Crown Elements, Baseboard Elements, Splines, and Related Methods

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/123,807, filed Mar. 20, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/101,478, filed Nov. 23, 2020, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,608,647, which is a continuation of PCT No. PCT/US19/33857, filed May 23, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/675,739, filed May 23, 2018, each of which are herein incorporated by this reference in their entirety.

This disclosure relates generally to construction elements, and relates more particularly to crown elements, baseboard elements, and splines.

In a construction environment, it is often desirable to protect an underlying bare surface (such as, for example, a wall or floor) from dirt, grime, grease, bacteria, animals, and any other deleterious elements. For example, in a commercial environment (such as, for example, a restaurant, cafeteria, or food stand) surface finishing items are generally installed over a bare surface to create a finished or working surface. Generally, such surface finishing items cover and treat bare surfaces using one or more of wall board, sheet rock, plaster, backsplashes, tile, wallpaper, carpeting, wood, paneling, vinyl, etc.

With the installation of these finishing items, it is typical to install conventional construction trim elements (such as, for example, baseboards, crown molding, and wainscoting) to cover or seal a transition from one finishing item to the other. Such conventional construction trim elements have inherent flaws that allow or promote the above-mentioned deleterious elements to accumulate or grow at the location of those conventional construction trim elements and/or contact base surfaces underlying the surface finishing items. For example, almost all of these conventional construction trim elements are installed using standard securing techniques (such as, for example, nails, staples, glues, and caulks) that are ineffective to seal the finishing items. Moreover, such trim elements may degrade, peel, warp, etc., over time by using such standard securing techniques.

Elements and/or any steps among the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order may be illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the construction element. Moreover, elements may be constructed in various combinations and/or permutations.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece of material.

As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In the same or different embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. In some embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus ten degrees of the stated value. In the same or different embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus five degrees of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus one degree of the stated value.

As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes”, “is” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, system, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, system, device, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of a construction element, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

Among other representative embodiments, a system can comprise: a first baseboard element, which can comprise: a first nose portion, which can comprise: a first nose top section and/or a first nose bottom section, wherein the first nose top section is located opposite the first nose bottom section; and/or a first nose front section extending between the first nose top section and/or the first nose bottom section; a first riser portion coupled to the first nose portion, the first riser portion, which can comprise: a first riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose bottom section; and/or a first riser bend extending between the first nose top portion and/or the first riser section; a first wall groove portion, which can comprise: a first groove front section extending approximately parallel to the first riser section; a first groove back section extending approximately parallel to the first groove front section; and/or a first groove bend extending between the first groove front section and/or the first groove back section; and/or a first spline coupling portion; a second baseboard element, which can comprise: a second nose portion, which can comprise: a second nose top section and/or a second nose bottom section, wherein the first nose top section is opposite the second nose bottom section; and/or a second nose front section extending between the second nose top section and/or the second nose bottom section; a second riser portion coupled to the second nose portion, the second riser portion, which can comprise: a second riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the second nose bottom section; and/or a second riser bend extending between the second nose top portion and/or the second riser section; a second wall groove portion, which can comprise: a second groove front section extending approximately parallel to the second riser section; a second groove back section extending approximately parallel to the second groove front section; and/or a second groove bend extending between the second groove front section and/or the second groove back section; and/or a second spline coupling portion; and/or a spline configured to couple with the first spline coupling portion and/or the second spline coupling portion to couple together the first baseboard element and/or the second baseboard element.

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a system, which can comprise: a baseboard element, which can comprise: a baseboard nose portion, which can comprise: a baseboard nose top section and/or a baseboard nose bottom section, wherein the baseboard nose top section is located opposite the baseboard nose bottom section; and/or a baseboard nose front section extending between the baseboard nose top section and/or the baseboard nose bottom section; a baseboard riser portion coupled to the baseboard nose portion, the baseboard riser portion, which can comprise: a baseboard riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the baseboard nose bottom section; and/or a baseboard riser bend extending between the baseboard nose top portion and/or the baseboard riser section; a baseboard wall groove portion, which can comprise: a baseboard groove front section extending approximately parallel to the baseboard riser section; a baseboard groove back section extending approximately parallel to the baseboard groove front section; and/or a baseboard groove bend extending between the baseboard groove front section and/or the baseboard groove back section; and/or a baseboard spline coupling portion, which can comprise: a baseboard spline receiver groove configured to accept a spline; and/or a spline end cap, which can comprise: a spline nose portion, which can comprise: a spline nose top section extending approximately parallel to a spline nose bottom section; and/or a spline nose front section extending between the spline nose top section and/or the spline nose bottom section; a spline riser portion extending approximately parallel to the spline nose front section, the spline riser portion, which can comprise: a spline riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the spline nose bottom section; and/or a spline riser bend extending between the spline nose top portion and/or the spline riser section; a spline wall groove portion, which can comprise: a spline groove front section extending approximately parallel to the spline nose front section; a spline groove back section extending approximately parallel to the spline groove front section; and/or a spline groove bend extending between the spline groove front section and/or the spline groove back section; a first lateral side consisting of a flat surface

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a method of providing a spline, which can comprise: providing a spline mold, the spline mold configured to produce the spline, wherein the spline comprises: a spline nose portion, which can comprise: a spline nose top section and/or a spline nose bottom section, wherein the spline nose top section is located opposite the spline nose bottom section; and/or a spline nose front section extending between the spline nose top section and/or the spline nose bottom section; a spline riser portion coupled to the spline nose portion, the spline riser portion, which can comprise: a spline riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the spline nose bottom section; and/or a spline riser bend extending between the spline nose top portion and/or the spline riser section; a spline wall groove portion, which can comprise: a spline groove front section extending approximately parallel to the spline riser section; a spline groove back section extending approximately parallel to the spline groove front section; and/or a spline groove bend extending between the spline groove front section and/or the spline groove back section; and/or a spline plate extending from a lateral side of the spline riser portion; filling the spline mold with a polymer; and/or cooling the polymer.

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a system, which can comprise: a first crown element, which can comprise: a first nose portion, which can comprise: a first nose top section and/or a first nose bottom section, wherein the first nose top section is located opposite the first nose bottom section; and/or a first nose front section extending between the first nose top section and/or the first nose bottom section; a first ceiling portion extending from and/or approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section; a first riser portion coupled to the first nose portion, the first riser portion, which can comprise: a first riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section; and/or a first riser bend extending between the first nose front section and/or the first riser section; a first wall groove portion, which can comprise: a first groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section; a first groove back section extending approximately parallel to the first groove front section; and/or a first groove bend extending between the first groove front section and/or the first groove back section; and/or a first spline coupling portion, which can comprise: a first spline receiver groove configured to accept a spline; a second crown element, which can comprise: a second nose portion, which can comprise: a second nose top section and/or a second nose bottom section, wherein the first nose top section is opposite the second nose bottom section; and/or a second nose front section extending between the second nose top section and/or the second nose bottom section; a second ceiling portion extending from and/or perpendicular to the second nose top section; a second riser portion coupled to the second nose portion, the second riser portion, which can comprise: a second riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the second nose top section; and/or a second riser bend extending between the second nose top section and/or the second riser section; a second wall groove portion, which can comprise: a second groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the second nose top section; a second groove back section extending approximately parallel to the second groove front section; and/or a second groove bend extending between the second groove front section and/or the second groove back section; and/or a second spline receiver portion, which can comprise: a second spline receiver groove configured to accept the spline; and/or a spline configured to couple with the first spline coupling portion and/or the second spline coupling portion to couple together first crown element and/or the second crown element.

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a system, which can comprise: a crown element, which can comprise: a crown nose portion, which can comprise: a crown nose top section and/or a crown nose bottom section, wherein the crown nose top section is located opposite the crown nose bottom section; and/or a crown nose front section extending between the crown nose top section and/or the crown nose bottom section; a crown ceiling portion extending from and/or approximately perpendicular to the crown nose top section; a crown riser portion coupled to the crown nose portion, the crown riser portion, which can comprise: a crown riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the crown nose top section; and/or a crown riser bend extending between the crown nose front section and/or the crown riser section; a crown wall groove portion, which can comprise: a crown groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the crown nose top section; a crown groove back section extending approximately parallel to the crown groove front section; and/or a crown groove bend extending between the crown groove front section and/or the crown groove back section; and/or a crown spline coupling portion, which can comprise: a crown spline receiver groove configured to accept a spline; a spline end cap, which can comprise: a spline nose portion, which can comprise: a spline nose top section extending approximately parallel to a spline nose bottom section; and/or a spline nose front section extending between the spline nose top section and/or the spline nose bottom section; a spline ceiling portion extending from and/or approximately perpendicular to the spline nose top section; a spline riser portion extending approximately parallel to the spline nose front section, the spline riser portion, which can comprise: a spline riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the spline nose bottom section; and/or a spline riser bend extending between the spline nose top portion and/or the spline riser section; a spline wall groove portion, which can comprise: a spline groove front section extending approximately parallel to the spline nose front section; a spline groove back section extending approximately parallel to the spline groove front section; and/or a spline groove bend extending between the spline groove front section and/or the spline groove back section; a first lateral side consisting of a flat surface.

A construction element may be described herein by terms of various functional elements and various method steps. Such functional elements may be realized by any number of hardware components adapted to perform generalized or specific functions to achieve various results. For example, the construction element may employ various construction element components, e.g., various materials, such as stainless steel, standard steel grades, aluminum, copper, various alloy combinations, vinyl, and any other natural and/or synthetic materials whether now known or developed in the future. Moreover, the construction element may comprise various structural configurations, for example, tongue and grooves, slots, laps, welds, snaps, latches, wells, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. And each structural configuration may comprise any number or permutations of configurations; for example, various scale, gauge, finish, size, geometry, surface texture, and the like may be employed.

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a system, which can comprise: a crown spline, which can comprise: a crown nose portion, which can comprise: a crown nose top section and a crown nose bottom section, wherein the crown nose top section is located opposite the crown nose bottom section; and a crown nose front section extending between the crown nose top section and the crown nose bottom section; a crown ceiling portion extending from and approximately perpendicular to the crown nose top section; a crown riser portion coupled to the crown nose portion, the crown riser portion, which can comprise: a crown riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the crown nose top section; and a crown riser bend extending between the crown nose front section and the crown riser section; and a first spline extending from the first crown lateral side configured to couple with a spline receiving groove of a crown element; a baseboard spline, which can comprise: a baseboard nose portion, which can comprise: a baseboard nose top section and a baseboard nose bottom section, wherein the baseboard nose top section is located opposite the baseboard nose bottom section; and a baseboard nose front section extending between the baseboard nose top section and the baseboard nose bottom section; a baseboard riser portion coupled to the baseboard nose portion, the baseboard riser portion, which can comprise: a baseboard riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the baseboard nose bottom section; and a baseboard riser bend extending between the baseboard nose top portion and the baseboard riser section; and a second spline extending from the first baseboard lateral side configured to couple with a spline receiver groove of a baseboard element; and a wall element coupled to and extending between the crown element and the baseboard element, the wall element, which can comprise: a wall corner portion comprising a corner bend; a wall groove portion, which can comprise: a wall groove front section extending from the wall groove corner portion; a wall groove back section extending approximately parallel to the wall groove front section; and a wall groove bend extending between the wall groove front section and the wall groove back section.

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a system, which can comprise: a first baseboard element, which can comprise: a first nose bottom section; a first riser section; and a first wall groove portion, which can comprise: a first groove front section extending approximately parallel to the first riser section along a first direction approximately perpendicular to the first nose bottom section; and a first groove back section extending approximately parallel to the first groove front section along the first direction. The system can also comprise: a second baseboard element, which can comprise: a second nose bottom section; a second riser section; and a second wall groove portion, which can comprise: a second groove front section extending approximately parallel to the second riser section along a second direction approximately perpendicular to the second nose bottom section; and a second groove back section extending approximately parallel to the second groove front section along the second direction. The system can further comprise: a spline, which can comprise: a spline nose portion; a spline riser portion; and a first pair of spline wings, which can comprise: a first spline nub configured to be located within a first spline nose receiver groove of the first baseboard element, extending from a first lateral side of the spline nose portion; and a second spline nub configured to be located within a second spline nose receiver groove of the second baseboard element, extending from a second lateral side of the spline nose portion. The spline can also comprise: a second pair of spline wings configured to be coupled to the first baseboard element and to the second baseboard element.

Other representative embodiments can comprise: a system, which can comprise: a first crown element, which can comprise: a first nose top section; a first riser section; and a first wall groove portion, which can comprise: a first groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section; and a first groove back section extending approximately parallel to the first groove front section. The system can also comprise: a second crown element comprising: a second nose top section; a second riser section; and a second wall groove portion, which can comprise: a second groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the second nose top section; and a second groove back section extending approximately parallel to the second groove front section. The system can further comprise a spline, which can comprise: a spline nose portion; a spline riser portion; and a first pair of spline wings, which can comprise: a first spline nub configured to be located within a first spline nose receiver groove of the first crown element, extending from a first lateral side of the spline nose portion; and a second spline nub configured to be located within a second spline nose receiver groove of the second crown element, extending from a second lateral side of the spline nose portion. The spline can also comprise: a second pair of spline wings configured to be coupled to the first crown element and to the second crown element

Those skilled in the art will understand that the construction element may be practiced as part of any variety of construction element and/or finishing applications, whether for commercial, industrial, and/or residential, purpose; and any particular system, method, and/or purpose described is merely exemplary for the construction element. Those skilled in the art will further understand that the construction element may be practiced by any number of other applications and environments, whether now known or developed in the future. Finally, those skilled in the art will understand that the construction element may employ any number of conventional techniques for manufacturing, installing, packaging, marketing, distributing, and/or selling the construction element.

In many embodiments, a construction element (such as, for example, baseboards, crown molding, and wainscoting) can (1) operate to seal and/or operate as a transition from one surface finishing item to another (such as, for example, wall board, sheet rock, plaster, backsplashes, tile, wallpaper, carpeting, wood, paneling, or vinyl), (2) prevent deleterious materials (such as, for example, dirt, grime, grease, bacteria, or animals) from accumulating or growing at the location of the construction element, and (3) prevent the deleterious materials from contacting the base surfaces underlying the surface finishing items. In some embodiments, the construction element can be referred to as a construction trim element.

Various embodiments can include a system. The system can include a first baseboard element, a second baseboard element, and a spline configured to couple with the first baseboard element and the second baseboard element. In a number of embodiments, the first baseboard element can include a first nose portion, a first riser portion coupled to the first nose portion, and a first wall groove portion. The first nose portion can include a first nose bottom section. The first riser portion can include a first riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose bottom section. The first wall groove portion can include a first groove front section extending approximately parallel to the first riser section along a first direction approximately perpendicular to the first nose bottom section. The first wall groove portion further can include a first groove back section extending approximately parallel to the first groove front section along the first direction.

In some embodiments, the second baseboard element can include a second nose portion, a second riser portion coupled to the second nose portion, and a second wall groove portion. The second nose portion can include a second nose bottom section. The second riser portion can include a second riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the second nose bottom section. The second wall groove portion can include a second groove front section extending approximately parallel to the second riser section along a second direction approximately perpendicular to the second nose bottom section. The second wall groove portion also can include a second groove back section extending approximately parallel to the second groove front section along the second direction.

Various embodiments additionally can include another system. The system can include a first crown element, a second crown element, and a spline configured to couple with the first crown element and the second crown element. In many embodiments, the first crown element can include a first nose portion, a first ceiling portion, a first riser portion, and a first wall groove portion. The first crown element can include a first nose top section, a first ceiling portion extending from and approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section, and a first riser portion coupled to the first nose portion. The first riser portion can include a first riser section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section. The first wall groove portion can include a first groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the first nose top section and a first groove back section extending approximately parallel to the first groove front section.

In several embodiments, the second crown element can include a second nose portion, a second ceiling portion, a second riser portion coupled to the second nose portion, and a second wall groove portion. The second nose portion can include a second nose top section. The second riser section can extend approximately perpendicular to the second nose top section. The second wall groove portion can include a second groove front section extending approximately perpendicular to the second nose top section, and a second groove back section extending approximately parallel to the second groove front section.

Various representative implementations of a baseboard element may be applied to any construction system. Referring now to, an exemplary embodiment of a baseboard elementis shown in an isometric view. In many embodiments, baseboard elementcan comprise a single, integrated piece.

In some embodiments, baseboard elementcan comprise a nose portion, riser portion, wall groove portion, and/or a spline receiver portion. In some embodiments, nose portioncan further comprise a nose top section, a nose bottom section, and/or a nose front section. In the same or different embodiments, nose top sectioncan have a substantially planar shape. In the same or different embodiments, nose top sectioncan extend approximately parallel to nose bottom sectionand approximately perpendicular to nose front section.

In some embodiments, nose front sectioncan have a substantially planar shape. In the same or different embodiments, nose front sectionextends between nose top sectionand nose bottom section. In the same or different embodiments, nose portioncan comprise top nose bend. In further embodiments, top nose bendcan extend between nose top sectionand nose front section. In the same or different embodiments, nose portioncan comprise bottom nose bend. In further embodiments, bottom nose bendcan extend between nose bottom sectionand nose front section. In the same or different embodiments, nose bottom sectioncan comprise one or more nose bottom grooves. In some embodiments, nose bottom groovescan be configured to receive epoxy, glue, or sealant such that a baseboard elementis coupled to a ground surface(). In some embodiments, the coupling of baseboard elementto ground surface() occurs in a way that is water tight and/or air tight.

In further embodiments, nose portionfurther comprises a nose spline receiver groove. Nose spline receiver groovecan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, nose spline receiver groovecan comprise a variety of shapes configured to receive a variety of spline nub shapes, such that inserting a spline nub into nose spline receiver groovecouples baseboard elementto a spline. Incorporation of nose spline receiver grooveinto baseboard elementcan save on production costs and weight due to reducing material used to manufacture baseboard element. In various embodiments, nose spline receiver groovecan comprise a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially triangular shape, and/or a substantially semi-circular shape. Incorporation of nose spline receiver grooveinto baseboard elementcan save on production costs and weight due to reducing material used to manufacture baseboard element.

In some embodiments, riser portioncan comprise riser bend bottom interface, riser bend, riser bend top interface, and/or riser section. In the same or different embodiments, riser bend bottom interfacecan extend from nose top section. In the same or different embodiments, riser bendcan extend from riser bend bottom interface. In the same or different embodiments, riser bendcan have a substantially arcuate shape, which allows for easy and thorough cleaning and/or disinfection because the lack of sharp corners and crevices prevents microorganisms from evading disinfectant. When riser bendhas a substantially arcuate shape, laminar airflow can also be enhanced because air streams do not encounter sharp corners. As an example, the substantially arcuate shape of riser bendcan be a concave shape or a convex shape. In some embodiments, riser bend top interfacecan extend from riser bend. In the same or different embodiments, riser sectioncan extend from riser top interface. In various embodiments, riser sectionhas a substantially planar shape, can be parallel to nose front section, and/or be perpendicular to nose bottom section.

In the same or different embodiments, wall groove portioncan comprise a groove front section, a groove bend, a groove back section, a groove front edge, and/or a groove back edge. In some embodiments, groove front sectioncan extend from riser section. As an example, groove front sectionand riser sectioncan be coplanar with each other. In various embodiments, groove front sectionhas a substantially planar shape, can be parallel to nose front section, and/or be perpendicular to nose bottom section. In the same or different embodiments, groove front sectionterminates at groove front edge. In various embodiments, groove front edgecan have a substantially planar shape or a substantially arcuate shape. In further embodiments, groove bendcan extend from groove front end. In various embodiments, groove bendcan have a substantially planar shape. In the same or different embodiments, groove bendcan form a 180 degree bend, such that groove back sectioncan be approximately parallel to groove front section. In various embodiments, groove back sectioncan extend from groove bendand terminate at groove back edge. In further embodiments, groove back edgecan have a substantially planar shape or a substantially arcuate shape. Groove back sectioncan extend higher than groove front endsuch that groove back edgeis higher than groove front edge.

In the same or different embodiments, spline receiver portioncan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, spline receiver portioncan comprise spline receiver bend, bottom receiver nub, middle receiver nubs, top receiver nub, receiver back grooves, receiver sections, back spline receiver groove, and/or spline groove separator.

In some embodiments, spline receiver bendcan extend from nose bottom sectionand/or nose bottom grooves. In various embodiments, spline receiver bendcan have a substantially arcuate shape. In further embodiments, spline receiver bendcan form a right angle. In some embodiments, bottom receiver nubcan extend from spline receiver bend. In different embodiments, bottom receiver nubdoes not extend from spline receiver bend, but instead extends from a bottom-most one of middle receiver nubs. Receiver back groovescan be located within middle receiver nubsand within top receiver nub. In the same or different embodiments, top receiver nubcan extend from groove back section. In further embodiments, receiver back groovescan be configured to receive epoxy, glue, or sealant such that a baseboard elementis coupled to a wall surface (not shown). In some embodiments, the coupling of baseboard elementto wall surface (not shown) occurs in a way that is water tight and/or air tight.

In some embodiments, receiver sectionscan be spline coupling portions. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portions can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portions can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, receiver sectionsextend between bottom receiver nuband a bottom-most one of middle receiver nubs, between adjacent ones of middle receiver nubs, and/or between a top-most one of middle receiver nubsand top receiver nub. Receiver sectionscan extend approximately parallel to nose front sectionand approximately perpendicular to nose bottom section. In various embodiments, outer edges of bottom receiver nub, middle receiver nubs, and/or top receiver nubcan have receiver nub bends, which also can be located at the outer edges of receiver sections. In some embodiments, each of receiver nub bendscan have a substantially arcuate or substantially planar shape. When receiver nub bendshave arcuate shapes, a coupling of baseboard elementat receiver sectionsto a spline can be easier. In the same or different embodiments, spline plates can be configured to be inserted into receiver sectionssuch that the spline plates are held in place by adjacent ones of top receiver nub, middle receiver nubs, and/or bottom receiver nub. In a different embodiment, the baseboard element can be devoid of any middle receiver nubs, and can have only one receiver section located between a top receiver nub and a bottom receiver nub.

In various embodiments, back spline receiver groovecan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, back spline receiver groovecan be proximate to spline receiver bend. In the same or different embodiments, back spline receiver groovecan comprise a variety of shapes configured to receive a variety of spline nub shapes such that inserting a spline nub into back spline receiver groovecouples baseboard elementto a spline. In various embodiments, spline groove separatorextends between back spline receiver grooveand nose spline receiver groove. Incorporation of back spline receiver grooveinto baseboard elementcan save on production costs and weight due to reducing material used to manufacture baseboard element.

Referring now to, a side profile view of baseboard elementis shown. In some embodiments, top nose bendcan form top nose anglebetween nose top sectionand nose front section. In various embodiments, top nose anglecan be an approximately right angle. In the same or different embodiments, top nose anglecan be an acute angle or an obtuse angle. When top nose angleis an approximately right angle, flooring materialcan lay flush against nose front section, thus providing an approximately flat surface across nose top sectionand flooring material. When top nose angleis an obtuse angle, a channel can be formed with flooring material, which can be used as an aid for applying adhesive or sealant.

In further embodiments, nose bottom bendcan form bottom nose anglebetween nose bottom sectionand nose front section. In various embodiments, bottom nose anglecan be an approximately right angle. In the same or different embodiments, bottom nose anglecan be an acute angle or an obtuse angle. When bottom nose angleis an approximately right angle, flooring materialcan lay flush against nose front section, thus providing an approximately flat surface across nose top sectionand flooring material. When bottom nose angleis an acute angle, a channel can be formed with flooring material, which can be used as an aid for applying adhesive or sealant. In some embodiments, a height of nose front sectionfrom nose top sectionto nose bottom sectioncan be approximately 0.6266 inches (1.5916 centimeters), a length of nose bottom sectionfrom nose front sectionto spline receiver bendcan be approximately 1.25 inches (3.175 centimeters), a height of baseboard elementfrom nose bottom sectionto groove back edgecan be approximately 5.0 inches (12.7 centimeters), a thickness of groove back sectioncan be approximately 0.045 inches (0.1143 centimeters), a thickness of groove front sectioncan be approximately 0.045 inches (0.1143 centimeters), a widthof groove bendfrom groove front sectionto groove back sectioncan be approximately 0.130 inches (0.330 centimeters), and/or a heightfrom nose bottom sectionto groove front edgecan be approximately 4.0 inches (10.16 centimeters). In different embodiments, each of these dimensions can be increased or decreased by up to one percent, five percent, ten percent, fifteen percent, twenty percent, or twenty-five percent. Height of nose front sectioncan be designed to match a height of flooring material. Widthof groove bendcan be designed to accommodate a width of a wall overlay material. Thickness of groove front section, a height of groove front section, and adjacent portions of baseboard elementcan be designed to be strong enough to support the wall overlay material.

Turning to, an exemplary embodiment of a baseboard elementis shown in an isometric view. In many embodiments, baseboard elementcan comprise a single integrated piece. In many embodiments, baseboard elementand baseboard element() can be similar to each other. For example, baseboard elementcan be longer than baseboard element(), but otherwise can have the same general shape as baseboard element(). In the same or different embodiments (not shown in), baseboard elementand baseboard element() can be symmetrical with each other. In the same or different embodiments (also not shown in), baseboard elementand baseboard element() can be identical with each other. In the same or different embodiments, baseboard elementcan have the details shown inand described in the subsequent paragraphs.

In some embodiments, baseboard elementcan comprise a nose portion, a riser portion, a wall groove portion, and/or a spline receiver portion. In some embodiments, nose portioncan further comprise a nose top section, a nose bottom section, and/or a nose front section. In the same or different embodiments, nose top sectioncan have a substantially planar shape. In the same or different embodiments, nose top sectioncan extend approximately parallel to nose bottom sectionand approximately perpendicular to nose front section.

In some embodiments, nose front sectioncan have a substantially planar shape. In the same or different embodiments, nose front sectionextends between nose top sectionand nose bottom section. In the same or different embodiments, nose portioncan comprise top nose bend. In further embodiments, top nose bendcan extend between nose top sectionand nose front section. In the same or different embodiments, nose portioncan comprise bottom nose bend. In further embodiments, bottom nose bendcan extend between nose bottom sectionand nose front section. In the same or different embodiments, nose bottom sectioncan comprise one or more nose bottom grooves. In some embodiments, nose bottom groovescan be configured to receive epoxy, glue, or sealant such that a baseboard elementis coupled to a ground surface(). In some embodiments, the coupling of baseboard elementto ground surface() occurs in a way that is water tight and/or air tight.

In further embodiments, nose portionfurther comprises a nose spline receiver groove. Nose spline receiver groovecan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, nose spline receiver groovecan comprise a variety of shapes configured to receive a variety of spline nub shapes, such that inserting a spline nub into nose spline receiver groovecouples baseboard elementto a spline. In various embodiments, nose spline receiver groovecan comprise a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially triangular shape, and/or a substantially semi-circular shape. Incorporation of nose spline receiver grooveinto baseboard elementcan save on production costs and weight due to reducing material used to manufacture baseboard element.

In some embodiments, riser portioncan comprise riser bend bottom interface, riser bend, riser bend top interface, and/or riser section. In the same or different embodiments, riser bend bottom interfacecan extend from nose top section. In further embodiments, riser bendcan extend from riser bend bottom interface. In the same or different embodiments, riser bendcan have a substantially arcuate shape, which allows for easy and thorough cleaning and/or disinfection because the lack of sharp corners and crevices prevents microorganisms from evading disinfectant. When riser bendhas a substantially arcuate shape, laminar airflow can also be enhanced because air streams do not encounter sharp corners. As an example, the substantially arcuate shape of riser bendcan be a concave shape or a convex shape or a convex shape. In some embodiments, riser bend top interfacecan extend from riser bend. In the same or different embodiments, riser sectioncan extend from riser top interface. In various embodiments, riser sectionhas a substantially planar shape, can be parallel to nose front section, and/or be perpendicular to nose bottom section.

In the same or different embodiments, wall groove portioncan comprise a groove front section, a groove bend, a groove back section, a groove front edge, and/or a groove back edge. In some embodiments, groove front sectioncan extend from the riser section. As an example, groove front sectionand riser sectioncan be coplanar with each other. In various embodiments, groove front sectionhas a substantially planar shape, can be parallel to nose front section, and/or be perpendicular to nose bottom section. In the same or different embodiments, groove front sectionterminates at groove front edge. In various embodiments, groove front edgecan have a substantially planar shape or a substantially arcuate shape. In further embodiments, groove bendcan extend from groove front end. In various embodiments, groove bendcan have a substantially planar shape. In the same or different embodiments, groove bendcan form a 180 degree bend, such that groove back sectioncan be approximately parallel to groove front section. In various embodiments, groove back sectioncan extend from groove bendand terminate at groove back edge. In further embodiments, groove back edgecan have a substantially planar shape or a substantially arcuate shape. Groove back sectioncan extend higher than groove front endsuch that groove back edgeis higher than groove front edge.

In the same or different embodiments, spline receiver portioncan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, spline receiver portioncan comprise front key groove, front key bend, back key groove, back key bend, receiver section, top receiver nub bend, top receiver nub, back spline receiver groove, and/or spline groove separator. In some embodiments, front key groovecan extend from nose bottom sectionand/or nose bottom grooves.

In various embodiments, front key groovecan have a substantially arcuate, substantially planar, or substantially hyperbolic shape. In the same or different embodiments, front key groovecan be configured to receive a front key of a spline in order to aid in the coupling of baseboard elementand a spline. In some embodiments, front key bendcan extend between front key grooveand back key groove. In various embodiments, front key bendcan form an approximately right angle. In the same or different embodiments, front key bendcan form an acute angle or an obtuse angle. In some embodiments, back key groovecan have a substantially arcuate, substantially circular, substantially planar, substantially triangular, or substantially rectangular shape. In the same or different embodiments, back key groovecan be configured to receive a back key of a spline in order to aid in the coupling of baseboard elementand a spline. In various embodiments, back key bendextends between back key grooveand receiver section. In various embodiments, back key bendcan form an approximately right angle. In the same or different embodiments, back key bendcan form an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

In some embodiments, receiver sectioncan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, receiver sectionextends approximately parallel to nose front sectionand approximately perpendicular to nose bottom section. In various embodiments, top receiver nub bendextends between receiver sectionand top receiver nub. In some embodiments, top receiver nub bendcan have a substantially arcuate or substantially planar shape. When top receiver nub bendhas an arcuate shape, coupling of baseboard elementto a spline can be easier.

In various embodiments, back spline receiver groovecan be a spline coupling portion. In some embodiments, the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more recesses or female portions, as described below, and in other embodiments (not shown in), the spline coupling portion can comprise one or more male portions. As shown in, back spline receiver groovecan comprise a variety of shapes configured to receive a variety of spline nub shapes, such that inserting a spline nub into back spline receiver groovecouples baseboard elementto a spline. Incorporation of back spline receiver grooveinto baseboard elementcan save on production costs and weight due to reducing material used to manufacture baseboard element. In various embodiments, spline groove separatorextends between back spline receiver grooveand nose spline receiver groove.