Flooring capping device and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The disclosure is directed towards a flooring capping device and methods of use thereof. A flooring capping device may be configured to receive an end of flooring during installation of flooring. Such device may be used in environments requiring heightened sanitation, such as hospitals. A flooring capping device includes a selected thickness and material. A flooring capping device is capable of having one or more portions manually removed through use of a hand-operated tool.

Description

FLOORING CAPPING DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 688,404, filed August 29, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods of use of cap covers installed on flooring.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Flooring installations in some environments, such as hospitals and clinics, require specific installation measures to ensure that they are sanitary and easy to clean. One such measure is the use of a cove cap, which is installed at a piece of the flooring’s edge in such environments. Traditionally, cove caps have been cut (e.g., miter saws) in full to have the cove caps covering wall comers, especially those external comers (i.e., corners that stick outward), at corners along a wall. Making cove cap corners by using miter saws creates sharp edges at corners. Since cove caps may extend to around ankle height in, e.g., a hospital, sharp corners created by traditional methods may cut an individual’s ankle, leg, and / or pants if said individual brushes against the sharp corner.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device to address the issues described above, while still maintaining the necessary sanitary requirements.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary provides examples, is not restrictive, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.SGR / 80852516.2

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device. Such device receives ends of flooring during flooring installation. A flooring capping device is capable of having one or more portions removed by a manually operated tool. Such a tool may be a hand-held punch. The flooring capping device is configured to have portions removed to enable the capping device to be folded without creating sharp protruding edges.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a body of a flooring capping device. The body includes a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposing the first surface. The body is thicker at the first end and thinner at the second end.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a protrusion that extends away from the first surface or the second surface of the body. Tape may be disposed below the protrusion to assist in installation of flooring capping devices.

[0009] The present disclosure relates to an overhang. An overhang extends away from the remaining surface of the body from which the protrusion does not extend. The overhang includes a first portion that extends perpendicularly away from the body of the flooring capping device. A second portion extends perpendicularly away from the first portion to form an overhang channel.

[0010] The end of the second portion of the overhang may be a quarter of a circle. The overhang channel includes a thickness. As a non-limiting example, the thickness of the overhang channel may range from about 0.025 inches up to about 0.225 inches. The thickness may correspond to flooring being received by a flooring capping device.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to an installation notch. Such an installation notch may be configured to receive a fastening device, such as a screw, nail, bolt, and the like. An installation notch is capable of being disposed halfway along a height of the body of the flooring capping device.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to a material of a flooring capping device. Such material may be a metal including but not limited to aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, iron, ferrous alloys, steel, steel alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, various vinyl materials, polymers, thermoplastic polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC-rubber blends, and the like. The material may be aluminum or an aluminum alloy. An aluminum alloy may be a 6060 series aluminum alloy. In examples where a material is a metal, the metal may be selectively tempered. Tempering may be performed selectively to provide a flooring capping device with the ability to bend. Such bending can be performed without fracturing, snapping, or otherwise breaking theflooring capping device as supported by selective tempering. As a non-limiting example, a metal may include a T5 temper level.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity. All characteristics and dimensions displayed in the following figures, such as lengths, thicknesses, and the like, are intended as examples only and do not limit the possible characteristics and dimensions of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1 displays a left side profile view of a floor capping device according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 displays a left side, detailed profile view of a floor capping device according to the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGs. 3a and 3b (collectively FIG. 3) display cuts made to the floor capping device to create an external corner according to the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 displays an external corner created by a traditional floor capping device according to the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5a and 5b (collectively FIG. 5) display cuts made to the floor capping device to create an internal corner according to the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 displays an internal corner created by a traditional floor capping device.

[0020] FIG. 7 displays a left side provide view of a floor capping device according to the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 displays a floor capping device installed with flooring according to the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 displays a back plane view of the floor capping device according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] It should be appreciated that this disclosure is not limited to the devices and components described herein. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purposeof describing certain embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Any devices and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications mentioned are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0025] The use of the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar referents in the context of describing the presently claimed invention (especially in the context of the claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0026] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0027] Use of the term "about" is intended to describe values either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 15%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 10%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 5%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 2%; in other embodiments the values may range in value either above or below the stated value in a range of approx. + / - 1%. The preceding ranges are intended to be made clear by context, and no further limitation is implied. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The term “exemplary” as used herein refers to an aspect, embodiment, feature, or the like that is intended to serve as an example of a particular aspect, embodiment, feature, or the like of the present disclosure. “Exemplary,” as used herein is not intended to limit the disclosure in any way. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0028] As used herein, the term “external corner” refers to a corner formed along a wall that protrudes outwardly as to expose an edge to an individual observer. As a non-limiting example, an “external corner” may exist where two walls come together to form a convex profile.

[0029] As used herein, the term “internal comer” refers to a corner formed along a wall that extends inwardly as to form a recess along a wall. An “internal corner” may be considered the converse of an “external comer,” as used herein.

[0030] The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices and components are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices and components disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.I. Flooring Capping Devices

[0031] The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device 10. Such a device 10 is capable of being used in the flooring industry. When installing flooring in certain environments, including but not limited to sheet vinyl flooring, a portion of the flooring may terminate at a point disposed on a portion of a wall. The termination of flooring against a portion of a wall may create an interface between the flooring and the portion of the wall. This interface may include a ledge, on which dirt, dust, germs, and the like may accumulate. In certain environments, including but not limited to a hospital, a doctor’s office, a clinic, an outpatient surgery center, a school, and any environment where sanitary conditions are needed, it is desirable to address the flooring-wall interface to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, germs, and the like on such an interface. The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device 10 that is capable of being coupled to a portion of flooring and its termination point with a wall / vertical barrier in order to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, germs, and the like on a ledge of the flooring, on a portion of a wall, in between flooring and a wall / vertical barrier, any combinations thereof, and the like. By preventing such buildup, the flooring capping device 10 enhances the sanitary nature of a given environment and decreases the likelihood of illness, infection, sickness, and the like.

[0032] The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device 10 that enhances one or more aesthetic qualities of an environment. When installing flooring in an environment, it may be necessary to cut the flooring to fit the dimensions of the environment. This may produce a jagged or otherwise non-smooth, cut edge. A flooring capping device 10 improves the aesthetic quality of an installed flooring portion that contains a non-smooth, cut edge. A flooring capping device 10 receives the non-smooth, cut edge in a manner that hides aesthetic imperfections from an observer, as further described herein.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device 10 and methods of using the same that prevent the creation of sharp comers when installing flooring at a corner of a wall. As previously discussed, traditional flooring caps may be installed at internal and external comers of walls by using a miter saw, or other similar saw device, to cut the flooring cap to conform with the shape of a corner. In most instances of the prior art, the traditional flooring caps are cut into separate pieces, and then coupled to the wall / vertical barrier to have ends meet at corners, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. This results in sharp edges once the flooring and flooring cap are installed. Sharp edges may be particularly noticeable when traditional methods are used to install flooring capping devices on external corners, as shown in FIG. 3. An individual passing by such external corner may cut themselves or their clothing if they come into contact with traditionally installed cap. An individual passing by an internal corner, as shown in FIG. 4, may similarly cut themselves or their clothing by coming into contact with the sharp comer disposed therein. The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device 10 that is capable of being installed in such a way as to avoid creating sharp corners at internal and external corners. The device 10 improves safety in an environment where a sharp comer is avoided.

[0034] The present disclosure relates to a flooring capping device 10. Such device 10 includes a body 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. The body 100 includes a first end 110, a second end 120, a first surface 130, and a second surface 140 that opposes the first surface 130. A body 100 further includes a height 150, a thickness 160, and a length 170. As shown in FIG. 1, a body 100 may be narrower at a second end 120 when compared to a first end 110. This may form a tapered side profile of a body 100. Such tapered side profile increases the ease with which one or more portions of a device 10 may be removed, such as by a hand-held punch, as further described herein. The tapered profile does this by allowing cutting, such as by a scissor or punch action, to be achieved more easily at a tapered end 120 before proceeding to a thicker portion of a device10 at the first end 110. In such examples, a thickness 160 refers to the thickest point of a body 100, such as at a first end 110, as shown in FIG. 1. In an aspect, the thickness 160 can be approximately .040 inches at the thickest point. In other aspects, the thickness can be greater, which may require a punch tool capable of applying more force to get through the thicker body 100 at the thickest point 160. The value of the height 150 and the length 170 of the body 10 (see FIG. 9) varies dependent on the needs before and after installation.

[0035] A thickness 160 of a body 100 may be intentionally selected as to allow the body 100 to be used with a selected tool. As a non-limiting example, a hand-held punch can be used to remove one or more portions of a body 100. Such hand-held punches are commercially available. Such punches include but are not limited to hand-held punches commonly used when installing flooring. As a non-limiting example, punches manufactured by Crain may be used including but not limiting to a Models 847-851, and / or 870 punch. As a non-limiting example, a Crain Model 849 punch may be used. A hand-held punch allows one or more portions of a body 100 to be removed, as shown in FIGS. 3a-b and FIGS. 5a-b such that the body can be manually reconfigured. Such re-configuration includes bending the body 100 of a device 10 in such a way as to conform the body 100 to a corner in a wall (e.g., see FIG.4 shows an external comer and FIG. 5 shows an internal corner). The hand-held punch allows the body 100 to be conformed to a corner of a wall in such a way as to not form a sharp edge that could cut an individual or an individual’s clothing.

[0036] In such an example, the thickness 160 of the body 100 may be intentionally designed so that the hand-held punch can be manually operated to remove the one or more portions of the body 100. In a particular example, the body thickness 160 can enable an installer to remove one or more portions of the body 100 while using only two hands to operate the punch. In an additional, particular example, the body thickness 160 can enable an installer to remove one or more portions of the body 100 while using only one hand to operate the punch. Although the amount of force supplied by one hand of an installer varies, the amount of force may range from about 80 pounds up to about 100 pounds, about 70 pounds up to about 110 pounds, or about 60 pounds up to about 120 pounds. The enhanced feasibility of tool operation that results from selectively designing the body 100 allows an installer to manually install a flooring capping device 10 in the field. In an example, a flooring installer could use a hand-held punch to remove one or more portions from a flooring capping device 10 in such a way as to allow the installer toconform the device 10 to a corner of a wall without forming a sharp edge at said comer. The device 10 is intentionally designed to provide a thickness 160 of a body 100 that enables the installer to manually perform such installation.

[0037] As a non-limiting example, a thickness 160 of a body 100 may also be selected to be above a first value. A thickness 160 may be desired to be above the first value so that the body 100 is capable of being manufactured. Some thicknesses 160 that are too low may cause manufacturing issues. In a non-limiting example, aluminum-based materials have extrusion difficulties below a certain thickness. In such an example, an aluminum-based material may not efficiently flow through a dye during extrusion if the thickness is too low. A thickness 160 may also be desired to be above a first value to provide a body 100 with requisite durability. For example, the first values can range between .025 to .035 inches. The durability of a body 100 may be required to manufacture, handle, transport, install, and maintain a flooring capping device 10. In such examples, a thickness 160 of a body 100 may be selected to be below a second value. The thickness 160 may be selected to be below the second value to enable a flooring installer to manually remove one or more portions of the body 100 using a hand-held punch. In an aspect, the second value can range between .045 to .055 inches. In such examples, a first value and a second value create a range of thicknesses 160 that provide a body with durability, the ability to be manufactured, and the ability to be manually punched by a hand-held punch to remove one or more portions of a body 100. Such ranges may include from about 0.025 inches up to about 0.055 inches, about 0.030 inches up to about 0.050 inches, and about 0.035 inches up to about 0.045 inches. The thickness 160 of a body 100 may also be chosen to be 0.040 inches, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] In such examples, the ability for a hand-held punch to be manually operated to remove one or more portions of a body 100 of a device 10 may correspond to the material used in the device 10. In such examples, a material may be selected to provide a desired level of durability. A material may also be selected based on an environment where a device 10 is used. In nonlimiting examples, a device 10 may be used in a sanitary environment where industrial cleaners are used. A material may be selected that is resistant to industrial cleaners, such as a material that is corrosion resistant. A material may also be selected, as described above, to not be hard to the point of being difficult to manually punch with a hand-held punch. As non-limiting examples, a device 10 may be made of aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, iron, ferrousalloys, steel, steel alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, various vinyl materials, polymers, thermoplastic polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), PVC-rubber blends, and the like. Harder materials may require thinner thicknesses 160 of a body 100. In some examples, a device 10 may be made of an aluminum or aluminum alloy. An aluminum alloy may be a 6000 series aluminum alloy, such as a 6060 series aluminum alloy. In such examples, metal materials used for devices 10 may also be selectively tempered. Tempering may be performed selectively to provide a flooring capping device with the ability to bend. Such bending can be performed without fracturing, snapping, or otherwise breaking the flooring capping device as supported by selective tempering. By combining a selected material with a selected temper and a selected thickness 160, a device 10 can be made that is durable enough for use in flooring or other applicable industries while also being capable of being manually hand punched. As a non-limiting example, a T5 temper may be selected. As a non-limiting example, a 6060 aluminum alloy with a T5 temper may be used. In additional non-limiting examples, tempers up to T5 may be selected. As discussed, when changing temper, thickness 160, material, or both may be changed to provide the device 10 with the requisite durability, malleability, and punchability.

[0039] The present disclosure relates to an installation guide 200, as shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 7. An installation guide 200 provides a guide to an installer when installing a flooring capping device 10. An installation guide 200 may be disposed along a dimension of a body 100. In a nonlimiting example, an installation guide 200 may be disposed along a height of a body 100. In addition, multiple installation guides 200 can be located along the length of the body 100 at an approximately the same height. In such aspects, the installation guides 200 are spaced approximately uniformly from one another along the length of the body 100.

[0040] In a further, non-limiting example, an installation guide 200 may be disposed at a position that is halfway between a first end 110 and a second end 120 of a body 100 on the second surface 140, as shown in FIG. 1. In other aspects, the installation guide 200 may be located in a lower portion closer to the second end 120 of the body 100, as shown in FIG. 8. In such aspects, the installation guide 200 can be spaced approximately % in (6.5mm) above the second end 120. However, in such instances, precision is not critical, and the sizing and spacing of the installation guide can be flexible. In such examples, an installer may dispose a flooring capping device 10 against a wall. The installer may then fasten the device 10 to the wall by inserting a fastening device through the installation guide 200. As a non-limiting example, aninstaller may insert a nail, screw, staple, or any other fastening device through the installation guide 200 on the second surface 140 to fix the device 10 to the wall. Doing so may allow for easier installation of the device 10 although an installer is not required to use the installation guide 200 during installation.

[0041] An installation guide 200 may be placed into the body 100 of a device 10 in several ways. As a non-limiting example, an installation guide 200 may be a slight indentation or notch on the second surface 140 along a height 150 of the body 100. In another, non-limiting example, an installation guide 200 may be a perforation, a series of apertures, or one continuous aperture extending along at least a portion of a length 170 of a body 100. In an aspect, the installation guide 200 can take the form of a punched hole 201 as shown in FIG. 8. In such aspects, the punched hole can have a diameter of approximately 3 / 32 inches (2.5mm) that is found approximately spaced.

[0042] The present disclosure relates to a protrusion 300, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. A protrusion 300 may extend from a first surface 130 of a body 100 of a device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, a protrusion 300 extends far enough away from a first surface 130 to allow for a fastener to be positioned between the first surface 130 and a wall onto which a flooring capping device 10 is being installed. As a non-limiting example, a fastener includes tape, such as industrial tape. In such an example, a portion of tape can be placed onto a first surface 130 of a body 100 directly below a protrusion 300. A flooring capping device 10, with a piece of tape joined thereto, can then be pressed against a wall. The tape, juxtaposed between the wall and device 10, allows the device 10 to remain on the wall. In a non-limiting example, the tape allows the device 10 to remain on the wall long enough for a fastening device to be inserted in an installation guide 200. In an additional, non-limiting example, the tape permanently causes the device 10 to remain on the wall without the need of additional fastening devices inserted through installation guides 200. In an additional, non-limiting example, the tape permanently causes the device 10 to remain on the wall in addition to fastening devices inserted through installation guides 200.

[0043] In such examples as described above, a protrusion 300 should not be designed to be too large. In such examples, a protrusion 300 should extend far enough away from a first surface 130 to cause the device 10 to be flush with a wall once a fastener has been applied to the first surface 130 and the device 10, with a fastener joined thereto, is pressed against a wall. A protrusion 300 should not extend so far away from a first surface 130 as to prevent the body 100 of the device10 from being adjacent the wall after installation. In such an example, a poorly designed protrusion 300 may extend so far away from a first surface 130 such that, when the protrusion 300 is flush against a wall, the body 100 of a device 10 is not in contact, or not fully in contact, with the wall.

[0044] In an aspect, the thickness of the fastener can determine the size of the protrusion, or in other words, a height / length 310 of the protrusion 300 as it extends away from the first surface 130. In an aspect, the protrusion 300 can extend approximately .005 inches from the first surface 130. In additional aspects, the protrusion 300 may extend up to about 0.025 inches from the surface 130. As non-limiting examples, fasteners to be placed below a protrusion 300 include tape. Tapes include but are not limited to double-sided tapes, industrial tapes, non-foam tapes, and the like. As a particular example, a double-sided, industrial tape containing a strong adhesive may be used to permanently join a device 10 to a wall. Such tape may negate the need for inserting fastening devices through installation guides 200 during installation, though this may still be done if so desired. Non-foam tapes may be desired to prevent further compression of the tape once a device 10 is installed. In additional, non-limiting examples, fasteners placed below a protrusion 300 include adhesives. Adhesives include but are not limited to a number of industrially known adhesives, such as Silicone, acrylic, urethane, and other adhesives that can be applied as a liquid, gel, solution, and the like before drying to adhere a device 10 to a surface.

[0045] The present disclosure relates to an overhang 400, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. An overhang 400 includes an interior surface 410 and an exterior surface 420. An interior surface 410 includes a first edge 412 and a second edge 414. An exterior surface 420 includes a first edge 422 and a second edge 424.

[0046] An overhang 400 may extend perpendicularly from a second surface 140 of a body 100 of a device 10 to form a first portion 430 of the overhang 400, as shown in FIG. 2. The overhang 400, at a point disposed away from the second surface 140, turns and extends perpendicularly from the first portion 430 of the overhang 400 to form a second portion 440 of the overhang 400, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, an overhang 400 forms an angle 450, as shown in FIG. 2. An angle 450 is determined by the angle at which a first portion 430 and a second portion 440 of an overhang 400 are disposed relative to each other. In some examples, an angle 450 may be chosen to be a 90-degree angle. A 90-degree angle allows for flush comers to be formed when a handheld punch is used to remove one or more portions of a body 100 of a device 10. Angles 450other than 90-degree angles may cause a device 10 to not come to a flush comer when bent after having one or more portions removed with a handheld punch. Non-90-degree angles 450 may be used in the event that a punch is capable of removing portions from a body 100 in a way that will allow the body 100 to form flush comers.

[0047] An overhang 400 further includes a thickness 460, as shown in FIG. 1. As discussed above in relation to the thickness 160 of the body 100 of the device 10, a thickness 460 of an overhang 400 may be selected. A thickness 460 may be selected to allow for manufacturability, durability, and the ability to remove one or more portions of an overhang 400 while manually operating a hand-held punch. In some examples, a thickness 460 of an overhang may be selected to match the thickness 160 of a body 100.

[0048] An overhang 400 may further include an overhang end 470, as shown in FIG. 2. Such end 470 may include a variety of profiles. As shown in FIG. 2, an overhang end 470 may form a quarter-circle where an interior surface 410 extends further than an exterior surface 420. The use of a quarter-circle may prevent clothes of individuals walking by a device 10 from snagging on the device 10. A wide variety of profiles are capable of being used. As non-limiting examples, a triangular, square, ovular, rectangular, or similar profile may be used. In some examples, an interior surface 410 extending further than an exterior surface 420, as shown in FIG. 2, may be desirable. In such examples, the further extension of the interior surface 410 necessitates that the interior 410 and exterior 420 surfaces be connected in a partially sloped profile, such as a quarter-circle. Such a profile may prevent dirt, dust, germs, and the like from becoming trapped on an overhang end 470 or between an overhang 400 and a portion of flooring disposed within the overhang 400.

[0049] An overhang 400 further forms an overhang channel 480 that includes a channel thickness 472, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. An overhang channel 480 is formed between a second portion 440 of an overhang 400 and a surface, such as a second surface 140, of a body 100 of a device 10. Such a channel 480 is capable of receiving the end of a portion of flooring. As previously described, a flooring capping device 10 prevents the buildup of dirt, dust, germs, and the like between flooring and a wall. By receiving the end of flooring, the overhang channel 480 prevents this buildup. An overhang 400 provides a more easily cleaned surface to remove dirt, dust, germs, and the like compared to the end of a piece of flooring, which may also create a slit or pocket between the flooring and the wall for dirt, dust, germs, and the like to reside. Theoverhang channel 480 also enhances aesthetics of installed flooring where it hides any inconsistencies in the end of a portion of flooring. As a non-limiting example, flooring may be cut to length in a manner forming inconsistent or jagged edges. The overhang channel 480 receives the end of the flooring in a manner that hides the inconsistent or jagged edges. In such examples, the second portion 440 of an overhang should extend far enough down to allow installers to hide inconsistencies in a piece of flooring, such as flooring that has been cut to length.

[0050] As non-limiting examples, the thickness 482 of an overhang channel 480 may be selected to correspond to a thickness of a flooring being installed. As shown in FIG. 1, a thickness 472 may be about 0.125 inches, although other thicknesses 482 can be selected for different flooring. As non-limiting examples, a thickness 482 may range from about 0.025 inches up to about 0.225 inches, about 0.050 inches up to about 0.200 inches, about 0.075 inches up to about 0.175 inches, or about 0.100 inches up to about 0.150 inches. In such examples, a thickness of a flooring may not occupy the full thickness 482 of an overhang channel 480. In such examples, the flooring should occupy a sufficient portion of the thickness 482 of the overhang channel 480 to not detract from the installed flooring’s aesthetics. As a non-limiting example, flooring including a thickness of about 2 mm, about 2.5 mm, and about 3 mm may be used with a device 10 as disclosed herein.

[0051] The present disclosure relates to the use of one or more flooring capping devices 10 in order to install a wide variety of flooring. As non-limiting examples, a flooring capping device can be used to install vinyl, laminate, carpet, rubber flooring, linoleum, polyolefin flooring, and any other flooring capable of bending upwards and being installed adjacent a wall.

[0052] The present disclosure relates to a variety of dimensions associated with flooring capping devices 10. FIGS. 1-2 provide example dimensions associated with an example flooring capping device 10. The dimensions displayed in FIGS. 1-2 are not intended to be limiting. Dimensions of flooring capping devices 10 can be altered to provide custom solutions for various flooring installations. As an example and as previously described, a thickness 482 of an overhang channel 480 can be increased or decreased to accommodate floorings of various thicknesses. The 0.125- inch thickness 482 displayed in FIG. 1 is non-limiting. As additional, non-limiting examples, a height 150, a thickness 160, and a length 170 of a flooring capping device 10 are not limited to the values displayed in FIG. 1.II. Methods of Installing

[0053] The present disclosure relates to methods of installing one or more flooring capping devices 10. Although example methods of installation are disclosed below, the present disclosure contemplates any methods that a worker in a relevant industry, such as the flooring or flooring installation industry, would know when installing flooring.

[0054] As a non-limiting example, a worker may first cut flooring to size for a given area. A worker may then install a portion of the flooring in the area. When installing flooring along a wall or other structure that extends vertically from a floor, a worker may use a flooring capping device 10 according to the present disclosure. A worker may first use a hand-held punch, as described herein, to conform a capping device 10 to any comers or non-flat portions of a structure, as shown in FIGS. 3a-b and 5a-b. As previously described, the use of a hand-held punch is enabled by features of the present disclosure. Using a hand-held punch removes the need to use a miter saw to conform a capping device to a comer. This avoids the creation of sharp edges that are associated with miter saw installations. In such an example, a hand-held punch can be used to create an internal or external corner (see FIGS. 4 and 6).

[0055] A hand-held punch can be used to create an external corner by first removing one or more portions from a body 100 of a device 10 as shown in FIGS. 3a-b and 4. Such portions may be triangularly shaped and may extend at least partially from a first end 110 to a second end 120 of a body 100. In some examples, the triangularly shaped portions that are removed extend fully from a first end 110 to a second end 120 of a body 100. In such examples, the tip of the triangular portion may end at the second end 120. In such examples, one, two, or three portions may be removed. In examples where more than one portion is removed, each successive portion may be removed slightly to the left or right of the previously removed portion. In such examples, a hand-held punch may also be used to remove one or more portions from an overhang 400 of a device 10. Such portions may be triangularly shaped when looking from above the first portion 430 of an overhang 400. Portions removed from an overhang 400 by a hand-held punch may be disposed within both the first portion 430 and second portion 440. Once all portions are removed from the body 100 and overhang 400 of a device 10, the device can be folded as to create an external comer, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0056] A hand-held punch can be used to create an internal comer by first removing one or more portions from a body 100 of a device 10, as shown in FIGS. 5a-b and 6. Such portions may be triangularly shaped and may not extend fully from a first end 110 to a second end 120 of a body 100. In such an example, a hand-held punch may also be used to remove one or more portions from an overhang 400 of a device 10. Such portions may be triangularly shaped when looking from above the first portion 430 of an overhang 400. Portions removed from an overhang 400 by a hand-held punch may be disposed within both the first portion 430 and second portion 440. Once all portions are removed from the body 100 and overhang 400 of a device 10, the device can be folded as to create an internal comer.

[0057] In such examples, a worker may then join a fastener, such as a two-sided industrial tape or an adhesive, below a protrusion 300 of a device 10. The worker may then join the device 10, through the tape placed below a protrusion 300, to a wall. A worker may also choose to insert fastening devices, such as screws, through one or more installation guides 200 to assist in joining a device 10 to a wall. In such examples, a worker may then insert the end of flooring into an overhang channel 470 in order to prevent buildup of dirt, dust, germs, and the like. This also improves the aesthetics of any jagged edges of the flooring. As an example, FIG. 8 illustrates a finished installation of a cove capping device 10. As shown, the cove capping device 10 can be fixed to a wall 40 with tape 20 with the flooring 20 installed under the overhang channel 470. In some instances, an installer can also install a cove stick support 60 to provide support for the flooring 20 when traversing the intersection of the wall 40 and the substrate 50 on which the flooring 20 rests.

[0058] The above example is not limiting. The steps provided can be combined in any number of ways desired by a worker. As a non-limiting example, a worker could insert an end of flooring into an overhang channel 470 before joining a device 10 to a wall, such as by tape or a fastening device inserted through an installation guide 200. A worker could also omit or add steps to the above example installation method. As a non-limiting example, a worker could choose to either insert a fastening device through an installation notch 200 or use tape below a protrusion 300 without using both steps.

[0059] Although several aspects have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects will come to mind to which this disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in theforegoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of any claims that can recite the disclosed subject matter.

[0060] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which comprise one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, can be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described aspect(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

Claims:

1. A flooring capping device configured to receive ends of flooring during flooring installation, the flooring capping device comprising: a. a body, wherein the body comprises a first end, a second end opposing the first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposing the first surface; b. a protrusion, wherein the protrusion extends away from the first surface or the second surface of the body; and c. an overhang, wherein the overhang extends away from a remaining surface of the body from which the protrusion does not extend.

2. The flooring capping device of claim 1, wherein the body is thicker at the first end and thinner at the second end.

3. The flooring capping device of claim 1, wherein the flooring capping device is configured for having one or more portions of the flooring capping device removed by a manually operated tool.

4. The flooring capping device of claim 1, wherein the overhang comprises two portions, wherein a first portion extends perpendicularly away from the body of the flooring capping device, and wherein a second portion extends perpendicularly away from the first portion to form an overhang channel.

5. The flooring capping device of claim 4, wherein the second portion of the overhang comprises an end, and wherein the end comprises a quarter of a circle.

6. The flooring capping device of claim 4, wherein the overhang channel comprises a thickness.

7. The flooring capping device of claim 6, wherein the thickness of the overhang channel ranges from about 0.025 inches up to about 0.225 inches.

8. The flooring capping device of claim 1, wherein the flooring capping device further comprises a guide.

9. The flooring capping device of claim 8, wherein the guide is disposed halfway along a height of the body of the flooring capping device.

10. The flooring capping device of claim 8, wherein the guide is disposed closer to the second end of the body than halfway along a height of the body.

11. The flooring capping device of claim 8, wherein the guide is a hole.

12. The flooring capping device of claim 8, wherein the guide comprises a plurality of guides along a length of the body of the flooring capping device.

13. The flooring capping device of claim 1, wherein the flooring capping device comprises a material, and wherein the material is a metal.

14. The flooring capping device of claim 13, wherein the metal is selected from a group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloys, copper, copper alloys, iron, ferrous alloys, steel, steel alloys, nickel, and nickel alloys.

15. The flooring capping device of claim 1, wherein the flooring capping device comprises a material selected from a group consisting of vinyl materials, polymers, thermoplastic polymers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and PVC-rubber blends.

16. The flooring capping device of claim 13, wherein the metal is aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

17. The flooring capping device of claim 13, wherein the metal is a 6060 aluminum alloy.

18. The flooring capping device of claim 13, wherein the metal comprises a selected temper level.

19. The flooring capping device of claim 18, wherein the selected temper level is up to a T5 temper.

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