Geometrical instruments – Scriber – Compound curved and straight-line
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-23
2001-05-08
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Scriber
Compound curved and straight-line
C033S027120, C033S027010, C033S561200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226878
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of floor coverings including but not limited to carpet, vinyl tile and linoleum floor coverings. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming predetermined patterns in floor coverings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has become desirable in the field of floor coverings and in particular in office buildings and hospitals for interior designers and architects to design floors which are compatible with the design theme of the furniture, floor plan and wall covering layout selected by the designer. In order to create an appropriate floor design, it has become necessary to use different colors and/or patterns of floor covering material (e.g. carpet, vinyl tile or linoleum floor covering material). This is accomplished by cutting out desired shapes of one color and/or pattern of floor covering material and inserting corresponding shapes of another color and/or pattern of floor covering material. Before now, this process was accomplished in one of two manners. The first was to use expensive machinery connected to an autocad system to cut precise shapes of a first floor covering material and bond in new shapes of a second floor covering material. This machinery is located off-site, i.e. at a site other than the site of installation. Hence, there is significant delays and additional expense in shipping the desired floor covering materials to the off-site location to have the floor covering materials cut to the specifications of the designer or architect. Obviously, this process is disadvantageous because of its expense and the fact that it prolongs the time necessary to complete the installation. The second manner is to attempt to cut the material out by hand. This is extremely difficult and time consuming. Further, this process generally creates a sloppy looking finished product even when performed by a highly skilled artisan. A template may be used in this process. However, the template is pre-configured and, therefore, can only cut one specific pattern. Hence, there exists a significant need for a method and apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings which overcome the substantial and numerous inherent disadvantages of the prior art.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of a preferred form of the present invention is to provide novel and unobvious method and apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings.
Another object of a preferred form of the present invention is to provide a method for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings which can be performed relatively expeditiously and with great precision.
A further object of a preferred form of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings which can be operated relatively expeditiously and with great precision.
Still a further object of a preferred form of the present invention is to provide a method of forming decorative patterns in floor coverings that can be performed on site, i.e. at the site of installation.
Yet still a further object of a preferred form of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings that can be used on site, i.e. at the site of installation.
Yet another object of a preferred form of the present invention is to provide a method for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings which can be performed in considerably less time and at less expense than previously known methods.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings which performs with the precision of off-site machinery at a fraction of the cost.
These and other objects of the present invention will be readily apparent upon review of the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. These objects of the present invention are not exhaustive and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.
In summary, a preferred form of the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for forming decorative patterns in floor coverings. The preferred form of the apparatus includes a marking device having a body member. The body member includes a channel for receiving a guide member. The apparatus further includes a guide member to guide movement of the marking device along a predetermined path. The guide member is flexible so that it can be positioned on floor coverings in various configurations. The marking device includes a marking implement to mark floor coverings as the marking device is moved along the guide member. The preferred method is performed on site, i.e. at the site of the installation. Further, the preferred method is such that it can be performed relatively expeditiously and with great precision. Moreover, the method can be performed with great accuracy without the need for a highly trained artisan. The foregoing summary describes a preferred form and is not in any way to be construed as limiting the claimed invention to the preferred form.
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Bennett G. Bradley
Merek & Voorhees
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