strip profile is retained height-adjustably. In this way further height-adjustability can also be achieved. 
     The decorative profile and/or the holding profile and/or the end profile and/or the retaining profile is/are preferably produced as a strand part(s) or by the roll forming method or as a flanged profile(s). Furthermore the decorative profile and/or the holding profile and/or the end profile and/or the retaining profile can be produced from metal, in particular stainless steel and/or from plastic. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the present invention are made clear by means of the following description of different embodiments of the decorative strip according to the invention with reference to the attached drawings. These show as follows: 
         FIG. 1  a diagrammatic perspective view of a bathroom area prepared for the installation of a shower cubicle; 
         FIG. 2  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 2  in the direction of arrow III; 
         FIG. 4  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 4  in the direction of arrow V; 
         FIG. 6  a decorative strip according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 6  in the direction of arrow VII; 
         FIG. 8  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 8  in the direction of the arrow IX; 
         FIG. 10  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 10  in the direction of arrow XI; 
         FIG. 12  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 12  in the direction of arrow XIII; 
         FIG. 14  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 14  in the direction of arrow XV; 
         FIG. 16  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  a side view of the decorative strip shown in  FIG. 16  in the direction of arrow XVII; 
         FIG. 18  a cross-sectional view of the decorative strip shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in a slightly modified form and in an alternative fitting situation in which the decorative strip is disposed adjacent to a floor drain; 
         FIG. 19  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention in the fitted state; 
         FIG. 20  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention in the fitted state; and 
         FIG. 21  a cross-sectional view of a decorative strip according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention in the fitted state. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following the same reference numbers identify components and component sections corresponding to one another. 
       FIG. 1  shows a section of a bathroom with a bathroom floor  200  and a bathroom wall  202  which are respectively covered with tiles  204 . In order to fit a walk-in shower a shower floor  206  is prepared in the bathroom floor  200  which is provided with a slope that is inclined towards a floor drain  208  in order to guarantee proper discharge of the shower water. The floor drain  208  is a so-called line drain in the form of a drain channel that is disposed on the wall side and extends parallel to the bathroom wall  202 . Due to its slope the shower floor  206  forms in relation to the rest of the bathroom floor  200  a wedge-shaped recess which is defined by wedge-shaped recess walls  210  lying opposite one another and by a rectangular recess wall  212  connecting these to one another. In order to cover these recess walls  210  and  212  the present invention provides a decorative strip. Different embodiments of this decorative strip according to the invention are described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 2 to 17 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show a decorative strip  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  10  comprises a decorative strip profile  12  and a holding profile  14 . 
     The decorative strip profile  12  is an elongate stainless steel strand profile with a rectangular cross-section. It defines a decorative surface  16  which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall  210  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decorative surface  16  of the decorative strip profile  12  for covering the rectangular recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1  can also be rectangular in form, as shown in  FIG. 3  by the dashed line  18 . The rear-side surface  20  of the decorative strip profile  12  lying opposite the decorative surface  16  is provided with an adhesion structure  22  in the manner of an adhesive strip which can be, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. 
     The holding profile  14  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an F-shaped cross-section. The two parallel arms  24  and  26  of the F-shaped cross-section define a retaining groove  28  in which the decorative strip profile  12  is retained height-adjustably. In the exposed area of the arm  30  of the F-shaped cross-section extending laterally to the arms  24  and  26  openings  32  are provided at regular intervals over the whole length of the holding profiles  14  through which adhesive mortar for fixing the holding profile  14  to the subsurface can pass and clamp. 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , as shown by dashes in  FIG. 2 , in a first step the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  is fixed to the shower floor  208  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. The holding profile  14  is then placed over a previously applied insulating strip  33  for noise and/or stress decoupling. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  14 . After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile  12  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  14 , the edges  204   a  facing towards the decorative strip profile  12  of the tiles  204  laid over the bathroom floor  200  adjacent to the shower floor  206  and/or the adhesion structure  22  of the decorative strip profile  12  having previously been provided with an adhesive, for example with tile adhesive or silicone. Due to the height-adjustable retaining of the decorative strip profile  12  in the retainer  28  of the holding profile  14  the upper edge of the decorative strip profile  12  can now be aligned flush with the upper side of the tiles  204 . Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile  12  and the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  14  can be filled with a filler material  34 , such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile  12  with additional support from below. 
     By means of the height-adjustable retaining of the decorative strip profile  12  in the holding profile  14  variation of the height of the visible decorative surface  16  is therefore possible. The decorative strip profile  12  can also be tilted within the retaining groove  28  in relation to the bottom of the groove in order to match the gradient of the wedge-shaped decorative strip profile  12  to the actual gradient of the wedge-shaped recess walls  210 . Different height movements can also be accommodated between the decorative strip profile  12  and the retaining groove  28 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show a decorative strip  40  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  40  comprises a decorative strip profile  42  and a holding profile  44 . 
     The decorative strip profile  42  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a T-shaped cross-section formed by two arms  46  and  48  that are disposed perpendicularly to one another. The arm  46  defines a decorative surface  50  that tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the decorative strip profile  42  in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall  210  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decorative surface  50  of the decorative strip profile  42  can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1 , as indicated in  FIG. 5  by the dashed line  52 . The arm  48  of the decorative strip profile  42  positioned horizontally in  FIG. 4  is provided with openings  54  at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile  42  through which tile adhesive for fixing the holding profile  14  to the subsurface can pass and clamp. Therefore, the arm  48  forms an attachment arm. 
     The holding profile  44  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an F-shaped cross-section which is formed similarly to the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment, and so the holding profile  44  will not be described again below. 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 4 , the holding profile  44  of the decorative strip  40  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile  44  can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly to  FIG. 2 , even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  44 . After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile  42  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  44 , and the arm  48  of the decorative strip profile  42  extending horizontally in  FIG. 4  is stuck onto the bathroom floor  200  by means of tile adhesive. Optionally, the gap created between the decorative strips  42  and the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  44  can be filled with a filler material  34  such as, for example, tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile  42  with additional support from below. The tiles  204  are then stuck onto the arm  48  of the decorative strip profile  42 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show a decorative strip  60  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  60  comprises a decorative strip profile  62  and a holding profile  64 . 
     The decorative strip profile  62  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with an L-shaped cross-section that is made up from two arms  66  and  68  disposed perpendicularly to one another. The arm  66  disposed perpendicularly in  FIG. 6  defines a decorative surface  70  which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall  210  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decorative surface  70  of the decorative strip profile  62  can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1 , as indicated in  FIG. 7  by the dashed line  72 . The rear-side surface  74  of the decorative strip profile  62  lying opposite the decorative surface  70  is provided with an adhesion structure  76  in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. The same applies to the lower side of the arm  68  of the decorative strip profile  62  extending horizontally in  FIG. 6 . 
     The holding profile  64  corresponds to the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the holding profile  64  will not be described again below. 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 6 , the holding profile  64  of the decorative strip  60  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile  64  can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly to  FIG. 2 , even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  64 . After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile  62  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  64 , the adhesion structures  76  of the decorative strip profile  62  having previously been provided with an adhesive, for example with tile adhesive. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile  62  and the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  64  can be filled with a filler material  34 , such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile  62  with additional support from below. Then the decorative strip profile  62  is pressed into the retaining groove  28  until the lower side of the arm  68  of the decorative strip profile  62  extending horizontally in  FIG. 6  comes to rest on the tiles  204  laid over the bathroom floor  200 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show a decorative strip  80  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  80  comprises a decorative strip profile  82  and a holding profile  84 . 
     The decorative strip profile  82  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with an h-shaped cross-section that is formed by two arms  86  and  88  arranged in parallel and an arm  90  extending laterally to the latter. The longer of the two parallel arms  86  defines a decorative surface  92  that tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall  210  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decorative surface  92  of the decorative strip profile  82  can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1 , as indicated in  FIG. 9  by the dashed line  94 . The rear-side surface  96  of the arm  86  lying opposite the decorative surface  92  is provided with an adhesion structure  98  in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure that forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. The same applies to the lower side of the arm  90  of the decorative strip profile  82  extending horizontally in  FIG. 8 . The distance between the arms  86  and  88  of the decorative strip profile  82  is chosen such that there can be accommodated between the arms  86  and  88  a partition wall  88 , for example a glass or plastic panel, which for example forms a shower cubicle wall. 
     The holding profile  84  corresponds to the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so this will not be described again below. 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 8 , the holding profile  84  on the decorative strip  80  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile  84  can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly to  FIG. 2 , even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  84 . After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile  82  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  84 , the adhesion structures  98  having previously been provided with an adhesive, such as for example with tile adhesive. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile  82  and the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  84  is filled with a filler material  34 , such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile  82  with additional support from below. Then the tiles  204  are laid on the bathroom floor  200  next to the arm  88  of the decorative strip profile  82 . A shower cubicle wall, for example, can then be fitted into the retainer defined between the arms  86  and  88  of the decorative strip profile  82 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show a decorative strip  100  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  100  comprises a decorative strip profile  102  and a holding profile  104 . 
     The decorative strip profile  102  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic that substantially corresponds to the h-shaped decorative strip profile  82  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention that was described above with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Accordingly, another description of component sections corresponding to one another and which are provided here with the same reference numbers will not be given. One difference between the decorative strip profile  102  and the decorative strip profile  82  is that with the decorative strip profile  102  there is provided over the extension of the arm  90  extending horizontally in  FIG. 10  an attachment arm  106  in which openings  108  are formed at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile  102 . Moreover, in contrast to the arm of the decorative strip profile  82 , no adhesion structure is provided on the lower side of the arm  90  of the decorative strip profile  102  because this is made superfluous by the openings  108 . 
     The decorative strip profile  102  corresponds to the decorative strip profile  12  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment, and so this will not be described again. 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 10 , the holding profile  104  of the decorative strip  100  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. For noise and/or stress decoupling the holding profile  104  can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, similarly to  FIG. 2 , even if this is not shown here. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  14 . After the tile adhesive has hardened the decorative strip profile  102  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  104 , and the attachment arm  106  of the decorative strip profile  102  is laid on the bathroom floor  200  by means of tile adhesive. Optionally, the space created between the decorative strip profile  102  and the bottom of the retainer of the holding profile  104  can be filled with a filler material  34 , such as for example tile adhesive or silicone, in order to provide the decorative strip profile  102  with additional support from below. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the attachment arm  106  along the decorative strip profile  102 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show a decorative strip  120  according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  120  comprises a decorative strip profile  122  and a holding profile  124 . 
     The decorative strip profile  122  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a rectangular cross-section. It defines a decorative surface  126  which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall  210  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decorative surface  126  of the decorative strip profile  122  can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1 , as shown by the dashed line  128  in  FIG. 13 . The rear-side surface  130  of the decorative strip profile  122  lying opposite the decorative surface  126  is provided with an adhesion structure  132  in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. 
     The holding profile  124  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with a U-shaped cross-section which is formed by two parallel arms  134  and  136  and an arm  138  extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms  134  and  136  to one another. The two parallel arms  134  and  136  define a retaining groove  140  in which the decorative strip profile  122  is retained height-adjustably. The outwardly facing surface of the arm  134  defines a further decorative surface  142 . The outwardly facing surface of the arm  136  is also provided with an adhesion structure  132 . 
     In order to form the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 12 , the decorative strip profile  122  is inserted into the retaining groove  140  of the holding profile  124 , the space remaining between the bottom of the retaining groove  140  and the decorative strip profile  122  possibly being filled with a filler material  144 , such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. Then the decorative strip  120  is fixed to the recess wall  210  or to the outwardly facing edge  204   a  of the tiles  204  laid on the bathroom floor  200  using tile adhesive, the upper side of the holding profile  224  being aligned flush to the upper side of the tiles  204 . For noise and/or stress decoupling, similarly to  FIG. 2 , the decorative strip profile  122  can also be placed over a previously applied insulating strip, even if this is not shown here. Then the tiles  204  are laid on the shower floor  206  along the decorative strip profile  122  of the decorative strip  120 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show a decorative strip  150  according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  150  comprises a decorative strip profile  152 , a holding profile  154  and a retaining profile  156 . 
     The decorative strip profile  152  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a J-shaped cross-section that is formed from two parallel arms  158  and  160  and an arm  162  extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms  158 ,  160  to one another. Here the arm  158  is longer than the arm  160  disposed parallel to the latter. The outside of the arm  158  defines a decorative surface  164  which tapers like a wedge in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the profile in order to cover the wedge-shaped recess wall  210  shown in  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the decorative surface  164  of the decorative strip profile  250  can also be rectangular in form in order to cover the rectangular recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1 , as shown in  FIG. 15  by the dashed line  166 . The rear-side surface  168  of the arm  158  lying opposite the decorative surface  164  is provided with an adhesion structure  170  in the manner of an adhesive strip, this possibly being a grid-, fabric, or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. 
     The holding profile  154  corresponds to the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the design of the holding profile  154  will not be discussed again below. 
     The retaining profile  156  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an L-shaped cross-section that is formed by an arm  172  extending vertically in  FIG. 14  and an arm  174  disposed at right angles to the latter. The arm  174  is provided with openings  176  arranged at regular intervals over the whole length of the retaining profile  156 . 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 14 , the holding profile  154  of the decorative strip  150  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  254 . Next the retaining profile  156  is fixed to the bathroom floor  200  by means of tile adhesive. Then the decorative strip profile  152  is hooked into the perpendicularly extending arm  172  of the retaining profile  156  and inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  154 . The space to be found between the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  254  and the decorative strip profile  152  can be filled with a filler material, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. In a further step the tiles  204  are laid along the arm  174  of the retaining profile  156 , and the upper side of the decorative strip profile  152  is aligned flush with the upper side of the tiles  204 . 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  show a decorative strip  180  according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  180  comprises a decorative strip profile  182 , a holding profile  184  and an end profile  186 . The decorative strip profile  182  and the holding profile  184  correspond respectively to the decorative strip profile  12  and the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the latter will not be described again below. 
     The end profile  186  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a U-shaped cross-section which is formed by two parallel arms  188  and  190  and an arm  192  extending perpendicularly to the latter. The outside of the arm  188  forms a further decorative surface  196 . The outside of the arm  190  is provided with an adhesion structure  198  in the manner of an adhesive strip which can, for example, be a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown by dashes in  FIG. 16 , the holding profile  184  of the decorative strip  180  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the recess wall  210  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  184 . Next the tiles  204  are laid on the bathroom floor  200 . In a further step the decorative strip profile  182  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  184 , and then the end profile  186  is placed on the decorative strip profile  182  and stuck by means of tile adhesive to the facing tile edges  204   a  of the tiles  204 . By providing both a holding profile  284  and an end profile  186  the possibility of double height-adjustment is offered. 
       FIG. 18  shows the decorative strip  120  already shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention in a slightly modified form and in an alternative fitting situation in which the decorative strip profile  120  covers the recess wall  212  on the bathroom wall side shown in  FIG. 1 . One modification in comparison to the decorative strip shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13  is to the effect that the rear arm  136  of the holding profile  124 , considered as a cross-section, is substantially bent like a gable roof and is elastic in form so that the holding profile  124  incorporates the decorative strip profile  122  like a clamp with pretensioning. Furthermore, the free end of the arm  136  is bent away from the decorative strip profile  122 , by means of which an insertion aid is produced which facilitates the insertion of the decorative strip profile  122  into the holding profile  124 . In a similar way, for example, one of the arms  24  or  26  of an F-shaped holding profile can also be formed like, for example, the F-shaped holding profile shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     With the embodiment of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step, as shown in  FIG. 18 , an insulating strip  33  is disposed between the bathroom wall  202  and the shower floor  206 . An inclined board  220  accommodating the floor drain  208  is then fixed onto the shower floor  206  such that the inclined board  220  comes to rest against the insulating strip  33 . The floor drain  208  is provided on its side facing towards the bathroom wall  202  with a flexible and water-impermeable sealing strip  222  which is directed upwards and is secured with tile adhesive or the like to the bathroom wall  202 . The tiles  204  are then stuck onto the bathroom wall  202  at least partially overlapping the sealing strip  222 . In order to cover the recess wall  212  the decorative strip  120  is now inserted into the space to be found between the floor drain  208  and the tiles  204  and is on the one hand secured to the sealing strip  222  on the rear side with tile adhesive, and on the other hand to the lower side of the floor drain  208  on the lower side with silicone. A height adjustment of the decorative strip profile  120  can then take place by the decorative strip profile  122  and the holding profile  124  being moved relative to one another. In order to fix a desired height adjustment the space to be found between the decorative strip profile  122  and the holding profile  124  can be filled with a filler material  144  such as, for example, tile adhesive, silicone or the like. 
       FIG. 19  shows a decorative strip  230  according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention in the fitted state. The decorative strip  230  comprises a decorative strip profile  232  and a holding profile  234 . 
     The decorative strip profile  232  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a rectangular cross-section. It defines a decorative surface  236  which also has a rectangular form for covering the recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1 . The rear-side surface  238  of the decorative strip profile  232  lying opposite the decorative surface  236  is provided with an adhesion structure  240  in the manner of an adhesive strip which can be, for example, a grid-, fabric- or fleece-type adhesion structure which forms an adhesive connection with a tile adhesive or the like. 
     The holding profile  234  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with a U-shaped cross-section area that is formed from two parallel arms  242  and  244  and an arm  246  extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms  242  and  244  to one another, and an L-shaped cross-section area which is formed by two arms  248  and  250  disposed perpendicularly to one another, the arm  248  being attached flush to the arm  246  of the U-shaped cross-section area and openings  252  being formed at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile  232  in the arm  250 . 
     In order to cover the recess wall  212  shown in  FIG. 1  the insulating strip  33 , the inclined board  220  with the floor drain  208  held against it and the sealing strip  222  of the floor drain  208  are initially fitted as already described with reference to  FIG. 18 . The decorative strip  230  is then aligned in relation to its height, and the desired alignment fixed by means of filler material  144 . The decorative strip  230  is then fixed on the one hand by means of silicone to the upper side of the floor drain  208 , and on the other hand by means of tile adhesive to the sealing strip  222  of the floor drain  208 . Next the tiles  204  are stuck to the bathroom wall  202  using tile adhesive, the tiles  204  being aligned to the L-shaped cross-section area of the holding profile  234 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a decorative strip  260  according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  260  comprises a decorative strip profile  262 , a holding profile  264  and a retaining profile  266 . 
     The decorative strip profile  262  is an elongate strand profile made of metal or plastic with a substantially U-shaped cross-section which is formed from two parallel arms  268  and  270  and a connection arm  272  extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms  268  and  270  to one another. The connection arm  272  extends at an angle a of approximately 30° to the horizontal so that the angles enclosed between the connection arm  272  and the arms  268  and  270  are different from 90°. Correspondingly, the decorative surface  274  of the decorative strip profile  262  forms in the fitted state an inclined surface, as can be seen in  FIG. 20 . 
     The holding profile  264  corresponds to that of the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the design of the holding profile  264  will not be discussed again below. 
     The retaining profile  266  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic with an L-shaped cross-section which is formed by an arm  276  extending vertically in  FIG. 20  and an arm  278  disposed at right angles to the latter. The arm  278  is provided with openings  280  arranged at regular intervals over the whole length of the retaining profile  266 . 
     With the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , there is provided on the shower floor access side between the bathroom floor  200  and the shower floor  206  a ledge  214  that prevents shower water from flowing onto the adjacent surface of the bathroom floor  200 . In order to cover this ledge  214  with the decorative strip  260 , in a first step the holding profile  264  of the decorative strip  260  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the ledge  214  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  264 . Next the retaining profile  266  is fixed to the bathroom floor  200  by means of tile adhesive. Then the arm  270  of the decorative strip profile  262  is hooked into the perpendicularly extending arm  276  of the retaining profile  266  and inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  264 . The space to be found between the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  264  and the arm  268  of the decorative strip profile  262  can be filled with a filler material, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. In a further step the tiles  204  are laid along the arm  276  of the retaining profile  266 . 
       FIG. 21  shows a decorative strip  290  according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The decorative strip  290  comprises a decorative strip profile  292  and a holding profile  294 . 
     The decorative strip profile  292  is a strand profile made of metal or plastic, and similarly to the decorative strip profile  262  shown in  FIG. 20  comprises a substantially U-shaped cross-section area which is formed by two parallel arms  296  and  298  and a connection arm  300  extending laterally to the latter and connecting the arms  296  and  298  to one another. Here the connection arm  300  encloses with the arms  296  and  298  an angle which is different from 90° so that the decorative surface  302  formed by the connection arm  300  is inclined in the fitted state, as can be seen in  FIG. 21 . Furthermore, the decorative strip profile  292  comprises an attachment arm  304  attached to the arm  298  and extending perpendicularly to the latter which is provided with openings  306  arranged at regular intervals over the whole length of the decorative strip profile  292 . 
     The holding profile  294  corresponds to the holding profile  14  of the decorative strip  10  according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and so the design of the holding profile  294  will not be discussed again below. 
     Similarly to the fitting of the decorative strip  290  shown in  FIG. 20 , in order to cover the ledge  214  of the shower floor  206  shown in  FIG. 1 , in a first step the holding profile  294  of the decorative strip  290  is fixed to the shower floor  206  along the ledge  214  to be covered by means of tile adhesive. Directly afterwards the tiles  204  are then laid on the arm  30  of the holding profile  294 . Next the arm  296  of the decorative strip profile  292  is inserted into the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  294 . The space to be found between the bottom of the retaining groove  28  of the holding profile  294  and the arm  296  of the decorative strip profile  292  can be filled with a filler material, such as for example silicone, tile adhesive or the like. At the same time the attachment arm  298  is fixed to the bathroom floor  200  by means of tile adhesive. In a further step the tiles  204  are laid on the attachment arm  304  of the decorative strip profile  292  along the arm  298  of the decorative strip profile  292 . 
     All of the embodiments described above of the decorative strip according to the invention are characterised by their height-adjustability and can correspondingly be used variably. Moreover, all of the decorative strips which have a wedge-shaped decorative surface can be produced and marketed in excess lengths so that additional height-adjustability, in particular rough height-adjustability, can be achieved by appropriate cutting to length of the decorative strips. The fine height adjustment can then be implemented in the way described in many cases above. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 List of reference numbers 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 12 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 14 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 16 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 18 
                 dashed line 
               
               
                 20 
                 surface 
               
               
                 22 
                 adhesion structure 
               
               
                 24 
                 arm 
               
               
                 26 
                 arm 
               
               
                 28 
                 retaining groove 
               
               
                 30 
                 arm 
               
               
                 32 
                 opening 
               
               
                 33 
                 insulating strip 
               
               
                 34 
                 filler material 
               
               
                 40 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 42 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 44 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 46 
                 arm 
               
               
                 48 
                 arm 
               
               
                 50 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 52 
                 dashed line 
               
               
                 54 
                 opening 
               
               
                 60 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 62 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 64 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 66 
                 arm 
               
               
                 68 
                 arm 
               
               
                 70 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 72 
                 dashed line 
               
               
                 74 
                 surface 
               
               
                 76 
                 adhesion structure 
               
               
                 80 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 82 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 84 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 86 
                 arm 
               
               
                 88 
                 arm 
               
               
                 90 
                 arm 
               
               
                 92 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 94 
                 dashed line 
               
               
                 96 
                 surface 
               
               
                 100 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 102 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 104 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 106 
                 attachment arm 
               
               
                 108 
                 openings 
               
               
                 120 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 122 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 124 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 126 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 130 
                 surface 
               
               
                 132 
                 adhesion structure 
               
               
                 134 
                 arm 
               
               
                 136 
                 arm 
               
               
                 138 
                 arm 
               
               
                 140 
                 retaining groove 
               
               
                 142 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 144 
                 filler material 
               
               
                 150 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 152 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 154 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 156 
                 retaining profile 
               
               
                 158 
                 arm 
               
               
                 160 
                 arm 
               
               
                 162 
                 arm 
               
               
                 164 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 166 
                 dashed line 
               
               
                 168 
                 surface 
               
               
                 170 
                 adhesion structure 
               
               
                 172 
                 arm 
               
               
                 174 
                 arm 
               
               
                 176 
                 opening 
               
               
                 180 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 182 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 184 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 186 
                 end profile 
               
               
                 188 
                 arm 
               
               
                 190 
                 arm 
               
               
                 192 
                 arm 
               
               
                 196 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 198 
                 adhesion structure 
               
               
                 200 
                 bathroom floor 
               
               
                 202 
                 bathroom wall 
               
               
                 204 
                 tiles 
               
               
                 206 
                 shower floor 
               
               
                 208 
                 floor drain 
               
               
                 210 
                 recess walls 
               
               
                 212 
                 recess walls 
               
               
                 214 
                 ledge 
               
               
                 220 
                 inclined board 
               
               
                 222 
                 sealing strip 
               
               
                 230 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 232 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 234 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 236 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 238 
                 surface 
               
               
                 240 
                 adhesion structure 
               
               
                 242 
                 arm 
               
               
                 244 
                 arm 
               
               
                 246 
                 arm 
               
               
                 248 
                 arm 
               
               
                 250 
                 arm 
               
               
                 252 
                 openings 
               
               
                 260 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 262 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 264 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 266 
                 retaining profile 
               
               
                 268 
                 arm 
               
               
                 270 
                 arm 
               
               
                 272 
                 connection arm 
               
               
                 274 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 276 
                 arm 
               
               
                 278 
                 arm 
               
               
                 280 
                 openings 
               
               
                 290 
                 decorative strip 
               
               
                 292 
                 decorative strip profile 
               
               
                 294 
                 holding profile 
               
               
                 296 
                 arm 
               
               
                 298 
                 arm 
               
               
                 300 
                 connection arm 
               
               
                 302 
                 decorative surface 
               
               
                 304 
                 attachment arm 
               
               
                 306 
                 openings

Technology Category: e