US20160135596A1 - Stabilized miter edge system and device - Google Patents
Stabilized miter edge system and device Download PDFInfo
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- US20160135596A1 US20160135596A1 US14/867,385 US201514867385A US2016135596A1 US 20160135596 A1 US20160135596 A1 US 20160135596A1 US 201514867385 A US201514867385 A US 201514867385A US 2016135596 A1 US2016135596 A1 US 2016135596A1
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- Prior art keywords
- miter
- edge
- stabilized
- edge element
- angle
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/20—Furniture panels or like furniture elements
- A47B96/201—Edge features
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/18—Tops specially designed for working on
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2220/00—General furniture construction, e.g. fittings
- A47B2220/0052—Panels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B2230/00—Furniture jointing; Furniture with such jointing
- A47B2230/01—Assemblies of strip sections, able to hold panels and corner parts for furniture
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of countertop construction and installation, and more particularly to methods and systems for applying a thicker edge on countertops with a thinner upper surface.
- a countertop is a horizontal work surface commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and workrooms. Countertops are made in a number of natural and engineered materials. While modern lightweight laminated materials have become popular for low-cost and DIY installations, countertops made from natural or engineered stone materials remain popular for higher-end installations.
- Countertops made from stone materials can be made with an upper surface and attached edges that provide a thicker edge than the upper surface.
- Current methods for applying an edge include building up a sandwich construction of layers of stone sheets.
- a conventional mitered edge produces better esthetic results, but due to the instability of a miter construction it is difficult and time consuming to install, normally requiring specialized heavy duty clamping devices to hold, align, and apply necessary pressure to the mitered edge against the mitered countertop surface element during gluing. Due to the inherent instability of a conventional miter assembly, there is a limit to how thin the surface and edge components can be made, as otherwise the edge is susceptible to breaking of during normal use, particularly when a lateral force is applied to the edge.
- a stabilized miter edge system can include a top element and an edge element, such that the edge element includes a stabilized miter surface, which connects along a miter surface of the top element and along an elongated rectangular edge portion of the underside of the top element.
- the stabilized miter surface provides a connection with enhanced stability, which is configured to lock the edge element in place on the top element, without sliding either vertically or horizontally, thereby serving as a precise locating device.
- the stabilized miter surface provides an increased area of connection, which can be stable even when used with thinner materials, than would normally be acceptable with a conventional mitered edge.
- the stabilized miter surface can be installed and glued together using only spring clamps, without any need for specialized clamping mechanisms.
- the stabilized miter surface can be manufactured from stone materials, including engineered quartz, engineered marble, porcelain, etc.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in an assembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system during installation with clamps applied, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a top view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system during installation with spring clamps applied, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- a stabilized miter edge system 100 for attaching a front edge to a countertop surface, can include:
- the miter angle 113 can be 45 degrees.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the stabilized miter edge system 100 in a non-assembled configuration, such that the top element 110 and edge element 120 are separate.
- FIG. 2 shows the stabilized miter edge system 100 , such that the top element 110 is shown in a lower perspective view, to show the top miter surface 212 , and the underside 214 of the top element 110 .
- the edge element 120 can further include:
- the top element 110 can be a substantially rectangular flat piece, which can be solid, and configured with a top miter surface 215 that is configured with a miter angle 113 , such that the top element 110 can be an integral piece that can be described as comprised of a rectangular flat piece 252 with a side mounted elongated triangular piece 254 .
- the front miter part 224 of the edge element 120 can be a substantially rectangular elongated piece, which can be solid, and configured with a front miter surface 225 that is configured with a miter angle 113 , such that the front miter part 224 can be an integral piece that can be described as comprised of a rectangular elongated piece 262 with a top mounted elongated triangular piece 264 .
- the rear stabilizer part 226 of the edge element 120 can be a substantially rectangular elongated piece, which can be solid.
- the edge element 120 can be connected to the top element 110 with an adhesive, such as an epoxy, polyester, silicone, or acrylic adhesive, of a type normally used for gluing natural and engineered stone materials.
- an adhesive such as an epoxy, polyester, silicone, or acrylic adhesive, of a type normally used for gluing natural and engineered stone materials.
- the edge element 120 can be manufactured in one piece, such as shown in FIG. 1 , such that it can for example be cut from one piece of a stone material, or alternatively, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , it can be assembled from multiple pieces that are glued together. Further, the edge element can consist of a single or multiple laminated parts.
- a laminated edge element can include a surface material that can be different from a substrate or inner core material, such as for example of a lower grade or less expensive.
- Cutting a stone material such as engineered quartz, produces a significant back pressure and vibration, such that the part must be precisely and securely held at all times to keep the part from “wandering” or “shattering”.
- existing well-known cutting tools and equipment are generally not well suited for manufacturing, which may instead have to rely on custom designed equipment.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the edge element 120 , showing a:
- FIG. 1 shows a length 108 of the edge element 120 .
- FIG. 1 shows a thickness 112 of the top element 110 .
- an edge element 120 can be configured with:
- an edge element 120 can be configured with:
- the top element 110 can be configured with a thickness 112 in a range of 0.75-3 cm.
- the top element 110 can be configured with a front face height 404 in a range of 2-15 cm.
- the stabilized miter edge system 100 can be manufactured in a large plurality of dimensions, as suited for particular applications.
- the front face height 404 can be up to 250 mm or higher.
- the top element 110 thickness 112 can be configured in a range of 3-20 inches, to form a floor element and the front face height 404 can be up to 8-12 feet, to form a wall element.
- Such a stabilized miter edge system 100 can for example be made with a sandwich/composite construction with rigid foam between high-strength sheets of polymer, glass fiber, and/or carbon fiber, or other lightweight and high-strength construction components.
- FIG. 5 shows that a cut of the front miter surface 225 can be slightly deeper than the level of the rear stabilizer surface 227 , such that the cut of the front miter surface 225 for example can be about 1 mm deeper than a level of the rear stabilizer surface 227 .
- FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of the edge element 120 , further showing the back surface 602 of the edge element 120 , also referred to as the back 602 .
- FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of the edge element 120 , further showing the front face surface 704 of the edge element 120 , also referred to as the face 704 .
- the face 704 can be clean polished.
- the stabilized miter edge system 100 decreases the degree of difficulty in attaching a mitered type edge to countertops, cabinet tops, worktops, desktops, casework, and fixture applications.
- the stabilized miter edge system 100 eliminates the need for complex bi-directional clamping during the gluing and installation process, requiring only simple uni-directional spring clamps 802 .
- the stabilized miter edge system 100 can be clamped together by application of spring clamps or similar uni-directional between the top surface of the top element 110 and the bottom surface of the edge element 120 , whereas in earlier methods and systems complex and expensive clamping devices are attached to a front and top of a countertop with a conventional miter construction, to provide both vertical and horizontal clamping action.
- the edge element 120 can be manufactured with ends that have a straight cut-off angle 240 .
- FIGS. 3 and 8 which both show an edge element 120 with a straight cut-off angle
- the straight cut-off angle creates a flush surface of the end of the edge element 120 flush with the end of the top element 110 .
- the resulting combined end can be capped with an end-cap, which can be applied according to conventional methods for applying end-caps to a countertop.
- edge elements 120 with a straight cut-off angle is particularly useful for do-it-yourself home projects and other projects that are not custom designed, but rely on in-place fitting of parts to the particular dimensions needed.
- An installer can purchase edge elements 120 with straight cut-off angles in both ends of each edge element, and then make a straight cut to a selected end to a measured length, such that the new end has a straight cut-off angle.
- the stabilized miter edge system 100 allows for the countertop surface to be a thinner, lighter and less expensive material than in a traditional miter construction, due to the increased stability of the stabilized miter edge system 100
- the edge element 120 can be thicker and stronger than in a conventional miter construction, creating the look of a more expensive countertop material when viewed in the direction of the face 704 of the edge element 120 .
- the top element 110 and the edge element 120 can be made from
- the top element 110 and the edge element 120 in a configuration using stone materials can be cut and shaped with custom designed diamond cutter based tooling.
- the stabilized miter edge system 100 has a number of unique characteristics and advantages, which include that the stabilized miter edge system 100 :
- a stabilized miter edge system 900 can include edge elements 120 manufactured with mitered cut-off angles, such that a first edge element 920 , which includes a mitered cut-off angle, matches with the mitered cut-off angle of a second edge element 930 , when mounted on first and second sides of a top element 910 , such that the first and second sides respectively comprise adjoining first and second top miter surfaces 1015 1016 .
- FIG. 10 shows a top view of the top element 910 , the first edge element 920 , and the second edge element 930 , with a mitered cut-off angle of 45 degrees, which matches the adjoining angle of the first and second top miter surfaces 1015 1016 ;
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the top element 910 , the first edge element 920 , the second edge element 930 , a third edge element 1140 , and a fourth edge element 1150 , such that all edge elements have mitered cut-off angles of 45 degrees in both ends, which match the adjoining angles top miter surfaces of the top element 910 .
- FIG. 11 shows all edge elements separate from the top element 910 , prior to installation on the edges of the top element 910 .
- FIG. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 .
- edge elements 920 930 1140 1150 can be pre-manufactured with custom lengths, such that each edge elements have first and second ends manufactured with a mitered cut-off angle, such that the edge elements fit to a custom size pre-manufactured top element 910 , without the need for any end-cap.
- FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the stabilized miter edge system 900 wherein the first and second edge elements 920 930 have been glued and clamped together with light-duty conventional clamping devices 802 , here shown as spring clamps 802 , such that a second end of the first edge element 920 with a mitered cut-off angle, has been connected in a corner to a first end of the second edge element 930 with a matching mitered cut-off angle.
- light-duty conventional clamping devices 802 here shown as spring clamps 802
- the stabilized miter edge system 900 can be clamped together by application of light-duty uni-directional clamps between the top surface of the top element 910 and the bottom surfaces of the edge elements 920 930 , whereas in earlier methods and systems complex and expensive clamping devices are typically attached to a front and top of a countertop with a conventional miter construction.
- FIGS. 1-13 illustrate embodiments wherein, as shown in FIG. 2 , a lower end 235 of the front miter part 224 is flush with a lower end 237 of the rear stabilizer part 226 .
- Such embodiments are convenient to manufacture in one-piece, and have a high-degree of strength and stability.
- a lower end 1435 of a front miter part 1425 can protrude below a lower end 237 of the rear stabilizer part 226 .
- Such embodiments are practical to manufacture mainly when the front miter part 1425 is connected to the rear stabilizer part 226 with an adhesive.
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Abstract
A stabilized miter edge system includes a top element, including a top miter surface; at least one edge element, including a front miter part with a front miter surface, and a rear stabilizer part with a rear stabilizer surface, such that the top element is configured to connect with the edge element with an adhesive. The edge element can be manufactured in one piece or glued together from several pieces, and can include use of laminated components. The system is suitable for manufacturing in stone materials, including engineered quartz, using lighter-weight parts, resulting in improved precision and efficiency of manufacturing and installation.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/080,539, filed Nov. 17, 2014.
- The present invention relates generally to the field of countertop construction and installation, and more particularly to methods and systems for applying a thicker edge on countertops with a thinner upper surface.
- A countertop is a horizontal work surface commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and workrooms. Countertops are made in a number of natural and engineered materials. While modern lightweight laminated materials have become popular for low-cost and DIY installations, countertops made from natural or engineered stone materials remain popular for higher-end installations.
- Countertops made from stone materials can be made with an upper surface and attached edges that provide a thicker edge than the upper surface. Current methods for applying an edge include building up a sandwich construction of layers of stone sheets.
- Build-up of a sandwich construction is time consuming and may expose edges between the layers of sandwiching, which can be hard to hide even after extensive polishing.
- A conventional mitered edge produces better esthetic results, but due to the instability of a miter construction it is difficult and time consuming to install, normally requiring specialized heavy duty clamping devices to hold, align, and apply necessary pressure to the mitered edge against the mitered countertop surface element during gluing. Due to the inherent instability of a conventional miter assembly, there is a limit to how thin the surface and edge components can be made, as otherwise the edge is susceptible to breaking of during normal use, particularly when a lateral force is applied to the edge.
- As such, considering the foregoing, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for novel and improved devices and methods for attaching a front edge to a countertop surface.
- The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in aspects of this invention, enhancements are provided to the existing model of countertop edge installation, providing a more stable and flexible edge connection, which can be based on use of a thinner surface element.
- In an aspect, a stabilized miter edge system can include a top element and an edge element, such that the edge element includes a stabilized miter surface, which connects along a miter surface of the top element and along an elongated rectangular edge portion of the underside of the top element.
- In a related aspect, the stabilized miter surface provides a connection with enhanced stability, which is configured to lock the edge element in place on the top element, without sliding either vertically or horizontally, thereby serving as a precise locating device.
- In another related aspect, the stabilized miter surface provides an increased area of connection, which can be stable even when used with thinner materials, than would normally be acceptable with a conventional mitered edge.
- In another related aspect, the stabilized miter surface can be installed and glued together using only spring clamps, without any need for specialized clamping mechanisms.
- In various related aspects, the stabilized miter surface can be manufactured from stone materials, including engineered quartz, engineered marble, porcelain, etc.
- There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
- In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in an assembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an edge element, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system during installation with clamps applied, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 12 is a top view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system during installation with spring clamps applied, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a stabilized miter edge system in a disassembled configuration, according to an embodiment of the invention. - Before describing the invention in detail, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in a novel and non-obvious combination of elements and process steps. So as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, certain conventional elements and steps have been presented with lesser detail, while the drawings and specification describe in greater detail other elements and steps pertinent to understanding the invention.
- The following embodiments are not intended to define limits as to the structure or method of the invention, but only to provide exemplary constructions. The embodiments are permissive rather than mandatory and illustrative rather than exhaustive.
- In the following, we describe the structure of an embodiment of a stabilized
miter edge system 100 with reference toFIG. 1 , in such manner that like reference numerals refer to like components throughout; a convention that we shall employ for the remainder of this specification. - In an embodiment, a stabilized
miter edge system 100, for attaching a front edge to a countertop surface, can include: -
- a) a
top element 110, shown in an upper perspective view inFIG. 1 , wherein thetop element 110, is configured with atop miter surface 215, as shown inFIG. 2 , along a front edge of thetop element 110, such that the top miter surface is configured with amiter angle 113 in a range of 5 to 85 degrees, between the top miter surface and theupper surface 111 of thetop element 110; and - b) an
edge element 120; wherein theedge element 120 is configured with a stabilizedmiter surface 122; - wherein the stabilized
miter surface 122 is configured to connect to thetop miter surface 215 and an elongatedrectangular edge portion 217 of the underside of thetop surface 110, configured such that amiter angle 123 of theedge element 120 is equal to themiter angle 113 of thetop element 110, such that areceiving angle 125 of the stabilizedmiter surface 122 is 180 degrees minus themiter angle 113.
- a) a
- In a related embodiment, the
miter angle 113 can be 45 degrees. -
FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the stabilizedmiter edge system 100 in a non-assembled configuration, such that thetop element 110 andedge element 120 are separate. -
FIG. 2 shows the stabilizedmiter edge system 100, such that thetop element 110 is shown in a lower perspective view, to show thetop miter surface 212, and theunderside 214 of thetop element 110. - In a related embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theedge element 120 can further include: -
- a. a
front miter part 224, which comprises afront miter surface 225 on an upper surface of thefront miter part 224; and - b. a
rear stabilizer part 226, which comprises arear stabilizer surface 227 on an upper surface of therear stabilizer part 226; and
thetop element 110 can further include: - a. a
top miter surface 215, along a front edge of thetop element 110; and - b. an elongated
rectangular edge portion 217 of the bottom side of thetop element 110; - wherein the
top element 110 connects with theedge element 120, such that thefront miter surface 225 is configured to connect with thetop miter surface 215; such that avertical miter height 402, as shown inFIG. 4 , of theedge element 120 is equal to athickness 112 of thetop element 110; and therear stabilizer surface 227 is configured to connect with the elongatedrectangular edge portion 217.
- a. a
- In further related embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thetop element 110 can be a substantially rectangular flat piece, which can be solid, and configured with atop miter surface 215 that is configured with amiter angle 113, such that thetop element 110 can be an integral piece that can be described as comprised of a rectangularflat piece 252 with a side mounted elongatedtriangular piece 254. - In further related embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thefront miter part 224 of theedge element 120 can be a substantially rectangular elongated piece, which can be solid, and configured with afront miter surface 225 that is configured with amiter angle 113, such that thefront miter part 224 can be an integral piece that can be described as comprised of a rectangularelongated piece 262 with a top mounted elongatedtriangular piece 264. - In further related embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , therear stabilizer part 226 of theedge element 120 can be a substantially rectangular elongated piece, which can be solid. - In a related embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 3 , theedge element 120 can be connected to thetop element 110 with an adhesive, such as an epoxy, polyester, silicone, or acrylic adhesive, of a type normally used for gluing natural and engineered stone materials. - In a related embodiment, the
edge element 120 can be manufactured in one piece, such as shown inFIG. 1 , such that it can for example be cut from one piece of a stone material, or alternatively, such as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , it can be assembled from multiple pieces that are glued together. Further, the edge element can consist of a single or multiple laminated parts. A laminated edge element can include a surface material that can be different from a substrate or inner core material, such as for example of a lower grade or less expensive. - Cutting a stone material, such as engineered quartz, produces a significant back pressure and vibration, such that the part must be precisely and securely held at all times to keep the part from “wandering” or “shattering”. In related embodiments, wherein the
edge element 120 is manufactured in one piece that is cut from a stone material, existing well-known cutting tools and equipment are generally not well suited for manufacturing, which may instead have to rely on custom designed equipment. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of theedge element 120, showing a: -
- a. A
vertical miter height 402; - b. A
front face height 404; - c. A
depth 406;
- a. A
- In a related embodiment,
FIG. 1 shows alength 108 of theedge element 120. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 1 shows athickness 112 of thetop element 110. - In a first further related example embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4 , anedge element 120 can be configured with: -
- a. a
length 108 of 307 cm; - b. a
vertical miter height 402 of 1.25 cm; - c. A
front face height 404 of 6.05 cm; - d. A
depth 406 of 3 cm; - which fits to a
top element 110 with athickness 112 of 1.25 cm and a length of thetop miter surface 215 of 307 cm, with a matchingmiter angle 113 of 45 degrees.
- a. a
- In a first further related example embodiment, an
edge element 120 can be configured with: -
- a. a
length 108 of 307 cm; - b. a
vertical miter height 402 of 1.25 cm; - c. A
front face height 404 of 3.05 cm; - d. A
depth 406 of 3 cm. - which fits to a
top element 110 with athickness 112 of 1.25 cm and a length of thetop miter surface 215 of 307 cm, with a matchingmiter angle 113 of 45 degrees.
- a. a
- In a related embodiment, the
top element 110 can be configured with athickness 112 in a range of 0.75-3 cm. - In a related embodiment, the
top element 110 can be configured with afront face height 404 in a range of 2-15 cm. - In various related embodiments, the stabilized
miter edge system 100 can be manufactured in a large plurality of dimensions, as suited for particular applications. For example for some commercial use countertop installations, thefront face height 404 can be up to 250 mm or higher. - Similarly, in embodiments for use of the stabilized
miter edge system 100 in prefabricated building construction, thetop element 110thickness 112 can be configured in a range of 3-20 inches, to form a floor element and thefront face height 404 can be up to 8-12 feet, to form a wall element. Such a stabilizedmiter edge system 100 can for example be made with a sandwich/composite construction with rigid foam between high-strength sheets of polymer, glass fiber, and/or carbon fiber, or other lightweight and high-strength construction components. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 5 shows that a cut of thefront miter surface 225 can be slightly deeper than the level of therear stabilizer surface 227, such that the cut of thefront miter surface 225 for example can be about 1 mm deeper than a level of therear stabilizer surface 227. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of theedge element 120, further showing theback surface 602 of theedge element 120, also referred to as theback 602. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of theedge element 120, further showing thefront face surface 704 of theedge element 120, also referred to as theface 704. In typical applications, theface 704 can be clean polished. - In a related embodiment, the stabilized
miter edge system 100 decreases the degree of difficulty in attaching a mitered type edge to countertops, cabinet tops, worktops, desktops, casework, and fixture applications. - In a related embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 8 , the stabilizedmiter edge system 100 eliminates the need for complex bi-directional clamping during the gluing and installation process, requiring only simple uni-directional spring clamps 802. As shown, the stabilizedmiter edge system 100 can be clamped together by application of spring clamps or similar uni-directional between the top surface of thetop element 110 and the bottom surface of theedge element 120, whereas in earlier methods and systems complex and expensive clamping devices are attached to a front and top of a countertop with a conventional miter construction, to provide both vertical and horizontal clamping action. - In an embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2 , theedge element 120 can be manufactured with ends that have a straight cut-offangle 240. - In a related embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 8 , which both show anedge element 120 with a straight cut-off angle, the straight cut-off angle creates a flush surface of the end of theedge element 120 flush with the end of thetop element 110. The resulting combined end can be capped with an end-cap, which can be applied according to conventional methods for applying end-caps to a countertop. - In related embodiments, use of
edge elements 120 with a straight cut-off angle is particularly useful for do-it-yourself home projects and other projects that are not custom designed, but rely on in-place fitting of parts to the particular dimensions needed. An installer can purchaseedge elements 120 with straight cut-off angles in both ends of each edge element, and then make a straight cut to a selected end to a measured length, such that the new end has a straight cut-off angle. - In another related embodiment, the stabilized
miter edge system 100 allows for the countertop surface to be a thinner, lighter and less expensive material than in a traditional miter construction, due to the increased stability of the stabilizedmiter edge system 100 - In a further related embodiment, the
edge element 120 can be thicker and stronger than in a conventional miter construction, creating the look of a more expensive countertop material when viewed in the direction of theface 704 of theedge element 120. - In related embodiments, the
top element 110 and theedge element 120 can be made from -
- a. stone materials, including
- i. granite;
- ii. marble;
- iii. engineered marble;
- iv. porcelain;
- v. ceramic tile;
- vi. engineered quartz, such as Silestone™;
- vii. glass; agglomerated materials
- viii. other natural stone materials;
- ix. other engineered stone materials;
- x. agglomerated materials; and
- xi. combinations thereof;
- b. other well-known countertop materials, including:
- i. countertop laminate materials.
- a. stone materials, including
- In a related embodiment, the
top element 110 and theedge element 120 in a configuration using stone materials can be cut and shaped with custom designed diamond cutter based tooling. - In a related embodiment, the stabilized
miter edge system 100 has a number of unique characteristics and advantages, which include that the stabilized miter edge system 100: -
- a. Facilitates locating, locking and aligning the face of the edge at the desired angle relative to the face of the deck and allows for easy edge positioning and a tight miter joint;
- b. Allows adhesive to be applied with maximum ease and minimum waste;
- c. Increases the area of seam for adhesion and consequently increases the strength of the joint;
- d. Has a geometry which increases front edge resistance to direct face pressure;
- e. Allows edge profiles to be thicker and/or higher, while increasing structural integrity without requiring the use of a thicker deck material.
- In an embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 9 , a stabilizedmiter edge system 900 can includeedge elements 120 manufactured with mitered cut-off angles, such that afirst edge element 920, which includes a mitered cut-off angle, matches with the mitered cut-off angle of asecond edge element 930, when mounted on first and second sides of atop element 910, such that the first and second sides respectively comprise adjoining first and secondtop miter surfaces 1015 1016. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 10 shows a top view of thetop element 910, thefirst edge element 920, and thesecond edge element 930, with a mitered cut-off angle of 45 degrees, which matches the adjoining angle of the first and secondtop miter surfaces 1015 1016; -
- a. wherein the
top element 910 connects with the first andsecond edge elements 920 930, - b. such that the first and second
front miter surfaces 1025 1035 are configured to connect with respectively the first and secondtop miter surface 1015 1016; and - c. such that the first and second
rear stabilizer surfaces 1027 1037 are configured to connect with respectively the first and second elongatedrectangular edge portion 1017 1018.
- a. wherein the
- In a related embodiment,
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of thetop element 910, thefirst edge element 920, thesecond edge element 930, athird edge element 1140, and afourth edge element 1150, such that all edge elements have mitered cut-off angles of 45 degrees in both ends, which match the adjoining angles top miter surfaces of thetop element 910.FIG. 11 shows all edge elements separate from thetop element 910, prior to installation on the edges of thetop element 910. -
FIG. 12 shows a top view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 11 . - In further related embodiments, such as illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12 ,edge elements 920 930 1140 1150 can be pre-manufactured with custom lengths, such that each edge elements have first and second ends manufactured with a mitered cut-off angle, such that the edge elements fit to a custom size pre-manufacturedtop element 910, without the need for any end-cap. - In a related embodiment,
FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the stabilizedmiter edge system 900 wherein the first andsecond edge elements 920 930 have been glued and clamped together with light-dutyconventional clamping devices 802, here shown as spring clamps 802, such that a second end of thefirst edge element 920 with a mitered cut-off angle, has been connected in a corner to a first end of thesecond edge element 930 with a matching mitered cut-off angle. As shown, the stabilizedmiter edge system 900 can be clamped together by application of light-duty uni-directional clamps between the top surface of thetop element 910 and the bottom surfaces of theedge elements 920 930, whereas in earlier methods and systems complex and expensive clamping devices are typically attached to a front and top of a countertop with a conventional miter construction. -
FIGS. 1-13 illustrate embodiments wherein, as shown inFIG. 2 , alower end 235 of thefront miter part 224 is flush with alower end 237 of therear stabilizer part 226. Such embodiments are convenient to manufacture in one-piece, and have a high-degree of strength and stability. - In a related alternative embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 14 , alower end 1435 of afront miter part 1425 can protrude below alower end 237 of therear stabilizer part 226. Such embodiments are practical to manufacture mainly when thefront miter part 1425 is connected to therear stabilizer part 226 with an adhesive. - Here has thus been described a multitude of embodiments of the stabilized miter edge system and methods related thereto, which can be employed in numerous modes of usage.
- The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
- Many such alternative configurations are readily apparent, and should be considered fully included in this specification and the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and thus, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
Claims (22)
1. A stabilized miter edge system, comprising:
a) a top element, which is configured with a top miter surface on a lower surface of the top element, such that the top miter surface is configured along a front edge of the top element; and
b) at least one edge element, comprising:
a front miter part, which is configured with a front miter surface on an upper surface of the front miter part; and
a rear stabilizer part, which is configured with a rear stabilizer surface, which is a flat upper surface of the rear stabilizer part, such that the rear stabilizer part is connected with a rear of the front miter part;
wherein the top element is configured to connect with the edge element;
such that a miter angle of the top element is equal to a miter angle of the edge element;
such that a vertical miter height of the edge element is equal to a thickness of the top element;
such that the front miter surface is configured to connect with the top miter surface; and
wherein the rear stabilizer surface is configured to connect with an elongated rectangular edge portion of a bottom side of the top element.
2. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the edge element is connected to the top element with an adhesive.
3. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 2 , wherein the adhesive is an acrylic adhesive.
4. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the edge element is manufactured in one piece, which comprises the front miter part and the rear stabilizer part.
5. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the front miter part and the rear stabilizer part are separate pieces, which are glued together.
6. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the top element, the front miter part and the rear stabilizer part are made from a stone material.
7. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 6 , wherein the stone material is engineered quartz.
8. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the top element is configured with a thickness in a range of 0.75-3 cm and the edge element is configured with a front face height in a range of 2-15 cm.
9. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the miter angle of the front miter part is in a range of 30-60 degrees.
10. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein the miter angle of the front miter part is 45 degrees.
11. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein at least one end of the edge element has a straight cut-off angle.
12. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 1 , wherein at least one end of the edge element has a mitered cut-off angle.
13. The stabilized miter edge system of claim 12 , wherein the mitered cut-off angle is 45 degrees.
14. An edge element for connecting to a top element with a top miter surface, the edge element comprising:
a) a front miter part, which is configured with a front miter surface on an upper surface of the front miter part; and
b) a rear stabilizer part, which is configured with a rear stabilizer surface, which is a flat upper surface of the rear stabilizer part, such that the rear stabilizer part is connected with a rear of the front miter part;
wherein the edge element is configured with a miter angle of the front miter part.
15. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein the edge element is manufactured in one piece, which comprises the front miter part and the rear stabilizer part.
16. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein the front miter part and the rear stabilizer part are separate pieces, which are glued together.
17. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein the front miter part and the rear stabilizer part are made from a stone material.
18. The edge element of claim 17 , wherein the stone material is engineered quartz.
19. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein the edge element is configured with a front face height in a range of 2-15 cm.
20. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein the miter angle of the front miter part is 45 degrees.
21. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein at least one end of the edge element has a straight cut-off angle.
22. The edge element of claim 14 , wherein at least one end of the edge element has a mitered cut-off angle.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/867,385 US20160135596A1 (en) | 2014-11-17 | 2015-09-28 | Stabilized miter edge system and device |
PCT/US2015/053039 WO2016081073A1 (en) | 2014-11-17 | 2015-09-29 | Stabilized miter edge system and device |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201462080539P | 2014-11-17 | 2014-11-17 | |
US14/867,385 US20160135596A1 (en) | 2014-11-17 | 2015-09-28 | Stabilized miter edge system and device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20160135596A1 true US20160135596A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
Family
ID=55960580
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/867,385 Abandoned US20160135596A1 (en) | 2014-11-17 | 2015-09-28 | Stabilized miter edge system and device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160135596A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016081073A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7226517B2 (en) * | 2004-01-30 | 2007-06-05 | Paul Lane | Method of surfacing a substrate |
-
2015
- 2015-09-28 US US14/867,385 patent/US20160135596A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2015-09-29 WO PCT/US2015/053039 patent/WO2016081073A1/en active Application Filing
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