GB2412383A

GB2412383A - Tile edging strip with removable facia

Info

Publication number: GB2412383A
Application number: GB0406448A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Thomas Mulgrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-23
Filing date: 2004-03-23
Publication date: 2005-09-28
Also published as: GB0406448D0

Abstract

An edging strip comprises at least one flange (11, 11') for location between a surface and a tile secured to that surface and means (13) for attaching a facia (14) to at least part of the length of the flange. Preferably the strip comprises at least one tile abutting edge (12) associated with each flange. The strip may have a single flange for use on a flat surface or, two flanges for use at an internal or external corner (see Figure 10 also).

Description

EDGING STRIP

DESCRIPTION

This invention relates to an edging strip for use with tiled surfaces, especially, but not exclusively, to the provision of strips which can be used upon an end row of tiles, a tiled corner or two rows of tiles.

Edging strips having a flange and an integral facie are well-known in the art. Typically, such edging strips are arranged to be adhered to a surface prior to having tiles placed upon them in abutting relationship therewith.

Typical prior art edging strips do not provide a

consumer with a great deal of choice. Once a colour, texture or material of manufacture has been chosen for the strip and used, it cannot subsequently be interchanged with another. That is to say, that a consumer cannot change the facie of the edging strip once the strip is in si to without having to re-tile.

Furthermore, if the desired facie is, say, textured aluminium, the whole strip, namely, both the facie and the flange, would have to be made from aluminium. This greatly increases the cost of such edging strips and makes them less easy to use for certain materials.

Thus, there is a need for edging strips which provide, in addition to their usual functionality, more choice, variety of products and interchangeability to a consumer and, at the same time, provide such choice at a low cost.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides an edging strip comprising a flange, for location between a surface and a tile secured to that surface, and a means extending along at least part of the length of the flange and arranged to receive an elongate facie.

Preferably, the edging strip also comprises a surface, such as one provided by an upstanding edge, which extends along at least part of the length thereof and which can be abutted by an edge of a tile.

Preferably also, the facie-receiving means comprises complementary attaching means, such as a slot, arranged to receive a complementaryshaped part, such as a lip, of a facie to be attached to the edging strip.

Alternatively, the facie may be attached to the facie-receiving means by way of any suitable snap-fit arrangement, friction-fit, clip, adhesive or any other attachment means.

In one embodiment, the tile-abutting surface is integral with the faciereceiving means.

An edging strip comprising one flange may be used to edge an end row of tiles, particularly when the facie is attached to the complementary facieattaching means. In addition, such edging strip may be used as a sealing strip between the edge of, say, a bath or other item of sanitaryware and a row of tiles.

In a further embodiment, the edging strip or the edging strip and facie may be included as part of a tiling assembly with a row of tiles secured to a wall adjacent the edge of a bath or other item of sanitaryware, wherein the or a flange of the edging strip is located between the wall and the row of tiles secured thereto and at least an edge of the facie engages the edge of the bath, thereby providing a seal between the row of tiles and the bath or other sanitaryware item.

Alternatively, an edging strip with two flanges may be used to edge either an inside or an outside corner of two rows of tiles generally at right angles to each other.

When there are two flanges, they are, preferably, orientated at substantially right angles to one another. However, it can of course be discerned that other angles of orientation of the flanges may be required, for example, acutely or obtusely oriented flanges, depending upon the exact use of the edging strip.

Preferably, the complementary facie is releasably attachable to the faciereceiving means such that facias of different colours, textures, designs or the like may be interchangeable. Alternatively, the complementary facie may be permanently secured to the edging strip once it has been attached therewith.

In a further embodiment, edging strips having one or two flanges may further comprise a neck portion positioned between the facie-receiving means and the flange. The neck portion is typically oriented at substantially 45 to the flange and in-line with the facie-receiving means, although this orientation is not essential.

The edging strips and facias may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as a plastics material or metal.

A second aspect of the invention resides in a combination comprising an edging strip including a flange for location between a surface and a tile secured to that surface and means extending along at least part of the length of the flange and receiving, preferably releasable, a facie.

The combination in accordance with the second aspect of the invention may include, as optional features, any of the modifications discussed above in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

Although the desired effect of the facie, when applied to the edging strip, may alter depending upon the exact use of the strip, generally, the facie should make a more attractive seam between two surfaces, whether these are a row of tiles and a wall, two rows of tiles or a row of tiles and the edge of a bath or other sanitaryware item, for example.

According to the invention, facias of strips may be interchanged and, thus, provide a consumer with more freedom to change the appearance of the edges of tiles.

In order that the present invention may be more fully understood, embodiments of edging strip will now be disclosed by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure l is a sideview of an embodiment of edging strip; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the edging strip of Figure l; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of edging strip; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the embodiment of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a crosssectional view of a further embodiment of edging strip; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the embodiment of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of edging strip; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the embodiment of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of edging strip for use with a tiled surface and a bath; and Figure lO is a cross-sectional view of yet a further embodiment of edging strip for use on an inside corner of two rows of tiles.

In Figures l and 2, a first embodiment of edging strip for use on a corner of two rows of tiles and generally indicated at l, comprises flanges 2,3 and facie-receiving means 4, of which there are two, each having a slot 5.

The flanges 2,3 are at right angles to one another.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the edging strip l is additionally provided with a preformed facie 6 having two lips 7.

When the facie 6 is attached to the facie-receiving means 4, it is moved towards the facie-receiving means 4, so that the lips 7 can snap-fit into place in respective slots 5. Thus, the edging strip 1 is provided with a releasably attachable preformed facie 6.

In order to aid securement of the edging strip 1 to a surface (not shown), such as a wall, and to tiles 8 positioned upon the flanges 2,3, holes 9 are provided in the flanges 2, 3, through which some tile adhesive can seep.

Referring to Figure 3, another embodiment of edging strip, for use on the edge of one row of tiles and indicated generally at 10, comprises a single flange 11 and facie-receiving means 12 of which there are two, each having a slot 13, with the facie 14 snap-fitted thereto by pairs of complimentary fixing means 15 on the facie 14 and the strip 10, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 4 in which the numbering from Figure 3 is maintained, in this variation of Figure 3, the edging strip further comprises a second flange 11' . Referring to both Figures 3 and 4, and as indicated above, the edging strip 10 is provided with a facie 14 which further comprises lips 15.

Again, when the facie 14 is attached to the edging strip 10, the lips 15 of the facie 14 are snap-fitted into respective slots 13.

Referring now to Figure 5, a further embodiment of edging strip is shown, as indicated generally at 20, comprising a single flange 21 and facie receiving means 22 defining a slot 23.

Referring to Figure 6, in which the numbering of Figure 5 is maintained, this modification of Figure 5 further comprises a second flange 21'.

lo Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the edging strip 20 is additionally provided with a facie 24 comprising an element 25.

When the facie 24 is attached to the edging strip 20, the element 25 is located in the slot 23.

Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of edging strip, indicated generally at 30, which comprises a single flange 31, facie-receiving means 32 defining a slot 33 and a neck portion 34.

Figure 8 encompasses the numbering and features of Figure 7 and further comprises a second flange 31'.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the edging strip 30 further comprises a facie 35 including an element 36.

In this embodiment, the neck 34 positions the facie-receiving means 32 more remotely from the flange 31 and, therefore, a tile (not shown) positioned in an abutting relationship therewith. Thus, the facie 35 may be better positioned to overlap the edge of the tile.

When the facie 35 is attached to the edging strip 30, the element 36 is located in the slot 33.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the edging strips of Figures 3, 5 and 7 are mainly for use on an end row of tiles and those of Figures 4, 6 and 8, for use on a tiled outside corner of two rows of tiles.

Referring to Figure 9, in which an edging strip, indicated generally at 40, is shown for use between a IS row of tiles 48 and an edge of a bath 47, the edging strip 40 comprising a flange 41 and facie-receiving means 42 defining a slot 43.

The edging strip 40 is positioned adjacent the junction of a wall 46 and a bath 47, with tiles 48 placed in abutting relationship upon the flange 41.

The edging strip 40 may further comprise a facie 44 including an element 45, so that, when the facie 44 2s is attached to the edging strip 40, the element 45 is located in the slot 43.

In Figure 10, an edging strip, indicated generally at 50, for use between a tiled inside corner of two rows of tiles, comprises flanges 51,52 and facie-receiving means 53 defining a slot 54.

The edging strip 50 is positioned in the inside corner of two walls 57,58 and tiles 59 are positioned in abutting relationship upon the flanges 51, 52 The edging strip 50 may further comprise a facie including an element 56 which, when the facie 55 is attached to the edging strip 50, is located in the slot 54.

lo It is to be appreciated that modifications can be made to the edging strip 1,10,20,30,40,50 discussed above, without departing from the concept of the invention.

IS For example, the preformed facie 6,14,24,35,44,55 may be provided with a single lip which snap-fits, is a friction-fit or otherwise engages in a complementary slot, recess or the like in the strip 1,10,20,30,40,50.

Also, it will be appreciated that the respective complimentary faciereceiving means provided on the facie and the edging strip may be transposed.

Claims

1. An edging strip comprising a flange, for location between a surface and a tile secured to that surface, and means extending along at least part of the length of the flange and arranged to receive an elongate facie.

2. An edging strip according to claim 1, wherein the edging strip also comprises a surface, such as one provided by an upstanding edge, which extends along at least part of the length thereof and which can be abutted by an edge of a tile.

3. An edging strip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the facie-receiving means comprises complementary attaching means arranged to receive a complementary-shaped part of a facie to be attached to the edging strip.

4. An edging strip according to claim 3, wherein attachment of said complementary attaching means and complementary-shaped part of a facie is provided by a snap-fit arrangement, friction-fit, clip, adhesive or any other attachment means.

5. An edging strip according to claim 3, wherein said complementary attaching means of the strip or a facie is a slot.

6. An edging strip according to claim 3, wherein the complementary-shaped part of a facie or the strip is a lip.

7. An edging strip according to any preceding claim, wherein the tileabutting surface is integral with the facie-receiving means.

8. An edging strip according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip comprises one flange and is capable of being used to edge an end row of tiles when a facie is attached to the complementary facie-attaching means.

9. An edging strip according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the strip comprises two flanges and is capable of being used to edge either an inside or outside corner of two rows of tiles.

10. An edging strip according to claim 9, wherein the two flanges are oriented acutely or obtusely to one another.

11. An edging strip according to claim 10, wherein the two flanges are oriented at right angles to one another.

12. An edging strip according to any preceding claim, wherein a complementary facie is releasably attachable to the facie-receiving means such that facias of different colours, textures, designs or the like may be interchanged.

13. An edging strip according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a complementary facie is permanently secured to the edging strip once it has been attached thereto.

14. An edging strip according to any preceding claim, wherein the strip further comprises a neck portion between the flange and said faciereceiving means.

15. An edging strip substantially herein described, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A combination comprising an edging strip including a flange, for location between a surface and a tile secured to that surface and means extending along at least part of the length of the flange and a facie received by said means.

17. A combination according to claim 16, wherein the edging strip also comprises a surface, such as one provided by an upstanding edge, which extends along at least part of the length thereof and which can be abutted by an edge of a tile.

18. A combination according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the faciereceiving means comprises complementary attaching means receiving a complementary-shaped part of a facie attached to the edging strip.

19. A combination according to claim 18, wherein attachment of said complementary attaching means and complementary-shaped part of a facie is a snap-fit, friction-fit, clip, adhesive or any other attachment arrangement.

20. A combination according to claim 18, wherein said complementary attaching means is a slot.

21. An edging strip combination according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the complementary-shaped part of the facie is a lip.

22. A combination according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the tile-abutting surface is integral with the facie- receiving means.

23. A combination according to any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the strip comprises one flange and is capable of being used to edge an end row of tiles when the facie is attached to the complementary facie-attaching means.

24. A combination according to any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the strip comprises two flanges and is capable of being used to edge an outside corner of two rows of tiles.

25. A combination according to claim 24, wherein the two flanges are oriented acutely or obtusely to one another.

26. A combination according to claim 24, wherein the two flanges are oriented at right angles to one another.

27. A combination according to any of claims 16 to 26, wherein the complementary facie is releasably attached to the facie- receiving means such that facias of different colours, textures, designs or the like may be interchanged.

28. A combination according to any of claims 16 to 27, wherein the complementary facie has been permanently attached to the edging strip.

29. A combination according to any of claims 16 to 28 further comprising a neck portion positioned between the flange and said facie-receiving means.

30. A combination of an edging strip and a facie substantially as herein described, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. A tiling assembly comprising a combination according to any of claims 16 to 30 and a plurality of tiles secured to a surface, wherein the or each flange of the edging strip is located between the surface and the tiles secured to that surface.

32. A tiling assembly comprising a combination according to any of claims 16 to 30 and a row of tiles secured to a wall adjacent the edge of a bath or other item of sanitaryware, wherein the or a flange of the edging strip is located between the wall and the row of tiles secured thereto and at least an edge of the facie engages the edge of the bath, thereby providing a seal between the row of tiles and the bath.