Seamless floor-to-wall transition assembly, kit, and method of installation thereof

Abstract

A seamless floor-to-wall transition assembly, kit, and method of installation having a plurality of cove panels which overlie the joint between a floor and a base of a wall, each having a curved outer surface which collectively form a seamless exterior surface, and a floor covering material sufficient to form a coating to cover the floor and abutting an outer free end of the cove panels, to provide a substantially smooth transition from floor covering material to cove panels. In clinical applications, the assembly also including at least one topcoat material which is sufficient to form a continuous coating to overlie the floor covering material and at least a portion of the cove panels, to provide a seamless transition between the floor covering material and the cove panels, which is easier to clean and minimizes crevices which can harbor dirt or germs leading to a more sanitary environment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 475,026, filed Apr. 13, 2011, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention is generally in the field of building materials, particularly, floor and wall coverings. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an assembly designed to provide a seamless transition from a flooring material to a wall material and accompanying manufacturing and installation method therefor.[0004]The assembly according to the present invention can be used in any space requiring an easy to clean environment, but is particularly suitable for locations desiring sanitary conditions and infection control, such as operating rooms, emergency rooms, patient care rooms, intensive care rooms and / or bathrooms, etc. However, the invention is not limited to such applications and can be util...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a seamless floor-to-wall transition assembly and method of installation that offers improved sanitary conditions, is more cost-effective, efficient, and easy to install. The seamless floor-to-wall transition assembly includes a cove panel that overlies a joint between a floor and a wall, with a smooth transition from the floor covering material to the cove panel. The assembly is also more forgiving in situations where the walls and floor are not perfectly flat, level, plumb, and square. The method of installation involves curing the floor covering material and the topcoat material to provide a seamless transition. The invention provides a seamless floor-to-wall transition assembly that is more sanitary, efficient, and easy to install."

Problems solved by technology

Often times dirt and germs can become trapped in seams or joints between floors and walls or around the corners thereof making it difficult to keep clean and / or maintain the sanitary condition of the same.

However, each of these assemblies has certain deficiencies.

Disadvantageously, if there is no support behind the material, the material can be punctured.

However, there are certain drawbacks and disadvantages to flash coving assemblies and methods, namely, the radius is soft and can be punctured; the cap or binder strip creates additional areas of seams where bacteria can harbor through additional crevasses, creating an infection control issue; and the installation and / or final assembly is difficult at the inside and outside corners of the room, which can drive up the cost of installation.

Similarly, there are several drawbacks and disadvantages to the vertical cove assemblies and methods, namely: if the curb is installed on site, as is the case for most polymer epoxy materials, the problem centers around having the polymer continuously drip down the wall while it is curing, requiring temporary form-work or continuous reworking as it cures.

It is also very difficult to align the face of the wall with the curves, creating a cleaning and potentially an infection issue.

Moreover, the curb is the most difficult part of the installation process, and has to be done in the field, driving up costs and time for installation.

In addition, if the curb is pre-cast off site in a manufacturing facility, the precast parts are difficult to cut to size and install on site and the joint between the precast curb and the poured flooring are not seamless.

Since these trims are placed on top of the floor and in front of the wall, they create two gaps and / or changes in plane, which can be difficult to clean.

Moreover, these applied trims are generally not allowed in many clinical and healthcare environments, including for example, operating rooms, emergency rooms, patient care rooms, and / or intensive care rooms and, instead, are more appropriate and best suited for public spaces where cleanablilty and infection control are not primary concerns.

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