GB2499414A - Worktop jig with interlocking profile - Google Patents

Abstract

A jig to guide the cutting of a worktop surface includes a guide slot having a non straight profile. The deviations in the slot will be copied into both worktop edges to be joined upon cutting with a router, and interlock to ensure that the surfaces remain properly aligned. Ideally the joint is where two portions of the worktop meet at an angle such as in the corner of a kitchen around which the countertop extends. The slot may include a crank portion at one end so that the lip at the front of the counter on each piece match up.

Description

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Interlocking Worktop Jig

This invention relates to an interlocking worktop jig for use in cutting or routing complementary male or female profiles on respective first and second worktop pieces. It allows a jointed worktop surface to be made up by assembling the first and second worktop pieces with their complementary profiles adjacent or abutting. This technique is used in many situations including, but not limited to, kitchen worktops.

In such arrangements, the worktop jig acts as a template guide for producing two matched joining surfaces, which can be achieved with a hand router and a straight cutter.

The worktop jig comprises a flat board with a profile slot of suitable shaped profile, together with a series of holes designed to receive location or aligning pins.

Existing worktop jigs comprise of cranked "J" or "hockey stick" profile slot with a straight middle section (Figure 1). Once the worktops are assembled, the male and female worktop pieces can move apart from one another, creating a gap between the worktops at the lower end of the "J" or "hockey stick" profile (Figure 2). The gap that is formed is aesthetically displeasing and also a prime environment for bacteria growth.

There is therefore a need for a worktop jig that allows worktop surfaces to be cut accurately and for the male and female profiles to remain interlocked.

Accordingly, there is provided a worktop jig for use in cutting and routing interlocking complementary male and female profiles, said jig including: -

at least one profiled guide slot defining at least one profiled guide surface for cutting or routing said interlocking male and female profiles.

The guide slot may typically comprise a profiled section and a short cranked portion, each of which are used in forming said male and female interlocking profiles (Figure 3). Using the interlocking worktop jig, once assembled, the male and female complementary profiles will remain interlocked, eliminating relative movement between them (Figure 4).

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The invention will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

Figure 1 is a schematic top plan view of a worktop jig comprising a cranked "J" or "hockey stick" profile slot with a straight middle section.

Figure 2 illustrates the gap created when the assembled male and female worktop pieces move relative to one another.

Figure 3 is a schematic top plan view of a worktop jig comprising a profiled section and a short cranked portion, each of which are used in forming said male and female interlocking profiles.

Figure 4 illustrates how the male and female complementary profiles remain interlocked.

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Claims (3)

Claims

1. A worktop jig used for cutting or routing interlocking complementary male and female profiles on respective first and second length of worktop, said jig including: -

at least one profiled guide slot defining at least one profiled guide surface for cutting or routing said interlocking male and female profiles.

2. A worktop jig according to Claim 1, wherein said worktop jig includes at least one guide slot comprising a profiled section and a short cranked portion, used in forming said male and female interlocking profiles.

3. A worktop jig substantially as hereinbefore described with respect to, and as illustrated, in any of Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.