Hidden edge for floor finishing

Abstract

This application discloses a floor edge finish comprising a flexible strip having an adhesive attached to the top surface of the flexible strip and a hinge portion, wherein the hinge portion is a gap located on a portion of the top surface of the flexible strip, or there is no adhesive on a portion of the top surface of the flexible strip, or there is a small amount of adhesive on a portion of the top surface of the flexible strip, and wherein the floor edge finish is foldable upward along the hinge portion to join, protect and conceal the floor edge.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 979,583, filed February 21, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Carpets and hard-surface floors can be a beautiful addition to any home or commercial space. However, the durability and aesthetics of many of these products need improvement in terms of finishing. Typically, carpets not fitted to walls have exposed edges; these exposed edges should be sealed to prevent abrasion of the carpet fibers and damage to the underlying carpet backing. Similarly, hard-surface floors may have jagged and uneven edges that can be damaged by wear.

[0004] Current floor edge finishing products are ineffective and unattractive. One method of preventing floor edge wear involves stapleing the original edge of the floor with large metal staples, which is both unsightly and dangerous, as the staples inevitably come loose with wear. Another method involves sewing the ends of the carpet with heavy yarn, which is unsightly and tends to loosen over time. Furthermore, sewing requires expensive heavy-duty sewing machines. Yet another method involves gluing the edges of the floor, the application and result of which are messy and unpleasant. Therefore, there is a need for visually appealing and durable products and methods for finishing the edges of carpeted or hard-surface floors, as disclosed in this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application relates to an attractive and flexible floor edge finish that provides the edges of carpeted or hard-surface floors with the appearance of a factory-finished or custom finish. Upon installation, the original edges of the floor are securely and discreetly concealed by the floor edge finish.

[0006] One embodiment provides a floor edge finish including a flexible strip comprising a hinge and an adhesive attached to the top surface of the flexible strip, wherein the hinge includes a gap, or does not include adhesive, or includes a lower amount of adhesive than in other areas of the flexible strip, and wherein the floor edge finish is foldable upward along the hinge to engage, protect, and conceal the edge of the floor.

[0007] In another embodiment, the flexible strip includes: (a) a first segment located at one end of the flexible strip, the first segment including an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is placed along a surface of the flexible strip and is capable of being attached to a bottom surface of a floor edge; (b) a second segment including a hinge portion, the second segment being adjacent to the first segment and being adaptable to and located directly below the floor edge; and (c) a third segment located at a second end of the flexible strip, the third segment including an adhesive along a top surface of the flexible strip and being adjacent to the second segment, and the third segment being capable of being attached to a vertical surface of the floor edge.

[0008] Another embodiment is a method for trimming floor edges, comprising: (a) applying a flexible strip along the floor edge, the flexible strip including an adhesive and a hinge, wherein the hinge includes a gap, or does not include an adhesive, or includes a smaller amount of adhesive compared to the adhesive in other areas of the flexible strip; (b) bending the hinge of the flexible strip upward toward the top surface of the floor; and (c) applying heat, pressure, or a combination thereof to the adhesive of the flexible strip to facilitate bonding with the floor edge.

[0009] The floor edge finishes described in this article offer several benefits and advantages. One benefit is that the original edges of the flooring are concealed by an attractive floor edge finish, providing the appearance of a custom or factory-made finish. Another benefit is that the original edges of carpets blend seamlessly with the floor edge finish, preventing carpet fibers from wearing down at the edges. Yet another benefit is that the back and sides of the floor edge can be covered simultaneously. A further benefit is that the floor edge finish solves the application problems of inconsistencies and unevenness caused by the presence of hinges or gaps, which act as effective guides in the application process. Another benefit is that the hinges of the floor edge finish facilitate bending and fitting around the floor edge, as there is little or no adhesive in the hinge area. Finally, the process of bonding the floor edge finish can be automated, reducing time and lowering the manufacturing cost of the flooring product. Attached Figure Description

[0010] This patent or application document contains at least one color drawing. A copy of this patent or application disclosure with a color drawing will be provided by the Patent Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees.

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a portion of the floor edge finish, in which the rug sits on top of the floor edge finish before the floor edge finish is glued to the original edge of the rug.

[0012] Figure 2It is a three-dimensional view of a portion of the floor edge finish, in which the rug sits on top after the floor edge finish is glued to the original edge of the rug.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a photograph of a floor edge finish consisting of a flexible strip with adhesive and a hinged section, the hinged section of which has no adhesive.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a photo of the floor edge finish that blends in with the original edge of the carpet.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a photograph of the floor edge finish that integrates with the original edge of the hard surface floor.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a photograph of a floor edge finish used as a transition strip in mixed-material flooring installations, particularly in the installation of luxury vinyl tiles and carpets.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a close-up photograph of a floor edge finish used as a transition strip in mixed-material flooring installations, particularly in the installation of luxury vinyl tiles and carpets. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Figure 1 A specific embodiment of the unbonded assembly 10 of carpet 12 and floor edge finish 14 is shown. Carpet 12 has face fibers 26 embedded in carpet backing 24 and carpet pad 16, which is optional and located below carpet backing 24. Floor edge finish 14 includes a flexible strip 20 having: an adhesive 18 on the top surface of the flexible strip 20; and a hinge 22 that includes a gap, or no adhesive, or a small amount of adhesive 18 on a portion of the top surface of the flexible strip 20. Floor edge finish 14 is foldable upward along hinge 22 to bond, protect, and conceal the edge of the floor.

[0019] Figure 2 A specific embodiment of the bonding assembly 15, formed by bonding the floor edge finish 14 to the carpet 12, is shown. (See illustration.) Figure 1 As shown, carpet 12 has fibers 26 embedded in carpet backing 24 and an optional carpet pad 16 located below carpet backing 24. Floor edge trim 14 has been folded upwards at approximately 90 degrees along hinge 22, such that adhesive 18 contacts carpet pad 16 and carpet backing 24. Floor edge trim 14, with flexible strip 20 and adhesive 18, bonds to and covers carpet 12.

[0020] In another embodiment, the flexible strip 20 includes: (a) a first segment located at one end of the flexible strip 20, the first segment including an adhesive 18, wherein the adhesive 18 is placed along the surface of the flexible strip 20 and is capable of attaching to the bottom surface of the floor edge; (b) a second segment including a hinge portion 22, the second segment adjacent to the first segment and capable of being applied to the floor edge and located directly below the floor edge; and (c) a third segment located at a second end of the flexible strip 20, the third segment including the adhesive 18 along the top surface of the flexible strip 20 and capable of attaching to a vertical segment of the floor edge. The floor edge can be the edge of carpet, hard surface flooring, a transition strip between two flooring materials, luxury vinyl tiles, resilient vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, or a mixture thereof. Similarly, the flooring can be carpet, hard surface flooring, luxury vinyl tiles, resilient vinyl flooring, laminate flooring, or a mixture thereof.

[0021] Typically, the flexible strip 20 can have any length, including at least the entire length or perimeter of the carpet 12 or hard surface floor. In another embodiment, the length of the flexible strip is approximately the same as or exceeds the perimeter of the floor. In another embodiment, the flexible strip 20 includes a length of about 1 inch to 12 inches and a width of about 0.1 inches to 6 inches. In another embodiment, the flexible strip includes a plurality of flexible strips arranged in sequence. In another embodiment, the lengths of the hinge portion 22 or the second segment and the third segment can also be approximately the same as or exceed the perimeter of the carpet 12 or hard surface floor, respectively. In another embodiment, the lengths of the hinge portion and / or the third segment are approximately the same as or exceed the perimeter of the floor. In another embodiment, the length of the hinge portion includes a length of about 1 inch to 12 inches and a width of about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch. In yet another embodiment, the lengths of the first segment and the third segment can be about 1 inch to 12 inches, and the widths are about 0.1 inches to 6 inches.

[0022] In another embodiment, the width of the third segment of the flexible strip 20 may be comparable to the height of the carpet backing 24 at the edge of the carpet 12 and the height of the surface fibers of the carpet 12, or the third segment of the flexible strip 20 may extend to partially cover a portion of the surface fibers 26. In yet another embodiment, the width of the third segment of the flexible strip 20 may be comparable to the height of the floor backing and the height of the top surface of the floor, or the third segment of the flexible strip 20 may extend to partially cover a portion of the top surface of the floor when the hinged portion of the second segment of the flexible strip is folded upward toward the top surface of the floor.

[0023] In another embodiment, when the hinge portion 22 of the second segment of the flexible band 20 is folded upward toward the top surface of the carpet 12, the second end of the flexible band 20 is flush with the top surface of the carpet backing 24 or with the carpet surface fibers 26, or extends further to partially cover a portion of the surface fibers 26. In another embodiment, when the hinge portion 22 of the second segment of the flexible band 20 is folded upward toward the top surface of the carpet 12, the second end of the flexible band 20 is lower than the top surface of the carpet surface fibers 26.

[0024] In another embodiment, when the hinge portion 22 of the second segment of the flexible strip 20 is folded upward toward the top surface of the hard surface floor, the second end of the flexible strip 20 is flush with the top surface of the hard surface floor, or extends further to partially cover a portion of the hard surface floor. In yet another embodiment, when the hinge portion 22 of the second segment of the flexible strip 20 is folded upward toward the top surface of the hard surface floor, the second end of the flexible strip 20 is lower than the top surface of the hard surface floor.

[0025] After the third segment of the flexible strip 20 is engaged with the edge of the floor, the hinge portion 22 may include an approximately 90-degree bend in the flexible strip 20 along the bottom segment of the floor edge. After the third segment of the flexible strip 20 is engaged with the floor edge, the hinge portion 22 may also include a bend of approximately 20 to 170 degrees. Additionally, the hinge portion 22 may include gaps or areas where the adhesive 18 is less present than in other areas of the flexible strip 20. The hinge portion 22 may also include multiple hinge portions with little or no adhesive, or multiple gaps with little or no adhesive.

[0026] The flexible strip 20 may be made of a woven or nonwoven composition comprising natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures thereof. Exemplary materials include: natural fibers; thermoplastic plastics; rubber; polytetrafluoroethylene; or mixtures thereof. Natural fibers include cotton, wool, hemp, silk, cellulose, or mixtures thereof. Thermoplastic fibers include polyester, polyacrylic acid, nylon, polypropylene, polystyrene, or mixtures thereof. The flexible strip 20 may be a material comprising paper, fabric, plastic, or mixtures thereof. Typically, the fabric and / or fibers of the floor edge finish 14 may be similar to the fabric and / or fibers constituting the relevant floor. The flexible strip 20 may comprise a single material element or multiple material elements sewn or otherwise attached together.

[0027] The flexible strip 20 may also include additives. For example, an antimicrobial compound may be added to the flexible strip 20. In another embodiment, a dye may be added to the flexible strip 20 so that the floor edge finish 14 matches the carpet 12 or the hard surface floor to be attached. The flexible strip 20 may also include decorative materials with weave or tassels.

[0028] The adhesive 18 of the flexible strip comprises one or more layers containing hot melt adhesive, tape adhesive, or mixtures thereof. The adhesive 18 of the first and third sections may be the same or different. The second section, i.e., the hinge 22, may contain no adhesive, or contain less adhesive 18 than the first and third sections of the flexible strip 20, or contain a thinner amount of adhesive 18 than the first and third sections of the flexible strip 20. The adhesive 18 of any section of the flexible strip 20 may be the same or different from the adhesive 18 of the other sections. Furthermore, the adhesive 18 may comprise two or more types of adhesives stacked on top of each other as layers. The thickness of the adhesive 18 includes approximately 0.1 inches to 1 inch. The adhesive 18 may be pre-applied to the flexible strip 20 or may be applied later before the flexible strip is applied to the edge of the floor. Applying heat and / or pressure activates the adhesive 18.

[0029] An example of the floor edge finish 14 includes a flexible strip 20 comprising: (a) a first segment at one end of the flexible strip 20 having a width of 1-1 / 4 inch and being attachable to the bottom surface of the floor edge; (b) a second segment adjacent to the first segment and including a hinge portion 22 having a width of 1 / 32 inch, the second segment being adaptable to the floor edge and located directly below the floor edge; and (c) a third segment at a second end of the flexible strip 20 having a width of 1 / 8 inch, the third segment being adjacent to the second segment and being attachable to the floor edge; wherein an adhesive 18 is attached to the top surface of the flexible strip 20; wherein the hinge portion 22 includes a gap, or does not include adhesive, or includes a smaller amount of adhesive compared to other segments along the top surface of the flexible strip 20; and wherein the floor edge finish 14 is foldable upward along the hinge portion 22 to engage, protect, and conceal the vertical edge of the carpet 12 or hard floor surface. Flexible strips can also serve as a transition strip between two flooring materials.

[0030] This application also relates to a method for trimming floor edges, comprising: (a) applying a floor edge finish 14 including a flexible strip 20 along the floor edge, the flexible strip 20 including an adhesive 18 and a hinge portion 22, the hinge portion 22 including a gap, or excluding the adhesive, or including a smaller amount of adhesive 18 compared to other sections along the top surface of the flexible strip 20; (b) bending the hinge portion 22 upward toward the top surface of the floor; and (c) applying heat, pressure, or a combination thereof to the adhesive 18 to facilitate bonding with the floor edge. The presence of the hinge portion or gap serves as an effective guide in the method of applying the floor edge finish 14. The hinge portion 22 of the floor edge finish 14 facilitates the fitting bending and folding of the floor edge finish 14 around the baseboard edge because the absence or minimal amount of adhesive 18 in the hinge portion region makes bending easier and more precise. One or more sides or edges of the floor can be covered simultaneously. The process of bonding the floor edge finish can be automated to reduce time and lower the manufacturing cost of the floor product.

[0031] The application process can be accomplished by hand or by heating the flexible strip 20 containing adhesive 18. All sides of the corner of the carpet 12 or hard surface floor can be applied at once or one side at a time. Attaching the flexible strip 20 to the back of the floor can be done simultaneously or separately from the bonding of the floor edge finish 14. In one embodiment, the flexible strip 20 is heated using a hand tool while it is pressed against the floor to provide adhesion. In another embodiment, the flexible strip 20 with a peel-off and sealant adhesive 18 can be used to position the flexible strip 20, holding it in place until it is finally bonded to another, stronger adhesive 18, such as a hot melt adhesive. In a continuous process, the floor edge finish 14 can be fed parallel to the floor, which will properly position the flexible strip 20 next to the floor edge. Once positioned, the floor edge finish 14 can be heated as it travels with the floor through the machine in a continuous process.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a photograph of a floor edge finish made of flexible strips, with adhesive and hinged sections without adhesive. The adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive. The flexible strips are made of woven cotton strips. Three sections of the flexible strip are visible, with the first section on the left side of the photograph having adhesive on its surface. This first section is approximately one inch wide. The second section of the flexible strip, including the hinged section, is located in the middle of the photograph. This section has no adhesive at the hinged section and is approximately 1 / 16 inch wide. The third section of the flexible strip, located on the far right side of the photograph, has adhesive. This third section is approximately 3 / 16 inch wide.

[0033] Figure 4 It is applied and integrated into the original edge of the carpet. Figure 3 A photo of the floor edge finish.

[0034] Figure 5 When applied and integrated into the original edge of a hard surface floor, Figure 3 A photo of the floor edge finish.

[0035] Figure 6 It is used as a transition strip when applied and integrated into the original edge of the carpet, and in the installation of mixed material flooring, especially in the installation of luxury vinyl tiles and carpet. Figure 3 A photo of the floor edge finish.

[0036] Figure 7 It is used as a transition zone in mixed-material flooring installations, especially in the installation of luxury vinyl tiles and carpets. Figure 6 A close-up photo of the floor edge finish.

[0037] Alternative embodiments of the subject matter of this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that the specific embodiments shown herein are not intended to imply or infer any limitation.

Claims

1. A floor edge finish comprising a flexible strip, the flexible strip including a hinge and an adhesive attached to a top surface of the flexible strip, wherein, The hinge includes a gap, or excludes the adhesive, or includes a smaller amount of adhesive than in other areas of the flexible strip, wherein the floor edge finish is foldable upward along the hinge to join, protect, and conceal the vertical surface of the floor edge without concealing the top horizontal surface of the floor, and wherein the end of the flexible strip is flush with the top horizontal surface of the floor, permanently adhered to the entire vertical surface of the floor edge, and permanently adhered to the portion of the bottom horizontal surface of the floor edge that is in direct contact with the vertical surface of the floor edge.

2. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip includes: (a) A first segment located at one end of the flexible strip, the first segment comprising an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is placed along the surface of the flexible strip and is capable of adhering to the bottom surface of the floor edge; (b) A second segment including the hinge portion, the second segment being adjacent to the first segment and adaptable to the floor edge and located directly below the floor edge; and (c) A third segment located at the second end of the flexible strip, the third segment including an adhesive along the surface of the flexible strip and adjacent to the second segment, the third segment being capable of being attached to the vertical surface of the floor edge.

3. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip comprises multiple flexible strips.

4. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip comprises a woven or nonwoven composition, wherein the woven or nonwoven composition contains natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures thereof.

5. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip includes natural fibers, thermoplastics, rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, or mixtures thereof.

6. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip includes materials containing paper, fabric, plastic, or mixtures thereof.

7. The floor edge finish according to claim 2, wherein, The length of the hinge or the second segment and the length of the third segment each include a length equivalent to the length of the flexible strip.

8. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge portion includes multiple hinge portions or multiple gaps.

9. The floor edge finish according to claim 2, wherein, After the third segment of the flexible strip is attached to the edge of the floor, the hinge includes a bend of 20 to 170 degrees in the flexible strip along the bottom segment of the edge of the floor.

10. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip includes additives, including antimicrobial compounds.

11. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The adhesive includes one or more layers containing a hot melt adhesive, a tape adhesive, or a mixture thereof.

12. The floor edge finish according to claim 2, wherein, The adhesive in any segment of the flexible strip may be the same as or different from the adhesive in the other segments.

13. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the adhesive ranges from 0.1 inches to 1 inch.

14. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The flexible strip includes a single material component or multiple material components attached together.

15. The floor edge finish according to claim 1, wherein, The adhesive is pre-applied to the flexible strip.

16. A floor edge finish including a flexible strip, the flexible strip comprising: (a) A first segment located at one end of the flexible strip, the first segment having a width of 1-1 / 4 inch, and the first segment being able to be attached to the bottom surface of the floor edge; (b) A second segment including a hinge portion with a width of 1 / 32 inch, the second segment being adjacent to the first segment and adaptable to and located directly below the floor edge; and (c) A third segment located at the second end of the flexible strip, the third segment having a width of 1 / 8 inch, and the third segment being adjacent to the second segment and capable of being attached to the vertical surface of the floor edge; The adhesive is attached to the top surface of the flexible strip; Wherein, the hinge portion along the top surface of the flexible strip includes a gap, or does not include adhesive, or includes a smaller amount of adhesive compared to other sections; The flexible strip is folded upwards along the hinge to permanently bond, protect, and conceal the entire vertical edge of the floor without concealing the top horizontal surface of the floor, and permanently adheres to the portion of the bottom horizontal surface adjacent to and in contact with the vertical edge of the floor; and The second end of the flexible strip is flush with the top horizontal surface of the floor.

17. A method for trimming floor edges, comprising: (a) Apply a floor edge finish along the edge of the floor, the floor edge finish comprising a flexible strip, the flexible strip comprising an adhesive and a hinge, and the hinge comprising a gap, or excluding the adhesive, or comprising a smaller amount of adhesive compared to other areas of the flexible strip; (b) Bend the hinge upward toward the top surface of the floor; (c) Apply heat, pressure or a combination thereof to the adhesive to facilitate permanent bonding of the end of the flexible strip to the entire vertical surface of the floor edge and the portion of the bottom horizontal surface of the floor adjacent to the vertical surface of the floor edge without concealing the top horizontal surface of the floor, wherein the end of the flexible strip is flush with the top horizontal surface of the floor.

Images