Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Framing to receive door – doorjamb – or window sash – Architrave; i.e. – finish strip on floor – ceiling – or wall...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-30
2001-01-16
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Framing to receive door, doorjamb, or window sash
Architrave; i.e., finish strip on floor, ceiling, or wall...
C052S212000, C052S360000, C052S361000, C052S716700, C052S204530, C024S295000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173542
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to molding trim for doors, windows and the like, and more specifically to molding trim that attaches to a wall or other surface in a removable, snap-on manner.
2. Description of the Related Art
For those of us who have attempted to perform some home remodeling without professional assistance, the phrase “he makes it look easy” takes on a whole new meaning. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and the like are all skilled tradesmen who spend years honing their skills to a point where professional-quality results are produced routinely in a short amount of time. However, when attempting these functions on their own, do-it-yourselfers can turn seemingly simple projects into monumental tasks which can lead to a waste of time and money as well as a great deal of frustration. A prime example of this phenomenon involves interior painting where one attempts to paint around the various window and door moldings used to trim their respective openings. In doing so, the painter often gets paint on the wood molding material, forcing them to clean the molding. Others choose to use the painstaking method of masking the trim prior to painting. Regardless, the painter spends a great deal of time navigating his or her paintbrush around the trim pieces throughout the room. Accordingly, there is a need for a means through which persons of average skill can paint a room easily, producing attractive and quality results without spending a great deal of time navigating around window and door molding. The development of the present invention fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, several references trim molding and other molding type devices were discovered. These devices neither anticipate nor disclose any embodiment that would preclude the novelty and the utilitarian functionality of the features of the present invention.
The following patents describe a J-trim corner piece for holding a screen frame, or the like.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,992, issued in the name of Strick et al.; and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,705, issued in the name of Guillemet.
The following patents describe a corner piece for a miter joint/molding trim.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,318 issued in the name of Anderson;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,439 issued in the name of Sakashita;
U.S. Pat. No. 2,069,289 issued in the name of Swendsen et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 388,884 issued in the name of Karnoski;
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 378,422 issued in the name of Howe; and
U.S. Pat. No. Des. 175,229 issued in the name of Neufeld.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,464, issued in the name of Forster, discloses an apparatus for making corner joints for molding trim for windows, doors, etc.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,956,861, issued in the name of Rasmussen, describes a trim arrangement with separate slip-fit corner pieces.
While several features exhibited within these references may be incorporated into this invention, alone and in combination with other elements, the present invention is sufficiently different so as to make it distinguishable over the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Conventional trim molding is nailed directly to the supporting wall surface. As a result, removing the molding is difficult, if not impossible without causing some damage to either the molding itself or the wall. The present invention consists of otherwise conventional wood molding that has a keyhole slot milled along its length on the mounding side thereof. Special mounting plates are attached to the wall via nails or other fasteners and include a specially designed key protrusion that mate with the keyhole slot. Inserting the key into the keyhole slot, the molding can be attached to and removed from the wall quickly, easily and repetitively without damaging either the molding or the wall. Thus, one can remove the molding in order to paint the walls quickly and easily, without having to navigate door and window trim. As a result, use of the present invention allows those with average painting skills to achieve professional-quality results.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding that removably attaches to a supporting wall surface, allowing for removal during wall painting, washing or other routine maintenance functions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding in which an anchoring device attaches to a wall or other support surface in a strong and secure manner, allowing for the removable attachment of individual lengths of trim molding strips thereto.
It is another object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding that has an attractive, wood-like appearance resembling that of traditional trim moldings.
It is another object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding that is constructed of a material that will accept paint and/or stains in order to alter or adjust its appearance.
It is another object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding in which a variety of designs and styles are available to match those of conventional wood trim moldings.
It is another object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding that is attached and removed easily from the supporting wall surface.
It is another object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding in which a close tolerance fit between the molding and supporting wall surface is formed.
Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide snap-on wood trim molding that may be constructed of materials including wood, pressed wood, plastic, fiberglass, or other like synthetic material.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 175229 (1955-07-01), Neufeld
patent: D. 378422 (1997-03-01), Howe
patent: D. 388884 (1998-01-01), Karnoski
patent: 1760265 (1930-05-01), Carr
patent: 1804831 (1931-05-01), Hardesty
patent: 1940933 (1933-12-01), Balduf
patent: 1968168 (1934-07-01), Place
patent: 2069289 (1937-02-01), Swendsen
patent: 2118800 (1938-05-01), Smith
patent: 2248224 (1941-07-01), Fernberg
patent: 3746378 (1973-07-01), Meyer
patent: 3956861 (1976-05-01), Rasmussen
patent: 4076439 (1978-02-01), Sakashita
patent: 4284464 (1981-08-01), Forster
patent: 4852318 (1989-08-01), Anderson
patent: 4946727 (1990-08-01), Kessler
patent: 5222343 (1993-06-01), Anderson
patent: 5283096 (1994-02-01), Greenberg et al.
patent: 5485705 (1996-01-01), Guillemet
patent: 5625992 (1997-05-01), Strick
patent: 5941046 (1999-08-01), Prather
A Phi Dieu Tran
Friedman Carl D.
Gugliotta John D.
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