WO2013038277A2

WO2013038277A2 - Finishing profile for a floor covering

Info

Publication number: WO2013038277A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/053713
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurent Meersseman; Luc Vanhastel
Original assignee: Unilin BV
Current assignee: Unilin BV
Priority date: 2011-09-13
Filing date: 2012-07-20
Publication date: 2013-03-21
Anticipated expiration: 2014-03-13
Also published as: WO2013038277A3; BE1020251A5

Abstract

Finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein this finishing profile (4) substantially consists of a body (10) with a decorative side (11), characterized in that said body (10) comprises one or more internal prefabricated boundary surfaces (21), wherein these prefabricated boundary surfaces (21) can be exposed for forming a joint with a similar finishing profile (4), preferably a mitre joint.

Description

Finishing profile for a floor covering.

This invention relates to a profile for finishing a floor covering, more particularly to a profile which can be applied as a skirting board of the type which is provided against a wall as a trimming piece when finishing an edge of a floor covering.

In the state of the art, skirting boards for finishing floor coverings exist in a variety of forms and sizes, and it is well-known to finish a variety of types of floor coverings against a wall by means of skirting boards. In the corner of a room, the skirting board usually is sawn with a mitre, such that the respective skirting boards of the walls forming the corner meet each other approximately on the bisector of that corner. In the case of a 90° corner, both skirting boards are provided on their ends with a plane extending at 45° in respect to the wall to be finished, such that they can adjoin each other in the respective corner. Realizing said plane or, in the technical jargon, the mitre, is performed by the installing person on a mitre box and by means of a whether or not automatic saw or other cutting device. Such technique is cumbersome and requires an experienced do-it-yourselfer or a professional in order to obtain a good result.

From DE 298 09 577 U1 , it is known to provide covering caps which hide a possibly badly made mitre. However, such covering cap is esthetically undesirable to a number of consumers. Mostly, it is made in a deviating color and also is noticeable as it protrudes from the surface of the skirting board. Moreover, the user in this case still has to provide a mitre.

From EP 1 408 176 A1 , it is known to provide connecting pieces for adjoining skirting boards in a corner. Such connecting pieces avoid the mitre, however, are esthetically undesirable to a number of consumers as well.

Providing covering caps and/or connecting pieces also increases the logistic load for a manufacturer and/or seller of skirting boards or other profiles.

From the state of the art, for example, from WO 03/040492, WO 2006/074824, WO 2007/116144, BE 1018494 and WO 2007/091138, however, in respect to other finishing profiles than skirting boards, it is known to offer a universal finishing profile with which the user can form different types of such finishing profiles. Said international patent applications offer no solution for the specific problem posed when realizing a mitre. From US 3,671 ,369, a finishing profile with a body and a decorative side is known, wherein the body shows internal boundary surfaces. These boundary surfaces are not intended for forming a joint with a similar finishing profile, for example, in the form of a mitre joint. The finishing profile of this document can be applied rather as a universal connecting piece for adjoining skirting boards, at choice, in an inner or outer corner.

According to its first independent aspect, the present invention aims at offering an alternative finishing profile, which, according to various preferred embodiments, can offer a solution for the problems with the finishing profiles of the state of the art.

To this aim, the invention, according to its first independent aspect, relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein said finishing profile substantially consists of a body with a decorative side, with the characteristic that said body comprises one or more internal prefabricated boundary surfaces, wherein these prefabricated boundary surfaces can be exposed for forming a joint with a similar finishing profile. This may relate to a joint of the skirting boards in each other's prolongation as well as to a joint at the location of an outer corner or inner comer. Preferably, the internal boundary surface is suitable for forming a mitre joint. However, a straight joint is not excluded either. Here, by "internal" is meant that the respective boundary surface is situated at a distance from each extremity of the finishing profile. Preferably, the internal boundary surface can be exposed by means of manual operations, possibly with the application of a simple tool, such as a non-motorized cutting tool. Such internal boundary surface preferably forms at least partially, and still better substantially, the border of two portions of the body. In such case, the internal boundary surface can be exposed by removing one of the respective portions. Preferably, the decorative side will extend uninterruptedly, also over the aforementioned internal boundary surface. According to the most preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein said finishing profile substantially consists of a body with a decorative side, wherein said decorative side comprises a first surface, which in use will be directed upward, as well as a second surface, which in use will be directed to the side, with the characteristic that the finishing profile comprises at least two portions situated adjacent to each other, which substantially are separated from each other by a recess, however, also are connected to each other at least via a remaining material portion of the decorative side, wherein the respective recess is bordered at least by said internal boundary surface, wherein said boundary surface extends perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first surface, however, forms an angle between 30° and 60° with the second surface. The presence of the recess allows separating the two respective portions more easily from each other, for example, by cutting them off from each other through the remaining material portion and/or by breaking them off from each other by hand. As the recess is bordered by the respective boundary surface, at least one of the separated portions shows a surface which can serve for forming a mitre. A certain post-treatment of the respective portion or boundary surface, for example, a manual grinding operation thereof, can be required for obtaining an optimum result. Any sawing treatment for forming a mitre can be excluded.

According to another embodiment, the internal boundary surface extends perpendicular to the first as well as to the second surface. With such boundary surface, after exposing it, a straight joint can be formed of two of such finishing profiles in each other's prolongation.

Preferably, the angle formed by the respective boundary surface with the second surface will be 45° or approximately 45°. With such an angle, the most frequent mitres can be formed by the less experienced do-it-yourselfers. Such angle also allows connecting two finishing profiles in each other's prolongation.

Preferably, the finishing profile shows at least two of such recesses, wherein the angles formed by the respective boundary surfaces with the second surface are equal or approximately equal. The use of such recesses allows forming with the same skirting board at choice the mitre for an outer corner or an inner corner. Preferably, the two recesses are standing transverse or even perpendicular in mutual respect. Preferably, the bisector between both respective boundary surfaces is perpendicular to said second surface. Preferably, the finishing profile is elongate, wherein said recess then preferably is situated at a distance from the extremity of the finishing profile, wherein this distance still better is smaller than 25%, or smaller than 10% of the length of the finishing profile. In this manner, a finishing profile can be realized which can be provided by the user with a mitre with a minimum of waste. In the case that at least two of such recesses are provided, they will preferably both be situated within said distance from the same extremity. Preferably, on both extremities of the skirting board the possibility will be provided of forming the mitre for an inner corner as well as for an outer corner. It is evident that such recesses and boundary surfaces can be provided along the length of the finishing profile at various locations, for example, every 30 to 80 centimeters, still better approximately every 50 centimeters.

According to the most preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the finishing profile substantially consists of a body encased by a decorative layer- shaped covering, wherein said decorative side is formed by this layer-shaped covering. Preferably, the body substantially consists of MDF or HDF, and/or the layer-shaped covering is selected from the series of laminate, veneer, foil, vinyl, synthetic material layer, lacquer and a print. Preferably, such laminate, vinyl layer or foil also shows a print.

If, as in the case of the above most preferred embodiment, use is made of an encased body, said body preferably is encased at least partially by a layer-shaped covering. Such layer-shaped covering can assume any form, however, preferably comprises a material sheet, such as a paper sheet or foil. In a particular embodiment, said layer-shaped covering comprises a paintable, preferably white, foil, or a foil of any other, preferably uniform, color. According to this embodiment, a universal paintable skirting board can be obtained. It is clear that also other layer-shaped coverings can be applied, such as laminate, veneer and such. It is clear that said layer-shaped covering preferably covers the entire visible side of the finishing profile, in use.

The layer-shaped covering preferably extends uninterruptedly over the entire length of the first and second surface. Preferably, the respective recess thus extends at no location into or through this layer-shaped covering, or at least not at the location of the portions thereof which are visible when in use. Also when the decorative side of the finishing profile of the first aspect were realized in any other manner, it is preferably not interrupted by the respective recess.

For realizing a finishing profile according to the first aspect or the most preferred embodiment thereof, some possibilities will be described below.

According to a first possibility, the aforementioned two portions are connected at least by means of said layer-shaped covering and possibly additionally by means of a weakened material portion directly underneath this layer-shaped covering. In this manner, said two portions can be separable in that said layer-shaped covering and the possibly remaining weakened material portion can be torn off, cut off, broken off or the like, and/or in that at least one of the portions, or at least an actual portion or substantial part thereof, can be removed from the layer-shaped covering adjoining thereto.

According to a second possibility, said two portions are connected at least by means of a weakened material portion and these portions are separable preferably in that said weakened material portion can be torn off, cut off, broken off or the like. It is known as such to make portions of a profile separable by realizing them such that they are connected to each other by a weakened material portion only. Examples thereof are given, for example, in WO 2007/091138. However, therein always other applications are concerned than forming a mitre.

According to a third possibility, said two portions are connected at least by means of one or more separate connecting means and are these portions separable in that one or more of the respective connecting means can be removed from at least one of these portions and/or in that one or more of the respective attachment means can be torn off, cut off, broken off or the like. As a separate attachment means, dowels or the like can be applied, or, for example, a separable glue connection. A possible attachment rail or attachment clip may also serve as such separate attachment material.

Amongst others, said third possibility allows that an internal boundary surface can be formed without a recess having to be present in the finishing profile. The respective portions located next to each other can contact each other by means of their respective boundary surfaces. β

Two or more of the herein above-mentioned possibilities may, at choice, be performed such that it is possible to separate the aforementioned two or more portions without exerting much force, for example, without using motorized tools. Preferably, however, indeed a manual tool, such as a knife or other cutting tool is applied.

It is clear that the herein above-mentioned possibilities can be combined with each other, wherein then a combination of the first and the second possibility can entail particular advantages, as such combination can lead to commonly encased body portions which also are connected to each other by a weakened material portion, wherein this weakened material portion then preferably is situated at a distance from the common encasing. This particular combination results in particularly stable universal profiles, which can be manufactured quite smoothly. Moreover, in such profile, the transition between both portions will be hidden. A combination of the first and the third possibility results in similar advantages. Instead of a weakened material portion, then a separate connecting means is applied between the respective commonly encased portions. As the portions possibly may adjoin each other without an intermediate space, the encasing can be performed with a higher quality and precision. In such case, a more stable whole can be obtained, which still has one or more internal boundary surfaces, such as required in the first aspect.

In the most preferred embodiment, said weakened material portion comprises at least a material portion which is situated approximately in the middle between the front side and the rear side of the profile or the skirting board, or this material portion is at least preferably located in a zone situated between 0.4 and 0.6 times the thickness of the profile or the skirting board. This most preferred embodiment can be realized, for example, by performing at least two incisions in the body of the finishing profile, namely, on the one hand, a first incision under the aforementioned angle and from on the surface which will finally serve as the aforementioned second surface, and, on the other hand, a second incision from on the rear side of the body, however, seen in longitudinal direction, at a certain distance from said first incision. Between the first and the second incision, as a result a material portion is located which connects both portions in one piece, however, simply can be torn off due to the presence of both incisions. Such embodiment is in particular of interest when a material is used for the body which has a layer-shaped structure, such as this is the case with MDF or HDF.

According to another preferred embodiment, said material portion is located at the rear side or approximately at the rear side of the profile or the skirting board, or this material portion is at least located in a zone situated between 0.8 and 1 times the thickness of the profile or the skirting board.

Preferably, said portions consist, at least partially, either of wood or of a wood- based material, preferably of MDF/HDF or plywood. These materials allow a smooth processing, for example, by means of milling cutters and, if necessary, also can be encased easily. However, the embodiment of the first aspect is not restricted to wood-like materials. The portions can also be made of other materials, such as aluminum, paper pulp and synthetic material or synthetic material-based materials. These materials allow extruding the separable and/or joinable portions of the profile separately or possibly commonly.

According to a second independent aspect, the present invention also relates to a finishing profile which can be used in an ideal manner for finishing floor coverings in humid rooms, such as bathrooms. To this aim, the invention relates to a finishing profile which substantially consists of a body encased with a decorative layer- shaped covering, with the characteristic that said body substantially consists of a moisture-sensitive material, however, at the surfaces thereof which are intended for facing the floor covering when in use, shows portions of a water-resistant material, and that the decorative layer-shaped covering extends uninterruptedly at least over the transition between the water-sensitive material and the water- resistant material. By applying the portions of water-resistant material, the finishing profile of the second aspect can offer an improved moisture resistance. In that the layer-shaped covering extends over the transition, this water-resistant material is at least partially hidden from the user. Preferably, the water-resistant material, in use of the finishing profile, is entirely hidden from view, preferably by means of said layer-shaped covering.

Preferably, said moisture-sensitive material consists of a wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF. Preferably, said moisture-resistant material consists of a synthetic material, such as a material chosen from the list of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR).

Preferably, said decorative layer-shaped covering comprises a print, as may be the case with a layer-shaped covering of laminate or foil. According to another possibility, a decorative layer-shaped covering of veneer or lacquer is applied, which mostly does not show any print; however, this is not excluded.

Preferably, said body, and in particular the moisture-sensitive part thereof, further comprises attachment means or attachment parts with which it can cooperate with a rail, clips or other mounting brackets. As aforementioned, such rail, clips or other mounting brackets can possibly additionally serve as an attachment means between the respective separable portions of the finishing profile, when this profile is realized or performed at least in accordance with the third possibility for this mentioned herein above.

Preferably, said portion comprising water-resistant material substantially consists of an extruded profile.

Preferably, said portion comprising water-resistant material is connected to the remaining portions of the body by means of a glue connection and/or a mechanical connection.

It is noted that the profile of the second aspect of the invention can also show the characteristics of the aforementioned first aspect or the preferred embodiments thereof, inasmuch as they are not contradictory. Preferably, the finishing profile of the invention, according to the first as well as to the second aspect, relates to a skirting board. To those skilled in the art, it is clear that, according to all aspects of the invention, by a "skirting board" a trimming piece is intended which, when finishing an edge of a floor covering, can be placed at the foot of walls. These trimming pieces can be made substantially flat as well as somewhat profiled. For examples of a flat skirting board, reference is made to WO 2005/059270, for examples of profiled skirting boards, reference is made to Further, it is clear that the skirting board of the invention preferably has a length of more than one or even of more than two meters. However, it is not excluded that such skirting board is made with a shorter length, for example, with a length substantially corresponding to a dimension, either the length or the width, of the floor elements applied in the respective floor covering to be finished, or an integer multiple thereof. So, for example, in the case that the floor covering shows or comprises tile-shaped floor elements, skirting boards can be applied, the dimensions of which substantially correspond to the sides of the tiles. The use of short skirting boards is known as such, for example, from the already mentioned WO 2005/059270.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, hereafter, as an example without any limitative character, some preferred embodiments are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 in perspective represents an application of finishing profiles having the characteristics of the first aspect of the invention;

Figures 2 and 3 represent cross-sections according to the lines ll-ll and Ill-

Ill shown in figure 1 , respectively;

Figure 4 represents a view according to the arrow F4 represented in figure

2;

Figure 5, in a view similar to that of figure 4, represents a variant;

Figures 6 and 7 respectively show a top plan view according to arrow F6 and a rear view according to arrow F7 in figure 5;

Figures 8 to 10, in a view similar to figure 6, represent an application of such finishing profile;

Figure 11 in cross-section of the body represents some steps in a method for manufacturing the profile of figures 5 through 10; and

Figure 12, in a view similar to that of figure 3, represents a finishing profile having the characteristics of the second aspect.

Figure 1 represents a corner of a room, wherein a floor covering 1 , in this case consisting of hard floor panels 2, for example, floatingly installed laminate panels, is finished at the walls 3 by means of finishing profiles, in this case skirting boards 4. In an inner corner 5, as well as in an outer corner 6 of the room, two extremities 7 of skirting boards 4 have been brought together, which adjoin there in a mitre joint. Figure 2 represents that the respective extremities 7 of the skirting boards 4 show a surface at an angle A of 45° with the sidewards directed surface 8 of the skirting board 4, such that both skirting boards 4 can adjoin each other in the respective inner corner 5, as well as in the respective outer corner 6. The skirting boards 4 may be attached to the wall 3 and/or the floor covering 1 in any manner, for example, by means of glue, nails, removable connections, such as clips, or by means of rails 9, as represented in figure 3.

Figure 3 represents an embodiment wherein the skirting board 4 is removably attached on such rail 9, wherein said rail as such is fixedly attached to the wall, for example, is screwed to it. Figure 3 further shows that the skirting board 4 of the example substantially consists of a body 10 with a decorative side 11. By "decorative side", the surface of the finishing profile or the skirting board 4 is intended which is visible in use. According to the invention, the decorative side 1 comprises a first surface 12, which in use is directed upward, as well as a second surface 8, which in use is directed to the side.

In the case of figure 3, the finishing profile or the skirting board 4 substantially consists of a body 10 encased by a decorative layer-shaped covering 13. In such case, the decorative side 11 is formed at least partially, and in this case entirely, by means of the decorative covering 13. It is clear that such layer-shaped covering 13 preferably is present on said first surface 12 as well as on said second surface 8.

Figure 4 represents that the finishing profile or the skirting board 4, in accordance with the most preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, comprises at least two, and in this case three, portions 14-15-16 situated adjacent to each other, which each time substantially are separated from each other by a recess 17- 18, however, also are connected to each other via a remaining material portion 19 of the decorative side 11. In this case, the respective portions 14-15-16 are connected to each other solely by the layer-shaped covering 13. Of course, it is possible that they might be connected to each other additionally or solely by a remaining weakened material portion 20 of the body 10, such as by means of the one or more possibilities mentioned herein above in the introduction, or such as in figures 5 to 11. The recess 17-18 is bordered at least by a boundary surface 21 which extends perpendicular to the first surface 12, however, forms an angle A between 30° and 60°, in this case 45° or approximately 45°, with the second surface 8.

In the example of figure 4, the finishing profile 4 shows at least two of such recesses 17-18. These recesses 17-18 respectively show a boundary surface 21 which forms an angle A of 45° or approximately 45° with the second surface 8. In this manner, the finishing profile 4 consists of at least three portions 14-15-16 situated adjacent to each other. The recesses 17-18, which at least partially border the respective portions 14-15-16, are located at a distance from the extremity 7 of the finishing profile, wherein this distance is smaller than 25% of the length L of the finishing profile or skirting board 4.

It is clear that the finishing profile or the skirting board 4 also shows the main idea of the first aspect. To this aim, the body 10 of the skirting board 4 does possess one or more, in this case two, internal prefabricated boundary surfaces 21 which can be exposed, namely in a manner as will be explained below, for forming a joint with a similar finishing profile.

The use of the finishing profile or the skirting board 4 of figure 4, according to three possible applications, is as follows. When the skirting board 4 is applied against a wall, however, not in a corner, it can be attached against the respective wall 3 in its entire length or shortened. When the skirting board 4 has to be applied in an inner corner, similar to the inner corner 5 of figure 1 , the portion 14 situated closest to the extremity 7 of the skirting board 4, or, in other words, the distal portion 14 has to be removed. This can be performed by cutting through the layer-shaped covering 13 at the location of the recess 17 which in this case is located distally. In this manner, a skirting board 4 is obtained which, at the newly obtained extremity 7A, is provided with a surface, namely said boundary surface 21 , at an angle A of 45° with said second surface 12. It is clear that such surface can form the mitre in an application similar to that of the inner corner 5 of figure 1. When the skirting board 4 has to be applied at an outer corner, similar to the outer corner 6 of figure 1 , the two portions 14-15 situated closest to the extremity 7 of the skirting board 4 have to be removed. This can be performed by cutting through the layer-shaped covering 13 at the location of the recess 18 which in this case is located proximally. In this manner, a skirting board 4 is obtained which, at the newly obtained extremity 7B, is provided with a surface, namely said boundary surface 21 , at an angle A of 45° with said second surface 12. It is clear that such surface can form the mitre in an application similar to that of the outer corner 6 of figure 1.

It is noted that figure 4 represents the most compact possibility for realizing such skirting board 4 with at least three portions 14-15-16 which allow forming a mitre for an inner corner as well as for an outer corner. However, it is not excluded that the position of both recesses 17-18 is exchanged, wherein the use of the skirting board, such as described in preceding paragraphs, then, mutatis mutandis, remains applicable.

In the example of figure 5, an embodiment is represented wherein the at least two portions situated adjacent to each other, in this case the three adjacent portions 14-15-16 of the skirting board 4, apart from being connected to each other by a remaining portion 19 of the layer-shaped covering 13, are also connected to each other by a remaining weakened material portion 20 of the body 10. As becomes clear from the top view and the rear view of figures 7 and 8 respectively, said weakened material portion 20 comprises at least a material portion which is situated approximately in the middle between the front side and the rear side of the finishing profile or the skirting board 4.

According to the embodiment of figures 5 to 7, this is realized by performing in the body 10 of the finishing profile 4 per recess 17-18 respectively at least two incisions 22-23, namely, on the one hand, a first incision 22 under said angle A and from on the surface 24 which finally will serve as said second surface 8, and, on the other hand, a second incision 23 from on the rear side of the body 10, however, at a certain distance, seen in longitudinal direction L of the finishing profile, from said first incision 22. Between the first incision 22 and the second incision 23, as a result there is a material portion 20 which connects both portions 14-15-16 in one piece, however, due to the presence of both incisions 22-23, can be torn easily. As aforementioned, such embodiment is of particular interest when for the body 10 a material is used which has a layer-shaped structure, such as it is the case here with MDF or HDF.

For removing the distal portion 14, the layer-shaped covering 13 then can be cut through at the location of the distal recess 17, and the connection of the portions 14-15 over the weakened material portion 20 can be interrupted. In the present case, this latter can be performed by moving the distal portion 14 via a turning movement W towards the rear side of the skirting board 4, by which a fracture line 25 is formed, such as indicated in figure 8. Figure 9 represents a top view on the formed mitre, wherein this mitre is suitable for forming an inner corner similar to the inner corner 5 of figure 1.

Figure 10 represents a top view on the obtained mitre when the two distal portions 14-15 of the skirting board 4 are removed. The obtained mitre is suitable for forming an outer corner similar to the outer corner 6 of figure 1.

It is noted that according to a not represented particular variant, such skirting board 4 already from manufacturer's side can be provided with an extremity 7 which allows forming a mitre. For example, with an extremity 7, which is performed as a surface extending under an angle A of 45° with the second surface 8 and which, for example, allows forming an inner corner or an outer corner. In such case, the skirting board of the first aspect preferably also shows an exposable internal boundary surface which allows forming a straight joint. So, for example, such skirting board or other finishing profile can show two adjacent portions which are separated from each other substantially by a recess, however, also are connected to each other at least via a remaining material portion of the decorative side, wherein the respective recess is bordered at least by a boundary surface which extends perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first surface and which also extends perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the second surface. Separating such portions then allows forming a straight end face on the extremity of the skirting board, such that the latter can also be applied in an application for a straight joint along a wall, instead of in a corner, without requiring the user to provide this end face himself, for example, by means of a saw treatment.

According to another not represented variant, such finishing profile or skirting board 4 shows a boundary surface on both extremities, said boundary surface allowing to form the mitre of an inner corner, preferably a boundary surface at an angle A of 45° or approximately 45°, whereas it also shows, next to both extremities, also an internal exposable boundary surface for forming the mitre of an outer corner.

It is noted that the internal boundary surfaces which are available in the finishing profile according to the first aspect, possibly may also serve as a guiding surface for a possible saw treatment, for example, a saw treatment for forming a mitre.

Figure 11 represents how the body 10 of the finishing profile or the skirting board 4 of the preceding figures 5 through 10, more particularly the recesses 17-18 applied therein, might be realized. On the left hand side in figure 11 is represented that prior to encasing with the layer-shaped covering 13, a first incision 22 is performed under said angle A and at least from on the surface which finally will serve as the aforementioned second surface 8. The depth D1 of the first incision 22 is limited, such that the various portions 14-15-16 of the skirting board 4 are interconnected at least over a material portion 20 on the rear side of the skirting board 4. In the example of figure 11 , the cutting tool performs a not-straight line. However, it is not excluded that with a straight line of the cutting tool also a useful first incision 22 can be realized. This may relate, for example, to a straight line as represented with the axial line 22A. On the right hand side in figure 11 , it is represented that, whether or not prior to encasing with the layer-shaped covering 13, a second incision 23 is performed from on the rear side of the body 10. The depth D2 of the second incision 23 is limited, such that the second incision 23 will not interrupt the aforementioned surface 24, which finally will serve as the aforementioned second surface 8. By means of figures 6 and 7, it is already represented that the first incision 22 and the second incision 23 are performed at a certain distance from each other, seen in longitudinal direction L of the finishing profile or the skirting board 4, such that also after performing the second incision 23 the various portions 14-15-16 of the skirting board 4 are still interconnected at least over a material portion 20 on the rear side of the skirting board 4. Namely, as a result there is a material portion 20 between the first incision 22 and the second incision 23, which material portion connects the two portions 14-15 in one piece, however, due to the presence of both incisions 22-23, can be torn easily. For obtaining an optimum tearability, the respective depths D1-D2 of the first incision 22 and the second incision 23 preferably are performed such that they, such as here, seen in projection in a cross-section, overlap each other.

It is noted that the profiling of the rear side of the body 10 of the finishing profile 4 can be performed at any time, whether or not after realizing the first incision 22 and/or the second incision 23. According to a preferred sequence for manufacturing such finishing profiles, it is started from a full slat of the material of which the body 10 shall be formed. This means that the rear side of said slat is not yet provided with the final profile and preferably is still flat. In this full slat then said first incision 22 is performed, for example, by means of a rotating saw tool. Hereafter, the encasing takes place by means of the layer-shaped covering 13 or a partial layer thereof. Subsequently, the rear side is profiled or milled, whether or not until the final profile is obtained. Preferably, the final profile is obtained at least substantially in this treatment. In a following step, the finishing profiles possibly can be cut to length. Whether or not after such cutting to length, said second incision 23 is realized.

The principle of the first aspect is in particular applicable with each profile which usually has to be provided with a mitre and primarily can be applied with skirting boards 4 or with transition profiles. Thus, the invention is not restricted to finishing profiles for floor coverings, but can also be applied, for example, with window and/or door frames, furniture profiles and the like.

Figure 12 represents another illustration of a finishing profile with the characteristics of the second aspect of the invention mentioned in the introduction. Herein, this relates to a finishing profile, in this case a skirting board 4, which substantially consists of a body 10 encased by a decorative layer-shaped covering 13. The body 10 substantially consists of a moisture-sensitive substrate 26, for example, of MDF or HDF, however, at the surfaces 27 thereof which are intended to be directed towards the floor covering 1 , namely at the underside thereof, the profile 4 shows portions 28 of a water-resistant material. The decorative layer- shaped covering 13 extends uninterruptedly at least over the transition 29 between the portion 26 of water-sensitive material and the portion 28 of water-resistant material.

Where above a recess 17-18 or incision 22-23 is mentioned, this preferably relates to a slot or groove with a width of 0.4 to 2 millimeters, or still better between 0.5 to 1.3 millimeters. Such recess 17-18 or incision 22-23 preferably forms an air gap in the body 10, however, possibly can be filled partially or entirely with filler, such as a hot-melt glue, a polyurethane or the like. Preferably, in this last case in fact the advantages of the invention will be maintained, for example, in respect to the separability of portions and the applications of the internal boundary surfaces 21.

The present invention is in no case limited to the herein above-described embodiments; on the contrary, such profiles can be realized according to various variants, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims.

1.- Finishing profile for a floor covering, wherein this finishing profile (4) substantially consists of a body (10) with a decorative side (11), characterized in that said body (10) comprises one or more internal prefabricated boundary surfaces (21), wherein these prefabricated boundary surfaces (21) can be exposed for forming a joint with a similar finishing profile (4), preferably a mitre joint.

2.- Finishing profile according to claim 1 , characterized in that the decorative side (11) comprises a first surface (12), which in use will be directed upward, as well as a second surface (8), which in use will be directed to the side, characterized in that the finishing profile (4) comprises at least two portions (14-15) situated adjacent to each other, which substantially are separated from each other by a recess (17), however, also are connected to each other at least via a remaining material portion (19) of the decorative side (11), wherein the respective recess (17) is bordered at least by said prefabricated boundary surface (21), wherein the respective boundary surface (21) extends perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the first surface (12), however, forms an angle (A) between 30° and 60° with the second surface (8).

3. - Finishing profile according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle (A) formed by the respective boundary surface (21) with the second surface (8) is 45° or approximately 45°.

4. - Finishing profile according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the finishing profile (4) shows at least two of such recesses (17-18), wherein the sum of the angles (A) formed by the respective boundary surfaces (21) with the second surface (8) is 90° or approximately 90°.

5. - Finishing profile according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the finishing profile (4) is elongate and that said internal boundary surface (21) is located at a distance from the extremity (7) of the finishing profile (4), wherein this distance is smaller than 25% of the length (L) of the finishing profile (4).

6. - Finishing profile according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that this finishing profile (4) substantially consists of a body (10) encased by a decorative layer-shaped covering (13), wherein said decorative side (11) is formed by this layer-shaped covering (13).

7.- Finishing profile according to claim 6, characterized in that the body (10) substantially consists of MDF or HDF, whereas the layer-shaped covering (13) is chosen from the series of laminate, veneer, foil, lacquer, a print.

8. - Finishing profile for a floor covering, whether or not according to any of the preceding claims, wherein this finishing profile (4) substantially consists of a body

(10) encased by a decorative layer-shaped covering (13), characterized in that said body (10) substantially consists of a moisture-sensitive material, however, at the surfaces (27) thereof which are intended for facing the floor covering (1) when in use, shows portions (28) of a water-resistant material, and that the decorative layer-shaped covering (13) extends uninterruptedly at least over the transition (29) between the water-sensitive material and the water-resistant material.

9. - Finishing profile according to claim 8, characterized in that said moisture- sensitive material consists of a wood-based material, such as MDF or HDF.

10. - Finishing profile according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said moisture-resistant material consists of a synthetic material, such as a material chosen from the list of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR).

11. - Finishing profile according to any of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said decorative layer-shaped covering (13) comprises a print.

12.- Finishing profile according to any of the claims 8 to 11 , characterized in that said decorative layer-shaped covering (13) comprises a wood veneer.

13.- Finishing profile according to any of the claims 8 to 12, characterized in that said body (10), and in particular the moisture-sensitive portion (26) thereof, further comprises attachment means by which it can cooperate with a rail (9), clips or other mounting brackets.

14. - Finishing profile according to any of the claims 8 to 13, characterized in that said portion (28) which comprises water-resistant material, substantially consists of an extruded profile.

15. - Finishing profile according to any of the claims 8 to 14, characterized in that said portion (28) which comprises water-resistant material, is connected to the remaining portions of the body (10) by means of a glue connection and/or a mechanical connection.

16. - Finishing profile according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the finishing profile relates to a skirting board (4).