Assembly for coping and mounting trim molding

Abstract

A method for installing a finish trim molding on a wall, the method includes mounting a trim holding device on the wall, the trim holding device comprising a mounting bracket configured to mount in facing contact with the wall, the mounting bracket further comprising a pair of mounting flanges disposed on the mounting bracket, the pair of mounting flanges being substantially horizontal and extending perpendicularly outward away from the mounting bracket and the wall; and mounting the finish trim molding onto the trim holding device, the finish trim molding defining a pair of channels, the pair of channels being substantially horizontal and defined perpendicular to a vertical rear surface of the finish trim molding, the pair of channels configured to receive the pair of mounting flanges.

Claims

1. A method for installing a finish trim molding on a wall, the method comprising: mounting a trim holding device on the wall, the trim holding device comprising a mounting bracket configured to mount in facing contact with the wall, the mounting bracket further comprising a pair of mounting flanges disposed on the mounting bracket, the pair of mounting flanges being substantially horizontal and extending perpendicularly outward away from the mounting bracket and the wall; and mounting the finish trim molding onto the trim holding device, the finish trim molding defining a pair of channels, the pair of channels being substantially horizontal and defined perpendicular to a vertical rear surface of the finish trim molding, the pair of channels configured to receive the pair of mounting flanges, and wherein the trim holding device is mounted adjacent to an upper corner of the wall and a ceiling, the trim holding device further comprising a ceiling stop disposed on a top of the mounting bracket extending upwards from the top of the mounting bracket substantially parallel to the wall and substantially perpendicular to the pair of mounting flanges, the ceiling stop resting adjacent the ceiling and configured to provide spacing to fit the trim molding between the wall and the ceiling.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein mounting the finish trim molding further comprises stabbing each of the pair of mounting flanges into a different channel of the pair of channels so that the vertical rear surface of the finish trim molding is in facing contact with the mounting bracket and parallel to the wall.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein stabbing each of the pair of mounting flanges into a different channel of the pair of channels comprises stabbing in a straight direction parallel to the channels and perpendicular to the wall.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein stabbing each mounting flange of the pair of mounting flanges comprises: stabbing a first mounting flange of the pair of mounting flanges into the finish trim molding to a first depth; and stabbing a second mounting flange of the pair of mounting flanges into the finish trim molding to a second depth; wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the vertical rear surface defines a vertical cut out configured so that a first portion of the vertical rear surface is in facing contact with the mounting bracket and a second portion of the vertical rear surface rests is in facing contact with the wall after mounting the finish trim molding onto the trim holding device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of mounting flanges comprises a barb disposed distal from the mounting bracket, each of the barbs configured to engage a different one of the pair of channels to securely hold the finish trim molding in place on the trim holding device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein each of the pair of mounting flanges defines an upper surface and a lower surface, and each of the barbs extends outwardly from both the upper surface and the lower surface.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the trim molding further comprises a top surface in facing contact with the ceiling when the ceiling stop is positioned adjacent to the ceiling.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the top surface further comprises a horizontal cutout configured to accommodate rough surfaces upon the ceiling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a coping device for coping finish trim molding, illustrated with a piece of finish trim molding to be coped, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein;

(3) FIG. 2 is an a front perspective view of the coping device for coping finish trim molding depicted in FIG. 1, shown without the piece of finish trim molding;

(4) FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the coping device for coping finish trim molding depicted in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is a rear planar view of the coping device for coping finish trim molding depicted in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the coping device for coping finish trim molding depicted in FIG. 1, shown, in particular, with the cutting plate reversed;

(7) FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the coping device for coping finish trim molding depicted in FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a trim holding device, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein, and illustrating, in particular, the attachment of a piece of finish trim molding to the trim holding device; and

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the trim holding device depicted in FIG. 7, illustrating, in particular, the method by which the finish trim molding is attached to the trim holding device.

(10) FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the trim holding device installed on a wall adjacent to a ceiling. The finish trim molding is installed on the trim holding device adjacent to the ceiling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

(12) In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides for an assembly and associated methods for coping and mounting finish trim molding.

(13) Referring now to the Figures, a coping device 10 for coping finish trim molding is shown. The coping device 10 depicted is a manual, non-electric device. The coping device 10 can be used, for example, to cut a piece of finish trim molding 28, such as a piece of foam trim. When finish trim meets in a corner, the corner is not always originally found at a perfect 90 degree angle. Cope joints, however, which use a first trim molding piece butted against an adjacent wall at the corner in facing contact with the adjacent wall, eliminate the concern of non-square corners. An end of a second trim molding piece can be coped to have a complimentary profile of an outer surface of the first trim molding piece, and the coped end of the second trim molding can be closely fit to the outer surface of the first trim molding piece. Cope joints allow for a tight fit regardless of the corner angle. Cope joints are also less likely to show gaps. Under such circumstances, one can cope the trim so that no matter what angle the corner is originally, the trim fits tight and looks aesthetically pleasing. The coping device 10 is used to cope the finish trim molding 28 like a guillotine. A cutter blade 26 is configured specifically to a size and a shape of the finish trim molding 28 to be cut and coped. One slice, or down and up motion, with the blade and the finish trim molding 28 is perfectly coped. Once molding has been properly cut, it is secured to a ceiling, wall, or the like. For example, a crown molding is secured between a wall and a ceiling.

(14) The coping device 10 allows one to cope a piece of finish trim molding 28, in a matter of seconds. Use of the coping device 10 provides a cope with mechanical accuracy to provide mechanical precision rather than result in a human operator inconsistency. Use of the coping device 10 provides for the creation of corner joints without the need for pre-fabricated foam trim corners.

(15) The coping device 10 includes a platform 12, having a back 14 perpendicular to the platform 12 and forming generally an L shape into which to place a finish trim molding 28 for coping and cutting. The platform 12 is disposed upon a base 20 to provide a level support. The platform 12 is, for example, manufactured of a lightweight aluminum material.

(16) The coping device 10 includes a blade assembly 30 having a cutter blade 26. The blade assembly 30 is adjustable and is configured to rotate, for example, to a right and a left five degrees from a center. The cutter blade 26 is configured specifically to a size and a shape of the finish trim molding 28 to be cut and coped. The cutter blade 26 is configured to be reversed in the blade assembly 30 to provide operation at an opposite angle. The cutter blade 26 is easily interchanged with a replacement blade, or a blade of a different specification to accommodate the cope needs of another size or shape of finish trim molding 28.

(17) The coping device 10 is configured to be manually actuated by a lever 16, selectively managed by an operator. The lever 16 can further include a handle 18 by which the lever 16 is grasped by an operator and by which a cutter blade 26 is depressed downwardly to cut the finish trim molding 28. The blade assembly 30 can further include a pivot rod 32 upon which the lever 16 can pivot when raising and lowering the cutter blade 26 into the finish trim molding 28.

(18) The coping device 10 includes a cutter plate 22 disposed with the platform 12 and configured to accommodate the cutter blade 26 as it is actuated and pressed down through the finish trim molding 28. The cutter blade 26 includes an opening 24 through which the cutter blade 26 passes when depressed through the finish trim molding 28. The cutter plate 22 is configured to be reversed in the platform 12 to receive the cutter blade 26 when the cutter blade 26 is operated at an opposite angle.

(19) The coping device 10 can include a plurality of interchangeable cutter blades 26. each cutter blade 26 configured to a specific profile desired to be cut into the finish trim molding 28. The blade assembly 30 of the coping device 10 is configured such that blades 26 are easily and quickly interchanged or replaced.

(20) The blade assembly 30 of the coping device 10 can be slidably secured to the back 14 with adjustable knobs 34. The knobs 34 are easily loosened and tightened by hand by an operator.

(21) The blade assembly 30 can include frame 36, to which the cutter blade 26 secured, and to which the base 30 of the coping device 10 is secured. Screws 38 can be utilized to secure the elements of the blade assembly 30 one to another. This configuration allows for the blade assembly 30 to adjust and rotate from a center position.

(22) In operation, the coping device 10 can functions without reading the finish trim molding 28 to be coped. The finish trim molding 28 can be wood, foam, or the like. Known coping devices generally accept all shapes and sizes of trim pieces and read the profile of the trim before coping it. Such machines are large, cumbersome, and electric. The coping device 10 described herein is configured to cope only one size and shape of finish trim molding 28 at a time. To accommodate finish trim molding 28 of another size or shape, the blade assembly 30 cutter blade 26 is swapped with another that matches the finish trim molding 28 to be cut. There exists only one trim profile per cutter blade 26, so each cutter blade 26 is specific to the trim it is used upon. The cutter blade 26 is only to be used on the finish trim molding 28 for which it is designed. In any given profile of trim there is always the exact same amount of wood or foam that needs to be removed to make a cope. The coping device 10 is configured to cut that exact amount and, therefore, does not need to read the trim. If the size of shape of finish trim molding 28 is changed, a new cutter blade 26 is utilized.

(23) Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a trim holding device 50 is shown. The trim holding device 50 includes a mounting bracket 52 configured for secure placement along a vertical wall, parallel to the wall. Disposed upon the mounting bracket 52 is a pair of mounting flanges, such as top flange 54 and bottom flange 56, perpendicular to the mounting bracket. A combination of the mounting bracket 52 and the pair of mounting flanges 54, 56 forms generally an F shape trim holding device 50. The mounting flanges 54, 56 are configured to receive and securely hold a finish trim molding 28 without the use of nails, glues, and adhesives. Although depicted with two mounting flanges 54, 56, an alternative number of flanges can be utilized to securely hold finish trim molding 28 to a wall, or the like.

(24) The trim holding device 50 can be manufactured from plastic, metal, and the like. The trim holding device 50 can be manufactured from an extrusion process. The trim holding device 50 can be secured to a wall with screws, adhesive, and so forth. However, no nails, glues, adhesives, screws, etc. are utilized between the trim holding device 50 and the finish trim molding 28.

(25) The mounting flanges 54, 56 can further include a barb 58 disposed upon each of the pair of mounting flanges 54, 56 on an end toward the received finish trim molding 28, such that the barbs securely hold the finish trim molding 28 to the wall.

(26) The mounting flanges 54, 56 can further include a plurality of nodules (not shown) disposed upon an upper side and a lower side of each of the pair of mounting flanges 54, 56, the plurality of nodules configured to provide an additional hold to the finish trim molding 28.

(27) The trim holding device 50 can further include a ceiling stop 60 as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, disposed perpendicularly upon a top of the mounting bracket 52. The finish trim molding 28 is, for example, a crown molding and the ceiling stop 60 is configured to provide spacing to fit the crown molding between the wall 72 and a ceiling 70.

(28) As depicted in FIG. 8, the finish trim molding 28 can include a pair of channels 42, 44 generally horizontal and parallel to one another, formed into the finish trim molding 28 in a generally perpendicular manner relative to a wall upon which the finish trim molding 28 is to be mounted. The pair of channels 42, 44 in the finish trim molding 28 is configured to receive a pair of mounting flanges 54, 56 on a mounting bracket 52 of a trim holding device 50 mounted to the wall. The finish trim molding 28 is configured to be received by the pair of mounting flanges 54, 56 and is securely held to the wall without the use of nails, glues, and adhesives. The pair of channels 42, 44 can be pre-cut, cut on site, or made by the trim holding device 50 as the finish trim molding 28 is installed.

(29) The finish trim molding 28 can include a horizontal cut out 64 as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 disposed on a top surface 62 of the finish trim molding 28 and configured to accommodate rough surfaces upon which the finish trim molding 28 is to cover.

(30) The finish trim molding 28 can include a vertical cut out 68 as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 disposed on a rear surface 66 of the finish trim molding 28 and configured to provide an allowance for the mounting bracket 52.

(31) Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

(32) Based on the above disclosure, a method is disclosed herein for installing a first finish trim molding and a second finish trim molding in a corner formed by a perpendicular intersection of a first vertical wall and a second vertical wall. The method can comprise installing a first trim holding device on the first vertical wall. The first trim holding device can comprise a first mounting bracket attached in facing contact with the first vertical wall and a first pair of mounting flanges disposed on the first mounting bracket and extending perpendicularly outward from the first mounting bracket. The first pair of mounting flanges can be configured to engage a first pair of channels defined in a first rear surface of a first finish trim molding. The method can further comprise installing a second trim holding device on the second vertical wall. The second trim holding device can comprise a second mounting bracket attached in facing contact with the second vertical wall and a second pair of mounting flanges disposed on the second mounting bracket and extending perpendicularly outward from the second mounting bracket. The second pair of mounting flanges can be configured to engage a second pair of channels defined in a second rear surface of a second finish trim molding. The method can further comprise mounting the first finish trim molding onto the first trim holding device by stabbing the first pair of mounting flanges into the first pair of channels. The first finish trim molding can define a first end surface parallel to the second vertical wall, and the first end surface can be installed abutting the second vertical wall. The method can further comprise coping a second end of the second finish trim molding to form an end shape of the second end complimentary to a profile of an outer surface of the first finish trim molding opposite from the first rear surface. The method can further comprise mounting the second finish trim molding on the second trim holding device by stabbing the second pair of mounting flanges into the second pair of channels. The second finish trim molding can be positioned with the end shape of the second end closely fitting the profile of the outer surface of the first finish trim molding.