NZ568741A - Bench top arrangement and method of forming a bench top arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

A bench top assembly 10, including a bench top portion 12. The portion 12 includes a bench top upper surface 14, a bench top lower surface 16 and a 5 bench top portion abutment surface 18. The bench top portion· abutment surface 18 meets the bench top upper surface 14 along a bench top portion upper edge 20, and the bench top portion abutment surface 18 extends from the bench top portion upper edge 20 at an oblique angle relative to the bench top upper surface 14. The bench top portion abutment surface 18 meets the 10 bench top lower surface 16 along a bench top portion lower edge 22. The assembly 10 includes at least two bench side portions 24, with each bench side portion 24 including a bench side surface 26. a bench side portion primary abutment surface 28 and a bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30. The bench side surface portion primary abutment surface 28 meets the bench 15 side surface 26 along a primary bench side portion edge 32, and the bench side portion primary abutment surface 28 extends from the primary bench side portion edge 32 at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface 26. The assembly 10 includes at least two base portions 34 with each base portion 34 including a base portion primary abutment surface 36 and a base portion 20 secondary abutment surface 38. When assembled, the bench top portion 12, each bench side portion 24 and a respective base portion 34 are arranged such that the bench top portion upper edge 20 is arranged generally adjacent to and parallel with the primary bench side portion edge 32, and the bench top portion abutment surface 18 abuts the bench side portion primary abutment 25 surface 28. Further, the base portion primary abutment surface 36 abuts the bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30, and the bench side portions 24 meet and the base portions 34 meet to create a bench top comer.

Description

29. MAY. 2008~11;46 PHILLIPS ORMONDE i FITZPATRIGK ■NO. 7495 P. 6 Patent Form No. 5 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 *10055907348* 6 8 7 4 f COMPLETE SPECIFICATION TITLE: BENCH TOP ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF FORMING A BENCH TOP ARRANGEMENT We LBT Investments Pty Ltd as Trustee for LBT Holdings Trust, of 68-74 National Boulevard, Campbellfield, Victoria, 3061, Australia, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.2. 2 9 MAY RECEIVED! 2 BENCH TOP ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF FORMING A BENCH TOP ARRANGEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a bench top arrangement for use in the construction of bench tops or other articles that have a similar exposed, visible edge. The present invention also relates to a method of forming such a bench top arrangement.

While it is convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with particular reference to bench tops, and in particular to stone bench tops, it is recognised that the invention may have wider application to many other articles including, but not limited to, articles such as furniture, boxes, cabinets or picture frames.

BACKGROUND ART Bench tops are used in many applications, such as in kitchens, bathrooms and workshops. They serve a practical purpose in providing a work or storage surface, and can be built as a stand-alone unit, or as part of an in-built construction such as for a bathroom vanity unit, or to form a usable work 20 surface on top of in-built cupboards.

Bench tops, and in particular stone bench tops need to be strong, to support an adequate amount of weight for their daily use. To achieve the required strength, bench tops need to be formed having a sufficient thickness to support 25 the required weight. However, in some circumstances, this will result in a very thick bench top being required. This can require a very thick slab of material to be used which, when using expensive materials such as stone, results in a significant material cost. Such slabs of material can also be very heavy and more difficult to transport.

One cheaper alternative to using a single, thick slab of material to form a bench top is to use a thinner slab of material which is formed from a laminated material, such as laminated wood or particle board. However, while such laminated materials are comparatively cheap and strong, they are generally T:\DDM\NZ\BENCH TOP ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD.doc 29. MAY. 2008 11:46 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK NO. 7495 P, 8 3 unsightly due to the cheaper material being used. Additionally, such laminated materials generally need to be treated or sealed (such as with a water-proof sealant), or covered with a plasticised layer to protect the cheaper laminated material against damage caused in daily usage. This results in a cheaper-5 looking bench top which is less aesthetically pleasing and is more prone to damage through daily use. Such treatment, sealant or plasticised coverings also add complexity to the overall bench top construction.

Alternatively, bench tops being formed from a thinner slab of material may 10 further include some form of independent reinforcing means, such as brackets or strengthening ribs, to ensure that the bench top can support adequate weight. The additional independent reinforcing means can add further complexity to the bench top construction, and may also be visible when the bench top is in use which again results in a cheaper looking bench top, which 15 is less aesthetically pleasing.

In the case of stone bench tops, one method of reinforcing such bench tops is to apply a stone strengthening rib underneath the main bench top surface, around the periphery of the bench top. Such strengthening ribs can be formed 20 of varying thicknesses as required, and are generally visible. Therefore, for aesthetic purposes the strengthening rib is usually also made out of stone, and is preferably cut from a piece of stone which is similar in colour and texture to the msiin bench top stone slab.

However, joining the stone strengthening rib to the under surface of the stone bench top creates an unsightly visible join between the two adjacent stone surfaces. This unsightly join extends around the entire bench top edge. Further, there is great difficulty in matching material colours and/or textures between different pieces of stone which are placed directly adjacent to one 30 another.

In an attempt to make such joins between pieces of stone more aesthetically pleasing, the Applicant is aware of methods which add a slight chamfer to each adjacent piece of stone which form the bench top and the strengthening rib, T iVDDMWZMMiNCH TOP ARRANGEMENT METHDD.&X 29. MAY, 2008 11:47 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK NO. 7495 P. .9 4 along their adjacent edges. This then forms a join between adjacent pieces of stone which appears as a slight indentation around the entire surface of the bench top. However, this method still results in a visible join which extends around the entire side surface of the bench top, which is not ideal as it is still 5 clear that the adjacent pieces of stone have been separated before being joined. Further, this method of modifying the join between adjacent pieces of stone does not help to hide any discontinuity in the colour and/or texture of adjacent pieces of stone. Additionally, the indented join can collect dust and other particles (such as food) during normal usage which is unhygienic.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a bench top, and a method of forming a bench top, which at least partially addresses one or more of the drawbacks referred to above in respect of existing bench top arrangements.

The discussion of acts, materials, devices, articles and the like above is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in New 20 Zealand before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to one broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bench top assembly. The bench top assembly includes a bench top portion. 25 The bench top portion includes a bench top upper surface, a bench top lower surface and a bench top portion abutment surface. The bench top portion abutment surface meets the bench top upper surface along a bench top portion upper edge, and the bench top portion abutment surface extends from the bench top portion upper edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench top 30 upper surface. Further, the bench top portion abutment surface meets the bench top lower surface along a bench top portion lower edge. The bench top assembly also includes at least two bench side portions. Each bench side portion includes a bench side surface, a bench side portion primary abutment surface and a bench side portion secondary abutment surface. The bench side 7^DpM\NZfiENCK TOP ANO WTHto OW 29. MAY. 2008"! 1:48 PHILLIPS ORMOMDE & FITZPATRICK' 'NO. 7495'""P. 10 surface portion primary abutment surface meets the bench side surface along a primary bench side portion edge, and the bench side portion primary abutment surface extends from the primary bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface. The bench top assembly 5 further includes at least two base portions, each including a base portion primary abutment surface, and a base portion secondary abutment surface. When assembled, the bench top portion, each bench side portion and a respective base portion are arranged such that the bench top portion upper edge is arranged generally adjacent to and parallel with the primary bench side 10 portion edge, the bench top portion abutment surface abuts the bench side portion primary abutment surface, and the base portion primary abutment surface abuts the bench side portion secondary abutment surface. Further, the bench side portions meet and the base portions meet to create a bench top comer.

The bench side portions and the base portions may meet to create either an internal corner or an external corner. The corner may be of any practical angle. The corner may be, tor example, a right-angled comer or an oblique-angled corner.

A longitudinal end of one or both of the bench side portions may be bevelled to create a mitred corner. Likewise, a longitudinal end of one or both of the base portions may be bevelled to create a mitred corner. in one form, each base portion secondary abutment surface abuts the bench top lower surface.

This arrangement is particularly suitable for use in stone bench top assemblies, but may be readily applied to bench top assemblies (or other 30 suitable assemblies) constructed of a wide range of materials.

In a preferred form, each bench side surface portion secondary abutment surface meets the respective bench side surface along a respective secondary bench side portion edge, and each bench side portion secondary abutment TADDMWMBNCK TOP ARiANGBMEMT AND METHOD '29. MAY, 2008 ] 1:49 "PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK' WO. 7495' 7. 11 6 surface extends from the respective secondary bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface When assembled, each bench top portion upper edge is preferably arranged 5 generally coincident with the respective primary bench side portion edge.

Further, when assembled, each secondary bench side portion edge is preferably arranged generally coincident with a respective secondary base portion abutment surface edge.

The bench top upper surface and the bench top portion abutment surface may be orientated at any desired angle relative to one another and, in a preferred form extend at an angle of between approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees. In one particularly preferred arrangement the oblique angle between 15 the bench top upper surface and the bench top portion abutment surface is approximately 45 degrees, Similarly, each bench side surface and respective bench side portion primary abutment surface may be orientated at any desired angle relative to one 20 another. In one preferred form they extend at an angle of between approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees and, in one particularly preferred form extend at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

Any practical angle may be selected for the oblique angle between each bench 25 side surface and the respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface. For example, in a preferred form this angle may be between approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees. Still more preferable, this angle may be approximately 45 degrees.

In one form, each base portion primary abutment surface meets the respective base portion secondary abutment surface along a base portion abutment surface edge. In one form, the base portion primary abutment surface meets the respective base portion secondary abutment surface along a base portion TOT AftftAMQeMENT Mit> MPTHOD.&X '29. MAY. 2.008"11:49 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK" NO. 7495 P. 12 abutment surface edge at an angle of between approximately 115 degrees and 155 degrees and, more preferably at an angle of approximately 135 degrees.

It is important to appreciate that the angles referred to above may need to be 5 varied slightly (such as reduced by a few degrees) to allow for the thickness of the adhesive that may be used when assembling the bench top assembly.

When assembled, it is envisaged that the bench top portion abutment surface would be secured to the each bench side portion primary abutment surface, 10 while each base portion primary abutment surface would be secured to the respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface. Further, each base portion secondary abutment surface would. In one form, be secured to the bench top lower surface. These various surfaces may be secured together by any suitable means including one or more fasteners and/or adhesive.

Meeting faces of the bench side portions may be secured together to create the bench top corner. Likewise, meeting faces of the base portions may be secured together.

A retainer may be provided for at least temporarily retaining each of the bench top portion, the bench side portions and base portions in a generally aligned orientation during assembly. The retainer may adopt any suitable form including that of an adhesive tape for adhering to each of the bench top upper surface, bench side surfaces and a base portion lower surface f each base 25 portion during assembly.

The invention has, so far, been generally described in the context of having a bench top having a single corner. However, the invention can be readily adapted to an assembly having more than two corners 30 The bench top portion may include a single bench top portion or may be configured from two or more two bench top portions, which may be arranged with substantially co-planar bench top portion upper surfaces.

T:\ODM\HZVBENCH TOP ARRAHGQMBW AND METHOD.ta '29. MAY. 2008~11:50' ""PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK""~ NO. 7495 P. 13 8 The invention has been generally described in respect of the various components necessary to create an assembled bench top. The invention is also directed to a bench top assembled from those components.

Indeed, the invention is also directed to a method of assembling a bench top assembly of the type generally including: a bench top portion including; a bench top upper surface, a bench top lower surface and 10 a bench top portion abutment surface, with the bench top portion abutment surface meeting the bench top upper surface along a bench top portion upper edge, and the bench top portion abutment surface extending from the bench top portion upper edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench top upper surface, and 15 with the bench top portion abutment surface meeting the bench top lower surface along a bench top portion lower edge; at least two bench side portions, with each bench side portion including: a bench side surface, a bench side portion primary abutment surface and 20 a bench side portion secondary abutment surface, with the bench side surface portion primary abutment surface meeting the bench side surface along a bench side portion edge, and the bench side portion primary abutment surface extending from the bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface; the bench side surface portion secondary abutment surface meeting the bench side surface along a secondary bench side portion edge, and the bench side portion secondary abutment surface extending from the secondary bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface; and at least two base portions, with each base portion including: 30 a base portion primary abutment surface, and a base portion secondary abutment surface; The method includes arranging the bench top portion, each bench side portion and a respective base portion such that the bench top portion upper edge is generally adjacent to and parallel with each bench side portion edge, then ruxwflffiDBNCH TCP ARRANGEMENT AMD Mf.'KODin '29. MAY. 2G0ni:51 1 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK" NO. 7495 P. 14' 9 securing the bench top portion abutment surface to each bench side portion primary abutment surface, and securing each base portion primary abutment surface to a respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface.

The method also preferably includes securing meeting faces of the bench side portions together, and securing meeting faces of the base portions together.

The method may also include, in one form, securing each base portion secondary abutment surface to the bench top lower surface.

Preferably, the method includes the initial step of forming each of the bench top portion, bench side portions and base portions from a bench top blank.

In a preferred form, the step of forming each of the bench top portion, bench 15 side portions and base portions from a bench top blank includes cutting the side portion and base portion from an edge of the blank.

The bench top portion is preferably substantially created upon cutting the side portions and base portions from the blank, although some minor finishing work 20 may be necessary.

Machining (for example, grinding) of the various surfaces and edges may be necessary to facilitate accurate assembly of the bench top.

Bevelled ends of each of the side portions and base portions may be provided to create a mitred corner for the bench top assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The attached drawings show example embodiments of the invention of the 30 foregoing kind. The particularity of those drawings and the associated description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bench top assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, when assembled.

TsUBMWRBUNCtf T0P ARRANGBMBM* AND METHDIMW 29. MAY. 2008^11:51 "PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK" " "10.7495—P. 15 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bench top assembly illustrated in Figure 1 when partially assembled.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bench top assembly illustrated in Figure 2 when further partially assembled.

. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bench top assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, when assembled.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bench top assembly illustrated in Figure 4 when partially assembled.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the bench top assembly illustrated in 10 Figure 5 when further partially assembled.

Figure 7 is a bottom view of bench top assembly illustrated in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a side view of a bench top assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, when assembled, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a bench top assembly 10.

The assembly includes a bench top portion 12, The bench top portion 12 includes a bench top upper (or top) surface 14, a bench top lower surface 16 20 (corresponding generally to the underside of the bench top assembly) and a bench top portion abutment surface 18.

The bench top portion abutment surface 18 meets the bench top upper surface 14 along a bench top portion upper edge 20, and the bench top portion 25 abutment surface 18 extends from the bench top portion upper edge 20 at an oblique angle of 45 degrees (although other angles are possible) relative to the bench top upper surface 14. The bench top portion abutment surface 18 meets the bench top lower surface 16 along a bench top portion lower edge 22.

The bench top assembly 10 also includes a bench side portion 24. The bench side portion 24 includes a bench side surface 26, a bench side portion primary abutment surface 28 and a bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30. The bench side surface portion primary abutment surface 28 meets the bench side surface 26 along a primary bench side portion edge 32, and the bench TtiDDMWfi&ONCK TOP AHMAffGEMENT AND MGTHODAe "29. MAY. 2008 11:52 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK ' NO. 7495 P. 16""""" 11 side portion primary abutment surface 28 extends from the primary bench side portion edge 32 at an oblique angle of 45 degrees (although other angles are also possible) relative to the bench side surface 26.

The bench top assembly 10 further includes a base portion 34, including a base portion primary abutment surface 36, and a base portion secondary abutment surface 38. The base portion primary abutment surface 36 meets the base portion secondary abutment surface 38 along a base portion abutment surface edge 40 at an angle of 135 degrees, although other angles are 10 possible, As stated previously, the various angles referred to above may need to be varied slightly (such as reduced by a few degrees) to allow for the thickness of the adhesive to be used when assembling the bench top assembly 10.

When assembled as illustrated in Figure 1, the bench top portion 12, the bench side portion 24 and the base portion 34 are arranged such that the bench top portion upper edge 20 is arranged generally adjacent to arid parallel with the primary bench side portion edge 32. Further, the bench top portion abutment 20 surface 18 abuts the bench side portion primary abutment surface 28, the base portion primary abutment surface 36 abuts the bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30, and the base portion secondary abutment surface 38 abuts the bench top lower surface 16.

Again, referring to Figure 1, the bench side surface portion secondary abutment surface 30 meets the bench side surface 26 along a secondary bench side portion edge 40. The bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30 extends from the secondary bench side portion edge 40 at an oblique angle of 45 degrees relative to the bench side surface, although other 30 angles may be possible.

When assembled, the bench top portion edge 12 is arranged generally coincident with the primary bench side portion upper edge 20, T\DI>MW5\BENCH TOP ARRANGEMENT1 AND METHOftta 29. MAY. 2008 1 1:53 ' PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK NO. 7495 "P. 17' 12 Further, when assembled, the secondary bench side portion edge 40 is arranged generally coincident with a secondary base portion abutment surface edge 42.

When assembled, the bench top portion abutment surface 18 is secured to the bench side portion primary abutment surface 28, and the base portion primary abutment surface 36 is secured to the bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30. Further, the base portion secondary abutment surface 38 is secured to the bench top lower surface 16. These various surfaces are 10 secured together by any suitable means and in the illustrated embodiment are secured together using a suitable adhesive.

A removable retainer (not illustrated) may be provided for at least temporarily retaining each of the bench top portion 12, bench side portion 24 and base 15 portion 34 in a generally aligned orientation during assembly. The retainer may adopt any suitable form including that of an adhesive tape for adhering to each of the bench top upper surface 14, bench side surface 26 and a base portion lower surface 44 during assembly when initially arranged as in Figure 3.

Each of the bench top portion 12, bench side portion 24 and base portion 34 are constructed from stone, but it is to be appreciated that they may be constructed from any other suitable material or combination of materials. Indeed, each of the bench top portion 12, bench side portion 24 and base portion 34 are preferably constructed from a single stone bench top assembly 25 blank.

The assembly edges 20, 22, 32, 40 and 42 are suitably chamfered (or otherwise machined) as necessary to assist in the ease of assembly and to provide smooth edges on the assembled bench top.

Referring to Figures 4 to 7, the invention can be readily adapted to a bench top assembly 110 including a bench top portion 112, two (or more) bench side portions 124a,b and two (or more) respective base portions 134a,b. The bench side portions 124a,b and respective base portions 134a,b meet, creating an T-<,I»MU®HENCH tOf AfcftANCeVBNT AND METilOU.dw 29. MAY. 2008 1 1:53 '"'"PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK' .7495 P. 18' 13 external bench top corner 146. As illustrated clearly in Figure 7 the ends of each of the bench side portions 124a,b and base portions 134a,b are angled (or bevelled) to provide a clean (mitred) comer configuration.

It is to be appreciated that the invention may be also readily configured so as to provide an internal bench top corner (not illustrated).

The assembly 210 illustrated in Figure 8 differs from that in the other drawings in that the base portion secondary abutment surface 238 does not abut the 10 bench top lower surface 216, but is instead spaced therefrom. The base portion secondary abutment surface 238 does not abut the bench top lower surface 216 because of the differing cross-sectional shape of the bench side portion 224 when compared to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 7.

The invention has been generally described in respect of the various components necessary to create an assembled bench top. The invention is also directed to a bench top assembled from those components.

Referring again to the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the method 20 includes arranging the bench top portion 12 and the bench side portion 24 such that the bench top portion upper edge 20 is generally adjacent to and parallel with the bench side portion primary edge 32, then securing the bench top portion abutment surface 18 to the bench side portion primary abutment surface 28.

The method also includes arranging the bench side portion 24 and the base portion 34 such that the bench side portion secondary edge 40 is generally adjacent to and parallel with the secondary base portion abutment surface edge 42, then securing the base portion primary abutment surface 36 to the 30 bench side portion secondary abutment surface 30.

The method further Includes the securing the base portion secondary abutment surface 38 to the bench top lower surface 16.

TO? AftlANOEMBKT ANfl 29. MAY. 2008 1 1:54 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK' NO. 7495 P. 19' 14 The assembly steps referred to in the preceding paragraphs may be performed in any suitable order.

Fitment of the bench side portion 24 and base portion 34 into place may occur 5 prior to or following fitment of the bench top portion 12 into position, and may or may not occur in situ.

The method preferably Includes the initial step of cutting each of the bench top portion 12, bench side portion 24 and base portion 34 from a bench top blank 10 (not illustrated). This can desirably provide a bench top assembly having a substantially uniform appearance. This appearance is further enhanced by the fact that, when assembled, the visible portion of the join between the bench top portion 12 and the bench side portion 24 extends along the upper edge of the bench top assembly 10 and so is substantially indistinguishable. Likewise, 15 the visible portion of the join between the bench side portion 24 and the base portion 34 extends along the lower edge of the bench top assembly 10 and so is similarly indistinguishable. As a result, the assembly 10 desirably has the appearance of being formed from a single solid piece of stone rather than assembled from separate bench top, bench side and base portions.

The bench top portion 12 is preferably substantially created upon cutting the side portion 24 and base portion 34 from the blank, although some minor finishing work may be necessary.

Advantageously, the bench top assembly of the present invention, when assembled, provides the appearance of a thicker slab of stone than is actually used. Thus, the assembly is cheaper to manufacture and of a lighter construction when compared to conventional stone bench tops having a similar apparent thickness. The lighter construction provides a reduction in transport 30 costs when compared to existing stone bench tops.

The assembly may also include components of differing colours, patterns and textures to provide, when assembled, an added or different effect. rwomUfSBicH top awwubbmewt method fct 29. MAY. 2008 1 1:55 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK 110.7495"' 'P. 20 The present invention provides a bench top assembly that has a more pleasing overall appearance than many existing bench top assemblies, including bench top assemblies formed from laminated materials, such as laminated wood or particle board. Further, while such laminated materials generally need to be 5 treated or sealed (such as with a water-proof sealant), or covered with a plasticised layer to protect the cheaper laminated material against damage caused in daily usage, the bench top assembly of the present invention generally does not require any such treatment. Thus, the bench top assembly of the present invention is potentially simplified when compared to these types 10 of bench top assemblies.

Advantageously, unlike some existing arrangements, the assembly of the present invention does not require unsightly independent reinforcing means, such as brackets or strengthening ribs, to ensure that the bench top can 15 support adequate weight. This potentially reduces the complexity of the bench top construction when compared to existing arrangements and produces a more aesthetically pleasing bench top absent of brackets, ribs and the like.

Further, the present invention addresses the problem inherent in many existing 20 bench top assemblies, by obviating the need for an unsightly rib join extending around the bench top edge, The present invention provides a bench top having a simplified and clean corner arrangement for all practical bench top corner configurations, including 25 internal and external corners, and both right-angled corners and other corner angles.

Moreover, by cutting the assembly components of the present invention from a single bench top blank, the potential problem in having to match material 30 colours and/or textures between different pieces of stone which are placed directly adjacent to one another is substantially addressed- The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it is to be T OBrfWMBNCHTOP AMANGLMENT WETHOD.aoo 29. MAY. 200Ol,:55 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK AIO. 7495 P, 21 16 understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the above description and claims.

TMSOWIWSBNCH TOP AW*ANOEMENT AND MfltHO&dcK

Claims (1)

1. "'29. MAY. 2008 '11:56 ' '/ "PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK' NO. 7495 '""P. 22 17 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A bench top assembly, including: a bench top portion including: 5 a bench top upper surface, a bench top lower surface and a bench top portion abutment surface, with the bench top portion abutment surface meeting the bench top upper surface along a bench top portion upper edge, and the bench top portion 10 abutment surface extending from the bench top portion upper edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench top upper surface, and with the bench top portion abutment surface meeting the bench top lower surface along a bench top portion lower edge; at least two bench side portions, with each bench side portion including: 15 a bench side surface, a bench side portion primary abutment surface and a bench side portion secondary abutment surface, with the bench side surface portion primary abutment surface meeting the bench side surface along a primary bench side portion edge, and the 20 bench side portion primary abutment surface extending from the primary bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface; and at least two base portions, wrth each base portion including: a base portion primary abutment surface, and a base portion secondary abutment surface; 25 wherein when assembled, the bench top portion, each bench side portion and a respective base portion are arranged such that: the bench top portion upper edge is arranged generally adjacent to and parallel with the primary bench side portion edge, the bench top portion abutment surface abuts the bench side portion 30 primary abutment surface, the base portion primary abutment surface abuts the bench side portion secondary abutment surface, and the bench side portions meet and the base portions meet to create a bench top corner. T '\DDKflNZ.VHENCH TO? ARRAlWCMBWT ANQMETHQB.itt 29. MAY. 2008 11:56"" PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK "NO. 7495 P. 23 *;18;2. A bench top assembly according to claim 1, wherein the bench side portions meet and the base portions meet to create one of an internal corner and an external comer.;5;3. A bench top assembly according to claim 2, wherein the corner is one of a right-angled corner and an oblique comer.;4. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 10 wherein a longitudinal end of at least one of the bench side portions is bevelled to create a mitred corner.;5. A bench top assembly according to claim 4, wherein a longitudinal end of at least one of the base portions is bevelled to create a mitred corner.;15;6. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each bench side surface portion secondary abutment surface meets the respective bench side surface along a secondary bench side portion edge,;20 and each bench side portion secondary abutment surface extends from the respective secondary bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface;7. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 25 wherein, when assembled, the bench top portion upper edge is arranged generally coincident with the respective primary bench side portion edge.;8. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, each base portion primary abutment surface meets the respective;30 base portion secondary abutment surface along a base portion abutment surface edge.;9. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when assembled, each secondary bench side portion edge is;TADDbflNTVBENCH TOP AJUUHQSMENrr AMD METHOD dne;"29. MAY. 2008-1 1:57" PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK'"" " ~NO. 7495 ""P. 24';19;arranged generally coincident with the respective secondary base portion abutment surface edge.;10. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 5 wherein the oblique angle between the bench top upper surface and the respective bench top portion abutment surface is between approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees.;11. A bench top assembly according to claim 10, wherein the oblique angle 10 between the bench top upper surface and each bench top portion abutment surface is approximately 45 degrees.;12. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oblique angle between each bench side surface and the;15 respective bench side portion primary abutment surface is between approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees.;13. A bench top assembly according to claim 12, wherein the oblique angle between each bench side surface and the respective bench side portion;20 primary abutment surface is approximately 45 degrees.;14. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oblique angle between each bench side surface and the respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface is between;25 approximately 25 degrees and 65 degrees.;15. A bench top assembly according to claim 14, wherein the oblique angle between each bench side surface and the respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface is approximately 45 degrees.;30;16. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each base portion primary abutment surface meets the respective base portion secondary abutment surface along a base portion abutment;T lDDMlNaMNCH 10r AKHANGUM£MT WD METHOD,dre;29.MAY. 2008 11:57 PHILLIPS ORMONDE &"FITZPATRICK 10. 7495—P. 25 -;20;surface edge at an angle of between approximately 115 degrees and 155 degrees.;17. A bench top assembly according to claim 16, wherein each base portion 5 primary abutment surface meets the respective base portion secondary abutment surface along the base portion abutment surface edge at an angle of approximately 135 degrees.;18. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 10 wherein, when assembled:;the bench top portion abutment surface is secured to the each bench side portion primary abutment surface, and each base portion primary abutment surface is secured to the respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface.;15;19. A bench top assembly according to claim 18, wherein:;the bench top portion abutment surface is secured to the each bench side portion primary abutment surface by one or more of at least one fastener and adhesive, and 20 each base portion primary abutment surface is secured to the respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface by one or more of at least one fastener and adhesive.;20. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 25 including a retainer for at least temporarily retaining each of the bench top portion, bench side portions and base portions in a generally aligned orientation during assembly.;21. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, 30 including at least two bench top portions, arranged with substantially co-planar bench-top upper surfaces.;T CtfM'XTfiUNCIl TOP ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD* 29. MAY. 2008 1 1:58 PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK NO. 7495 P. 26"" 21 22. A bench top assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each base portion secondary abutment surface abuts the bench top lower surface. 5 23. An assembled bench top according to any one of the preceding claims. 24. A method of assembling a bench top assembly, the assembly including: a bench top portion including: a bench top upper surface, 10 a bench top lower surface and a bench top portion abutment surface, with the bench top portion abutment surface meeting the bench top upper surface along a bench top portion upper edge, and the bench top portion abutment surface extending from the bench top portion upper edge at an 15 oblique angle relative to the bench top upper surface, and with the bench top portion abutment surface meeting the bench top lower surface along a bench top portion lower edge; at least two bench side portions, with each bench side portion including: a bench side surface, 20 a bench side portion primary abutment surface and a bench side portion secondary abutment surface, with the bench side surface portion primary abutment surface meeting the bench side surface along a bench side portion edge, and the bench side portion primary abutment surface extending from the bench side portion edge 25 at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface; the bench side surface portion secondary abutment surface meeting the bench side surface along a secondary bench side portion edge, and the bench side portion secondary abutment surface extending from the secondary bench side portion edge at an oblique angle relative to the bench side surface; and 30 at least two base portions, with each base portion including: a base portion primary abutment surface, and a base portion secondary abutment surface; T>\DDMUiZ\EENCll tOi" AAAaNGEMGNT aND METHOIldae 29. MAY. 2008 1 1:58 " PHILLIPS ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK- —NO. 7495—P. 27- 22 the method including arranging the bench top portion, each bench side portion and a respective base portion such that the bench top portion upper edge is generally adjacent to and parallel with the bench side portion edge, then securing the bench top portion abutment surface to each bench 5 side portion primary abutment surface, securing each base portion primary abutment surface to a respective bench side portion secondary abutment surface. 25. A method of assembling a bench top assembly according to claim 24, 10 including securing meeting faces of the bench side portions together, and securing meeting faces of the base portions together. 26. A method of assembling a bench top assembly according to claim 24 or 25, including securing each base portion secondary abutment surface to the 15 bench top lower surface. 27. A method of assembling a bench top assembly according any one of claims 24 to 26, including the initial step of forming each of the bench top portion, bench side portions and base portions from a bench top blank. 20 28. A method of assembling a bench top assembly according to claim 27, wherein the step of forming each of the bench top portion, bench side portions and base portions from a bench top blank includes cutting the side portions and base portions from an edge of the blank. 25 29. A method of forming a bench top assembly according to claim 28, wherein the bench top portion Is substantially created upon cutting the side portions and base portions from the blank. 30 30. A bench top assembly according to any one of the embodiments, substantially as heroin described and illustrated. 31. A method of assembling a bench top assembly according to any one of the embodiments, substantially as herein described and illustrated. TtfUaMNftOTOTH TOP ARMNORMBNT ANDMRTHOn dp