CONNECTOR FOR TRANSITION MOLDINGS

Abstract

The invention provides a flooring molding connector for transitional molding. The system features a base member that secures to a sub-floor through adhesive or mechanical means, and a serrated insertion member for engaging a complementary molding member. The molding member is equipped with a flat section and a downward-extending stem that ends in an arrowhead tip, facilitating secure engagement with the insertion member.

Claims

1. A connector system for securing transitional molding to a sub-floor, comprising: a base member configured to be fastened onto the sub-floor; an insertion member arising perpendicularly from the base member, wherein the insertion member comprises a plurality of serrations; and a molding member including a flat section and a stem extending perpendicularly and downwardly from the flat section, the stem terminating in an arrowhead tip configured for engagement with the plurality of serrations of the insertion member, wherein the engagement permits one-way insertion.

2. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the base member is attachable to the sub-floor via adhesive or mechanical fastening.

3. The connector system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of serrations on the insertion member are designed to engage with the arrowhead tip of the stem member to secure the molding member in place and prevent unintentional dislodgement.

4. A method for installing a transitional molding onto a sub-floor, comprising: providing a connector having a base member configured to be fastened to the sub-floor, an insertion member arising perpendicularly from the base member having a plurality of serrations; providing a molding member including a flat section with a stem extending perpendicularly and downwardly terminating in an arrowhead tip; aligning the arrowhead tip of the molding member with the plurality of serrations of the insertion member; and inserting the arrowhead tip into the insertion member to secure the molding member in place, wherein the engagement of the arrowhead tip with the plurality of serrations permits one-way insertion.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the base member is fastened to the sub-floor using a selection between adhesive and mechanical fastening based on sub-floor material or installer preference.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded cutaway side view of the connector for transition molding according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cutaway side view of the connector for transition molding installed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cutaway side view of the base member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of connector for transition molding prior to the molding inserted within the insertion member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of molding installed on the connector for transition molding according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the general principles of the present invention have been defined herein to specifically provide a connector for transition molding.

[0018] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms a or an, as used herein, are defined as to mean at least one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term providing is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0019] Referring now to any of the accompanying FIGS. 1-5, the present invention includes a connector 10 for transitional molding 12. In one embodiment, the connector 10 features a base member 14 that can be either adhesively by way of adhesive strips (not shown) or mechanically fastened onto a sub-floor 16. The choice between adhesive and mechanical fastening may depend on the material of the sub-floor or the installation preferences. Between the subfloor 16 and the floor material 17 is an optionally installed membrane 23. The membrane 23 is cut at an insertion member 18 rising perpendicularly from the base member 14. The membrane is adhesively connected to the base member by way of adhesive strips 21. The insertion member 18 is equipped with a plurality of serrations 28.

[0020] As best seen in FIG. 2, the serrations 28 on the insertion member 18 are designed to engage with the molding member 12. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment where the molding member 12 includes a flat section 22 and a stem member 24 that extends perpendicularly and downwardly, terminating in an arrowhead tip 26. This tip is specifically configured and sized for insertion into the insertion member 18. The interaction between the serrations 28 and the arrowhead tip 26 allows for one-way insertion, creating a secure fit that prevents unintentional dislodgement.

[0021] In one embodiment, the construction of the base member 14, insertion member 18, and molding member 20 can utilize various materials to meet different environmental and aesthetic requirements. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, polymers, metals, composites, or any combination of these. The selection of materials can be influenced by factors such as durability, cost, aesthetic considerations, and compatibility with the flooring material. Further, the dimensions of both the connector and the molding members are adaptable to suit different flooring and molding designs.

[0022] It is also important to note that the angle or depth of the serrations can be varied to customize the engagement strength. This flexibility facilitates not only easier installations and secure fastening but also allows for straightforward disassembly when needed.

[0023] In addition to the functional aspects, aesthetic customizations are offered to enhance the visual appeal of the installation. The visible parts of the molding member can be finished in a variety of colors and textures, designed to either match or contrast with the existing flooring materials, thereby contributing to the overall interior design. This comprehensive approach ensures that the invention is both practical and visually appealing, addressing the diverse needs of modern flooring installations.

[0024] Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as exemplary preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. In other words, the terminology and phraseology used in this description and the abstract are for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Such variations and alternative embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0025] It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counterclockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object.

[0026] In addition, references to first, second, third, and so fourth members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) are not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead are used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group.