Patent Abstract:
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.

Full Description:
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&#39;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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIGS. 2-6 are a sequence of cross-sectional views showing the installation of a countertop and backsplash in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. 
     With reference to FIGS. 1-6, a system  10  for the installation of a countertop  12  and backsplash  14  is disclosed. The system  10  includes an elongated mounting bracket  16  shaped and dimensioned to maintain the countertop  12  and backsplash  14  in an ideal spaced relationship, while also simplifying the installation of the countertop  12  and backsplash  14  within a kitchen, bathroom, or other location. 
     As with prior countertop assemblies, the countertop  12  includes a top surface  18 , a bottom surface  20 , a front edge  22  and a rear edge  24 . The backsplash  14  includes a facing surface  26 , a top surface  28 , a bottom surface  30  and a rear surface  32 . However, and in contrast to conventional countertop assemblies, the rear edge  24  of the countertop  12  includes a slot  34  therein and the rear surface  32  of the backsplash  14  includes an alignment slot  36  and a retaining slot  38 . The countertop slot  34 , alignment slot  36  and retaining slot  38  cooperate with the mounting bracket  16  to facilitate installation and maintenance of the countertop assembly in a manner which will be discussed in greater detail. 
     With the foregoing in mind, and with reference to FIG. 1, the mounting bracket  16  includes an elongated support member  40  having a wall engaging surface  42  and an outwardly facing surface  44 . The mounting bracket  16  is preferably extruded from aluminum, although other materials and manufacturing techniques may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The outwardly facing surface  44  is provided with a longitudinally extending recess  70  aligned with a longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket  16 . The recess  70  provides space allowing the heads of the securing screws  62  (discussed in greater detail below) to lie substantially flush with the outwardly facing surface  44  of the mounting bracket  16 . A longitudinal groove  72  is formed within the center of the recess  70 . The groove  72  is designed to guide the tip of a screw  62  as it is fastened to the mounting bracket  16  in the manner discussed below. 
     The wall engaging surface  42  is substantially flat. It is shaped and dimensioned to lie flush against the wall  46 . In fact, when the mounting bracket  16  is installed in accordance with the present invention, the mounting bracket  16  is sufficiently flexible to conform with inward and outward bows commonly found in older homes and developing in younger homes as they settle. 
     The ability of the mounting bracket  16  to flex in conformance with the wall  46  upon which it is mounted serves to maintain the countertop  12  and backsplash  14  in a desired orientation despite settling of a home or slight imperfections existing during installation of the countertop assembly. Specifically, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, the interaction between the countertop  12 , backsplash  14  and mounting bracket  16  sustains the components in a desired spaced relationship despite settling of a home or slight imperfections existing during installation. 
     The outwardly facing surface  44  of the mounting bracket  16  includes an outwardly facing countertop flange  48  shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the countertop slot  34 . The countertop flange  48  guides the countertop  12  to a predetermined position and maintains the countertop  12  in that predetermined position. 
     An outwardly extending resilient bowed arm  50  is positioned at the distal end of the mounting bracket  16  adjacent the countertop flange  48 . The bowed arm  50  engages the bottom surface  20  of the countertop  12  adjacent the countertop slot  34  to support the countertop  12 . The resilience and strength of the bowed arm  50  ensure support of the bottom surface  20  adjacent the rear edge  24  of the countertop  12  as the cabinets  52 , or other support structure upon which the countertop assembly is mounted, settle over time. The bowed arm  50  provides a variety of other functions which will be discussed in the following disclosure. 
     The mounting bracket  16  further includes an outwardly facing backsplash alignment flange  54  shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the alignment slot  36  of the backsplash  14  and an outwardly facing backsplash retaining flange  56  shaped and dimensioned for receipt within the retaining slot  38  of the backsplash  14 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the alignment flange  54  helps to properly orient the backsplash  14  with respect to the countertop  12 , while the angled nature of the retaining slot  38  and the retaining flange  56  work to lock the backsplash  14  in position adjacent the vertical wall surface  46 . In addition, the alignment flange  54  pushes the backsplash  14  flush with the top surface  18  of the countertop  12 , helping to lock the backsplash  14  in position relative to the countertop  12 . 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining flange  56  is set approximately at an angle 120° relative to the wall engaging surface  42 . However, other angular orientations may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The retaining slot  38  is set at approximately the same angle. 
     Specifically, as the backsplash  14  is installed, and after the backsplash  14  is installed, the interaction between the retaining flange  56  and the retaining slot  38  draws the backsplash  14  toward the vertical support wall  46  upon which the mounting bracket  16  is secured. In fact, the upward pressure created as the countertop  12  pushes against the backsplash  14  urges the retaining slot  38  upwardly along the angled surface  58  provided by the retaining flange  56 . In this way, the backsplash  14  is forced upwardly and rearwardly by the force of the countertop  12 , and is, thereby, locked in position relative to the countertop  12 . The upward force of the countertop  12  is ensured by the proper positioning of the backsplash slots  36 ,  38  and the countertop slot  34 , as well as the resilient pressure supplied by the bowed arm  50  positioned beneath countertop  12 . 
     By drawing the backsplash  14  upwardly and rearwardly as discussed above, the top surface  28  of the backsplash  14  is drawn flush with the wall. A flush assembly is ensured by including additional width to the upper segment  60  of the backsplash  14 , for example, {fraction (1/16)} inches (0.159 cm), to compensate for the width of the mounting bracket  16  positioned between the remainder of the backsplash  14  and the wall  46 . 
     As briefly discussed above, the distances between the countertop flange  48 , the backsplash alignment flange  54  and the backsplash retaining flange  56  are defined to ensure secure placement of the countertop  12  and backsplash  14 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the countertop flange  48  and backsplash alignment flange  54  are spaced a distance of ⅝ inches (1.587 cm), while the backsplash alignment flange  54  and the backsplash retaining flange  56  are spaced a distance of 3½ inches (8.89 cm). While a preferred embodiment is discussed above, the exact distances are ultimately defined by the dimensions of the countertop  12  and the backsplash  14 . The exact dimensions may, therefore, be varied to suit various applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The spacing between the countertop flange  48  and the bowed arm  50  is variable based upon the resilience of the bowed arm  50 . In this way, the spacing between the countertop flange  48  and the bowed arm  50  is readily varied to accommodate variations in the overall thickness of the countertop  12 . These variations are accommodated by specifically defining the distance between the top surface  18  of the countertop  12  and the countertop slot  34 , while positioning any variations in the total thickness of the countertop  12  between the countertop slot  34  and the bottom surface  20  of the countertop  12 . As such, any variations in the overall thickness of the countertop  12  will not adversely effect the critical positioning of the top surface  18  of the countertop  12  relative to the backsplash  14 . 
     For example, if the preferred dimensions of the present invention dictate that the spacing between the top surface  18  of the countertop  12  and the countertop flange  34  be ¼ inch, the spacing between the top surface  18  of the countertop  12  and countertop slot  34  is always maintained at ¼ inch. Any variations in the overall thickness of the countertop  12  due to material choices, are passed on to the lower half of the countertop  12  below the countertop flange  34 . 
     As discussed above, the mounting bracket  16  is secured to a vertical support surface, for example, a wall  46 . With reference to FIGS. 2 to  6 , the mounting bracket  16  is first positioned on the wall  46  adjacent cabinets  52 , or other support member, upon which the countertop  12  is to sit. Prior to installation, the mounting bracket  16  is positioned to sit on the cabinet  52  upon which the countertop  12  is supported. Where variations in the upper surfaces of the cabinets  52  create spaces between the mounting bracket  16  and the cabinets  52 , the mounting bracket  16  is installed such that the linear nature of the mounting bracket  16  is maintained. 
     Placement of the mounting bracket  16  above the cabinets  52  should not alter the functionality of the present invention, as the countertop flange  48  and the bowed arm  50  will provide any necessary support for the countertop  12  adjacent the rear edge  24  and wall  46 . The mounting bracket  16  may also be installed above the cabinets  52  where specific applications dictate such positioning. 
     Once the orientation of the mounting bracket  16  is properly determined, self tapping screws  62  secure the mounting bracket  16  to the wall  46 . The screws  62  are preferably installed at spaced intervals, for example, every 16 inches, such that they are set within available studs (not shown). As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, other securing techniques may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     The countertop  12  is then placed upon the cabinets  52  and the rear edge  24  of the countertop  12  is pushed toward the wall  46  until the countertop flange  48  is received within the countertop slot  34 . In this way, the countertop  12  is securely positioned relative to the mounting bracket  16  and the cabinets  52 . 
     It is also contemplated that the countertop flange  48  of the mounting bracket  16  be placed within the countertop slot  34  before the countertop  12  is pushed back against the wall  46 . In this way, the mounting bracket  16  is screwed into the wall  46  after it is pushed against the wall  46 . 
     Once the countertop  12  is properly positioned, the front end of the countertop is screwed  80  into the cabinets  52 , or other support structure, therebelow. The backsplash  14  is then mounted upon the mounting bracket  16  adjacent the rear edge  24  of the countertop  12 . Specifically, and with reference to FIG. 4, the backsplash  14  is held at an angle such that the forward end  64  of the retaining flange  56  is received within the retaining slot  38 . 
     At this point, the backsplash  14  is rotated until the bottom surface  30  of the backsplash  14  contacts the top surface  18  of the countertop  12 . Continued rotation of the backsplash  14  toward the mounting bracket  16  and wall  46  forces the retaining flange  56  further within the retaining slot  38 . Rotation of the backsplash  14  is continued against the resistance of the countertop  12 . This resistance is the force which ultimately creates the pressure ensuring proper alignment of the backsplash  14  relative to the countertop  12 . 
     Rotation of the backsplash  14  is facilitated by the placement of a tapered cant  66  along the bottom surface  30  of the backsplash  14 . The cant  66  provides the clearance necessary to insert the backsplash retaining flange  56  within the backsplash retaining slot  38 , and permits rotation of the backsplash  14  as discussed herein. In addition, the cant  66  provides a space for applying a small bead of sealant between the top surface  18  of the countertop  12  and the outwardly facing surface  44  of the mounting bracket  16  to prevent the penetration of water between the countertop  12  and the mounting bracket  16 . Such penetration may occur when using a textured decorative surface that might permit water to seep between the top surface  18  of the countertop  12  and the bottom surface  30  of the backsplash  14 . 
     Rotation is continued until the alignment flange  54  is fully received with the alignment slot  36 . Movement of the alignment flange  54  within the alignment slot  36  is facilitated by providing the top surface  74  of the alignment flange  54  with a curved concave surface. The curved shape of the top surface  74  allows for rotation of the backsplash  14  onto the alignment flange  54  without the forward edge  76  of the alignment slot  36  engaging the top surface  74  of the alignment flange  54  and impeding the rotation of the backsplash  14  relative the mounting bracket  16 . 
     At this point, the backsplash  14  should be oriented approximately perpendicular to the countertop  12 . A flush installation is ensured by providing a screw head recess  78  along the rear surface  32  of the backsplash  14  to provide space for exposed heads of screws  62  used in mounting the bracket  16 . In addition, the pressure required to rotate the backsplash  14  into position ensures that continued upward pressure will be applied by the countertop  12 . As discussed above, the upward pressure supplied by the countertop  12  and the bowed arm  50  pushes the retaining slot  38  upwardly along the angled surface  58  provided by the retaining flange  56 . In this way, the backsplash  14  is forced upwardly and rearwardly by the force of the countertop  12 . 
     Once the backsplash  14  and countertop  12  are properly installed they will remain flush despite settling and imperfections. For example, if the cabinets  52  settle, the rear end  68  of the countertop  12  will not settle with them. The rear end  68  of the countertop  12  is supported by the mounting bracket  16  and, therefore, will not settle. This is in contrast to conventional countertop assemblies where the weight of the countertop causes it to settle and move away from the backsplash (which is commonly glued to the wall). Similarly, where the wall  46  is bowed, or bows upon settling, the mounting bracket  16  follows the wall  46  and draws the backsplash  14  toward the wall  46  to seat the backsplash  14  flush with the wall  46 . Other similar movements are countered by the arrangement of the mounting bracket  16 , backsplash  14 , and countertop  12  such that the countertop  12  and backsplash  14  are maintained in a proper orientation. 
     While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0