GB2371741A

GB2371741A - An assembly for use in panelling above a kitchen worktop

Info

Publication number: GB2371741A
Application number: GB0114704A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Charles White; Martin Rees
Original assignee: BUSHBOARD Ltd
Current assignee: BUSHBOARD Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-01
Filing date: 2001-06-15
Publication date: 2002-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-15
Also published as: GB0114704D0; GB0102609D0; GB2371741B

Abstract

An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop (10) adjacent to an edge of the worktop which is intended to abut against a surface of a wall (30) comprises a first strip (1) adapted to be secured to the worktop or to the wall surface adjacent to the said edge of the worktop, a second strip (2) adapted to be secured to the wall surface, said strips being spaced apart and each being provided with a groove, and a panel (3) having a first edge adapted to fit in the groove in the first strip and a second edge adapted to fit in the groove in the second strip. Joints between adjacent panels (3) can be covered by cover strips (8) and corner strips (6 and 9). Brackets (4) can be suspended from the second strip (2) to support a rail (46).

Description

Title : IMPROVEMENTS IN FITTED KITCHENS AND THE LIKE This invention relates to kitchens and like areas and is particularly concerned with panels for use in fitted kitchens and the like.

A problem frequently encountered in fitting worktops to kitchen units and the like is that the wall of a room in which a worktop is to be fitted is uneven so as to leave gaps between the edge of the worktop and the wall surface against which the edge of the worktop is intended to abut. While the gaps can be closed by sealant, this is a costly and time-consuming procedure.

The present invention aims to solve the problem by providing a solution which is cost-effective and quickly applied.

According to the invention, there is provided an assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop adjacent to an edge of the worktop which is intended to abut against a surface of a wall, said assembly comprising a first strip adapted to be secured to the worktop or to a wall surface adjacent to the edge of the worktop, a second strip adapted to be secured to the said wall surface, said strips being spaced apart and each being provided with a groove, and a panel having a first edge adapted to fit in the groove of said first strip and a second, opposite, edge adapted to fit in the groove in said second strip.

By means of the assembly according to the invention, the first strip and the panel will hide any gaps between the edge of the worktop and the adjacent wall surface and will also hide any imperfections in the wall surface. The panel can be quickly fitted in place and obviates the necessity to decorate or tile the wall surface which is hidden by the panel.

Preferably, a seal of silicon or like material is sandwiched between the first strip and the work surface in order to prevent liquid or other matter from running off the worktop and down the adjacent wall surface.

The first strip desirably comprises an extrusion which is H-shaped in crosssection. The seal may then be accommodated between the arms of the extrusion.

The extrusion can be secured to the worktop by means of screws passing through holes in the web of the extrusion and through the seal. Alternatively, both the seal and the extrusion may be secured to the worktop by a suitable adhesive. As a further alternative, or possibly as an addition, one of the arms of the H-sectioned extrusion may be longer than the other arms and the extrusion secured to the adjacent wall surface by this longer arm.

The second strip desirably also comprises an extrusion but in this case is preferably substantially U-shaped in cross-section. One of the arms is preferably longer than the other arm and the extrusion is desirably secured to a wall surface by this longer arm. The second extrusion may also incorporate a further strip spaced from and extending substantially parallel to the shorter arm of the extrusion to form a rail by means of which implements can be fixed to the extrusion as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

The two strips are spaced apart by substantially the width of the panel so that the panel can be fitted in the strips with a slight clearance.

One end of the panel preferably projects beyond the ends of the strips and a substantially vertical rail extends between the ends of the strips with a part located between the said end of the panel and the wall surface. A cover strip is applied to the substantially vertical rail to hide the gap between the end of the panel and the wall surface. The cover strip is preferably made of a flexible material which may also be resilient.

A modified form of substantially vertical rail may be employed where two panels meet at an outside comer. This also calls for a modified form of cover strip which covers the ends of both panels.

The other end of the or each panel may project beyond the other ends of the strips and a similar substantially vertical rail and cover strip may be applied. Alternatively, in cases in which the worktop is longer than the length of a panel, a second panel may be abutted against the edge of the first panel with a core strip being applied to hide the join between the two panels.

The ends of each strip are desirably closed by end caps which may be made of a resilient plastics material.

The invention will now be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the drawings, in which :- Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of an assembly according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical section through a first strip of the assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a vertical section through a second strip of the assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a vertical section through a bracket adapted to be fitted to the second strip shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an end elevation showing the bracket shown in Fig. 4 fitted to the second strip shown in Fig. 3 and said second strip secured to a wall; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a corner strip for use with the assembly shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is an end elevation of a cover strip for concealing the join between adjacent panels; Fig. 8 is an end elevation of a cover strip for use in internal comers ;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the application of an end strip to the assembly shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Fig. 9 but with the addition of a sealing strip and an end cap to the end strip; Fig. 11 is a perspective view, similar to Fig. 9, but showing the use of an end strip at an external comer ; Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing an assembly according to the invention installed over a worktop; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an end cap for sealing one end of the second strip shown in Figs. 1 and 3 according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an end cap for sealing the other end of the second strip shown in Figs. 1 and 3 according to the second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 15 is a perspective view, similar to Fig. 9, but showing a modified form of the invention; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Fig. 15 but with the addition of a sealing strip to the end strip; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Fig. 16 but with the addition of the end cap shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 18 is a vertical section showing the upper part of an assembly according to the invention having a second embodiment of second strip; Fig. 19 is a vertical section showing the lower part of the assembly according to the invention having a second embodiment of first strip;

Fig. 20 is a vertical section through a bracket adapted to be fitted to the strip of the assembly shown in Fig. 18 ; Fig. 21 is a section showing a second embodiment of an end strip according to the invention; Fig. 22 is a section showing a second embodiment of a corner strip according to the invention; Fig. 23 shows an end cap for fitting to two of the strips shown in Fig. 18 when they meet at an external corner ; and Fig. 24 is an end elevation of a modified cover strip for concealing the join between adjacent panels.

In the drawings, like parts are denoted by like reference numerals.

Referring to the drawings, an assembly according to the invention comprises a first strip in the form of an extrusion 1, a second strip in the form of an extrusion 2 and a panel 3. The extrusion 1 is substantially H-shaped in cross-section and comprises a web 11 which is intended, in use, to be substantially horizontal. Extending from the web 11 in a downwards direction when in use are a pair of arms 12 the edges of which are designed to rest on the upper surface of a worktop when the assembly is being installed. A sealant strip of silicon or like material (not shown) is inserted in and extends along the cavity formed by the web 11 and arms 12. Extending from the web 11 in a direction opposite the arms 12 is an arm 13 which is parallel to and co-terminus with one of the arms 12. The remaining ann 14 of the H-sectioned extrusion is longer than the arm 13 and extends substantially parallel thereto. The web 11 of the extrusion 1 may be provided with

a series of bores through which screws can be inserted to secure the extrusion to a worktop 10. Alternatively or in addition, the arm 14 may be provided with a series of bores through which screws can be inserted to secure the extrusion to a wall surface against which the worktop is abutted. In this case, the outer edges of the arms 12 will be arranged to rest on the upper surface of the worktop. As a further alternative, the bores in the web 11 and/or the arm 14 may be dispensed with and the extrusion secured to the upper surface of the worktop and/or the abutting wall surface by a suitable adhesive.

The main part of the extrusion 2 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and comprises a web 21 which is intended, in use, to be substantially horizontal. A pair of arms 22 and 23 extend from the web 21 in a downwards direction when in use, the arm 22 being longer than the arm 23 and being provided at its outer edge with a bead 24.

The arm 22 may be provided with a series of bores through which screws may be inserted to secure the arm to a wall surface above the extrusion 1. Alternatively, the bores may be dispensed with and the extrusion 2 secured to a wall by a suitable adhesive. A further arm 25 extends initially in an arcuate direction from the web 21 at the side of the arm 23 and then extends substantially parallel to the said arm 23 but spaced therefrom. The outer edge of the arm 25 terminates in a section 26 which extends back towards the end of the arm 23 to define a narrow gap 27 between the ends of the arm 23 and the section 26.

The arms 23 and 25 and the section 26 therefore define a rail to which brackets of the kind shown in Fig. 4 can be secured. As shown in Fig. 4, each bracket 4 has a part 41 at one end which is adapted to engage with the rail so that said part passes through the gap 27 and engages with the section 26. The bracket 4 then has a part 42 which is substantially vertical when the bracket is fitted to an installed extrusion 2 as shown in Fig. 5. A further part 43 of the bracket is inclined to the part 42 and terminates in a ring 44 which is adapted to receive a rail 46 (see Fig. 12). Part of the ring 44 may be thicker than the remainder of the ring and this

thicker part is provided with a screw-threaded bore 45 to receive a grub screw (not shown) to secure the rail 46 in position in the rings 44 of two or more brackets.

Fig. 5 also shows the extrusion 2 secured to a wall 30 by a screw 31 which extends through a bore in the arm 22.

Once the extrusions 1 and 2 have been installed at convenient locations, a panel 3 of a suitable laminate material is inserted into the grooves formed between the web 11 and the arms 13 and 14 of the extrusion 1 and the web 21 and the arms 22 and 23 of the extrusion 2 as shown in Fig. 1. The bead 24 serves to urge the panel against the inner face of the arm 23. The panel 3 is desirably made of a material which permits it to flex while it is being installed in the grooves in the extrusions 1 and 2.

If the panel does not terminate at the comer of a room, it is preferable to provide an end strip in order to give a smooth finish and to present an attractive appearance. A suitable end strip 5, which can also be utilised as a comer strip, is shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings. As shown in Fig. 6, the end strip 5 comprises a pair of arms 51 and 52 which extend at right angles to one another and which are connected to a web 53 at an angle of 1350 ion each case. Extending from the end of the web remote from the end to which the arms 51 and 52 are connected is a hollow triangular member 54 having a slot 58 in its side 56 which faces the web 53.

If the comer strip 5 is to be used as a smooth edging for a panel 3, as shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings, the arm 51 is removed. The strip 5 is preferably made of a frangible material for this purpose. The thickness of the arm 52 (and the arm 51) is substantially equal to the thickness of the arms 14 and 22 and parts of the arm 52 are removed at its ends to a length corresponding to the lengths of the arms 14 and 22 of the extrusions 1 and 2 respectively. The arm 52 can then be fitted behind the panel 3 with the side 55 of the triangular member 54 butting up against the edge of the panel. The joint can be concealed by a cover strip 6 which has a central spigot 61 which engages in the slot 58 as shown in Fig. 6. The major portion of the cover strip 6 extends substantially parallel to the side 56 of the triangular member 54 but its edges are inclined to form sections 62 which abut against the surface of the panel 3 at one side of the cover strip and against the wall 30 at the other side as shown in Fig. 10. The upper end of the corner strip 5 can be closed by an end cap 7 as also shown in Fig. 10.

The comer strip 5 can also be used for an external corner when panels 3 have been fitted to two adjacent walls 30,32 which meet at an external comer. In this case, both of the arms 51 and 52 are utilised, short lengths merely being removed from both ends of the arms to accommodate the arms 14 and 22 of the extrusions 1 and 2. One of the arms 51,52 will first be fitted to one of the panels and installed in position as above described. The other panel will then be fitted subsequently to its extrusions 1 and 2 and the other side of the comer strip 5 as shown in Fig. 11 of the drawings. The cover strip 6 can then be applied and in this case both of its sections 62 will abut against a respective panel 3. An end cap 7 can also be fitted if desired but in this case the comer strip 5 will be located underneath the rails formed by the arms 25 as also shown in Fig. 11. The ends of the extrusions will therefore be mitred to achieve a smooth and pleasing appearance as is also shown in Fig. 11.

The laminate materials used for the panels 3 usually come in a finite length and if the length of a wall surface which is to be screened is longer than the length of a standard panel, it is necessary to butt two or more panels together. The join can be concealed by a cover strip 8 which has a spigot 81 (see Fig. 7) which can be forced into the joint between two abutting panels as shown in Fig. 12. As can be seen in Fig. 7, the cover strip 8 has two arms 82 which extend to either side of the join between adjacent panels. One of these arms can be removed in order that the cover strip can be used to conceal the join at an internal comer as is also shown in Fig. 12. Alternatively, a cover strip 9 may be provided having a spigot 91 and a single arm 92 as shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings. The arm 92 can extend to either side of the spigot 91 as desired.

As previously alluded to, Fig. 12 shows an assembly according to the invention installed in a room having a worktop 10 and a wall unit 20 (shown in ghost lines).

The rails formed by the arms 25 may be fitted with brackets other than the brackets 4 in order to support a range of different kitchen or like implements.

The invention is not restricted to the above-described embodiment but modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the upper extrusion 2 may be provided at each end with end caps 28 and 29 as shown in Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings which are intended to be a press fit in the respective ends of the extrusion 2. The end caps are preferably made of a resilient plastics material.

The end caps 28 and 29 are intended to be used in place of the end cap 7 at the upper end of the comer or end strip 5. In this case, the upper extrusion 2 extends over the upper end of the end strip 5, as shown in Fig. 15, the cover strip 6 is fitted to the end strip as before and as shown in Fig. 16, and then the end cap 28 is fitted to the end of the extrusion 2 as shown in Fig. 17 of the drawings.

A further embodiment is illustrated in Figs. 18 to 20 of the drawings in which the first strip comprises an extrusion 101 having a substantially planar base 111 which is intended, in use, to be substantially horizontal and to rest on a worktop surface 10 with the interposition of flexible seals 115. Extending upwardly from adjacent to one longitudinal edge of the base 11 is an arm 112 which is contoured so as to have a region 112a which is intended, in use, to butt against a wall surface 130.

The edge of the arm 112 remote from the base 111 ends in a bend 112b which is also designed, in use, to butt against the wall surface 130. A series of bores are desirably provided in the region of 112a of the arm 12 through which screws can be inserted to secure the extrusion 101 to the wall surface. A curved arm 113 extends upwardly from the opposite longitudinal edge of the base 111 and is intended, in use, to grip the lower edge of a panel 3 which is inserted between the arms 112 and 113. The extrusion 101 may be made of a resilient material in order to facilitate gripping of the panel 3 by the arm 113. The second strip shown in Fig. 18 comprises an extrusion 102 which is substantially U-shaped in cross-section and has a web 121 which is intended, in use, to be substantially horizontal. A first arm 122 extends from one longitudinal edge of the web 121 in a downwards direction when in use and is provided with a grooved region 123 and with a bead 124 at its edge remote from the web 121. The region 128 and bead 124 are designed, in use, to butt against a wall surface 130 and a series of bores are desirably provided in the region 123 through which screws can be inserted to secure the extrusion 102 to the wall surface. A second arm 125 extends from the opposite longitudinal edge of the web 121 generally parallel to the arm 122 and is spaced from the arm 122 such that the upper edge of a panel 3 can be accommodated between the arms. A further arm 126 extends initially in an arcuate direction from the web 121 and then extends substantially parallel to the arm 123 but spaced therefrom. The outer edge of the arm 126 terminates in a hook 127 and a reinforcing web 128 joins the outer edge of the arm 126 to the arm 125. The hook 127 can be engaged by the hooked end 141 of a bracket 104 which is otherwise similar to the bracket 4.

The end strip 5 may be replaced by the end strip 105 shown in Fig. 21 of the drawings. The end strip 105 comprises an arcuate extrusion having an edge 151 which is intended, in use, to butt against a wall surface 130. Extending from the other edge of the end strip 105 is an arm 152 and, adjacent to the arm 152 is a second longer arm 153 which extends substantially parallel to the arm 152. A further arm 154 extends from the edge of the arm 153 remote from the arcuate region of the strip 105 and a series of flexible fins 155 are provided on the side of the arm 154 facing the arm 152. The end strip 105 can be fitted to the edge of a panel 3 simply by pushing it onto the edge of the panel whereupon the flexible fins 155 are depressed and then serve to retain the end strip on the panel edge as shown in Fig. 21.

The modified comer strip 106 shown in Fig. 22 of the drawings is similar to the end strip 105 shown in Fig. 21 except that an arm 156 extends at right angles from the edge 151 whereby the arm can be butted against a second panel 3a when the corner strip is fitted to a panel 3. A frangible region may be provided at the edge 151 whereby the arm 156 can be simply snapped off to convert the corner strip 106 shown in Fig. 22 to the end strip 105 shown in Fig. 21.

An end cap 160 as shown in Fig. 23 of the drawings is intended to be fitted to the adjacent ends of upper extrusions 102 at a comer at which the comer strip 106 has been fitted. It will be seen that the end cap is provided with a series of lugs 161 and 162 on two faces for engagement in the adjacent ends of upper extrusions 102. One set of lugs 161 or 162 can be removed, if desired, so that the cap 160 can then be utilised as a single end cap in a similar manner to the end caps 28 and 29 shown in Figs 13 and 14.

The corner strip 8 shown in Fig. 7 can be replaced by the alternative cover strip 108 shown in Fig. 26 of the drawings. The cover strip 108 has a main spine 181 on each side of which are a series of flexible fins 183. A pair of arms 182 extend from the spine 181 at one end thereof. The spine 181 can be forced into the joint between two abutting panels and the flexible fans 183 will serve to hold the cover strip in position with the arms 182 concealing the joint. One of the arms 182 could be removed in order that the cover strip can be used to conceal the join at an internal corner. A groove 184 can be provided in the arm 182 adjacent to the spine 181 to create a weakened zone so as to facilitate removal of the arm 182 from the remainder of the cover strip. Alternatively, a modified comer strip could be produced having only one arm in a similar manner to the cover strip shown in Fig 8 of the drawings. The extrusions 1,2 and 101,102 are preferably extruded from a suitable plastics material or an aluminium alloy although other materials may be used if desired.

It will be seen that the assembly according to the invention provides a quick and easy solution to the problem of fitting worktops and saves time and expense in decorating the walls. Further, if a panel should be damaged or if a change of colour is desired, the panel or panels can readily be replaced. Moreover, since the rail extends along the entire length of the extrusion 2 or 102, brackets can be fitted at any desired location and can be moved as required.

Claims

1. An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop adjacent to an edge of the worktop which is intended to abut against a surface of a wall, said assembly comprising a first strip adapted to be secured to the worktop or to a wall surface adjacent to the said edge of the worktop, a second strip adapted to be secured to the said wall surface, said strips being spaced apart and each being provided with a groove, and a panel having a first edge adapted to fit in the groove of said first strip and a second, opposite, edge adapted to fit in the groove in said second strip.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein a seal of silicon or like material is sandwiched between the first strip and the work surface.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first strip comprises an extrusion which is H-shaped in cross-section.

4. An assembly according to claim 3, wherein one of the arms of the Hsectioned extrusion is longer than the other arms.

5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second strip comprises an extrusion which is U-shaped in cross-section.

6. An assembly according to claim 5, wherein one of the arms of the Usectioned extrusion is longer than the other arm.

7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the U-sectioned extrusion incorporates a further strip spaced from and extending substantially parallel to the shorter arm of the extrusion.

8. An assembly according to claim 7 and including a plurality of brackets each of which is adapted to be partially inserted into the space between the shorter arm of the extrusion and the said further strip so as partially to protrude from said space.

9. An assembly according to claim 8 and further including a rail arranged to be engaged by at least two brackets.

10. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first strip comprises an extrusion having a substantially planar base intended, in use, to rest on a worktop, a first arm extending from one edge of the base and having a region intended, in use, to butt against a wall surface and a second arm extending from an opposite edge of the base and configured to engage the surface of a panel inserted between said arms.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein flexible seals are located between the base and the worktop.

12. An assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the first arm terminates in a bead which is adapted to engage a wall surface.

13. An assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the second strip comprises an extrusion having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, one arm of said extrusion having a region which is engageable with a wall surface and the other arm being spaced from the said one arm so as to accommodate the edge of a panel therebetween.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the said one arm of the Ushaped extrusion terminates in a bead which is adapted to engage with a wall surface.

15. An assembly according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein a further arm extends from the said other arm and terminates in a hook.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein a web extends between the said other arm and the said further arm.

17. An assembly according to claim 15 or claim 16 and including a plurality of brackets each having a hooked end which is engageable with the hooked end of said further arm.

18. An assembly according to claim 17 and further including a rail arranged to be engaged by at least two brackets.

19. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one end of the panel projects beyond the ends of the strips and a substantially vertical rail extends between the ends of the strips with a part located between the said end of the panel and the wall surface.

20. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein the substantially vertical rail comprises a pair of arms which extend at right angles to one another and which are connected to one end of a web at an angle of 135 in each case, a hollow triangular member being connected to the other end of the web and having a slot in the side facing the web.

21. An assembly according to claim 20, wherein a cover strip is applied to the substantially vertical rail.

22. An assembly according to claim 21, wherein the cover strip has a spigot which is engageable in the slot in the triangular member.

23. An assembly according to claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the cover strip is made of a flexible material.

24. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein the substantially vertical rail comprises an arcuate arm connected to said part located between the panel and the wall surface by a web and an arm extending from the arcuate arm towards said part and spaced therefrom by substantially the thickness of the panel.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, wherein the said part is provided with a number of flexible fins which are engageable with the panel.

26. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises more than one panel, the joint between adjacent panels being covered by a cover strip.

27. An assembly according to claim 26, wherein the cover strip comprises a spigot which is adapted to be inserted into the joint between adjacent panels and at least one arm extending substantially at right angles to the spigot.

28. An assembly according to claim 27, wherein the spigot is provided with a series of flexible fins.

29. An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 18 to 24 of the drawings.

29. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ends of each strip are closed by end caps.

30. An assembly according to claim 29, wherein the end caps are made of a resilient plastics material.

31. An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 17 of the drawings.

32. An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 18 to 24 of the drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop adjacent to an edge of the worktop which is intended to abut against a surface of a wall, said assembly comprising a lower strip adapted to be secured to the worktop or to a wall surface adjacent to the said edge of the worktop, an upper strip adapted to be secured to the said wall surface, said strips being spaced apart and each being provided with a groove, and a panel having a first edge adapted to fit in the groove of said lower strip and a second, opposite, edge adapted to fit in the groove in said upper strip, wherein the upper strip is substantially U-shaped in cross-section, one of the arms being longer than the other arm, and wherein the upper strip incorporates a further strip spaced from and extending substantially parallel to the shorter arm.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein a seal of silicon or like material is sandwiched between the lower strip and the work surface.

3. An assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lower strip comprises an extrusion which is H-shaped in cross-section.

5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims and including a plurality of brackets each of which is adapted to be partially inserted into the space between the shorter arm and the said further strip so as partially to protrude from said space.

6. An assembly according to claim 5 and further including a rail arranged to be engaged by at least two brackets.

7. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lower strip comprises an extrusion having a substantially planar base intended, in use, to rest on a worktop, a first arm extending from one edge of the base and having a region intended, in use, to butt against a wall surface and a second arm extending from an opposite edge of the base and configured to engage the surface of a panel inserted between said arms.

8. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein flexible seals are located between the base and the worktop.

9. An assembly according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the first arm terminates in a bead which is adapted to engage a wall surface.

10. An assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the upper strip comprises an extrusion, one arm of said extrusion having a region which is engageable with a wall surface and the other arm being spaced from the said one arm so as to accommodate the edge of a panel therebetween.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the said one arm of the Ushaped extrusion terminates in a bead which is adapted to engage with a wall surface.

12. An assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the said further strip extending from the shorter arm terminates in a hook.

13. An assembly according to claim 12, wherein a web extends between the shorter other arm and the said further strip.

14. An assembly according to claim 12 or claim 13 and including a plurality of brackets each having a hooked end which is engageable with the hooked end of said further strip.

15. An assembly according to claim 14 and further including a rail arranged to be engaged by at least two brackets.

16. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one end of the panel projects beyond the ends of the strips and a substantially vertical rail extends between the ends of the strips with a part located between the said end of the panel and the wall surface.

17. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the substantially vertical rail comprises a pair of arms which extend at right angles to one another and which are connected to one end of a web at an angle of 135 in each case, a hollow triangular member being connected to the other end of the web and having a slot in the side facing the web.

18. An assembly according to claim 17, wherein a cover strip is applied to the substantially vertical rail.

19. An assembly according to claim 18, wherein the cover strip has a spigot which is engageable in the slot in the triangular member.

20. An assembly according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the cover strip is made of a flexible material.

21. An assembly according to claim 16, wherein the substantially vertical rail comprises an arcuate arm connected to said part located between the panel and the wall surface by a web and an arm extending from the arcuate arm towards said part and spaced therefrom by substantially the thickness of the panel.

22. An assembly according to claim 21, wherein the said part is provided with a number of flexible fins which are engageable with the panel.

23. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly comprises more than one panel, the joint between adjacent panels being covered by a cover strip.

24. An assembly according to claim 23, wherein the cover strip comprises a spigot which is adapted to be inserted into the joint between adjacent panels and at least one arm extending substantially at right angles to the spigot.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, wherein the spigot is provided with a series of flexible fins.

26. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ends of each strip are closed by end caps.

27. An assembly according to claim 26, wherein the end caps are made of a resilient plastics material.

28. An assembly adapted to be fitted on top of a worktop substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 17 of the drawings.