Supports: cabinet structure – Counters – Tops
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-15
2001-02-13
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3624)
Supports: cabinet structure
Counters
Tops
C052S287100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186605
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to the installation of adjacent members upon a support member. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for installing countertops and backsplashes along a support surface.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The construction of many kitchens and bathrooms demands that the countertop and backsplash be formed as separate pieces. The countertop and backsplash are then separately installed within the consumer's kitchen or bathroom.
The components are commonly installed by first positioning the countertop on the cabinets, or other support structure, and screwing both the front and the back of the countertop into the cabinets. Specifically, the countertop is attached to the cabinet by reaching within the cabinet and screwing up into the underside of the countertop.
The process of accessing the underside of the countertop is generally cumbersome in view of the many shelves and accessories commonly found within kitchen and bath cabinets. In addition, there is always the concern that a screw will pass completely through the countertop, thereby destroying the countertop, or at a minimum necessitating substantial repair costs.
Once the countertop is properly secured, the backsplash is positioned and installed along the wall line. Backsplashes are commonly installed in one of two manners. First, and most commonly, the backsplash is simply glued to the support wall running adjacent the countertop. In addition to the inherent messiness associated with the use of glue, its use in the installation of a backsplash is accompanied by many shortcomings.
For example, the backsplash must be held in position while the glue sets. This is commonly not a problem when the walls of a home are square. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the walls of most homes are far from square and various clamping techniques must be employed to ensure that the backsplash remains in position while the glue sets.
Backsplashes are also installed by screwing up and into the backsplash from the underside of the countertop. This technique is, however, difficult and provides results with many shortcomings. Specifically, the core of most backsplashes is fiberboard and does not provide an ideal material within which to retain a screw. The core is also relatively thin, and any deviations from the center of the core may result in damage to the backsplash.
Whether the backsplash is installed using glue, screws, or a combination of the two, it is almost impossible to complete installation without the need for caulking the various seams showing between the backsplash, countertop and wall. For example, where the cabinets are not fully level, the countertop will settle upon installation, creating a gap between the backsplash and the countertop. Where the wall is not square, the backsplash will not lay flush thereon, revealing a gap between the backsplash and the wall.
Assuming the countertop and backsplash are installed with all of the seams flush, homes and cabinets unfortunately settle over time. As the home or cabinet settles, seams between the backsplash and countertop open, revealing unsightly and aesthetically undesirable gaps. While these gaps may be filled with caulk, the caulk only partially hides the gaps, and provides a limited time fix.
With the foregoing in mind, a need exists for a system which facilitates the integrated assembly of countertops and backsplashes in a convenient, reliable and secure manner. The system must ensure the integrated assembly of countertops and backsplashes such that they form an ostensibly seamless assembly. The present invention provides such a system for facilitating the installation of countertops and backsplashes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide an installation system for installing a backsplash and countertop upon a horizontal support member. The system includes an elongated mounting bracket shaped for selective attachment to a vertical support surface. The elongated mounting bracket includes a mounting bracket retaining member. The system further includes a countertop and a backsplash, wherein the rear surface of the backsplash includes a backsplash retaining member shaped for selective attachment to the mounting bracket retaining member. In use, the elongated mounting bracket is secured to the vertical support surface adjacent the horizontal support member, the countertop is placed upon the horizontal support member with its rear edge adjacent the support surface and the mounting bracket retaining member engages the backsplash retaining member to securely retain the countertop and backsplash relative to the elongated mounting bracket, the vertical support surface and the horizontal support member.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an installation system for installing adjacent members upon a support member. The system includes an elongated mounting bracket shaped for selective attachment to a support surface. The elongated mounting bracket includes a mounting bracket connecting member and a mounting bracket retaining member. The system further includes a first member having a rear edge with a connecting member shaped to engage the mounting bracket connecting member as the first member is mounted upon the support surface and a second member having a rear surface with a retaining member shaped for attachment to the mounting bracket retaining member. In use, the elongated mounting bracket is secured to the support surface adjacent the support member, and the mounting bracket connecting member and the mounting bracket retaining member respectively engage the connecting member of the first member and the retaining member of the second member to securely retain the first member and the second member relative to the elongated mounting bracket, the support surface and the support member.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for the installation of a countertop and a backsplash. The method is accomplished by first securing a mounting bracket to a support surface adjacent a support member upon which the countertop is to sit, wherein the mounting bracket includes at least a mounting bracket retaining member. The countertop is then mounted upon the support member and the backsplash is mounted upon the mounting bracket adjacent the countertop, wherein the backsplash includes a rear surface having a backsplash retaining member shaped and dimensioned for selective attachment to the mounting bracket retaining member.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a mounting bracket adapted for the installation of adjacent members upon a support member, wherein a first member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge and a rear edge having a slot therein and the second member includes a facing surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and a rear surface having a retaining slot. The mounting bracket includes an elongated support member having a wall engaging surface and an outwardly facing surface. The wall engaging surface is substantially flat to lie flush against the wall. The outwardly facing surface includes a outwardly facing first member flange adapted for receipt within the slot of the first member, an outwardly facing retaining flange for receipt within the retaining slot of the second member. In use, the elongated support member is secured to a support surface, the outwardly facing first member flange is positioned within the slot of the first member and the outwardly facing retaining flange is positioned within the retaining slot of the second member, and the first member flange and the retaining flange are spaced a predefined distance to create a self locking assembly wherein the first member and the second member are coupled to the mounting bracket.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2586112 (1952-02-01), Stoddard
patent: 2594516 (1952-04-01), Swisher
patent: 2785937 (1957-03-01), Murray
patent: 3007213 (1961-11-01), Hobbs
patent: 4126365 (1978-11-01), Bryant
pa
Aquilino, Welsh & Flaxman
Cuomo Peter M.
Premark RWP Holdings, INC.
Tran Hank V.
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