Form-fitting Corner Protector Member or Profile for Facing and Finishing Inside Corners and Edges

Abstract

A corner protector member for establishing and finishing a transition between a first surface, a second surface and a third surface, the first, second and third surfaces forming an inside corner. One corner protector embodiment includes a read face portion oriented inwardly in relation to the inside corner, which is securable to the inside corner, and from which integrally extends an external frontal or basal face portion, the lateral edges of which are securable alone or with the addition of an integral pin or barb to the inside corner, positively locking and engaging with the interior corner surfaces so as to firmly anchor therein and thereto.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation in part and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 398,615 filed on Feb. 16, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority from German patent application DE 10 2011012 678.3 filed on Mar. 1, 2011. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if set forth herein in full. This is a substitute specification which includes no new matter.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a corner protector member for finishing and protecting interior or inside corners in a room and creating a visually pleasing and mechanically strong transition between a first and a second surface forming an inside corner.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]In the course of completing interior architectural finishes, such as tiled wall surfaces, it is desirable to achieve seamless finishing of corners. A particular goal of a seamless transit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a protective member for horizontal and vertical surfaces that can prevent damage caused by cleaning agents, moisture, and physical contact. The invention is designed to significantly reduce installation costs and maintenance costs. It creates a seamless transition between wall and counter or floor surfaces using a simple, one-piece component. The invention offers an adaptable and visually appealing sealing solution that integrates both protective and decorative properties. In summary, the invention is a fitted, seamless finish achieved in an inside corner that provides easy cleaning, protection against damage, and soiling.

Problems solved by technology

Within various industries engaged in the manufacture of wall and floor coverings and finishes, within the cabinetry industry, and in a variety of building trades as well as within other service sectors such as the hospitality industry, it is well recognized that various surfaces, and in particular tiled surfaces, especially as found in bathrooms, spas, and swimming pool areas are susceptible to soiling and often costly damage by various physical forces and by repeated contact with moisture in the form of steam, condensate and liquid water, and other fluids.

The application of harsh chemicals, such as chlorine and other sanitizers and oxidizers employed in cleaning bathrooms and maintaining pools and spas, commonly lead to failure of surface treatments such as tile and tile grouts and other sealants and fills used in interstices and voids between surface elements and substrates.

Integral curves in surfacing materials such as cove base tiles present one solution to creating a smooth transitional zone, but especially in corners, and particularly in inside corner, the installation of such tiles and the associated labor involved in cutting these tiles to fit properly add cost to the finishing of a room and provide no guarantee that moisture and grime will not accumulate.

As mentioned, such joints, as well as many other surface finishes and points of surface convergence, are highly prone to soiling, wear, and mildewing among other problems.

If left untreated, heaving surfaces, peeling surfaces, and chipped or spalled surfaces, not to mention surfaces exposed to mold and other fungal attack could potentially cause deterioration of the underlying substrates, diminished holding capacity of underlay adhesives, and other problems that only become more costly to address later.

As set forth above, when tile or any other desired finish for horizontal and vertical surfaces is installed in areas exposed to cleaning agents, high levels of moisture, or repeated physical contact, there exists a significant risk that the surfaces may be marred, be subjected to moisture-related damage, and the like.

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