U.S. patent application number 16/654443 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-06 for method and apparatus for installation of surface-mounted kitchen cooktop units.
This patent application is currently assigned to WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Duane M. Kobos.
Application Number | 20200041138 16/654443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60781709 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200041138 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kobos; Duane M. |
February 6, 2020 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLATION OF SURFACE-MOUNTED KITCHEN
COOKTOP UNITS
Abstract
A concealed bridge assembly is provided for supporting adjacent
lateral edges of cooktop units that are mounted in a kitchen
countertop. The concealed bridge assembly can be used for
traditional raised mounting of cooktop units or true-flush mounting
of cooktop units. When used with traditional mountings, the
concealed bridge assembly has a top that is sized to be flush with
the countertop surface and the approximate length of the countertop
opening. If true-flush mounting is desired, the top of the
concealed bridge assembly is flush with the top surface of a kerf
cut in the countertop.
Inventors: |
Kobos; Duane M.; (Laporte,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
60781709 |
Appl. No.: |
16/654443 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15392420 |
Dec 28, 2016 |
10451293 |
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16654443 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2200/0009 20130101;
B23P 19/04 20130101; F24C 15/108 20130101; A47B 77/08 20130101;
A47B 77/022 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/10 20060101
F24C015/10; A47B 77/02 20060101 A47B077/02; A47B 77/08 20060101
A47B077/08; B23P 19/04 20060101 B23P019/04 |
Claims
1. A bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units,
comprising: a first beam, having a top surface for supporting at
least a portion of at least one cooktop unit, with a length
substantially the same as a width of the opening in a surface that
will receive said at least one cooktop unit, a height, including at
least one bend, that is equal to or greater than a thickness of
said surface, and wherein said top surface has a width that is less
than the width of said bottom surface; a second beam, adjacent to
and in sliding contact with a portion of said bottom surface of
said first beam; a third beam, adjacent to and in sliding contact
with a portion of said bottom surface of said first beam; wherein
the first beam has at least one plate that is received in a portion
of the second beam; and at least one fastener that passes through
said at least one plate on said first beam to press said plate
against a surface of said second beam to permit relative sliding
motion between said first and second beams when said at least one
fastener is loosened and to prevent relative sliding motion between
said first and second beams when said at least one fastener is
tightened.
2. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 1, wherein said at least one cooktop unit comprises a
plurality of cooktops.
3. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 1, wherein the relative sliding motion of the third beam and
first beam is controlled by at least one fastener that passes
through a plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of
said third beam.
4. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 3, wherein said at least one fastener that passes through a
plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of said
third beam is threaded.
5. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 1, wherein the width of the top surface of said first beam is
sized to support lateral edges of adjacent cooktops.
6. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 1, wherein the said at least one fastener is threaded.
7. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 1, wherein said opening in said surface includes a ledge that
is substantially the same as the thickness of a rim of the at least
one cooktop unit, and which supports at least a portion of the at
least one cooktop unit.
8. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 1, including cabinet fasteners that extend through brackets
in said second and third beams to secure the bridge assembly to a
cabinet that supports said surface.
9. A bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units,
comprising: a first beam, having a top surface for supporting at
least a portion of at least one cooktop unit, with a length
substantially the same as a width of the opening in a surface that
will receive said at least one cooktop unit, a height, including at
least one bend, that is equal to or greater than a thickness of
said surface, and wherein said top surface has a width that is less
than the width of said bottom surface; a second beam, adjacent to
and in sliding contact with a portion of said bottom surface of
said first beam; a third beam, adjacent to and in sliding contact
with a portion of said bottom surface of said first beam; wherein
the first beam has at least one plate that is received in a portion
of the third beam; and at least one fastener that passes through
said at least one plate on said first beam to press said plate
against a surface of said third beam to permit relative sliding
motion between said first and third beams when said at least one
fastener is loosened and to prevent relative sliding motion between
said first and third beams when said at least one fastener is
tightened.
10. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 9, wherein said at least one cooktop unit comprises a
plurality of cooktops.
11. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 9, wherein the relative sliding motion of the second beam and
first beam is controlled by at least one fastener that passes
through a plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of
said second beam.
12. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 11, wherein said at least one fastener that passes through a
plate on said first beam that is received in a portion of said
second beam is threaded.
13. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 9, wherein the width of the top surface of said first beam is
sized to support lateral edges of adjacent cooktops.
14. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 9, wherein the said at least one fastener is threaded.
15. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 9, wherein said opening in said surface includes a ledge that
is substantially the same as the thickness of a rim of the at least
one cooktop unit, and which supports at least a portion of the at
least one cooktop unit.
16. The bridge assembly for supporting one or more cooktop units of
claim 9, including cabinet fasteners that extend through brackets
in said second and third beams to secure the bridge assembly to a
cabinet that supports said surface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a division of and claims priority
to commonly assigned, pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/392,420 filed on Dec. 28, 2016.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to surface mounted
kitchen cooktop units that can be mounted within an opening in a
countertop. Such cooktop units are not attached to standalone
appliances, but are inserted within an opening defined within the
countertop surface. Such cooktop units are comprised of a surface
of relatively thin dimension and of a housing of a relatively thick
dimension. In order to support the cooktop unit, various mounting
applications are typically disposed proximate the opening within
the countertop in order to support the cooktop unit. FIG. 1 shows
such an arrangement with the cooktop unit 100 mounted on a
countertop 102 on a cabinet 104. The cooktop unit 100 is supported
by brackets 106 that are secured to the cabinet 104.
[0003] Problems arise in the mounting and supporting of cooktop
units in this manner. Typically, brackets are disposed and fastened
along the inner edge of the opening in the countertop surface. One
problem inherent to this design is with countertops that are a
solid surface, including, but not limited to, natural stone,
granite, marble, etc. Such dense materials resist conventional
drilling of holes to which the brackets are attached. Grinding of
the dense material to produce these holes is typically required and
special hole-forming tools are needed. Further, the holes are
placed into the relatively narrow face of the countertop opening
and, as such, placed parallel to the top-most working surface of
the countertop. Those holes and expanding fastener systems can act
as stress concentration points that weaken or fracture the solid
surface. Further, the natural formation of stone, granite, and
marble materials leads these materials to be non-homogeneous in
composition with veins of different material within the countertop
slab(s). Although the appearance of non-homogeneous countertops is
valued by customers, the relative differences in composition may
cause a hole-forming tool to wander off the intended path for the
fastener holes and lead to irregular, unaligned holes and/or lead
to embedment of broken tools (such as drill bit tips) in the
countertop. Even further, when a typical bracket requires the
placement in multiple holes for attachment, there is an additional
requirement that multiple holes be located a specified distance
from each other. Those tolerances are difficult to achieve in such
solid surfaces.
[0004] Problems also arise in alternate mounting and support
designs that employ adhesive as adherent to affix one or more
brackets disposed proximate the opening within the countertop.
Environmental contaminants, such as ambient dust, countertop dust,
oils, water, and/or finger oils can be present at the adhesive bond
line surface, resulting in a sub-optimal and weak bond between
bracket and countertop. Using adhesive on the face of the
countertop opening's inner edge places the bond line of the
adhesive into a shear force that arises from the weight load of the
cooktop, cooking vessels, foods, and incidental contact. Adhesives
do not resist shear forces well, especially over a long period of
time.
[0005] Problems also arise in alternate mounting and support
designs that employ a flanged bracket that is disposed proximate
the opening and at the top-most corner of the opening. In these
designs, a portion of the flange is positioned in contact with and
parallel to the top surface of the countertop. The flange acts as a
hanger structure to support the surface-mounted kitchen cooktop
unit. However, a portion of the flange on the top surface of the
countertop is visible unless the surface-mounted kitchen cooktop
unit is designed to be installed as cover for the flange. The
flange also precludes a manner of installation of the
surface-mounted kitchen cooktop unit where the cooktop unit's top
surface is completely flush to the countertop, which is greatly
desired by high-end consumers.
[0006] Additionally, gaps that arise between structures--for
example, a gap between underside of the countertop and the
cabinet--represent an area that may allow localized bending
movement of the countertop, and such bending of a natural stone,
marble, and/or granite countertops may result in fracture of the
countertop. In effect, none of the mounting applications above
redirects or reduces the portion of the weight load impinging on
the countertop.
[0007] When the cooktop unit has a planar surface and multiple
brackets are disposed proximate the opening within the countertop
in order to support the cooktop unit, care must be taken to ensure
that the cooktop unit is level. When the number of supporting
brackets exceeds three in number, the brackets do not contribute to
a three-point definition of a plane, and the excessive brackets may
cause the cooktop unit to be installed in a warped and out-of-plane
condition. The inclusion of screw height adjustment mechanisms in
the brackets presents a multiple-point adjustment challenge to an
installer by requiring a plurality of adjustments to achieve a
plane, and this adjustment is typically required to be performed
from the underside of the cooktop unit after the cooktop unit is
placed into the opening within the countertop.
[0008] When multiple cooktop units are in a side-by-side
configuration, there is a line of contact between defined by edges
of adjacent cooktop units. These edges are not supported by the
above-described arrangements, and may result in misalignment of the
edges of adjacent cooktop units. Thus, the need exists for a system
for supporting cooktop unit(s) that results in proper alignment and
proper support of the cooktop unit(s) in any type of
countertop.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a surface mounted
cooktop. At least one cooktop unit is received in an opening sized
to receive the cooktop unit(s) within the surface. A bridge
assembly supports at least one surface of the cooktop unit. The
bridge assembly includes a first beam with a length to proximately
match the width of the opening in the surface and a height that is
equal to or greater than the thickness of the surface. The bridge
assembly also includes a second and third beams that are adjacent
to and in sliding contact with the first beam. Fasteners are used
for securing the bridge assembly underneath the surface.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a bridge assembly
for supporting one or more cooktop units. The bridge assembly
includes a first beam with a length to proximately match the width
of the cooktop unit and at least one plate on the first beam. The
bridge assembly also includes a second beam that is adjacent to and
in sliding contact with the first beam, having at least one groove
that receives at least one plate from the first beam. The bridge
assembly also includes a third beam adjacent to and in sliding
contact with the first beam, with at least one groove that receives
at least one plate on the first beam. Fasteners secure the second
and third beams to surfaces underneath the cooktop unit.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method for
installing and supporting a surface mounted cooktop units. The
method includes selecting one or more cooktop units for placement
within an opening in a countertop. A bridge assembly is positioned
underneath adjacent surfaces of cooktop units. The bridge assembly
includes a first beam with a length to proximately match the
cooktop units, and second and third beams adjacent to and in
sliding contact with the first beam. The method includes securing
the second and third beams to surfaces underneath the cooktop
units.
[0012] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a prior art example of a cooktop installed in a
countertop using brackets;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing installation options for
cooktops according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a kerf (K) cut into a countertop;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a bridge
assembly, turned on its side, according to an embodiment of the
present installation prior to installation in a cabinet;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of the bridge
assembly, rotated to a vertical position, prior to installation in
an opening in a countertop;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a partial top perspective view of the bridge
assembly of FIGS. 4 and 5 placed inside an opening in a
countertop;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates optional front and back cleats that can
be used in a cabinet;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the portions of the
bridge assembly connected to the cleats on the front (F) and back
(B) of the cabinet;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the bridge assembly
prior to installation in the opening in a cabinet;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the bridge assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the bridge
assembly;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the first and
second beams of the bridge assembly;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the first and
second beams according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the end of the second beam
of the bridge assembly;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the securement of the
first and second beams;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the first and third
beams;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the bridge assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention taken long line
XVII as shown in FIG. 14; and
[0031] FIG. 18 is a partial fragmentary perpendicular view of two
adjacent cooktop units installed with the bridge assembly in a
cabinet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] As referenced in the figures, the same reference numerals
may be used herein to refer to the same parameters and components
or their similar modifications and alternatives. For purposes of
description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left,"
"rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof
shall relate to the present disclosure as oriented in the Figures.
However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure may
assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly
specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the
specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise. The drawings referenced herein are schematic and
associated views thereof are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0033] In this specification and the appended claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0034] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another, including, but not limited to, through
the use of fasteners, other mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.
Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such
joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or
mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being
integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with
the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may
be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
[0035] With reference to the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a method
of installing a plurality of cooktop units in a kitchen. The method
provides for a true-flush installation of the cooktop units wherein
the topmost surface of the cooktop unit rests in substantial
alignment, i.e., substantially flush with the topmost surface of
the countertop. This true-flush installation is achieved by
creating a cutout with an associated kerf(s) which is a step(s)
formed in the countertop. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the kerf K
includes a top surface which acts as a ledge 42 to support a
portion of the cooktop unit and a radius 40. The ledge 42 of the
kerf K is thus proximal to the cutout opening in the countertop.
The dimensions and shapes of the kerf(s) is substantially the same
as the relative dimension of the cooktop unit. Ideally, the edges
of the cooktop unit will closely fit the outside shoulder 43 of the
kerf such that very little to no portion of the ledge 42 of the
kerf is visible when looking down onto the countertop and cooktop
unit(s). While FIG. 2 illustrates certain steps taking place in a
factory and certain steps taking place in the field, it should be
understood that all the steps can take place in either location.
For example, the cutting of the countertop can take place in the
field.
[0036] In addition to providing support for the cooktop in a
true-flush installation, the ledge 42 of the kerf K provides a
natural lower backer surface for sealant, such a silicone caulk,
that can be used to fill the gaps between the edge of the cooktop
and the shoulder 43 of the kerf K. The corner radius 40 of the kerf
K in the countertop for the true-flush installation is not
physically dependent upon the corner radius 45 of the cutout in the
countertop. The dimensions and shapes of the kerf is independent of
the opening defined within the countertop surface. This provides an
advantage in that the corner radius 45 of the cutout in the
countertop can be sized to a relatively larger radius to prevent
stress concentrations as corresponds to a smaller radii. This
provides the further advantage in that the corner radius 40 of the
kerf and the countertop for true-flush installation can be sized to
substantially match the radius of the corner of the cooktop.
[0037] The method also includes a traditional installation wherein
the cooktop unit is installed into an opening of a countertop
without using a kerf. The upper surface and rim of the cooktop
rests on top of the top surface of the countertop.
[0038] Both true-flush and traditional installation methods utilize
the entire periphery of the opening within the countertop in order
to support the cooktop unit(s), avoiding stress concentration
points. This method also eliminates the need for the creation of
holes in the countertop, which makes installation easier and avoids
potential damage to countertops and, in particular, countertops
that are natural stone, marble, or granite.
[0039] When two or more cooktop units are installed in a
side-by-side configuration, the countertop cutout methods may be
combined with a concealed bridge assembly 10 for mounting and
supporting two or more cooktop units. As illustrated in FIG. 18,
two cooktop units 2 are supported both by a kerf K in a true-flush
installation and a concealed bridge assembly 10. While this
illustrated example shows a single concealed bridge assembly 10, it
should be understood that any quantity of concealed bridge
assemblies 10 may be employed so as to match and support any
quantity of cooktop units 2 installed into a countertop opening
8.
[0040] Each single concealed bridge assembly 10 supports edges of
two adjacent cooktop units 2. Since the concealed bridge assembly
10 is located under the line of contact between and defined by two
lateral edges of the cooktop units 2, any gaps between the line of
contact that would allow a view of the cabinet space below the
cooktop unit is blocked by the top surface 30 of the concealed
bridge assembly 10. In addition, the top surface 30 of the
concealed bridge assembly 10 can be any color, including a color
that matches the color of the cooktop unit. The top surface 30 of
the concealed bridge assembly 10 provides a natural lower backer
surface for sealant, such as silicone caulk, that can be used to
fill any gaps between the lines of contact defined by adjacent
edges of two cooktop units 2. The concealed bridge assembly 10
eliminates the need for brackets to support the cooktop units and
avoids stress concentration points on the countertop surface.
[0041] The concealed bridge assembly 10 includes a first beam 12, a
second beam 14, and a third beam 16, as illustrated in FIGS. 4-5.
While FIG. 4 shows the concealed bridge assembly 10 turned on its
side, FIG. 5 illustrates the concealed bridge assembly 10 in an
upright position. The combination of the first beam 12, the second
beam 14, and the third beam 16 is also shown in FIGS. 11-17. The
second beam 14 and the third beam 16 have respective grooves 32 and
34. As illustrated in FIG. 14, grooves 32, 34 have a cross section
with slanted walls 91, 93 and a relatively flat top walls 95,
96.
[0042] The first beam 12 has a height H3, which is equal to or
greater than the thickness of the countertop. The first beam 12
also has at least one plate 46, which is coupled to the first beam
12. That plate(s) 46 is received within the respective channels 32,
34 and the second beam 14 and third beam 16, respectively. In the
illustrated example, a single front plate 46 is used and a single
rear plate (not shown) is used. When the fasteners 18 are
tightened, the plate 46 is drawn into contact with the top walls
95, 96 in the groove 32 of the second beam 14. As illustrated in
FIG. 15, similarly, the rear plate (not shown) is drawn to the top
walls 95, 96 of the groove 34 of the third beam 16 when the
fasteners 20 are advanced. A hex tool 90 can be used to tighten the
fasteners 18, 20 thereby drawing the plate(s) 46 against the walls
95, 96 of the grooves 32, 34 fixing the relative alignment of the
first beam 12, second beam 14, and third beam 16.
[0043] The width W2 of the lower portion of the first beam 12 can
be greater than width W1 of the top surface 30, as illustrated in
FIG. 17. Similarly, the overall height H3 of the first beam 12 can
include one or more bends 77 to help strengthen and to help center
the top surface 30 of the first beam 12.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, width W1 is approximately 1/2
inch, while width W2 is approximately 1 inch. Height H1 is
approximately 1/2 inch and height H2 is approximately 1.1 inch,
while height H3 is approximately 2 inches. Height H4 is
approximately 1 inch. Thus, in this particular embodiment, the
concealed bridge assembly 10 could be used on a countertop 4 that
has a thickness of 2 inches or less. This would permit connection
of the second beam 14 and third beam 16 of the concealed bridge
assembly 10 to the cabinet 6, as described above, while permitting
the top surface 30 to support lateral edges of adjacent cooktop
units 2.
[0045] The concealed bridge assembly 10 is installed by fastening
the second beam 14 and third beam 16 of the concealed bridge
assembly 10 to the cabinet 6 bypassing attachment to the countertop
4, avoiding the problems of creating holes in the countertop 4. The
concealed bridge assembly 10 may be fastened directly to the
cabinet 6 and/or by use of reinforcing cleats added to the cabinet
6 to provide structural reinforcement to the cabinet 6. FIGS. 7-8
illustrate the use of reinforcing cleats. A front cleat 60 may be
located on the front F of the cabinet 6 while a back cleat 62 can
be located on the backside B of the cabinet 6. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, the bracket 22 that is attached to the second beam 14 of
the concealed bridge assembly 10 may be attached to the front cleat
60. The bracket 22 can be integrally formed with the second beam 14
or can be secured to the second beam 14 using a fastener 23. The
bracket 22 includes an opening 26 through which a fastener (not
shown) can be inserted to secure the bracket 22 to the cleat 60,
which has been coupled to the front F of the cabinet 6. If no cleat
is used, the bracket 22 is attached directly to the front F of the
cabinet 6, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Adhesive may be used with or
in place of the fasteners for securing the brackets 22, 24 and/or
cleats 60, 62 to the cabinet 6.
[0046] The height at which the concealed bridge assembly 10 is
installed within the cabinet 6 depends upon whether a true-flush or
traditional mount is desired, the thickness of the countertop 4,
and the thickness of the lateral edges of the cooktop units 2.
Ideally, the top surface 30 of the first beam 12 of the concealed
bridge assembly 10 is at a height to provide support for but not
unnecessarily raise the lateral edges of the adjacent cooktop units
2.
[0047] The concealed bridge assembly 10 can be installed from the
top side of the countertop 4 by the installer without the need for
the installer to crawl into the cabinet 6. The top surface 30 of
the concealed bridge assembly 10 can be aligned with the top edge
of the countertop 4 (for traditional installation) or aligned with
the ledge 42 of the kerf K (for true-flush installation) prior to
installation of the cooktop unit(s) 2. Thus, the concealed bridge
assembly 10 can be inspected to ensure that a substantially planar
surface is provided by the concealed bridge assembly 10 and the
countertop 4 and/or ledge 42 of kerf K.
[0048] The first beam 12 should have a length to nearly match the
front-to-back countertop cutout opening dimension and/or the
front-to-back kerf opening. FIG. 9 illustrates a traditional mount
where the countertop opening width OW is substantially the same as
the top wall width TW of the top surface 30. Ideally, there would
be minimal clearance between the cutout opening (and/or the top
cutout/kerf opening) and the top surface 30 of the concealed bridge
assembly 10 so as to provide the advantage of caulk backer and
advantage of blocking views through the gaps between the line of
contact defined by the adjacent edges of the cooktop units 2.
[0049] While a variety of brackets 22, 24 and 80, 82 have been
illustrated in the drawings for securing the second beam 14 and the
third beam 16 directly or indirectly to the cabinet 6, any type of
bracket system, with or without adhesive, may be used to secure the
second beam 14 and third beam 16 directly or indirectly to the
cabinet 6. Additionally, other means of coupling the concealed
bridge assembly 10 may be used.
[0050] The beams 12, 14, 16 of the concealed bridge assembly 10 can
be formed metal and/or extruded metal. While the first beam 12 can
come in a variety of standard sizes depending upon size of the
cooktop units 2, the first beam 12 may be cut, prior to
installation, to precisely fit the cutout/kerf opening. This may be
needed, particularly in cases when the opening is not precisely cut
and/or a kerf is used.
[0051] While the illustrated embodiment utilizes plates 46 with
associated fasteners 18, 20 to secure the first beam 12, second
beam 14, and third beam 16 together to form the concealed bridge
assembly 10, any type of coupling can be used to affix the beams
12, 14, 16 in alignment and to the desired length.
[0052] Installation of the concealed bridge assembly 10 is
accomplished by loosening the fasteners 18, 20, sliding the second
beam 14 and the third beam 16 and brackets 22, 24 together and
aligning the combined length of second beam 14, third beam 16 and
brackets 22, 24 to be less than or equal to the length of the first
beam 12 and to be on the same centerline C, as shown in FIG. 6. The
concealed bridge assembly 10 is inserted into the countertop
opening 8, and the top surface 30 of the first beam 12 is aligned
to the surface of the countertop for traditional installations and,
alternatively, to the ledge 42 of the kerf K for true-flush
installation.
[0053] The second beam 14 is extended under the front edge of the
countertop 4 to the inner face of the front F of the cabinet 6 or
to the inner face with added support cleats 60, and the bracket 22
is fastened by using a fastener through fastener opening 26 to the
inner face of the cabinet 6. The third beam 16 is extended under
the rear edge of the countertop 4 to the back face of the cabinet 6
or to support cleats 62 and the bracket 24 is fastened with
fasteners through opening 28. The fasteners 18, 20 are then
tightened to affix relative alignment of the first beam 12, second
beam 14, and third beam 16 and to prevent the relative sliding
and/or tightening of the concealed bridge assembly 10. The order in
which the second and third beams 14, 16 are extended and the
fasteners are secured is not critical to the proper final
installation.
[0054] A single concealed bridge assembly 10 supports adjacent
edges of two adjacent cooktop units 2 with additional concealed
bridge assemblies 10 being used to support additional cooktop units
2. When the front F and back B of the cabinets are not parallel or
are not square, the second beam 14 and the third beam 16 can be
rotated slightly as illustrated in FIG. 16 to allow for small,
limited axial misalignment of the concealed bridge assembly 10 to
accommodate such discrepancies between the front F and back B of
the cabinets. In addition, the bottom edges of the concealed bridge
assembly 10 can provide surfaces on which angled brackets and
tension screws (not shown) may act to provide for the coupling of
edges of adjacent cooktop units 2 to the concealed bridge assembly
10 to prevent upward movement of the cooktop units 2.
[0055] The second beam 14 may include a stop plate 70 that contacts
the radiused edge 73 of plate 46 to limit outward sliding travel
between first beam 12 and second beam 14, as illustrated in FIGS.
12-13. The stop plate 70 can be integrally formed with the second
beam 14 or can be secured to the second beam using a fastener 71.
The third beam 16 may also include a stop plate 70.
[0056] The concealed bridge assembly 10 and the methods of
installation disclosed are provided by way of example and do not
act to limit the concealed bridge assembly 10 to application in a
line from front edge of a countertop cutout to the back edge of a
countertop cutout. The concealed bridge assembly 10 may, in
alternate applications, span cutout spaces from the left edge of a
countertop cutout to the right edge of a countertop cutout.
Installation as traditional and true-flush examples do not act to
limit the concealed bridge assembly 10's potential for other types
of styles of installation, including raised installations or
lowered installations.
[0057] The materials and processes of bridge construction detailed
are provided by way of example, and do not act to limit bridge
construction, and additional examples being polymers, fiberglass,
composites materials, natural materials, and molding, roll forming,
stamping, and casting.
[0058] The method of countertop cutouts, kerfs, bridges, and
installations disclosed are provided by way of example and not
limited to cooking appliances, and apply to any suitable item,
additional examples being countertop mounted machines, appliances,
downdraft ventilations, controls, disposals, power modules,
griddles, cleaning appliances, sinks, aesthetic panels, or
multiples of or combinations of same.
[0059] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or will be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the
following claims.
[0060] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible
to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary
embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
[0061] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the present disclosure and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0062] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in
the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that, unless otherwise
described, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in
sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes, and proportions of the
various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use
of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially
departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject
matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed
may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple
parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may
be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the
structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the
system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions
provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted
that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be
constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide
sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of
colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes,
and omissions may be made in the design, operating positions, and
arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without
departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
[0063] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0064] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these
claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
* * * * *