Floor trim

Abstract

The present invention provides a floor trim that is easy to attach to and detach from flooring, can prevent detachment from flooring over a long period of time, and reduces discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on. [Solution] The floor trim material comprises a lower plate, at least a portion of which is positioned below the floor material, and an upper plate, at least a portion of which is positioned on top of the floor material. The lower plate and the upper plate are made of a flexible resin material. One side edge of the lower plate and the upper plate are joined together to form a joint, and the other side edges are spaced apart to form an opening. A floor material storage section is formed between the lower plate and the upper plate into which the floor material is inserted. The upper plate is provided with a means to prevent the floor material from slipping out of the floor material storage section in the side edge region on the opening side. The lower plate has a lower support column that protrudes toward the upper plate at an intermediate position between the joint and the opening, and in its natural state, the lower support column is spaced apart from the upper plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a parting material for floor covering, which is attached to the peripheral edge of the floor covering.

Background Art

[0002] When laying a floor covering on a part of the floor surface, a parting material for floor covering is used to improve the appearance of the peripheral edge of the floor covering and reduce the step between the floor covering and the surroundings. As such a parting material for floor covering, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a peripheral material for a sheet-like floor covering, which is provided with a gap for inserting the peripheral edge of a sheet-like floor covering with one side closed and the other side open between an upper piece and a lower piece, and spikes can be retracted downward so as to protrude upward through the through holes of the lower piece (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the parting material for floor covering as described in Patent Document 1, the floor covering is inserted into the floor covering accommodating portion, and the spikes are made to bite into the floor covering to prevent the floor covering from coming off. In such a configuration, the operation of removing the parting material for floor covering from the floor covering is complicated, and the workability of attaching and detaching the parting material for floor covering is poor when changing the laying position or area of the floor covering. Here, by forming the floor trim from a flexible material, it can be made to be easily attached to and detached from the flooring. However, if it is made from a flexible material, the floor trim will easily deform when stepped on. As a result, the floor trim will be repeatedly stepped on and pressed against the flooring during its period of use, causing the flooring inserted into the flooring storage section to sag, reducing the thickness of the flooring, crushing the pile, and making the flooring more likely to come loose. Furthermore, if the floor trim is made to be difficult to deform in order to prevent the flooring from sagging, there is a problem that the discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepping on the floor trim will increase.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a floor trim that is easy to attach to and detach from flooring, can prevent detachment from flooring over a long period of time, and can reduce discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The floor trim of the present invention, which has been able to solve the above problems, is a floor trim having a lower plate which is at least a part of which is disposed below the floor material and an upper plate which is at least a part of which is disposed on the floor material, wherein the lower plate and the upper plate are made of a flexible resin material, the lower plate and the upper plate have one side edge of each joined to form a joint, the other side edge of each is spaced apart to form an opening, a floor material storage section is formed between the lower plate and the upper plate into which the floor material is inserted, the upper plate is provided with a means to prevent the floor material from coming out of the floor material storage section in the side edge region on the opening side, and the lower plate has a lower support column that protrudes toward the upper plate at an intermediate position from the joint to the opening, and in its natural state the lower support column is spaced apart from the upper plate.

[0007] The floor trim of the present invention has a lower plate and an upper plate made of a flexible resin material, so when inserting the floor material into the floor material storage section, the lower plate and / or upper plate can be deformed to widen the opening. Furthermore, since the lower plate and the upper plate are joined only at the joint and the lower support portion is separated from the upper plate, the opening can be greatly widened. Therefore, the floor trim of the present invention can be attached to floor materials of various thicknesses in a detachable manner. Furthermore, the upper plate is equipped with a preventative mechanism on the side edge region on the opening side to prevent the flooring material from coming out of the flooring material storage section, and this preventative mechanism prevents the flooring material from coming out. The lower plate has a lower support column that protrudes toward the upper plate at an intermediate position from the joint to the opening, so even if the flooring material trim is stepped on, the upper plate is supported by the lower support column, and the flooring material inserted into the flooring material storage section is prevented from collapsing. As a result, the effect of the preventative mechanism is sustained, and detachment from the flooring material can be suppressed over a long period of time. Furthermore, in its natural state, the lower support column is separated from the upper plate, so when the floor trim is stepped on, the upper plate can deform downwards, thereby reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The floor trim material of the present invention is easy to attach to and detach from the flooring material, can prevent detachment from the flooring material over a long period of time, and can reduce discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing an example of a floor trim material according to the first aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floor trim piece. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing another example of the floor trim material of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing another example of the floor trim material of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing another example of the floor trim material of the present invention. [Figure 6]It is a side view showing another example of the partition material for floor materials of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing another example of the partition material for floor materials of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing another example of the partition material for floor materials of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing another example of the partition material for floor materials of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a side view for explaining the position of the lower support portion of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the usage mode of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 1. [Figure 12] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the usage mode of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 1. [Figure 13] It is a side view showing an example of the partition material for floor materials according to the second aspect of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a side view for explaining the position of the lower support portion of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 13. [Figure 16] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the usage mode of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the usage mode of the partition material for floor materials in FIG. 13. <00SOOOS>

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] ] Hereinafter, an example of the partition material for floor materials of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0011] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a side view of the partition material 1 for floor materials according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the partition material 1 for floor materials in FIG. 1. In the drawings of this specification, the x direction is the width direction of the partition material 1 for floor materials. The y direction is a direction orthogonal to the x direction and is the height direction of the partition material 1 for floor materials. The z direction is a direction orthogonal to the x direction and the y direction and indicates the length direction of the partition material 1 for floor materials.

[0012] The floor material partition member 1 of the present invention has a lower plate 2 at least partially disposed below the floor material and an upper plate 3 at least partially disposed on the floor material.

[0013] One side edge of each of the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 is joined to form a joint portion 4, and the other side edges of each are spaced apart from each other to form an opening 5. A floor material accommodating portion 6 into which the floor material is inserted is formed between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3. By inserting the floor material into the floor material accommodating portion 6 through the opening 5, the floor material partition member 1 is attached to the peripheral portion of the floor material. Also, by extracting the floor material inserted into the floor material accommodating portion 6, the floor material partition member 1 can be removed from the floor material. Therefore, the floor material partition member 1 of the present invention can be easily attached to and detached from the floor material.

[0014] (Material) The lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are made of a flexible resin material. The flexible resin material is a material composed of a resin component and, if necessary, a filler or the like and having flexibility enough to be bent. Since the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are made of a flexible resin material, when inserting the floor material into the floor material accommodating portion 6, the lower plate 2 and / or the upper plate 3 can be deformed so that the opening 5 widens. Therefore, the floor material partition member 1 can be detachably attached to floor materials of various thicknesses. Also, when stepping on the floor material partition member 1, the upper plate 3 can be deformed downward with the joint portion 4 as a fulcrum, and since the height of the floor material partition member 1 becomes lower, the discomfort on the sole of the foot can be reduced.

[0015] (Lower plate) The lower plate 2 is a flat plate member having a rectangular shape in plan view. The lower plate 2 is located on the lower surface side of the floor material when the floor material is inserted into the floor material accommodating portion 6. The upper limit of the thickness of the lower plate 2 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 4 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.5 mm or less. The thickness of the lower plate is the thickness of the remaining portion excluding the portion in which the joint and the lower support are formed. If the thickness of the lower plate 2 is less than or equal to the upper limit, the difference in height between the portion of the flooring material inserted into the flooring material storage portion 6 and the portion not inserted into the flooring material storage portion 6 will be reduced, and the cutting of the flooring trim material 1 will be easier. Furthermore, while there is no particular lower limit to the thickness of the bottom plate 2, it is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.5 mm or more. If the thickness of the bottom plate 2 is equal to or greater than the aforementioned lower limit, sufficient mechanical strength for use as a floor trim material 1 can be ensured, and manufacturing becomes easier. As will be described later, a lower support column 21 is formed on the lower plate 2. However, the thickness of the lower plate 2 in the portion where the lower support column 21 is formed is assumed to be the thickness as if the lower support column 21 did not exist. Therefore, the thickness of the portion of the lower plate 2 where the lower support column 21 is formed is considered to be the same as the thickness of the lower plate 2 on the rising portion 21a on the joint portion 4 side of the lower support column 21.

[0016] Preferably, the thickness of the lower plate 2 around the opening 5 decreases gradually or in steps from the inside to the outside of the floor material storage section 6. In particular, it is preferable that the thickness of the lower support column 21 decreases gradually from the opening 5 side toward the opening 5. With this configuration, the height of the floor material in the portion inserted into the floor material storage section 6 and the height of the floor material in the portion not inserted into the floor material storage section 6 change gradually or in steps, which further reduces discomfort on the soles of the feet when stepping on the floor material trim.

[0017] In the floor trim 1 shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional shape of the lower plate 2 around the opening 5 is formed in a straight line such that the thickness gradually decreases from the rising portion 21b on the opening 5 side of the lower support portion 21 toward the opening 5. The cross-sectional shape of the lower plate 2 is not particularly limited, and examples include the configuration shown in Figure 3, where the thickness gradually decreases from the rising portion 21b on the opening 5 side of the lower support portion 21 toward the opening 5, and the configuration shown in Figure 4, where the thickness decreases in stages from the rising portion 21b on the opening 5 side of the lower support portion 21 toward the joint portion 4.

[0018] (Top board) The upper plate 3 is a flat plate member with a rectangular shape in plan view. The upper plate 3 is located on the upper surface side of the flooring material when the flooring material is inserted into the flooring material storage section 6. The thickness of the top plate 3 is not particularly limited, but the lower limit is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and the upper limit is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.5 mm or less. The thickness of the top plate is the thickness of the remaining portion excluding the portion in which the joint and the prevention means are formed. If the thickness of the top plate 3 is greater than or equal to the lower limit, the mechanical strength will be higher. If the thickness of the top plate 3 is less than or equal to the upper limit, the flexibility of the top plate 3 will be higher, making it easier to widen the opening 5 and to attach it to the flooring material, and the top plate 3 will deform downward more easily when the flooring trim 1 is stepped on, further reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet. Also, if the thickness of the top plate 3 is less than or equal to the upper limit, the flooring trim 1 will be easier to cut.

[0019] As described later, a protective mechanism 31 is formed on the top plate 3. The thickness of the top plate 3 in the portion where the protective mechanism 31 is provided is the same as the thickness if the protective mechanism 31 were not present. Therefore, the thickness of the portion of the top plate 3 where the protective mechanism 31 is formed is considered to be the same as the thickness of the portion of the top plate 3 immediately adjacent to the portion where the protective mechanism 31 is provided but is not provided.

[0020] The cross-sectional shape of the upper plate 3 is configured such that the side edge of the upper plate 3 on the opening 5 side, or its surrounding area, can press down on the floor material inserted into the floor material storage section 6 from above. In other words, the upper plate 3, which is elastically deformed to widen the opening 5 when the floor material is inserted, is configured to press down on the floor material from above by the force of returning to its original position. Furthermore, the length of the upper plate 3 in the width direction (x direction) is shorter than that of the lower plate 2, and the lower plate 2 is located below the side edge of the upper plate 3 on the opening 5 side, so that the floor material can be sandwiched between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3.

[0021] The cross-sectional shape of the upper plate 3 can be an upwardly convex arc or an upwardly convex bent line. As shown in Figure 10, the position in the width direction (x direction) of the floor trim 1 is defined as the position where the height of the top plate 3 is highest in its natural state, with the end on the joint 4 side being 0% and the end on the opening 5 side being 100%. The lower limit of the position where the height of the top plate 3 is highest (P0) is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and even more preferably 40% or more. The upper limit is preferably 80% or less, more preferably 70% or less, and even more preferably 60% or less. When the upper and lower limits of the position where the height of the top plate 3 is highest (P0) are within the above range, the upward protrusion height of the top plate can be made gentler, and discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on can be reduced.

[0022] In the floor trim 1 shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional shape of the top plate 3 is formed in an upwardly convex arc shape. The cross-sectional shape of the top plate 3 is not particularly limited, and examples include a configuration in which it is formed in an upwardly convex broken line shape as shown in Figure 5, and a configuration in which a part of the upwardly convex arc shape is formed in a straight line shape as shown in Figure 6.

[0023] The upper plate 3 is provided with a preventative means 31 on the side edge region facing the opening 5 to prevent the flooring material from coming out of the flooring material storage section 6. By providing such a preventative means 31, it is possible to suppress the flooring material from coming out of the flooring material storage section 6. The configuration of the preventative means 31 is not particularly limited and only needs to be configured to suppress the flooring material from coming out. Examples of the configuration of the aforementioned prevention means include a configuration in which the upper plate 3 has a projection on the side edge region on the opening 5 side that protrudes toward the lower plate 2, as shown in Figure 1, and a configuration in which the upper plate 3 on the side edge on the opening 5 side is curved toward the lower plate 2, as shown in Figure 7, so that the side edge of the upper plate 3 contacts the flooring material. Furthermore, the configuration of the aforementioned prevention means is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 7, and any configuration that can prevent the flooring material from coming loose while the flooring material is attached to the flooring trim 1 by the upper plate 3 contacting the flooring material is acceptable.

[0024] In the floor trim 1 shown in Figure 1, the prevention means 31 is provided with a projection that protrudes toward the lower plate 2 from the side edge region on the opening 5 side of the upper plate 3. In Figure 1, the prevention means 31 is provided with one projection, but the cross-sectional shape, number, and position of the projection are not particularly limited. The height of the projection is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0025] Preferably, the vicinity of the end of the preventing means 31 on the opening side is formed so that the tip of the flooring material can be easily inserted into the opening 6. Specifically, it is preferable that the shape of the vicinity of the end of the preventing means 31 on the opening side is formed such that the distance between the lower plate 2 and the preventing means 31 in the height direction (y direction) gradually increases from the lower tip of the preventing means 31 toward the end of the preventing means 31 on the opening side. By adopting such a shape, it becomes easier to insert the tip of the flooring material into the opening 6, and the performance of the preventing means 31 in preventing the flooring material from coming loose is further improved. Examples of shapes of the end portion of the prevention means 31 on the opening side include a configuration in which the distance between the lower plate 2 and the prevention means 31 is formed in a straight line so as to gradually increase in the height direction (y direction), and a configuration in which the distance between the lower plate 2 and the prevention means 31 is formed in a curved shape so as to gradually increase in the height direction (y direction).

[0026] (joint part) The floor trim 1 has a connecting portion 4 at one end in the width direction (x direction). In the aforementioned joint 4, the side edge of the upper plate 3 is laminated on the upper side of the side edge of the lower plate 2, and the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are joined vertically. The manner in which the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are joined is not particularly limited, as long as the joint 4 has sufficient mechanical strength to prevent it from breaking when the floor trim 1 is stepped on. Note that the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are joined only by the joint 4.

[0027] Preferably, the thickness of the joint portion 4 decreases gradually or in steps from the opening 5 side toward the end of the joint portion 4 side. With this configuration, the height of the area where the flooring material (flooring trim) is placed and the height of the floor surface where the flooring material (flooring trim) is not placed change gradually or in steps. As a result, tripping over the difference in height between the floor surface and the flooring trim 1 can be prevented, and casters of chairs, trolleys, etc. can easily move from the floor surface onto the flooring trim 1.

[0028] The lower limit of the width (in the x-direction) of the joint portion 4 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 3 mm or more. The upper limit is preferably 6 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 4 mm or less. If the width of the joint portion 4 is greater than or equal to the lower limit, the mechanical strength of the joint portion 4 will be high, and if it is less than or equal to the upper limit, the joint portion 4 will be easy to cut. The upper limit of the maximum thickness (y-direction) of the joint 4 is preferably 6 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably 4 mm or less, while the lower limit is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 3 mm or more. If the maximum thickness of the joint 4 is less than or equal to the upper limit, the joint 4 will be easier to cut, and if it is greater than or equal to the lower limit, the mechanical strength of the joint 4 will be higher.

[0029] (Opening) The floor trim 1 has an opening 5 at the other end in the width direction (x direction). The lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are spaced apart in the opening 5, and the floor material can be inserted into the floor material storage section 6 through this opening 5. In the opening 5, the vertical distance between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the natural state is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed according to the thickness of the flooring material to which the floor trim 1 is applied. The natural state refers to the state in which no external force is applied to the floor trim 1 in an atmosphere of 25°C. The distance between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the opening 5 in the height direction (y direction) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or less. If the distance is within this range, it is easy to attach and detach from flooring materials of general thickness, and detachment from the flooring material can be suppressed over a long period of time. The distance between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the height direction (y direction) in the opening 5 is measured at the position with the narrowest distance.

[0030] At the end of the floor trim 1 on the side of the opening 5, it is preferable that the edge of the lower plate 2 is located further outward than the edge of the upper plate 3. This configuration makes it easier to insert the floor material into the opening 5 while it is placed on the lower plate 2, thereby improving workability. In this case, the distance in the width direction (x direction) between the edge of the lower plate 2 and the edge of the upper plate 3 at the end on the side of the opening 5 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or less, and most preferably 4 mm or less.

[0031] (Lower support section) The floor trim 1 has a lower support column 21 that protrudes in the direction of the upper plate 3 at an intermediate position between the joint 4 of the lower plate 2 and the opening 5. The presence of the lower support column 21 allows the amount of deformation of the upper plate 3 to be controlled when the floor trim 1 is stepped on and the upper plate 3 deforms downward. In other words, around the lower support column 21, the floor material inserted into the floor material storage section 6 is prevented from being stepped on, and the floor material is prevented from becoming worn out. As a result, the effect of the upper plate 3 prevention means 31 is sustained, and the floor material can be prevented from coming loose over a long period of time.

[0032] Furthermore, in its natural state, the lower support portion 21 of the floor trim 1 is separated from the upper plate 3. In other words, since the connection between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 2 is only at the connecting portion 4, when inserting the flooring material into the flooring material storage portion 6, the upper plate 3 can be deformed upward so that the opening 5 widens, making it easier to insert the flooring material. Also, when the floor trim 1 is stepped on, the upper plate 3 can be deformed downward until it comes into contact with the lower support portion 21, thus lowering the overall height of the floor trim 1 and reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet.

[0033] At the position where the lower support portion 21 is formed, the lower limit of the ratio (h1 / D) of the height (h1) of the lower support portion 21 to the distance (D) between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the natural state, assuming the lower support portion 21 does not exist, is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.20 or more, and even more preferably 0.25 or more. The upper limit is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less. If the ratio (h1 / D) is above the lower limit, the crushing of the flooring material by the upper plate 3 is further suppressed, and the amount of flooring material inserted can be easily controlled by positioning the flooring material by the lower support portion 21. If it is below the upper limit, the deformable distance of the upper plate 3 increases, and discomfort to the soles of the feet can be further reduced.

[0034] The height of the lower support column 21 is the distance in the height direction (y-direction) from the upper surface of the lower plate 2, assuming that the lower support column 21 does not exist, to the highest point of the lower support column 21. The lower limit of the height (h1) of the lower support column 21 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. If the height of the lower support column 21 is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the floor material to be inserted into the floor material storage section 6 can be positioned by the lower support column 21, and the amount of floor material inserted can be easily controlled.

[0035] Assuming the lower support column 21 does not exist, the distance (D) between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the natural state is measured by measuring the distance at the point where the distance in the height direction (y direction) is narrowest. The lower limit of the spacing (D) is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more. If the spacing (D) is less than or equal to the lower limit, it is easy to attach and detach from flooring materials of general thickness, and detachment from the flooring material is suppressed over a long period of time. The upper limit of the spacing (D) is preferably 13 mm or less, and more preferably 9 mm or less.

[0036] The lower limit of the ratio (w1 / W) of the width (w1) of the lower support portion 21 to the total width (W) of the floor trim material 1 is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, and even more preferably 0.04 or more, and the upper limit is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.20 or less, and even more preferably 0.10 or less. If the ratio (w1 / W) is above the lower limit, the mechanical strength of the lower support portion 21 will be increased and fracture of the lower support portion 21 can be suppressed, and if it is below the upper limit, the floor trim material 1 can be made lighter and easier to cut. The width (w1) of the lower support column 21 is measured by determining the width at the halfway point in the height direction (y direction) of the lower support column 21.

[0037] As shown in Figure 10, when the widthwise position of the floor trim 1 is defined as 0% at the end on the joint 4 side and 100% at the end on the opening 5 side, the widthwise center position (P1) of the lower support column 21 is preferably located at 35% to 65% of the widthwise position of the floor trim 1, more preferably at 40% to 60%, and even more preferably at 45% to 55%. The widthwise center position (P1) of the lower support column 21 is measured at half the height in the height direction (y direction) of the lower support column 21.

[0038] When the width direction (x direction) of the floor trim 1 in the total width W is set to 0% at the end on the joint 4 side and 100% at the end on the opening 5 side, the difference (P0-P1) between the position (P0) (%) where the height of the upper plate 3 is highest in its natural state and the position (P1) (%) where the width direction center of the lower support column 21 is highest is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, even more preferably 4 or more, preferably 30 or less, more preferably 15 or less, and even more preferably 8 or less. When the difference (P0-P1) is within this range, the angle from the joint 4 to the position (P0) where the height of the upper plate 3 is highest becomes gentler, which reduces discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepping on the floor trim 1 after the floor material has been installed.

[0039] In the floor trim 1 shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional shape of the lower support column 21 is a rectangle that is long in the height direction (y direction). However, the cross-sectional shape of the lower support column 21 is not particularly limited and can be any shape that can suppress the downward deformation of the upper plate 3, such as a rectangular shape, a rounded rectangular shape, a trapezoid shape, a rounded trapezoid shape, etc. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the cross-sectional shape of the lower support column 21 is rectangular and formed to have an inclination with respect to the height direction, and as shown in Figure 9, the cross-sectional shape of the lower support column 21 is rectangular and the upper end portion is formed to have a rounded shape. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, by making the angle between the side of the lower support column 21's cross-sectional shape on the opening 5 side and the lower plate 2 of the lower support column 21 on the opening 5 side approximately right angle (80° to 100°), the contact area between the side of the flooring material inserted into the flooring material storage section 6 and the side of the lower support column 21 on the opening 5 side is increased, making it easier to position the flooring material inserted into the flooring material storage section 6.

[0040] (size) The overall width (W), height (H), and length (L) of the floor trim 1 are not particularly limited and may be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the width (W) is preferably 15mm to 250mm, more preferably 20mm to 100mm, and even more preferably 23mm to 30mm. If the width (W) is within this range, it is easy to attach and detach from the flooring material, and detachment from the flooring material can be suppressed. The maximum height (H) is preferably 4mm to 15mm, and more preferably 6mm to 10mm. If the maximum height (H) is within this range, discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepping on the flooring trim 1 can be reduced. The length (L) is preferably 500mm to 2000mm. If the length (L) is within this range, it can correspond to the size of one side of a typical flooring material, and the flooring trim 1 can be attached to the flooring material without adding any extra pieces.

[0041] As shown in Figure 10, when the width direction (x direction) of the floor trim 1 is set such that the end on the joint 4 side is 0% and the end on the opening 5 side is 100%, the upper limit of the ratio (H25 / H5) of the maximum height (H5) at 5% of the width direction and the maximum height (H25) at 25% of the width direction is preferably 4 or less, more preferably 3 or less, and even more preferably 2.5 or less. If the ratio (H25 / H5) is below the upper limit, the rising angle of the upper plate 3 on the joint 4 side becomes lower, further reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepping on the floor trim 1, and allowing casters of chairs, trolleys, etc. to easily move from the floor surface onto the floor trim 1. Furthermore, the lower limit of the ratio (H25 / H5) is preferably 1 or more, and more preferably 1.5 or more. If it is below the lower limit, it is easy to attach and detach from the flooring, and detachment from the flooring can be suppressed.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cross-sectional shape in the height direction in the width direction of the floor trim 1 (the cross-sectional shape of the HW plane when the height direction is H and the width direction is W) is constant over the entire length direction (L direction). If the cross-sectional shape is constant over the entire length direction, the manufacturing of the floor trim 1 becomes easier.

[0043] (Flexible resin material) The material hardness (slab hardness) of the flexible resin material is preferably 50 or higher, more preferably 55 or higher, even more preferably 60 or higher, and preferably 98 or lower, more preferably 95 or lower, and even more preferably 90 or lower, as measured by durometer hardness (Type A). If the material hardness is 55 or higher, the floor trim will not become too soft, and the floor material can be better prevented from coming loose. If the material hardness is 95 or lower, the flexibility of the floor trim will be increased, further reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on. In addition, the floor trim will be easier to cut, and can be used, for example, in DIY (Do It Yourself) projects. The durometer hardness is measured in accordance with JIS K7215 (1986).

[0044] The tensile fracture strength of the aforementioned flexible resin material is preferably 10 MPa or more at the lower limit, more preferably 20 MPa or more, and preferably 35 MPa or less at the upper limit, more preferably 25 MPa or less. The tensile fracture elongation of the flexible resin material is preferably 200% or more at the lower limit, more preferably 250% or more, even more preferably 300% or more, and preferably 500% or less at the upper limit, more preferably 400% or less, and even more preferably 350% or less. If the tensile breaking strength and tensile breaking elongation are above the lower limit, the floor trim will not become too soft, and the floor material will be less likely to come loose. If they are below the upper limit, the flexibility of the floor trim will be increased, further reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on. In addition, the floor trim will be easier to cut, making it usable for DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, for example. The tensile breaking strength and tensile breaking elongation will be measured in accordance with JIS K 6723 (1995).

[0045] The flexible resin material constituting the floor trim 1 only needs to be flexible, and the resin components it contains are not particularly limited. The material for the floor trim 1 consists of a resin component and, if necessary, fillers and plasticizers. Here, the resin component refers to the resin excluding fillers, plasticizers, etc., and when composed of two or more types of resin, the component with the highest content among the resins is called the main component resin. For example, the amount of the main component resin is more than 50% by mass, preferably 70% by mass or more, and more preferably 80% by mass or more, when the total amount of resin components constituting the floor trim 1 is considered to be 100% by mass. The upper limit of the amount of the main component resin is 100% by mass.

[0046] The content of the resin component in the flexible resin material is preferably 30% by mass or more, more preferably 40% by mass or more, preferably 90% by mass or less, and more preferably 70% by mass or less. The resin component may be used alone or two or more may be used in combination. Examples of the resin component include various synthetic resins such as vinyl chloride resin, vinyl acetate resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ABS (acrylnitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer) resin, polyolefin resin, polyurethane resin, amide resin, ester resin, ethylene-methacrylate resin, and other acrylic resins, as well as various elastomers such as styrene elastomers and rubber.

[0047] Examples of vinyl chloride resins include vinyl chloride resin (homopolymer), vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer, and other copolymers containing vinyl chloride as a copolymer component. Examples of polyolefin resins include polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin. In particular, vinyl chloride resin is preferred as the main component resin because it has excellent flexibility and durability, as well as excellent processability. The above synthetic resin may be non-foamed or foamed.

[0048] When a vinyl chloride resin is used as the resin component, the content of the vinyl chloride resin in the resin component is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more. It is also preferable to use only a vinyl chloride resin as the resin component.

[0049] The flexible resin material preferably contains a plasticizer. The plasticizer may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The plasticizer is not particularly limited and includes dioctyl phthalate (DOP), diheptyl phthalate (DHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP), trioctyl phosphate (TOP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), dioctyl terephthalate (DOTP), dioctyl isophthalate (DOIP), diisononylcyclohexyl phthalate (DINCH), and the like.

[0050] The plasticizer content in the flexible resin material can be adjusted as appropriate according to the desired material hardness. The lower limit of the plasticizer content in the flexible resin material is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, and the upper limit is preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less. If the plasticizer content is above the lower limit, the flexibility of the floor trim increases, and discomfort to the soles of the feet when stepped on is further reduced. If the plasticizer content is below the upper limit, the floor trim does not become too soft, preventing the floor material from coming loose, and suppressing plasticizer bleeding.

[0051] The flexible resin material may contain a filler as needed. The filler may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. Inorganic fillers are preferred as the filler. Examples of inorganic fillers include oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, chlorides, silicates, etc. of inorganic or metallic elements. Specifically, examples include calcium oxide, barium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, clay, talc, mica, calcium carbonate, silica sand, aluminum hydroxide, calcium silicate, etc. The calcium carbonate may be either heavy calcium carbonate or light calcium carbonate. Among these, calcium carbonate is preferably used as an inorganic filler from the viewpoint of processability and cost.

[0052] The filler can usually be used in powder form, and its volume-average particle size can be appropriately set within a range of approximately 1 μm to 300 μm.

[0053] The content of the filler in the flexible resin material may be adjusted as appropriate according to the desired material hardness. When a filler is added, the content of the filler in the flexible resin material is preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 10% by mass or more, preferably 80% by mass or less, and more preferably 60% by mass or less.

[0054] The aforementioned flexible resin material may contain other additives in addition to the resin components, plasticizers, and fillers. Examples of other additives include stabilizers, processing aids, fungicides, flame retardants, antioxidants, and colorants. If these additives are inorganic compounds, their content shall also be included in the content of the fillers.

[0055] (Manufacturing method) The floor trim 1 can be obtained, for example, by extruding the flexible resin material. By extruding, the lower plate 2 and upper plate 3 joined at the joint 4 can be integrally molded. Since the extruded product is usually very long, the floor trim 1 can be obtained by cutting it to an appropriate size. Alternatively, after extruding, a coating layer may be formed on the surface of the floor trim 1 by a coating treatment. By forming a coating layer, the floor trim 1 can be given properties such as hydrophilicity, water repellency, stain resistance, and abrasion resistance.

[0056] (Application) Figures 11 and 12 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the usage of the floor trim material of the present invention.

[0057] Examples of flooring materials to which the aforementioned flooring trim can be applied include resin flooring materials that do not have fibrous materials such as pile or fabric on their surface, flooring materials that have pile on their surface, and flooring materials that have woven or nonwoven fabrics attached to their surface. Examples of resin flooring materials that do not have fibrous materials on their surface include composition vinyl floor tiles, multi-layer vinyl floor tiles, and floor sheets. Examples of flooring materials that have pile on their surface include carpet tiles and carpets. Among these, the flooring trim of the present invention can be suitably used with flooring materials that have pile on their surface, and is particularly suitably used with carpet tiles. The thickness of the flooring material is not particularly limited, but is usually between 1 mm and 10 mm.

[0058] Figure 11 shows the floor trim 1 attached to the flooring 10. The flooring 10 has piles 12 on the surface of the base material 11. The floor trim 1 has a floor material storage section 6 formed between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 into which the floor material is inserted. As shown in Figure 11, the floor trim 1 can be attached to the periphery of the floor material 10 by inserting the floor material 10 into the floor material storage section 6 through the opening 5. At this time, the floor material 10 is positioned so that its tip abuts against the lower support section 21, and the amount of insertion of the floor material 10 is constant. The floor trim 1 can be removed from the floor material 10 by pulling out the floor material 10 that has been inserted into the floor material storage section 6. Therefore, the floor trim 1 of the present invention can be easily attached to and detached from the floor material.

[0059] Furthermore, when the flooring material 10 is inserted into the flooring material storage section 6, the side edge of the upper plate 3 on the side of the opening 5 or its surrounding area presses down on the flooring material 10 inserted into the flooring material storage section 6 from above, and the flooring material 10 is sandwiched between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3. In addition, the prevention means (projection) 31 provided on the side edge region of the upper plate 3 on the side of the opening 5 acts to catch on the pile 12, preventing the flooring material 10 from coming out of the flooring material storage section 6.

[0060] When the floor trim 1 is stepped on, an external force is applied in the direction of the arrow in Figure 12. In this case, under normal circumstances, the lower support column 21 provided on the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are separated, so when an external force is applied to the upper plate 3, the upper plate 3 can elastically deform toward the lower plate 2. Because the upper plate 3 can deform downward in this way, the overall height of the floor trim 1 is reduced, which can alleviate discomfort to the soles of the feet. Furthermore, at this point, the deformation of the upper plate 3 is stopped when it comes into contact with the lower support column 21, so the amount of deformation of the upper plate 3 is controlled by the lower support column 21. In other words, as shown in Figure 12, crushing of the pile 12 of the flooring material 10 is suppressed around the lower support column 21, and the deterioration of the pile 12 is suppressed. As a result, the effect of the prevention means (projection) 31 of the upper plate 3 catching on the pile 12 is sustained, and the shedding of the flooring material 10 can be suppressed over a long period of time.

[0061] [Second Embodiment] Figure 13 is a side view of the floor trim 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the floor trim 1 of Figure 13. The floor trim 1 of the second embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 14 differs from the first embodiment in that the cross-sectional shape of the lower support portion 21 is different and the upper plate 3 has an upper support portion 32. Note that the upper plate 2, upper plate 3, joint 4, opening 5, and floor material storage section 6 are the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. Also, the flexible resin material constituting the lower plate 2 and upper plate 3 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0062] As will be described later, an upper support column 32 is formed on the upper plate 3. The thickness of the upper plate 3 in the portion where the upper support column 32 is formed is the thickness as if the upper support column 32 did not exist. Therefore, the thickness of the portion of the upper plate 3 where the upper support column 32 is formed is considered to be the same as the thickness of the upper plate 3 on the rising portion 32a on the joint portion 4 side of the upper support column 32.

[0063] The floor trim 1 comprises a lower plate 2, at least a portion of which is positioned below the flooring, and an upper plate 3, at least a portion of which is positioned on top of the flooring. The lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 are joined at one side edge to form a joint 4, and their other side edges are spaced apart to form an opening 5. A flooring accommodating section 6 into which the flooring is inserted is formed between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3.

[0064] In the floor trim 1 shown in Figure 13, the cross-sectional shape of the lower plate 2 around the opening 5 is formed in a straight line such that the thickness gradually decreases from the rising portion 21b on the opening 5 side of the lower support portion 21 toward the opening 5. However, the cross-sectional shape of the lower plate 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the lower plate 2 may be formed in a curved shape such that the thickness gradually decreases from the rising portion 21b on the opening 5 side of the lower support portion 21 toward the opening 5, or it may be formed so that the thickness decreases in stages from the rising portion 21b on the opening 5 side of the lower support portion 21 toward the joint portion 4.

[0065] In the floor trim 1 shown in Figure 13, the cross-sectional shape of the top plate 3 is formed in an upwardly convex arc shape. However, the shape of the top plate 3 is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the top plate 3 may be, for example, formed in an upwardly convex broken line shape, or in a shape in which a part of the upwardly convex arc is formed in a straight line shape, etc.

[0066] (Lower support section, upper support section) The floor trim 1 has a lower support column 21 that protrudes in the direction of the upper plate 3 at an intermediate position between the joint 4 of the lower plate 2 and the opening 5. Furthermore, in the floor trim material 1 of the second embodiment, the upper plate 3 has an upper support portion 32 that protrudes in the direction of the lower plate 2 above the lower support portion 21.

[0067] The presence of the lower support portion 21 and the upper support portion 32 allows the amount of deformation of the upper plate 3 to be controlled by the contact between the lower support portion 21 and the upper support portion 32 when the floor trim 1 is stepped on and the upper plate 3 deforms downward. In other words, around the lower support portion 21, the floor material inserted into the floor material storage portion 6 is prevented from being stepped on and the floor material is prevented from becoming worn out. As a result, the effect of the upper plate 3 prevention means 31 is sustained, and the floor material can be prevented from coming loose over a long period of time.

[0068] Furthermore, in its natural state, the lower support portion 21 and the upper support portion 32 of the floor trim 1 are separated. In other words, since the connection between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 2 is only at the connecting portion 4, when inserting the flooring material into the flooring material storage portion 6, the upper plate 3 can be deformed upward so that the opening 5 widens, making it easier to insert the flooring material. Also, when the floor trim 1 is stepped on, the upper plate 3 can be deformed downward until the lower support portion 21 and the upper support portion 32 come into contact, thus lowering the overall height of the floor trim 1 and reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet.

[0069] In the position where the lower support portion 21 is formed, assuming that the lower support portion 21 and the upper support portion 32 do not exist, the lower limit of the ratio ((h1+h2) / D) of the sum of the heights of the lower support portion 21 (h1) and the upper support portion 32 (h2) to the distance (D) between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the natural state, is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.20 or more, and even more preferably 0.25 or more. The upper limit is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.7 or less. If the ratio ((h1+h2) / D) is greater than or equal to the lower limit, the crushing of the flooring material by the upper plate 3 is further suppressed, and if it is less than or equal to the upper limit, the deformable distance of the upper plate 3 increases, further reducing discomfort to the soles of the feet.

[0070] The height of the lower support column 21 is the distance in the height direction (y-direction) from the upper surface of the lower plate 2, assuming that the lower support column 21 does not exist, to the highest point of the lower support column 21. The lower limit of the height (h1) of the lower support column 21 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or more. If the height of the lower support column 21 is equal to or greater than the lower limit, the floor material to be inserted into the floor material storage section 6 can be positioned by the lower support column 21, and the amount of floor material inserted can be easily controlled.

[0071] The height of the upper support column 32 is the distance in the height direction (y-direction) from the lower surface of the upper plate 3, assuming the upper support column 32 does not exist, to the lowest position of the upper support column 32. The lower limit of the height of the upper support column 32 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more. The upper limit of the height of the upper support column 32 can be appropriately adjusted according to the height of the lower support column 21 and the desired ratio ((h1+h2) / D).

[0072] Assuming the lower support column 21 does not exist, the distance (D) between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 in the natural state is measured by measuring the distance at the point where the distance in the height direction (y direction) is narrowest. The lower limit of the spacing (D) is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more. If the spacing (D) is less than or equal to the lower limit, it is easy to attach and detach from flooring materials of general thickness, and detachment from the flooring material is suppressed over a long period of time. The upper limit of the spacing (D) is preferably 13 mm or less, and more preferably 9 mm or less.

[0073] The lower limit of the ratio (w1 / W) of the width (w1) of the lower support portion 21 to the total width (W) of the floor trim material 1 is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, and even more preferably 0.04 or more, while the upper limit is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.20 or less, and even more preferably 0.10 or less. If the ratio (w1 / W) is above the lower limit, the mechanical strength of the lower support portion 21 will be increased, and the fracture of the lower support portion 21 can be suppressed. If it is below the upper limit, the floor trim material 1 can be made lighter and easier to cut. The width (w1) of the lower support column 21 is measured by determining the width at the halfway point in the height direction (y direction) of the lower support column 21.

[0074] The lower limit of the ratio (w2 / W) of the width (w2) of the upper support portion 32 to the total width (W) of the floor trim material 1 is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, and even more preferably 0.04 or more, and the upper limit is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.20 or less, and even more preferably 0.10 or less. If the ratio (w2 / W) is above the lower limit, the mechanical strength of the upper support portion 32 will be increased and fracture of the upper support portion 32 can be suppressed, and if it is below the upper limit, the floor trim material 1 can be made lighter and easier to cut. The width (w2) of the upper support column 32 is measured by determining the width at the halfway point in the height direction (y direction) of the upper support column 32.

[0075] The ratio (w2 / w1) of the width (w1) of the lower support portion 21 to the width (w2) of the upper support portion 32 is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0.7 or more, even more preferably 0.9 or more, preferably 2 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, and even more preferably 1.1 or less.

[0076] As shown in Figure 15, when the width direction position of the floor trim 1 is defined as 0% at the end on the joint 4 side and 100% at the end on the opening 5 side, the width direction center position (P1) of the lower support column 21 is preferably located at 35% to 65% of the width direction of the floor trim 1, more preferably at 40% to 60%, and even more preferably at 45% to 55%. The width direction center position (P1) of the lower support column 21 is measured at half the height in the height direction (y direction) of the lower support column 21.

[0077] The upper support column 32 is formed above the lower support column 21, at a position where it contacts the lower support column 21 when the upper plate 3 is deformed downward. As shown in Figure 15, when the width direction position of the floor trim 1 is defined as 0% at the end on the joint 4 side and 100% at the end on the opening 5 side, the width direction center position (P2) of the upper support column 32 is preferably located at 35% to 65% of the width direction of the floor trim 1, more preferably at 40% to 60%, and even more preferably at 45% to 55%. The width direction center position (P2) of the upper support column 32 is measured at half the height in the height direction (y direction) of the upper support column 32.

[0078] When the widthwise position of the floor trim 1 is set to 0% at the end on the joint 4 side and 100% at the end on the opening 5 side, the difference (P1-P2) between the widthwise center position (P1) (%) of the lower support column 21 and the widthwise center position (P2) (%) of the upper support column 32 is preferably -10% or more, more preferably -5% or more, even more preferably -3% or more, preferably 10% or less, more preferably 5% or less, and even more preferably 3% or less.

[0079] (size) The overall width (W), height (H), and length (L) of the floor trim 1 are not particularly limited and may be adjusted as appropriate. The preferred range for the overall width (W), height (H), and length (L) of the floor trim 1 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0080] (Application) Figures 16 and 17 are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the usage of the floor trim material of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 16 shows the floor trim 1 attached to the flooring 10. The flooring 10 has piles 12 on the surface of the base material 11. The floor trim 1 has a floor material storage section 6 formed between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 into which the floor material is inserted. As shown in Figure 16, the floor trim 1 can be attached to the periphery of the floor material 10 by inserting the floor material 10 into the floor material storage section 6 through the opening 5. At this time, the floor material 10 is positioned so that its tip abuts against the lower support section 21, and the amount of insertion of the floor material 10 is constant. The floor trim 1 can be removed from the floor material 10 by pulling out the floor material 10 that has been inserted into the floor material storage section 6. Therefore, the floor trim 1 of the present invention can be easily attached to and detached from the floor material.

[0082] Furthermore, when the flooring material 10 is inserted into the flooring material storage section 6, the side edge of the upper plate 3 on the side of the opening 5 or its surrounding area presses down on the flooring material 10 inserted into the flooring material storage section 6 from above, and the flooring material 10 is sandwiched between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3. In addition, the prevention means (projection) 31 provided on the side edge region of the upper plate 3 on the side of the opening 5 acts to catch on the pile 12, preventing the flooring material 10 from coming out of the flooring material storage section 6.

[0083] When the floor trim 1 is stepped on, an external force is applied in the direction of the arrow in Figure 17. In this case, under normal circumstances, the lower support portion 21 provided on the lower plate 2 and the upper support portion 32 provided on the upper plate 3 are separated, so when an external force is applied to the upper plate 3, the upper plate 3 can elastically deform in the direction of the lower plate 2. Because the upper plate 3 can deform downward in this way, the overall height of the floor trim 1 is reduced, which can alleviate discomfort to the soles of the feet. Furthermore, in this case, the deformation of the upper plate 3 is stopped when the upper support portion 32 comes into contact with the lower support portion 21, so the amount of deformation of the upper plate 3 is controlled by the upper support portion 32 and the lower support portion 21. In other words, as shown in Figure 14, crushing of the pile 12 of the flooring material 10 is suppressed around the lower support portion 21, and the collapse of the pile 12 is suppressed. As a result, the effect of the prevention means (projection portion) 31 of the upper plate 3 catching on the pile 12 is sustained, and the shedding of the flooring material 10 can be suppressed over a long period of time. [Examples]

[0084] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples, and any modifications and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are all included within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] [Evaluation Criteria] The evaluation criteria for each assessment are as follows. Each assessment was conducted by five adult men, and the most frequent assessment among the five was adopted. For the evaluation, 100mm lengths were used for the floor trim, and tile carpet (manufactured by TOLI, product name "GA100", dimensions 500mm square) was used for the flooring.

[0086] (The feeling of discomfort when stepping on it) The floor trim was attached to the flooring and placed on the floor surface. The discomfort felt when walking on the floor trim while wearing socks was then evaluated. ◎: I didn't feel any discomfort. ○: I felt a very slight discomfort, but I didn't feel any pain. △: I felt a slight discomfort, but I didn't feel any pain. ×: I felt pain in the soles of my feet.

[0087] (Positioning performance) Positioning performance was evaluated based on whether the flooring material could be positioned so that the edge of the flooring material and the flooring trim were parallel when attaching the flooring trim to the flooring material, by bringing the edge of the flooring material into contact with the lower support column of the flooring trim. ◎: Even when the flooring material was firmly inserted into the flooring trim, the end of the flooring material did not go over the lower support column, making it easy to position the flooring material. ○: The edges of the flooring material did not cross over the lower support columns, allowing for accurate positioning of the flooring material. △: The positioning of the flooring material could be adjusted by controlling the force with which the flooring material was inserted into the flooring trim. However, if too much force was applied to insert the flooring material into the flooring trim, the edge of the flooring material would sometimes go over the lower support column. ×: The edges of the flooring material easily went over the lower support columns, making positioning difficult.

[0088] (Ease of detaching from flooring) With the floor trim attached to the flooring, the opposite side of the floor trim was held in the hand so that the trim was facing downwards. Then, the flooring was vigorously shaken for 30 seconds in the thickness direction of the flooring to evaluate whether or not the floor trim detached from the flooring. ○: The trim piece for the flooring did not move or come off relative to the flooring. △: The floor trim moved slightly when shaken, but it did not come off the flooring. ×: The trim piece for the flooring has come off the flooring.

[0089] (Ease of installation) We evaluated the ease of installation when attaching floor trim to flooring materials. ○: It was easy to attach to the flooring. △: By adjusting the force with which the flooring material is inserted into the flooring trim, it was possible to install it without any problems. ×: Even after adjusting the force applied to insert the flooring material into the flooring trim, installation was difficult.

[0090] [Floor trim pieces No. 1-14 of the first embodiment] (No.1) A flexible resin material (material hardness: durometer hardness (type A) 92) was prepared by thoroughly melting and kneading 100 parts by mass of polyvinyl chloride resin, 20 parts by mass of filler (calcium carbonate), 30 parts by mass of plasticizer (diisononyl phthalate (DINP)), 1 part by mass of stabilizer, and 2 parts by mass of pigment. This flexible resin material was then extruded using a single-screw extruder to produce floor trim No. 1 having the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 1.

[0091] Floor trim No. 1 has a lower plate 2 and an upper plate 3. The lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 have one side edge joined to form a joint 4, and the other side edges are spaced apart to form an opening 5. A floor material storage section 6 into which floor material is inserted is formed between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3. The lower plate 2 has a lower support column 21 that protrudes toward the upper plate 3 at an intermediate position between the joint 4 and the opening 5. The dimensions of floor trim No. 1 are shown in Table 1.

[0092] (No.2~4) Except for changing the height of the lower support column as shown in Table 1, floor trim pieces No. 2 to 4 were manufactured in the same manner as floor trim piece No. 1.

[0093] (No. 5~9) Except for changing the position of the lower support column (P1) as shown in Table 2, floor trim pieces No. 5 to 9 were manufactured in the same manner as floor trim piece No. 1.

[0094] (No. 10~14) Except for changing the proportions of fillers and plasticizers in the flexible resin material and altering the material hardness as shown in Table 3, floor trim materials No. 10 to 14 were manufactured in the same manner as floor trim material No. 1.

[0095] The evaluation results for each type of floor trim are shown in Tables 1-3.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] [Table 2]

[0098] [Table 3]

[0099] In floor trim pieces No. 1-3 and 5-14, the lower support section is separated from the upper board in its natural state, allowing the upper board to deform downwards when stepped on, thus reducing the feeling of discomfort. In contrast, with floor trim material No. 4, the lower support section is not separated from the upper board in its natural state, so when stepped on, the part of the upper board where the lower support section is formed cannot deform downwards, causing pain on the soles of the feet.

[0100] Furthermore, with floor trim pieces No. 1 to 4, when the flooring material was inserted into the flooring material storage section, the amount of insertion of the flooring material could be controlled and positioning could be adjusted by ensuring that the tip of the flooring material abutted against the lower support column. In particular, with floor trim pieces No. 2 to 4, the tip of the flooring material did not go over the lower support column, resulting in superior positioning performance. Floor trim pieces No. 5-9 all deformed downwards when stepped on, reducing any discomfort. However, with floor trim pieces No. 8 and 9, a slight discomfort was felt when stepped on at the lower support section of the top board, but no pain was experienced.

[0101] Floor trim pieces No. 10-14 all have high flexibility in the top plate, making it easy to widen the opening and insert the flooring material. In addition, floor trim pieces No. 10-14 have increased hardness, making it easier to maintain the linearity in the length direction of the floor trim piece, thus making it easier to control the amount of flooring material inserted.

[0102] [Floor trim pieces No. 15-18 of the second embodiment] (No. 15) Using the same flexible resin material as used for floor trim No. 1, floor trim No. 15 was manufactured by extruding it with a single-screw extruder, resulting in the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 13. Floor trim No. 15 has a lower plate 2 and an upper plate 3. The lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3 have one side edge joined to form a joint 4, and the other side edges are spaced apart to form an opening 5. A floor material storage section 6 into which floor material is inserted is formed between the lower plate 2 and the upper plate 3. The lower plate 2 has a lower support column 21 projecting toward the upper plate 3 at an intermediate position between the joint 4 and the opening 5, and the upper plate 3 has an upper support column 32 projecting toward the lower plate 2 above the lower support column 21. The dimensions of floor trim No. 15 are shown in Table 4.

[0103] (No. 16~18) Except for changing the height (h1) of the lower support column as shown in Table 4, floor trim pieces No. 16 to 18 were manufactured in the same manner as floor trim piece No. 15.

[0104] Table 4 shows the evaluation results for each type of floor trim material.

[0105] [Table 4]

[0106] In floor trim materials No. 15-17, the lower support section is separated from the upper support section in its natural state, allowing the upper board to deform downwards when stepped on, thus reducing the feeling of discomfort. In contrast, with floor trim No. 18, the lower support section is not separated from the upper support section in its natural state. Therefore, when stepped on, the part of the upper board where the lower support section is formed cannot deform downwards, causing pain to the soles of the feet. Furthermore, with floor trim pieces No. 15 to 18, when the floor material is inserted into the floor material storage section, the amount of insertion of the floor material can be controlled and positioning can be performed by ensuring that the tip of the floor material abuts against the lower support column. [Industrial applicability]

[0107] The floor trim material of the present invention can be used as a trim material for floor materials such as carpet tiles. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1: Trim material for flooring, 2: Bottom board, 21: Lower support column, 3: Top board, 31: Prevention means, 4: Joint, 5: Opening, 6: Flooring storage section

Claims

1. A floor trim having a bottom plate that is positioned below the flooring and a top plate that is positioned above the flooring, The lower plate and the upper plate are made of a flexible resin material. The lower plate and the upper plate are joined at one side edge to form a joint, and the other side edges are spaced apart to form an opening, and a floor material storage section is formed between the lower plate and the upper plate into which floor material is inserted. The upper plate is provided with a preventative means in the side edge region on the opening side to prevent the floor material from coming out of the floor material storage section. The lower plate has a lower support portion that protrudes toward the upper plate at an intermediate position between the joint and the opening, and in its natural state, the lower support portion is spaced apart from the upper plate, characterized in that it is a floor trim material.

2. The floor trim according to claim 1, wherein, when the width direction of the floor trim is defined as 0% at the end on the joint side and 100% at the end on the opening side, the width direction center of the lower support column is located at 35% to 65% of the width direction of the floor trim.

3. The floor trim material according to claim 1, wherein, at the position where the lower support portion is formed, the ratio (h1 / D) of the height of the lower support portion to the distance (D) between the lower board and the upper board in the natural state, assuming the lower support portion does not exist, is 0.15 to 0.

9.

4. The upper plate has an upper support portion that protrudes in the direction of the lower plate above the lower support portion. The floor trim material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, at the position where the lower support portion is formed, the ratio of the sum of the heights of the lower support portion (h1) and the upper support portion (h2) ((h1 + h2) / D) to the distance (D) between the lower board and the upper board in the natural state, assuming that the lower support portion and the upper support portion do not exist, is 0.15 to 0.9.

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