Preformed Niche Assembly

Abstract

A preformed niche assembly and method of forming a niche include attaching the niche assembly in a stud cavity before a wall covering is installed. The preformed niche assembly includes a body that is constructed to be received in a stud cavity and a flange that extends about a perimeter of the body. The flange includes a first surface constructed to engage a stud and a second surface generally aligned with the first surface. The second surface of the flange is constructed to engage a non-exposed surface of a wall covering. The preformed niche assembly simplifies niche formation and allows positioning of a niche prior to installation of the wall covering.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to preformed niche assemblies for installation into walls, and more specifically, to a preformed niche assembly that is constructed to be installed prior to installation of a wall covering material, such as drywall.[0002]A niche is generally understood as a recess or a cavity formed within a wall surface. The niche is frequently used to provide an architectural detail to structures and / or provide storage or display recess within a wall surface. Conventionally, the formation of such niches was a time consuming and labor intensive process. Generally, a carpenter was required to rough frame a recess or cavity within a wall and a dry wailer or plasterer was required to finish the surfaces and corners of the niche assembly. Understandably, the appearance of many such niches relied on the skill and ability of the tradesman forming such niches. More recently, preformed niche assemblies have been provided which are con...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention provides a system and method of forming a niche that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. A preformed niche assembly according to one aspect of the invention includes a body that is constructed to be received in a stud cavity and a flange that extends about a perimeter of the body. The flange is offset from a front face of the cavity and is constructed to be disposed between a stud and a wall covering positioned over the stud. The niche includes a cutting guide constructed to guide cutting of the wall covering to expose the body. A mud lip is formed proximate the cutting guide and is constructed to assist in the uniform application and finishing of a finish compound such as drywall compound about the engagement between the wall covering and the niche.

[0007]A further aspect of the invention discloses a preformed wall cavity having a back panel, a side panel, and a rib. The side panel extends generally perpendicular from the back panel and the rib extends generally perpendicular from the side panel. A groove is formed in the rib proximate the side panel and is constructed to guide a cutter about the side panel. Such a construction allows the preformed wall cavity to be easily installed prior to installation of a wall covering or drywall material.

[0008]Yet another aspect of the invention includes a method of forming a niche which includes the steps of forming a cavity constructed to be received in a stud space wherein the cavity is defined by an end panel and an upstanding side panel. The method further includes extending a flange from the cavity for engaging studs positioned on generally opposite sides of the stud space. The flange is offset from a front edge of the upstanding side panel for engaging the stud and a backside of a wallboard. Such a construction allows the niche to guide installation of drywall around the niche.

Problems solved by technology

Conventionally, the formation of such niches was a time consuming and labor intensive process.

Although such assemblies simplify the installation process, such configurations are not without their own drawbacks.

Another complication of such systems is the ability to centrally locate such a niche within a wall cavity.

That is, choosing a desired niche location that is not centrally disposed within a stud cavity, presents the potential of severing the wall covering material across a stud surface only to discover that the niche cannot be installed in such a location.

Only upon discovering such obstructions is it realized that the desired niche location is unusable or useable only at considerable cost associated with moving the obstructing wiring or plumbing systems.

Accordingly, such systems, although simplifying the niche assembly, do not necessarily simplify the installation of the niche.

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