US2586112A - Counter assembly - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 19, 1952 E. s. STODDARD COUNTER ASSEMBLY 4 Sheeis-Sheet 1 Filed May 14, 1948 INVEN TOR Edgar S. Stoddard Feb. 19, 1952 s, STI'ODDARD 2,586,112

J COUNTER ASSEMBLY INVENTOR. Edgar S. Stoddard Feb. 19, 1952 E. s. STODDARD COUNTER ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 14, 1948 FIG. 6

INVENTOR. Edgar S. Stoddard Atty;

Feb. 19, 1952 E. s. STODDARD COUNTER ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed May 14, 1948 FIG. I!

INVENTOR. Edger S. srddddrd Patented Feb. 19, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application May 14, 1948, Serial No. 27,025

7 Claims.

The present invention relates to kitchen counter assemblies, and more particularly to such assemblies comprising manufactured standard elements.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a manufactured standard counter section and a number of cooperating manufactured standard counter fixtures so that a counter assembly of the required configuration to fit a par ticular kitchen may be readily fashioned from the manufactured standard elements mentioned utilizing ordinary carpenter tools.

Another object of the invention is to provide a counter section of improved construction and arrangement and including an integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moisture-resistant finish.

A further object of the invention is to provide a counter assembly of improved construction and arrangement incorporating a minimum number of manufactured standard element-s.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements of the kitchen counter assembly, and to the constructional details of the elements whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further obj'ects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of two kitchen cabinet sections provided with a counter assembly embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary plan View, partly broken away, of a counter section and a securing bracket incorporated in the counter assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary rear view of the counter section and the securing bracket shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary end view of the counter section and the securing bracket shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a securing clip incorporated in the counter assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary end View ofthe securing clip shown in Fig. 5; Fig. '7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, taken along the lines in Fig. 6, of the securing clip; Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of an end section incorporated in the counter assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is an enlargedfront view of the end section shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary end view of the end section shown in Fig. 8; Fig.- 11

2 is an enlarged front view of a trim section incorporated in the counter assembly shown in Fig. 1; and Fig. 12 is an enlarged end view of the trim section shown in Fig. 11.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, there are illustrated two kitchen cabinet sections 2| and 3| provided with a counter assembly 4| embodying the features of the present invention. More particularly, the cabinet sections 2| and 3| are adapted to be arranged in the corner of a kitchen, the cabinet 2| comprising the left-hand section and the cabinet 3| comprising the righthand section. Specifically, the cabinet section 2| comprises an upstanding body provided with a front wall 22, a left end wall 23, a rear wall, not shown, and a substantially horizontally disposed top or support, not shown, carrying the left-hand portion of the counter assembly 4|. Also the body of the cabinet section 2| comprises storage space slidably receiving through the front wall 22 three drawers 24, 25, and 26 arranged in a vertical tier. Finally, the extreme lower portion of the front wall 22 is rearwardly off-set as indicated at 22a to provide a footreceiving recess permitting a person to work close to the front edge or apron of the left-hand portion of the counter assembly 4|. Similarly, the cabinet section 3| comprises an upstanding body provided with a front wall 32, a right end wall 33, a rear wall, not shown, and a substantially horizontally disposed top or support not shown, carrying the right-hand portion of the counter assembly 4|. Also the body of the cabinet section 3| comprises storage space accessible through two doors 34 and 35 hinged to the front wall 32 respectively adjacent to the lefthand and to the right-hand sides thereof. Finally, the extreme lower portion of the front wall 32 is rearwardly off-set as indicated at 3211. to provide a foot-receiving recess permitting a person to work close to the front edge or apron of the right-hand portion of the counter assembly 4|.

The counter assembly 4| comprises a left-hand straight section 42, a right-hand straight section 43, a left-hand corner section 44 and a right-hand corner section 45. The right-hand end of the section 42 is joined to the left-hand end of the section 44 by an abutting joint; including a straight securing clip 5|; the left-hand end of the section 43 is joined to the right-hand end of the section 45 by an abutting joint, including a straight securing clip 5|; and the right-hand end of the section 44 is joined to the left-hand end of the section 45 by a mitered joint, including a corner securing clip 6|. An upstanding end section ii is secured to the lefthand end of the section 42; and a trim section 8| is secured to the right-hand end of the section 53. It will be understood that the end section I! not only trims the left-hand end of the straight counter section :32 but it also provides an end retaining wall on the counter assembly 4|. This end section H is employed when the left end wall 23 of the cabinet section 2| is arranged adiacent to a wall of the kitchen or to a tall kitchen appliance, such as a refrigerator. On the other hand, the trim section 8| merely trims the right-hand end of the straight counter section 43. This trim section 8| is em loyed when the right end wall 33 of the cabinet section 3! is o en or arranged adjacent to a low kitchen ap lian e. such as an electric range.

Preferably. the material from which the counter sections 42, i3, 44 and 65 are made is manufactured in standard straight lengths that may be 12 feet long; and from the standard lengths the strai ht counter s ctions 62 and 43 and the corner counter sections 44 and 45 are out to the required len ths to prod ce the counter assembly 4| for the particular cabinet sec ions 2| and 3|. After the counter sections 42, 33, 44 and d5 have thus been produced. they are assembled upon the cabinet sect ons 2 and 3| to produce the counter assembly 4| utilizing the two straight securing clips 5| and 5|, the corner securing clip 6|, the end section H and the trim section 8|. The end section 7! is a left-hand end section; and also substantially identical ri ht-hand end sections, not shown, are provided in case they are needed; which end sections are manufactured for use as required. In a similar manner the trim section 8| is a right-hand trim section; and also substantially identical left-hand trim sections, not shown, are provided in case they are needed; which trim sections are also manufactured for use as required. Finally, the strai ht securing clips 5| and 5| are identical; while the corner securing clip 6| is substantially identical to the straight securing clips 5| and 5 except that it is longer in order to accommodate the mitered joint between the corner sections 44 and 45; which straight securing clips 5!, etc., and corner secrring clips 6|, etc., are also man factured for use as required.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3 and 4: of the drawings, the right-hand. end of the straight counter section 43 there illustrated comprises an integrally molded or formed body sheet made, for example, of paper base phenolic resin laminate or the like and provided with outer surface finish made of melamine resin, urea resin, etc. For example, the integral body sheet may comprise a body formed of phenolic resin impregnated laminated paper and an outer barrier sheet impregnated with melamine resin, the outer surface of the barrier sheet incorporating the desired color and decorative pattern. After the body sheet has been cured under heat and pressure, in accordance with conventional practice, the outer surface thereof carries a thin coating of colorless melamine resin protecting the outer surface of the barrier sheet. Also, the lower surface of the body sheet may be provided with a coating of melamine resin of the character noted in order further to inhibit warping. The over-all thickness of the composite body sheet may be about A3" so that it is sufficiently strong to be shaperetaining and so that any square foot thereof is capable of withstanding a load of approximately 300 lbs; and the finished exterior surface smooth and of any desired color to carry out a desired color scheme in a kitchen. Also, the finished exterior of the surface is capable of resisting moisture, mild food acids, alkaline cleaning compounds and other materials normally encountered in a kitchen. Further the finished exterior surface resists abrasion, is not easily cut during normal kitchen use, is heat resistant, and is not discolored or deteriorated in any way by ordinary hot objects, such, for example, as cooking vessels or the like, having a temperature up to approximately 300 F. Further, the body sheet is capable of being perforated, cut and fitted without fracture, chipping or other deformation, utilizing ordinary carpenter tools. Finally, the body sheet is substantially free from warping or shrinkage with age and possesses a high degree of dimensional stability.

In the counter section 43 the body sheet is preformed to provide a substantially horizontally disposed work platform section 43a, a substantially vertically disposed rear backsplasher section 43b, a substantially vertically disposed front apron section 43c and a substantially horizontally disposed rear ledge section 43d; the rear portion of the work platform section 43a being connected to the bottom portion of the backsplasher section 431) by an integral rounded transition section 436, the front portion of the work platform section 43a being connected to the top portion of the apron section 430 by an integral rounded transition section 43f, and the upper portion of the backsplasher section 43b being connected to the front portion of the ledge section 43d by an integral rounded transition section 439. The dimensions of the various sections of the counter section 43 may be appropriately varied to provide kitchen counter assemblies of several different standard sizes. For example, in one size of kitchen counter assembly 4| distance between the front of the apron section 430 and the rear edge of the ledge section 43d may be 25"; the distance between the front of the apron section 430 and the front of the backsplasher section 43?) may be 22"; the distance between the top of the work platform section 43a and the top of the ledge section 43d may be 6 the distance between the top of the work platform section 43a and the lower edge of the apron section 430 may be 1 /2; and the radius of curvature of the transition sections 43e, 43f and 43g may be Also if desired the front portion of the Work platform section 43a may be slightly inclined upwardly adjacent to the transition section 43f in order to provide a small bead or rim thereat capable of preventing water or the like spilled upon the work platform section 43a from running over the transition section 43) and thence down the apron section 430 upon the floor of the kitchen.

Further the counter section 43 comprises a front longitudinally extending reenforcing or angle member 4370 secured to the apron section 430 and a rear longitudinally extending reenforcing angle member 43] secured to the ledge section 43d. Specifically, the angle member 43k is provided with an upwardly directed flange 431 secured to the rear surface of the apron section 430 adjacent to the lower edge thereof utilizing a suitable phenolic resin cement, and. a rearwardly directed supporting flange 43m; While the angle member 43q is provided with a forwardly directed flange 431- secured to the lower surface of the ledge section 43d a short distance inwardly from the rear edge thereof utilizing a suitable phenolic resin cement, and a downward- 1y directed supporting flange 43s. Also the counter section 43 comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending stringers 43w formed .of kilndried poplar or other suitable wood and arranged in substantially parallel laterally spaced-apart relation and secured to the lower surface of the work platform section 49a utilizing a suitable phenolic resin cement. For example; four stringers 43w may be employed and disposed between the apron section 430 and the backsplasher section 43b below and in supporting relation with the work platform section 43a. Finally, the counter section 43 comprises a longitudinally extending securing strip 433: secured to the rear surface of the flange 49s adjacent to the lower edge thereof utilizing a suitable phenolic resin cement; which securing strip 43x may also be formed of the molded paper base phenolic laminate material of the body sheet.

Accordingly, it will be understood that a manufactored standard length of counter is factory finished and comprises the body sheet'having the finished exterior surface, defining the sections 43a to 43g, inclusive, the two angle members 43k and 43q, the four stringers 43w, and the securing strip 43m. As previously noted, the straight counter section 43 is cut from the previously manufactured factory finished standard length of counter utilizing ordinary carpenter tools. While the molded body sheet of the counter section 43, the stringers 43d: and the securing strip 433: may be cut with an ordinary wood saw, it is necessary to cut the angle members 43k and 430. with a hack saw as they are normally formed of commercial angle steel. In passing it is noted that the elements 43k, 43g and 43w may be socured to the lower surface of the sheet 43 utilizing any other suitable waterproof cement or adhesive, such as casein cement. Moreover, the elements 43k and 43: may also be formed of laminated plastic material similar to the body of the sheet 43 described above, or the equivalent, so that they may be out with an ordinary wood saw.

Finally, the counter assembly 4| comprises a plurality of securing brackets 9| arranged in longitudinally spaced-apart relation and secured to the top surface of the cabinet sections H and. 3|. Each securing bracket 9| comprises a substantially vertically disposed rear plate 93, a connecting substantially horizontally disposed bottom plate 94, a connecting substantially vertically disposed front plate 99 and a gusset plate 96. The rear plate 99 extends upwardly considerably above the bottomplate 94; the front plate 99 extends upwardly only a short distance above the bottom plate 94; and the gusset plate 96 extends upwardly above the bottom plate 94 and terminating short of the upper end of the rear plate 93. Adjacent to the upper end of the securing bracket 9! upwardly directed and longitudinally spaced-apart and forwardly off-set tongues 91 are punched from the stock of the rear plate 93, and intermediate the tongues 91 a downwardly directed and forwardly off-set tongue 98 is punched from stock of the rear plate 93; which tongues 9i and 98 are utilized for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

In the securing bracket St the plates 93, 94 and 95 may be formed from sheet steel stock; and the gusset plate 99 may be separately formed from sheet steel stock and then welded or otherwise secured to the plates 93 and 94 in order to render the securing bracket 9| of strong rigid construction. Finally, each of the securing brackets 9| is secured to the adjacent cabinet section by four wood screws 99 arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the gusset plate 99 and extending through corresponding pairs of holes formed in the bottom plate 94. Also, a number of holes 93a are formed in the rear plate 93 in order to permit the bracket 9| to be secured directly with screws to the adjacent wall of the kitchen. The dimensions of the securing bracket 9| are established with reference to the dimensions of the backsplasher section 43b and the ledge section 43d of the counter section 43 as explained more fully hereinafter.

In installing the counter section 43 after it has been out to the required length as previously explained, a plurality of the securing bracket 9| are secured in place in longitudinally spaced-apart relation along the rear edge of the top surface of the cabinet section 3| utilizing the wood screws 99. At this time the rear plates 93 of the securing brackets 9| are disposed in abutting relation with respect to the adjacent wall of the kitchen. The counter section 43 is then placed upon the top surface of the cabinet section 3| and the securing brackets 9!. At this time the supporting flange 43mm of the angle member 4370 engages the top surface of the cabinet section 3! adjacent to the front edge thereof so that the apron section 430 is slightly forwardly disposed with respect to the front wall 92 of the cabinet section 3|. The bottom edges of the four stringers 43w engage the top surface of the cabinet section 3|; the rear surface of the backsplasher section 4312 engages the front edges of the gusset plates 96; the rear surface of the rearmost stringer 43w engages the front surfaces of the front plates and the front plates 95 engage the adjacent stringer 43w below the under surface of the platform section 49a adjacent to and forwardly of the transition section 43c. At this time the lower edge of the supporting flange 43s of the angle member 43:; and the securing strip 433: are placed behind the upstanding tongues 91 carried on the upper ends of the rear plates 93; and then the rear edge of the ledge section 43d is depressed, causing the securing strip 43m to ride between the tongues 9'1 and 98 and below the downwardly extending tongues 98. The downwardly extending tongues 98 are sufficiently resilient so that they are capable of springing back forwardly over the upper edge of the securing strip 433: after the securing strip 43:0 has been depressed to the bottom of the tongues 91; whereby the tongues 98 overriding the upper edge of the securing strip 43x securely lock the securing strip 43x and the supporting flange 43s of the angle member 43g in place. At this time the rear edge of the ledge section 430! abuts the adjacent wall of the kitchen. The stringers 43w are then securely anchored to the upper surface of the cabinet section 3| utilizing wood screws, not shown, extending upwardly through the top of the cabinet section 3! from the storage space provided in the body thereof. Accordingly, the counter section 43 is securely fastened in place upon the top of the cabinet section 3| in abutting relation with respect to the adjacent wall of the kitchen.

In the'actual installation of the counter sections 42 and 43 into the counter assembly 4i it is. preferable that the counter sections 44 and 45 be first installed in order to produce the mitered corner construction; which counter sections 44 and 45 are installed in a manner substantially identical to that of the counter section 7 43 described above. 421s installed in a manner identical to that of the counter section 43 described above. Moreover, in the installation of the counter sections 42, 43, 44 and 45, the securing clips 5| and 6| are utilized at the various joints therebetween as explained more fully below.

Referring now to Figs. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, the securing clip 5| there illustrated may be formed of cast aluminum or the like and comprises a laterally extending work platform supporting section 52, an upstanding back splasher supporting section 53 and a rearwardly directed ledge supporting section 54; the dimensions of the sections 52, 53 and 54 being properly correlated with respect to the dimensions of the corresponding sections of the counter sections 42 and 43 as explained more fully below. The upper edge of the securing clip 5| comprises a trim element 55 that projects outwardly on either side thereof and includes substantially horizontally disposed work platform trim sections 55a, substantially vertically disposed backsplasher trim sections 55b; substantially vertically disposed front apron trim sections 550, substantially horizontally disposed ledge trim sections 55d, and rounded transition trim sections 55c, 55 and 559. Also the lower edge of the section 52 of the securing clip 5| carries a base 56 that projects outwardly on either side thereof. Av number of holes 56 are formed in the base 56 so that it may be secured directly with screws to the adjacent top surface of the associated cabinet. Further, a, number of laterally spaced-apart openings 520. are provided in the section 52 of the securing clip 5| that are utilized for the purpose of supporting pairs of channel-shaped fixtures 56a: arranged between the base 56 and the trim element 55; the fixtures 56x being secured in place by screws 51 and cooperating nuts 58. Each of the fixtures 561: comprises an outwardly extending lower flange 56a engaging the upper surface of the base '56 and an outwardly extending upper flange 56b spaced just below the outwardly directed trim section 55a. Also the section 53 of the securing clip 5| carries two fixturs 59 disposed on opposite sides thereof and extending outwardly and retained in place by screws 59a and cooperating nuts, not shown. Each of the fixtures 59 is provided with an outwardly directed flange 59b spaced just behind the outwardly directed trim section 55?). Further, the section 52 of the securing clip 5| comprises two outwardly extending abutments 52x spaced just above the front end of the base 56 adjacent to the trim section 55c, and two outwardly ex tending abutments 52y spaced just below the front end of the trim section 5512; and the section 54 of the clip 5| carries two outwardly ex tending abutments 522 spaced just below the trim section 55d.

After the installation of the counter sections 44 and 45 and the securing clip 6| into the counter assembly 4|, the securing clip 5| is placed upon the left-hand end of the counter section 44. At this time the end of the ledge section 44d of the counter section 44 abuts the section 54 of the securing clip 5| and is arranged between the trim section 55d and the abutment 52a. Likewise, the end of the backsplasher section 441) abuts the section 53 of the securing clip 5| and is arranged between the trim section 551) and the abutment 59b; and the end of the work platform section 44a abuts the section 52 of the securing clip 5| and is arranged between the trim section 55a,

.Also the counter section the abutment 521 and the abutments 56b. Accordingly, the end of the counter section 44 is adequately supported at the work platform section 44a, at the backsplasher section 441) and at the ledge section 44d. Also at this time the rearwardly directed supporting flange 44m provided on the angle member 44k secured to the front apron section 44c is disposed below the abutment 52:: carried by the section 52 of the securing clip 5| in order to anchor the front apron section 440 of the counter section 44 in place behind the trim section 550 of the securing clip 5|. Finally, before assembly of the securing clip 5| upon the left-hand end of the counter section 44 the lower ends of the four stringers 44w disposed below the work platform section 44a are notched out so that they overlie the adjacent portion of the base 56 and underlie the trim section 55a of the securing clip 5|.

At this time the counter section 42 is installed into the counter assembly 4| in the manner previously explained while the right-hand end thereof is disposed in cooperating engagement with the securing clip 5| in a manner identical to that of the left-hand end of the counter section 44. Moreover, at this time the securing clip 5| is secured to the right-hand end of the counter section 45; and then the counter section 43 is installed into the counter assembly 4| in the manner previously explained; the securing clip 5| retaining the abutting ends of the counter sections 43 and 45 in place.

In View of the foregoing it will be understood that the securing clip 6| is substantially identical to the securing clip 5| described above except that the work platform supporting section thereof, not shown, is somewhat longer in order to accommodate the mitered joint between the counter sections 44 and 45; which securing clip 6| i installed into the counter assembly 4| with respect to the counter sections 44 and 45 in a manner identical to that explained above. Also, in certain installations it may be necessary to secure a bracket or the like directly in the corner between the walls of the kitchen in order to support the adjacent end of the bracket 6|.

Referring now to Figs. 8, 9 and 10 of the drawings, the trim section II there illustrated comprises a substantially L-shaped metal shell 12 provided with an outwardly directed rim l3, and an end wall 14 formed of molded plastic and may have an outer surface finish of melamine resin and may be of a color matching the general color scheme of the kitchen and preferably of the same color as the outer surface finish of the counter sections 42, 43, 44 and 45. The metal shell 12 may be formed of sheet aluminum or the like and is suitably secured to the end wall 14 utilizing a phenolic resin cement or other suitable adhesive, or screws, not shown. The rim 13 disposed about the shell 12 has the general configuration of the left-hand end of the counter section 42 and is adapted to receive and to close the lefthand end of the counter section 42. After the counter section 42 has been installed into the counter assembly 4| the end section II is secured in place upon the top of the cabinet section 2| receiving the left-hand end of the counter section 42. Finally, the end section II is anchored in place by suitable facility, not shown. The portion of the rim 13 of the shell 12 that engages the work platform section 42a of the counter section 42 is tapered upwardly slightly in order to prevent Water or the like spilling upon the work platform section 42a of the counter section 42 from entering the joint between the shell 12 and the end wall 14. Finally, it is noted that the end wall 14 of the end section l-"I closes the lefthand end of the counter assembly 4| since it is contemplated that the end wall 23 of the cabinet section 2| will be disposed closely adjacent to another tall kitchen appliance as previously noted.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12 of the drawings, the trim section 8| there illustrated comprises a substantially L-shaped metal shell 82 provided with an outwardly directed rim The metal shell 82 may be formed of sheet aluminum or the like and the rim 83- d-isposed about the shell 82 has the general configuration of the righthand end of the counter section 63 and is adapted to receive and to close the right-hand-end of the counter section 43-. After the counter section t? has been installed into the counter assembly 4"! the trim section 8| is secured in place upon the top of the cabinet section 3| receiving the righthand end of the counter section 43. Finally, the trim section Si is anchored in place by suitable facility, not shown. The portion of the rim 83 of the shell 82 that engages the work platform section 63a of the counter section 43 is tapered upwardly slightly in order to prevent water or the like spilling upon the work platform section 43a of the counter section 43' from spilling over the end of the shell 82 onto the floor of the kitchen. Finally it is noted that the trim section 8| does not close the right-hand end of the counter assembly 4| since it is contemplated that the end wall 33 of the cabinet section 3i will be disposed closely adjacent to another low kitchen appliance as previously noted.

Finally it is pointed out that the various joints between the counter sections 4-2, 43, 44 and it, including the securing clips 5|, 5| and (it, may be rendered entirely water-tight by coating. the opposite sides of the securing clips 5|, 5| and BI with a watereimpervious caulking compound such, for example, as a tar or asphalt base material incident to installation of the securing clips 5|, etc, with respect to the adjacent ends of the counter sections 42, etc. The utilization of such a caulking compound positively prevents water or the like spilled upon the work platform sections 4'2a, etc., from entering the joints at the securing clips 5|, etc. In a similar manner the joint between the end section 11' and the lefthand end of the counter section 42, as well as the joint between the trim section 8| and the right-hand end of the counter section 43", may be rendered entirely water-tight by placing caulking compound within the metal shells i2 and 82 respectively prior to final installation of the end section TI and the trim section 3| into the counter asembly M in the manner previously explained;

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided an improved manufactured standard counter section and counter assembly that may be fashioned from the counter section and other maufactured standard" elements in a simple and expedient manner;

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be. understood that various modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modification as fall within the-true spirit and scope of .the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A counter assembly comprising a longituinaily extending support; a plurality ofupstand ing brackets arranged in longitudinally spacedapart relation and carried by said support adjacent to the rear edge thereof, an upstanding tongue member formed in each of said brackets adjacent to the upper end thereof, a longitudinal- 1y extending integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moistureresistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform and an upstanding backsplasher, a first longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet adjacent to the front of said work platform and engaging said support adjacent to the front edge thereof, a second longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet adjacent to the top of said backsplasher and supported by said upstanding tongue members in engagement with the upper portions of said brackets, means for securely fastening said second member to said brackets, longitudinally extending structure secured to the under surface of said sheet below said work surface and engaging said support intermediate the front and rear edges thereof, and means for securely fastening said structure to support.

2. A counter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending support, a plurality of upstanding brackets arranged in longitudinally spacedapart relation and carried by said support adjacent to the rear edge thereof, a longitudinally extending integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moisture-resistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform terminating in a downwardly directed front apron and an upstanding backspiasher terminating in a rearwardly directed ledge, a first longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet behind said front apron and engaging said support adjacent the front edge thereof so that said front apron is disposed slightly forwardly of the front edge of said support, a second longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under. surface of said sheet below said ledge and engaging the upper portions of said brackets so that said ledge projects over the upper ends of said brackets and the rear edge of said ledge is disposed in substantial vertical alignment with the rear edge of said support, a plurality of forwardlydirected abut-ments respectively carried by said brackets and engaging the under surface of said sheet behind said backsplasher, and a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spacedapart stringers secured to the under surface of saidsheet below said work platform and engaging said support intermediate the front and rear edges thereof.

3. A counter assembly comprising. a longitudinally extending support; a longitudinally extending. counter section carried by said support and including anintegral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moisture-resistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform. terminating in a downwardly directed front apron and an upstanding backsplasher terminating in a rearwardly directed ledge, afirst longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured tothe under surface of said sheet behind said front apron and provided with a, rearwardly directedflange engaging said support, a secondlongitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet below said ledge and provided with a downwardly directed flange, and a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart stringers secured to the under surface of said sheet below said work platform and engaging said support; and a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart brackets carried by said support and arranged below said ledge, each of said brackets including a fastening fixture engaging the flange of said second member and an abutment engaging the under surface of said sheet behind said backsplasher.

4. A counter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending support; a longitudinally extending counter section carried by said support and including an integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moistureresistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform terminating in a downwardly directed front apron and an upstanding backsplasher terminating in a rearwardly directed ledge, a first longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet behind said front apron and engaging said support, a second longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet below said ledge, and a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart stringers secured to the under surface of said sheet below said work platform and engaging said support; a plurality of longitudinally spacedapart brackets carried by said support and arranged below said ledge and engaging said second member, each of said brackets including an abutment engaging the under surface of said sheet behind said backsplasher; and a laterally extending trim section secured to the end of said counter section and concealing the end of said sheet and the ends of said members and the ends of said stringers and said brackets, said trim section including a trim element overlying and conforming to said work platform and to said front apron and to said backsplasher and to said ledge.

5. A counter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending support; a longitudinally extending counter section carried by said support and including an integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moistureresistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform terminating in a downwardly directed front apron and an upstanding backsplasher terminating in a rearwardly directed ledge, a first longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet behind said front apron and engaging said support, a second longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet below said ledge, and a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spacedapart stringers secured to the under surface of said sheet below said work platform and engaging said support; a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart brackets carried by said support and arranged below said ledge and engaging said second member, each of said brackets including an abutment engaging the under surface of said sheet behind said backsplasher; and a laterally extending trim section secured to the end of said counter section and concealing the end of said sheet and the ends of said members and the ends of said stringers and said brackets, said trim sec- 12 tion including a trim element overlying and conforming to said work platform and to said front apron and to said backsplasher and to said ledge, and an end wall projecting upwardly above said work platform and forwardly of said backsplasher.

6. A counter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending support; a longitudinally extending counter section carried by said support and including an integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moistureresistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform terminating in a downwardly directed front apron and an upstanding backsplasher terminating in a rearwardly directed ledge, a first longitudinally extending reenforming member secured to the under surface of said sheet behind said front apron and engaging said support, a second longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet below said ledge, and a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart stringers secured to the under surface of said sheet below said work platform and engaging said support; a plurality of longitudinally spacedapart brackets carried by said support and engaging said second member; a first laterally extending clip carried by said support and abutting and supporting one end of said counter section and including a trim element overlying and conforming to said work platform and to said front apron and to said backsplasher and to said ledge; and a second laterally extending clip carried by said support and abutting and supporting the other end of said counter section and including a trim element overlying and conforming to said work platform and to said front apron and to said backsplasher and to said ledge.

7. A counter assembly comprising a longitudinally extending support; a longitudinally extending counter section carried by said support and including an integral plastic sheet having an outer surface provided with a smooth moistureresistant finish, said sheet being form-retaining and providing a substantially horizontal work platform terminating in a downwardly directed front apron and an upstanding backsplasher terminating in a rearwardly directed ledge, a first longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet behind said front apron and provided with a rearwardly directed flange, a second longitudinally extending reenforcing member secured to the under surface of said sheet below said ledge and provided with a downwardly directed flange, and a plurality of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart stringers secured to the under surface of said sheet below said work platform and engaging said support; a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart brackets carried by said support and arranged below said sheet, each of said brackets including a fastening fixture engaging the flange of said second member and an abutment engaging the under surface of said sheet behind said backsplasher; and an upstanding laterally extending clip carried by said support and abutting the end of said counter section, said clip including a trim element overlying and conforming to said work platform and to said front apron and to said backsplasher and to said ledge, a first abutment overlying and engaging the flange of said first member, a second abutment engaging the under surface of said sheet below said work platform, a third abutment 1:; 14 engaging the under surface of sald sheet behln UNITED STATES PATENTS said backsplasher, and a fourth abutment engag- Number Name Date ing the under surface of said sheet below said 1,873,932 Hunter Aug 23. 1932 ledge- 6 2,049,878 Stresino Aug. 4, 1936 2,166,196 Rosenberg July 18, 1939 EDGAR STODDARD 2,235,090 Stall Mar. 18, 1941 2,280,094 Madsen Apr. 21, 1942 2,357,025 Sandberg Aug. 29, 1944 REFERENCES CITED 1 2,378,402 Geimer June 19, 1945 The following references are of record in the 10 2,439,027 ,Stanitz Apr. 6, 1948 file of this patent: 2,464,160 Stanitz Mar. 8, 1949 2,492,541 Stanltz Dec. 27. 1949

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