Architectural Covering and Method

Abstract

The present application is directed to an architectural cover for securing to a support surface comprising: a frame defining a perimeter; a panel overlying a portion of the frame to form an exterior side of the cover and an interior side of the cover; the frame further comprising (a) a main body configured to attach to the panel via a fastening means, and (b) a lip defined by a first surface configured to receive a securing means, and a second surface configured to abut the support surface; the lip further comprising an outer edge defining a perimeter of the cover and an inner edge defining an inner perimeter of the frame, the perimeter of the inner edge configured to abut the support surface when the architectural cover is secured to the support surface.

1 . An architectural cover for securing to a support surface comprising:
 a frame defining a perimeter;   a panel overlying a portion of the frame to form an exterior side of the cover and an interior side of the cover;   the frame further comprising (a) a main body configured to attach to the panel via a fastening means, and (b) a lip defined by a first surface configured to receive a securing means, and a second surface configured to abut the support surface;   the lip further comprising an outer edge defining a perimeter of the cover and an inner edge defining an inner perimeter of the frame, the perimeter of the inner edge configured to abut the support surface when the architectural cover is secured to the support surface.   
   
   
       2 . The architectural cover of  claim 1 , wherein the frame is assembled from three or more longitudinal frame members of unequal lengths. 
   
   
       3 . The architectural cover of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further includes a first grooved section configured to receive a decorative joint member therethrough. 
   
   
       4 . The architectural cover of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further includes a bend up to about 90° forming a landing surface. 
   
   
       5 . The architectural cover of  claim 1 , wherein the lip further comprises a first surface for receiving a securing means. 
   
   
       6 . The architectural cover of  claim 5 , wherein the lip further comprises a second surface. 
   
   
       7 . The architectural cover of  claim 4 , wherein the first surface further comprises a scored region. 
   
   
       8 . The architectural cover of  claim 1 , wherein the inner edge is rounded off. 
   
   
       9 . The architectural cover of  claim 1 , wherein the panel forms an end cap over an edge of the support surface. 
   
   
       10 . A system for forming a continuous barrier on a support surface comprising:
 a plurality of architectural covers, the architectural covers being secured adjacent one another on the support surface forming joints there between;   wherein each architectural cover forms an independent relationship with the support surface when secured to the support surface.   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein adjacent covers have centers that are different distances from the top and bottom edges of the support surface. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , further including decorative joint members inserted at the joints between the architectural covers. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein each architectural cover comprises a different size, different shape and different number of sides. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein each architectural cover can be secured to the support surface using like securing means without regard to the size and shape of the architectural covers. 
   
   
       15 . A system for forming a continuous barrier on a support surface comprising:
 two or more architectural covers, each cover having a frame and a panel, wherein the frame comprises three or more sides defining a perimeter, the frame being securable to the support surface; the panel overlying the frame to form an exterior side of the cover and an interior side of the cover;   one or more decorative joint members;   wherein the two or more covers are secured adjacent one another on the support surface forming joints there between;   wherein the two or more covers form an independent relationship with the support surface when secured to the support surface; and   wherein the decorative joint members are inserted at the joints between the frames of adjacent covers to conceal the joints from view.   
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising sealing members disposed between the covers and the support surface when the covers are secured to the support surface. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein each architectural cover comprises a different size, different shape and different number of sides. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the architectural covers may be secured to the support surface in a non-sequential manner. 
   
   
       19 . A method for forming a continuous barrier on a support surface using a plurality of architectural covers, the method comprising:
 providing a plurality of architectural covers, each architectural cover comprising a frame defining a perimeter, and a panel overlying the frame to form an exterior side of the cover and an interior side of the cover; the frame further including a main body configured to attach to the panel via a fastening means, and a lip defined by a first surface configured to receive a securing means, and a second surface configured to abut the support surface; the lip further comprising an outer edge defining a perimeter of the cover and an inner edge defining an inner perimeter of the frame, the perimeter of the inner edge configured to abut the support surface when the architectural cover is secured to the support surface;   randomly securing successive architectural covers directly to the support surface wherein the outer edges of each architectural cover share common borders with the outer edges of adjacent architectural covers.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the support surface is pre-marked to form areas having various shapes of varying sizes each configured for placement of a corresponding cover.