GB2499071A

GB2499071A - Moisture barrier for underside of worktop

Info

Publication number: GB2499071A
Application number: GB1220695.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Peter Edward Cass; James Anthony Shanks
Original assignee: Project Ff & E Ltd
Current assignee: Project Ff & E Ltd
Priority date: 2012-11-16
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-16
Also published as: WO2014076500A1; GB201315939D0; GB201220695D0; GB201315942D0; GB2508066B; GB2508067A; GB2508067B; GB2508066A; GB2499071B; GB201315940D0; GB2508065A

Abstract

A worktop 10 comprising a work-surface 12, to be arranged substantially horizontally in use and having a top surface 12a, front longitudinal edge 12b and an underside 12c comprising at least one recess 13; a worktop item 14, located below the work-surface; a separate liquid director 22 having an upper mounting portion 23 comprising at least one resilient formation 38, 40 mounted to a recess in the underside of the work-surface and at least one projection 24a arranged to extend generally downwardly therefrom. Further embodiments define elongate liquid directors comprising a substantially planar face 22a for mounting to the underside of a work surface and/or a plurality of downwardly extending projections 24a , 24b .

Description

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Liquid Director

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid director and to a worktop with a liquid 5 director attached to the bottom face of the work-surface for improved liquid management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

If water is present on a work-surface (e.g. a kitchen work-surface) to the point where it is able to run off the work-surface and travel around the front edge, depending on 10 the amount of water and the rate at which it flows, it has the ability to travel along the front edge profile of the work-surface and can continue to travel underneath the work-surface due to gravity and surface tension effects.

Water travelling under a work-surface will stop once it comes into contact with something, for example a drawer or door, but will then continue to proceed 15 downwards. If liquid is left to travel unimpeded, it can cause damage to doors, drawers, fascias, items in cabinets, plinths and flooring.

Many known post-formed laminate worktops are manufactured to include a 'drip strip' on the bottom face of the work-surface, which is typically a machined groove with the purpose of impeding liquid from travelling past the strip under a worktop. 20 This groove however, is often filled with a glue to reduce water ingress, rendering the drip strip wholly or partially ineffective and causing it to fail in its purpose of impeding liquid travel. In addition, this approach does not lend itself to being retrofitted to existing worktops.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior 25 art.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a worktop comprising: a work-surface, to be arranged substantially horizontally in use and having a top surface, front longitudinal edge and an underside comprising at least one recess; a worktop item, 5 located below the work-surface; a separate liquid director having an upper mounting portion comprising at least one resilient formation mounted to a recess in the underside of the work-surface and at least one projection arranged to extend generally downwardly therefrom.

This arrangement improves liquid management by providing a physical barrier to 10 liquids; impeding liquid travel and directing liquid away from any below work-surface items, such as cabinets and drawers. The upper mounting portion enables the liquid director to be easily installed with no special skills or tools required, and then to remain securely fixed in place after installation and during use while directing any liquids running down the worktop.

15 Preferably, the at least one recess is a continuous longitudinal recess. This means that the upper mounting portion can be mounted to the recess parallel with the entire longitudinal edge of the worktop, providing protection from liquid over the entire worktop length.

At least one resilient formation can comprise at least one limb that engages a wall of a 20 recess, holding the liquid director in place under the worktop. Preferably, at least one resilient formation is dimensioned such that during insertion into a recess the formation is arranged to compress, in order to increase the ease of insertion. This enables the liquid director to be easily inserted by a user, but more difficult to then pull out again, creating a good seal as well as securely holding the liquid director in 25 place when in use directing liquids.

More preferably, the at least one resilient formation comprises a substantially vertical portion with a plurality of projections that engage with a wall of a recess, holding the liquid director in place under the worktop. The or each recess may comprise a mouth at a section of the recess proximate the underside of the work-surface, and one or

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more of the plurality of projections can extend substantially downwards, towards the recess mouth. A top section of the at least one resilient formation can taper to a point.

The upper mounting portion of the liquid director can further comprise one or more sections that are resiliently biased towards the underside of the worktop, in order that 5 the one or more sections can stay in contact with the underside of the worktop and create a seal. This may increase the integrity of the seal between the liquid director and the work-surface and helps prevent liquid and dirt ingress.

The at least one resilient formation can even further comprise a bottom section of a substantially similar width to the recess in order that a seal can be created between the 10 formation and the recess. As the wider part is so similar in size to the recess, a very strong seal is created, further helping to prevent liquid and dirt ingress.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a worktop comprising:

a work-surface, to be arranged substantially horizontally in use and having a top surface, front longitudinal edge and an underside;

15 a worktop item, located below the work-surface;

a separate liquid director having an upper mounting surface for mounting to the underside of the work-surface and at least one projection arranged to extend generally downwardly therefrom, wherein the liquid director is mounted via the upper mounting surface to a bottom face of the work-20 surface located at a position laterally closer to a front longitudinal edge of the work-surface than the below-work-surface item, so as to deflect spilled water away from the worktop item.

This arrangement also improves liquid management by providing a physical barrier to liquids; impeding liquid travel and directing liquid away from any below work-surface 25 items, such as cabinets and drawers. By locating the liquid director at a position laterally closer to a longitudinal edge of the work-surface than any below work-surface items, liquids are directed away from any below work-surface items to stop pooling of liquids and liquid ingress. Also, as its positioning is independent of any

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below work-surface items, it is easy to fit the liquid director with minimum disruption, and the positioning is not affected by the front profile of the work-surface.

Preferably, the liquid director is adhesively attached via its upper mounting surface, so as to provide a secure and easy installation.

5 The liquid director can extend parallel to a longitudinal edge of the work-surface. It can be of an equal length to the longitudinal edge of the work-surface. As it is attached along the entire length of the longitudinal edge, this ensures that there are no gaps for liquids to penetrate. The liquid director of the first or second aspect can be made of a flexible, advantageously resilient material such as silicone rubber. The 10 liquid director can be made of an anti-microbial silicone rubber. The liquid director can also be made from, at least partially, PVC, preferably TF Grade PVC. Alternatively, the liquid director can be made from a combination of both.

An anti-microbial silicone rubber will inhibit bacterial growth such as MRSA and is advantageous for use in an environment such as a kitchen. The properties of TF Grade 15 PVC are preferred for the second aspect of the present invention where it is desirable to be able to 'knock in' the upper mounting portion of the director into a recess.

The profile of the first or second aspect may comprise two projections extending generally downwardly to further enhance the effectiveness of the liquid management.

Preferably, the at least one projection of the first or second aspect is located at a 20 position laterally closer to a front longitudinal edge of the work-surface than the worktop item, so as to deflect spilled water away from the worktop item.

The worktop may comprise a non-water-resistant core such as chip board or MDF covered by a layer of water-resistant material such as a melamine laminate or a treated paper or a plastics material.

25 The liquid director of the second aspect advantageously does not interrupt or divert the layer of water resistant material. This means that the manufacturing process for the work surface does not need to be changed, and the installation of the liquid director is simple.

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There may be a join in the water resistant material on the underside of the work-surface, substantially parallel to the front edge, and a front edge of the liquid director is preferably located forward of the join. Such joins represent an area of potential water ingress to the core, so mounting the director forward of this location, helps to 5 protect the core. The liquid director may advantageously overlie the join to further protect it.

A third aspect of the invention provides an elongate liquid director for mounting to an underside of a work-surface to inhibit the unwanted flow of liquid behind the liquid director, the liquid director having a substantially constant profile along its length, 10 said profile comprising a mounting portion having a substantially planar face for mounting to the work surface, and two projections extending generally downwardly therefrom, so as to divert the liquid flow.

The liquid director may be adhesively attached to an underside face of a work-surface. It can be fixed directly to a bottom face of the work-surface, preferably located in a 15 position forward of any below work-surface items. It does not rely on being mounted between the work-surface and any below work-surface items. This means therefore, that it is applicable to a range of different types of work-surface and below work-surface configurations.

The liquid director may comprise at least one projection that tapers to a point. This 20 helps to ensure that the liquid is directed in the preferred downwards direction. Preferably, the liquid director can comprise two projections that taper to a point.

The liquid director may comprise at least one projection with at least one curved edge. The actual profile can vary between embodiments so that the curved edge may provide a concave surface as a front face of the liquid director but may also provide a 25 convex surface as a front face of the liquid director, a concave surface as a second face of the liquid director, or a convex surface as a second face of the liquid director. A curved edge is ideal for directing liquids, as gravity and surface tension effects cause liquids to follow the path of the surface and be directed away from the below work-surface items.

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The liquid director can be made from a flexible, preferably resilient material such as a silicone rubber material, preferably an anti-microbial silicone rubber, or PVC, preferably TF Grade PVC, or a combination of both.

The liquid director can have an adhesive layer covered by a removal backing provided 5 on the mounting portion.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an elongate liquid director for mounting to an underside of a work-surface to inhibit the unwanted flow of liquid behind the liquid director, the liquid director having a substantially constant profile along its length, said profile comprising a mounting portion having a resilient formation for mounting 10 to a recess in the work surface, said profile comprising at least one projection to direct the liquid flow. At least one projection can taper to a point.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides an elongate liquid director for mounting to an underside of a work-surface to inhibit the unwanted flow of liquid behind the liquid director, the liquid director having a substantially constant profile along its length, 15 said profile comprising a mounting portion having a substantially planar face for mounting to the work surface, said profile comprising at least one projection, wherein said projection tapers to a point

The liquid director of the fourth aspect and the liquid director of the fifth aspect may optionally incorporate features of the third aspect of the present invention.

20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-section through a previously known worktop;

Figure 2 is an enlarged view of A, showing the direction of liquid flow with no liquid 25 director installed;

Figure 3 is a cross-section through a worktop similar to the one shown in figure 1, with a first embodiment of the liquid director of the present invention installed;

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Figure 4 is an enlarged view of B, showing the liquid flow path with the liquid director of figure 3 installed;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the liquid director of figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 is a cross-section of the liquid director shown in figure 5, showing its profile

5 Figure 7 is a cross-section of the liquid director, similar to that shown in figure 5, but showing how it is fits into the recess in the work-surface;

Figure 8 is a cross-section through a worktop similar to the one shown in figure 1, with another embodiment of the liquid director of the present invention installed;

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of C, showing the liquid flow path with the liquid 10 director of figure 8 installed;

Figure 10 is an isometric view of the liquid director of figures 8 and 9;

Figure 11 is a cross-section of the liquid director shown in figure 10, showing its profile; and

Figures 12a-w show cross-sections of various alternative embodiments of the liquid 15 director of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figures 1 and 2 show a worktop 10, comprising a work-surface 12 and below work-surface item 14. The work-surface 12 has a top face 12a, front face 12b and bottom 20 face 12c. Between top face 12a and front face 12b is a curved transition 16, and between front face 12b and bottom face 12c is a curved transition 18.

In this embodiment, below work-surface item 14 is a drawer 20 with top face 20a, front face 20b and back face 20c.

In use, as shown in figure 2, liquids run off the work-surface top face 12a, around the 25 curved transition 16, down the front face 12b, around the curved transition 18 and

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along the bottom face 12c. From there, liquids meet the drawer 20 and can follow three potential routes; straight down the front face 20b, along the top face 20a and then down the back face 20c; or continuing further along the bottom face to the rear.

Figures 3 and 4 show the worktop 10, comprising the work-surface 12, a recess 13 in 5 the work-surface, the below work-surface item 14, and a liquid director 22 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In profile, the liquid director has an upper mounting portion 23, to be mounted in the recess 13 of the work-surface bottom face 12c (e.g. sealant such as silicone sealant is injected into the recess 13 and the mounting formation is then pushed in). The combination of sealant and the mounting 10 portion 23, securely anchor the liquid director in place and reduce water ingress into the core of the worktop 10.

In this embodiment, the recess 13 extends as a continuous groove running longitudinally along the bottom face 12c of the work surface (e.g. formed by a router) but in other embodiments could consist of discrete recesses (e.g. formed by a drill) 15 rather than a continuous recess.

The upper mounting portion 23 comprises a bottom section 36 of a substantially similar width as the recess 13 in the work-surface 14, connected to a thinner vertical limb 38, and fingers 40 extending outwardly from the vertical limb 38. The upper mounting portion 23 is symmetrical such that only the front half of the profile is 20 described below, but the rear half of the upper mounting portion 23 can be assumed to have the same profile but mirrored.

Considering the front profile of the upper mounting portion 23 starting at the lowest point, a flat vertical face of the bottom section 36a intersects the front top surface section 22a. The flat vertical face 36a is connected to a flat horizontal face 36c by a 25 curved transition 36b. A further curved transition 36d connects the flat horizontal face 36c to the vertical limb 38.

The vertical limb 38 has six fingers 40 protruding outwardly, three fingers protruding out of the front face of the vertical limb 38 and three fingers protruding out of the back face of the vertical limb 38. The fingers are arranged to protrude outwardly as 30 well as downwardly such that the profile of the vertical limb 38 combined with the

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fingers 40 resembles a "Christmas tree" shape. A first finger 40 comprises a flat lower face 40a on its bottom surface and a flat upper face 40c on its top surface, connected to each other by a curved transition 40b. The flat faces 40a and 40c are at the same angle to the vertical, pointing generally downwards, such that each finger 40 has a 5 consistent width. Each finger 40 has the same profile. The upper faces 40c of the two highest fingers 40, on the front and back of the mounting portion intersect each other to create a top point 42 of the mounting portion 23.

The top point 42 defines the axial centre point of the mounting portion 23, such that a line of symmetry of the mounting portion 23 passes vertically through this point. 10 When the front half of the profile of the mounting portion 23 is mirrored in this line of symmetry, the overall profile of the entire mounting portion is provided.

The liquid director 22 further comprises a generally downwards tapering projection 24a. The projection 24a has a general front surface 26, comprising a flat section 26a angled at approx 18° to the vertical which intersects the front top surface 22a, and at 15 its lower edge meets a convex curved transition 26b. This curved transition meets a curved surface 26c at its lower edge then transitions into a flat front face 26d angled at approx. 23° to the vertical. The front face 26d terminates in a pointed tip 32. A second flat face 28e angled at approx. 41° to the vertical is part of a general back surface 28 and intersects front face 26 at the tip 32.

20 The back surface 28 further comprises a flat section 28a which is substantially vertical and meets the back top surface 22b at its upper edge. A curved transition 28b connects section 28a with a substantially horizontal section 28c. Section 28c is connected to a flat face 28e by a concave curved transition 28d.

The front top surface section 22a and the back top surface section 22b are both angled 25 slightly upwardly, so that in use the edges defined by the intersection of surfaces 22a and 26a and 22b and 28b respectively are urged into contact with the bottom surface 12c of the worktop a to create an enhanced seal as best seen in Figure 7. It will be appreciated though, that surfaces 22a and 22b are in reality deflected downwardly from the position illustrated in Figure 7.

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Installation of the liquid director 22, either during manufacture of a work-surface 12, or as a retrofit on an existing worktop is a straightforward operation. In the case of a retrofit, the recess 13 needs to be created. This is simple to do; a groove can be easily created on site using an appropriate tool (eg. a router). The mounting portion 23 is 5 inserted into the recess 13, and the formation is dimensioned such that during insertion into the recess 13 the formation is arranged to compress, in order to increase the ease of insertion. It is then securely held in place by the protrusions in order to not fall out again during use.

Figure 5 illustrates the uniform profile of liquid director 22 along its length.

10 In use, as shown in figure 4, liquids run off the work-surface top face 12a, around the curved transition 16, down the front face 12b, around the curved transition 18 and along the bottom face 12c. With the liquid director 22 installed, liquids come into contact with the front surface 26 of the liquid director 22 and are directed downwards, reducing the chance that any liquids will make it into the gap between the work-15 surface 12 and the below work-surface item 14.

The liquid director 22 of this embodiment is made from a flexible, resilient material; in this embodiment TF Grade PVC. In one embodiment it is manufactured by extruding PVC through a suitably shaped tool die.

Figure 7 illustrates how the profile of the mounting portion 23 of the liquid director 22 20 enables it to remain securely in place within a recess 13 of the work-surface 12. The fingers 40 extending from the vertical limb 38 engage the inner surfaces of the recess 13, holding the liquid director 22 in place. It will be appreciated that the fingers 40 are shown in their non-deflected state, and that, in reality, when inserted will flex downwardly as they bear against the recess 13.

25 The recess 13 has a mouth 13a, proximate to the bottom face of the work-surface 12c. The angle of the fingers 40 is such that they point generally more in the direction of the mouth 13 a, resulting in the liquid director 22 being relatively easy to insert but difficult to then pull out again. In addition, the entire mounting portion 23 is resilient and flexible such that in use, the fingers 40 can compress inwardly to make insertion 30 straightforward.

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Further, the bottom section 36 of the mounting portion 23 is substantially the same width as the recess mouth 13a, creating a good seal after insertion to prevent liquid and dirt ingress.

Figures 8 and 9 show the worktop 10, comprising the work-surface 12, the below 5 work-surface item 14 and a liquid director 22' according to another embodiment of the present invention. In profile, the liquid director has a upper mounting surface 22a', providing an area to be adhesively attached to the work-surface bottom face 12c (e.g. by an adhesive supplied thereon, and covered until installation by a removable backing tape (not shown). The liquid director 22' comprises two generally downwards 10 tapering projections 24a' and 24b', both of which are similar in cross-section.

More specifically the liquid director 22' comprises a front projection 24a' and back projection 24b'. Front projection 24a' has a general front surface 26', comprising a flat section 26a' angled at approx 18° to the vertical which intersects the top surface 22a', and at its lower edge meets a curved section 26b'. The curved surface 26b' then 15 transitions into a flat front face 26c' angled at approx. 23° to the vertical. The front face 26c' terminates in a pointed tip 32'. A second flat face 30a' angled at approx. 41° to the vertical forms a rear face 30a' of the front projection 24a', as part of an inner surface 30' and intersects front face 26' at the tip 32'.

Back projection 24b' has in this embodiment a back surface 28', comprising a flat 20 section 28a' which is substantially vertical and meets top surface 22a' at its upper edge. A small horizontal portion 28b' connects section 28a' with a further flat face 28c' forming the rear of the back projection 24b' and also angled at 41° to the vertical. A tip 34' forms the intersection of rear flat face 28c' and a front flat face 30c', which is angled at 23° to the vertical. The inner surface 30' is completed by a curved surface 25 30b', having the same radius as curved surface 26b', but a greater circumference, and which connects faces 30a' and 30c'.

In this embodiment the liquid director has a front to rear depth of approx 12mm and a vertical height of approx 7mm. As such, it can be appreciated that it is relatively compact and unobtrusive in use.

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Installation of the liquid director 22', either during manufacture of a worksurface 12, or as a retrofit on an existing worktop is a straightforward operation. The removable backing tape is removed from the upper surface 22a', revealing the adhesive, and the liquid director is adhered to the underside of the work-surface 12 at a location where 5 the tip 34' of at least the front, but preferably the back projection is forward of the under work-surface item 14 (e.g. drawer 20), and the front is behind the curved transition 18. Additionally, the liquid director 22' may be installed, as shown in Figure 9, so as to overlie a join 15 in the water resistant covering 17 on the surface of the work-surface 12.

10 Figure 10 illustrates how the profile of liquid director 22' stays constant along its entire length.

In use, as shown in figure 9, liquids run off the work-surface top face 12a, around the curved transition 16, down the front face 12b, around the curved transition 18 and along the bottom face 12c. With the liquid director 22' installed, liquids come into

15 contact with the front surface 26' of the liquid director 22' and are directed downwards. Any liquids that make it past the front surface 26' will come into contact with the inner surface 30' and then be directed downwards, reducing the chance that any liquids will make it into the gap between the work-surface 12 and the below work-surface item 14.

20 The liquid director 22' is made from a silicone based material, preferably an antimicrobial silicone rubber. In one embodiment it is manufactured by extruding a silicone blank through a purpose made tool die.

Figures 12a to 12w show various embodiments of the liquid director profile as examples. Equivalent parts use equivalent labels; 101, 201 etc.

25 Figure 12a shows a square shaped profile, comprising only one projection 124a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 122a, a flat vertical front surface 126, a flat vertical rear surface 128 and a flat horizontal bottom surface 130.

Figure 12b shows a generally square shaped profile, with one rounded corner, comprising only one projection 224a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 222a, a flat

30 vertical front surface section 226a that meets top surface 222a at its upper edge, a flat

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vertical rear surface 228 that meets top surface 222a at its upper edge, a horizontal flat bottom surface section 230a that meets vertical rear surface 228 and a curved section 236 that joins the flat surface section 226a to the flat bottom surface section 230a.

Figure 12c shows a rectangular shaped profile, comprising only one projection 324a. 5 It has a flat horizontal top surface 322a, a flat vertical front surface 326, a flat vertical rear surface 328 and a horizontal flat bottom surface 330.

Figure 12d shows a generally rectangular shaped profile, with one rounded corner, comprising only one projection 424a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 422a, a flat vertical front surface section 426a that meets top surface 422a at its upper edge, a flat 10 vertical rear surface 428 that meets top surface 422a at its upper edge, a flat horizontal bottom surface section 430a that meets vertical rear surface 428 and a curved section 436 that joins the flat surface section 426a to the flat bottom surface section 430a.

Figure 12e shows a triangular shaped profile, comprising only one projection 524a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 522a and a flat vertical rear surface 528 that meets the 15 top surface 522a at its upper edge. A flat front surface 526 is angled from the top surface 522a such that it meets the flat vertical surface 528 at a tip 532.

Figure 12f shows a triangular shaped profile that is similar to figure 12e, but differs by comprising two projections 624a and 624b. It has a flat horizontal top surface 622a. The projection 624a has a flat front surface 626, angled from the top surface 622a and 20 terminating in a tip 632. A flat vertical face 630a forms a rear face 630a of the front projection 624a, as part of an inner surface 630 and intersects front face 626 at the tip 632. The projection 624b has a flat vertical rear surface 628 that meets the top surface 622a at its upper edge and terminates in a tip 634. The tip 634 forms the intersection of rear flat face 628 and a front flat face 630c of the projection 624b. The front face 25 630c is at the same angle to the vertical as front face 626. The inner surface 630 is completed by a curved surface 630b, which connects faces 630a and 630c.

Figure 12g shows a triangular shaped profile, comprising only one projection 724a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 722a, a flat front surface 726, and a flat rear surface 728. Both flat surfaces 726 and 728 meet the flat top surface 722a at their upper edge.

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They are both angled at the same angle to the vertical and meet at a tip 732. The profile is symmetrical along an vertical axis that bisects the shape.

Figure 12h shows a triangular shaped profile that is similar to figure 12g, but differs by comprising two projections 824a and 824b. It has a flat horizontal top surface 822a. 5 The projection 824a has a flat front surface 826, angled from the top surface 622a and terminating in a tip 832. A flat vertical face 830a forms a rear face 830a of the front projection 824a, as part of an inner surface 830 and intersects front face 826 at the tip 832. The projection 824b has a flat vertical rear surface 828 that meets the top surface 822a at its upper edge and terminates in a tip 834. The tip 834 forms the intersection 10 of rear flat face 828 and a front flat face 830c of the projection 824b. The front face 830c is at the same angle to the vertical as front face 826. The inner surface 830 is completed by a curved surface 830b, which connects faces 830a and 830c. The profile is symmetrical along an vertical axis that bisects the shape.

Figure 12i shows a generally triangular shaped profile with a concave curved front 15 face 926, comprising only one projection 924a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 922a, a flat rear surface 928, and the curved front surface 926. The flat rear surface 928 is angled away from the vertical and meets the curved front surface 926 at a tip 932.

Figure 12j shows a generally triangular shaped profile that is similar to figure 12i, but 20 differs by comprising two projections 1024a and 1024b. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1022a. The projection 1024a has a concave curved front surface 1026, meeting the top surface 1022a at its upper edge and terminating in a tip 1032. A flat face 1030a, angled away from the vertical, forms a rear face 1030a of the front projection 1024a, as part of an inner surface 1030, and intersects front face 1026 at the tip 1032. 25 The projection 1024b has a flat rear surface 1028, angled away from the vertical at the same angle as flat face 1030a, meeting the top surface 1022a at its upper edge and terminating in a tip 1034. The tip 1034 forms the intersection of rear flat face 1028 and a front concave curved face 1030c of the projection 1024b. The front face 1030c is curved in the same way as front face 1026. The inner surface 1030 is completed by 30 a curved surface 1030b, which connects faces 1030a and 1030c.

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Figure 12k shows a generally triangular shaped profile, comprising only one projection 1124a, similar to figure 12i but differing by having both a concave curved front face 1126 and a convex curved rear face 1128. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1122a, the curved rear surface 1128, and the curved front surface 1126. The curved 5 rear surface 1128 has a shallower curve than the curved front surface 1126, but both surfaces meet the top surface 1122a at their upper edges and meet each other at a tip 1132, which is the most laterally forward point of the profile.

Figure 121 shows a generally triangular shaped profile that is similar to figure 12k, but differs by comprising two projections 1224a and 1224b. It has a flat horizontal top 10 surface 1222a. The projection 1224a has a concave curved front surface 1226, meeting the top surface 1222a at its upper edge and terminating in a tip 1232. A convex curved face 1230a, forms a rear face 1230a of the front projection 1224a, as part of an inner surface 1230, and intersects front face 1226 at the tip 1232. The projection 1224b has a convex curved rear surface 1228, curved in the same way as flat face 1230a, meeting 15 the top surface 1222a at its upper edge and terminating in a tip 1234. The tip 1234 forms the intersection of rear flat face 1228 and a front concave curved face 1230c of the projection 1224b. The front face 1230c is curved in the same way as front face 1226. The inner surface 1230 is completed by a curved surface 1230b, which connects faces 1230a and 1230c. Tip 1232 is the most laterally forward point of the profile.

20 Figure 12m shows a profile with a projection with a curved tip, comprising one projection 1324a. It has a flat top surface 1322a, a front concave curved surface 1326 and a rear surface 1328. The rear surface 1328 comprises a flat section 1328a which is substantially vertical and meets top surface 1322a at its upper edge. A concave curved section 1328b connects section 1328a with a further convex curved face 1328c 25 forming the rear of the projection 1324a. Curved face 1328c has a similar curve to curved face 1326 such that the lower part of projection 1324a has a substantially constant width. The front curved surface 1326 meets the top surface 1322a at its upper edge. A further curved section 1332 connects the front surface 1326 to the rear surface 1328.

30 Figure 12n shows a profile with a projection with a curved tip that is similar to figure 12m, but differs by comprising two projections 1424a and 1424b. It has a flat

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horizontal top surface 1422a. The projection 1424a a has a concave curved front surface 1426, meeting the top surface 1422a at its upper edge and terminating at a curved section 1432. A convex curved face 1430a, forms a rear face 1430a of the front projection 1424a, as part of an inner surface 1430, and is joined to front face 1426 by 5 the curved section 1432. The projection 1424a has a rear surface 1428, comprising a flat section 1428a which is substantially vertical and meets top surface 1422a at its upper edge. A concave curved section 1428b connects section 1428a with a further convex curved face 1428c forming the rear surface 1428 of the projection 1424a and with the curved face 1428c terminating at a curved section 1434. The curved section 10 1434 joins the rear flat face 1428 and a front concave curved face 1430c of the projection 1424b. Surfaces 1426, 1430a, 1430c, and 1428c are curved in a similar way such that the width of the lower parts of projection 1424a and 1424b is substantially constant. The inner surface 1430 is completed by a curved surface 1430b, which connects faces 1430a and 1430c.

15 Figure 12o shows a profile with a top part of a projection being substantially rectangular and a bottom part of a projection being substantially circular. It has one projection 1524a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1522a. It has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 1528 that meets the top surface 1522a at its upper edge and meets a horizontal bottom surface section 1530a at its lower edge. It has a 20 substantially vertical front surface 1526 that meets the horizontal top surface 1522a at its upper edge. Joining the front surface 1526 to the bottom surface section 1530a is a convex circular bottom surface section 1530b. This bottom surface section 1530b projects outwards and has a constant radius.

Figure 12p shows a profile that is similar to the profile shown in figure 12o but this 25 time there is no vertical front wall; a circular section is joined directly to the top surface. It has one projection 1624a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1622a. It has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 1628 that meets the top surface 1622a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1630a at its lower edge. Joining the top surface 1622a to the bottom surface section 1630a is a convex circular 30 bottom surface section 1630b. This bottom surface section 1630b projects outwards and has a constant radius.

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Figure 12q also shows a profile that is similar to the profile shown in figure 12o but this time the circular section projects out of the centre of the top rectangular part of the projection. It has one projection 1724a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1722a. It has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 1728 that meets the top surface 1722a at its 5 upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1730a at its lower edge. It has a substantially vertical flat front surface 1726 that meets the top surface 1722a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1730c at its lower edge. Joining the bottom surface section 1730c to the bottom surface section 1730a is a convex circular bottom surface section 1730b. This bottom surface section 1730b 10 projects outwards and has a constant radius.

Figure 12r also shows a profile that is similar to the profile shown in figure 12o but this time two semi-circular sections project out of the top rectangular part of the projection. It has two projections 1824a and 1874b. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1822a. It has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 1828 that meets the top surface 15 1822a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1830a at its lower edge. It has a substantially vertical flat front surface 1826 that meets the top surface 1822a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1830c at its lower edge. Joining the bottom surface section 1830c to a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1830e is a convex circular bottom surface section 1830d. This 20 bottom surface section 1830d projects outwards and has a constant radius. Joining the bottom surface section 1830e to the bottom surface section 1830a is a convex circular bottom surface section 1830b. This bottom surface section 1830b projects outwards and has a constant radius.

Figure 12s shows a profile that is similar to figure 12q, but instead of the circular 25 section projecting outwards, it is a depression, forming two projections either side. The profile has two projections, 1924a and 1924b. It has a flat horizontal top surface 1922a. The projection 1924b has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 1928 that meets the top surface 1922a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1930a at its lower edge. The projection 1924a has a substantially 30 vertical flat front surface 1926 that meets the top surface 1922a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 1930c at its lower edge. Joining the bottom surface section 1930c to the bottom surface section 1930a is a concave circular

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bottom surface section 1930b. This bottom surface section 1930b is a depression in the bottom surface and has a constant radius.

Figure 12t shows a profile that is similar to figure 12s, but instead of one circular depression, there are two depressions. The profile has three projections, 2024a, 2024b 5 and 2024c. It has a flat horizontal top surface 2022a. The projection 2024b has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 2028 that meets the top surface 2022a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 2030a at its lower edge. The projection 2024a has a substantially vertical flat front surface 2026 that meets the top surface 2022a at its upper edge and meets a flat horizontal bottom surface section 10 2030c at its lower edge. Projection 2024c has a curved bottom surface section 2030e. Joining the bottom surface section 2030c to the bottom surface section 203 Oe is a concave circular bottom surface section 2030b. This bottom surface section 2030b is a depression in the bottom surface and has a constant radius. Joining the bottom surface section 2030a to the bottom surface section 203Oe is a concave circular bottom surface 15 section 203Od. This bottom surface section 203 Od is a depression in the bottom surface and has a constant radius.

Figure 12u shows a profile that is similar to the profile shown in figure 12o but this time the front surface has a different shape and the circular section now projects to a point. It has one projection 2124a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 2122a. It has a 20 substantially vertical flat rear surface 2128 that meets the top surface 2122a at its upper edge and meets a concave curved bottom surface section 2030 at its lower edge. This bottom surface 2030 has a constant radius. It has a front surface 2126 divided into three sections; 2126a, 2126b and 2126c. The front surface section 2126a is a flat surface angled away from the vertical that meets the upper surface 2122a at its top 25 edge and the front surface section 2126b at its bottom edge. The front surface section 2126b is a flat surface angled away even further than surface section 2126a. At its bottom edge, the surface section 2126b meets the surface section 2126c. The front surface section 2126c is a flat surface at an angle to the vertical approximately equal to the front surface section 2126a. A tip 2132 is the intersection between the bottom 30 edge of the front surface section 2126c and the curved bottom surface section 2030.

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Figure 12v shows a profile that is similar to the profile shown in figure 12o but this time the circular section is more of a hook type projection. It has one projection 2224a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 2222a. It has a substantially vertical flat rear surface 2228 that meets the top surface 2222a at its upper edge and meets a flat 5 horizontal surface section 2230a at its lower edge. A concave curved rear surface 2230b of the projection 2224a meets the horizontal surface 2230a at its top edge. A convex curved front surface 2226 of the projection 2224a meets the top surface 2222a at its top edge. Both curved surfaces 2226 and 2230b are curved in order that the projection 2224a tapers to a point. A tip 2232 is the intersection between curved 10 surface 2226 and curved surface 2230b.

Figure 12w shows a profile that is a front portion of the profile of figure 11. It has one projection 2324a. It has a flat horizontal top surface 2322a. It has a flat rear surface 2328 angled at 41° to the vertical which meets the horizontal top surface 2322a at its upper edge. A front surface 2326 comprises a flat section 2326a angled approximately 15 18° to the vertical which intersects the top surface 2322a, and at its lower edge meets a curved section 2326b. The curved surface 2326b then transitions into a flat front face 2326c angled at approx. 23° to the vertical. The front face 2326c terminates in a pointed tip 2332. Rear surface 2328 intersects front face 2326 at the tip 2332.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more 20 preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

This especially applies to the profile of the liquid director, which can be shaped in a variety of further ways yet still satisfy the requirement of causing liquid to run off in a 25 downward direction, as desired.

For example, the profile of the liquid director 22 could be changed by varying the number of projections, which edges are curved or flat, whether surfaces are convex or concave, and any other suitable modifications.

It will further be appreciated that various alternative formats of mounting portion may 30 be utilised in the liquid director of the first embodiment. E.g. finger may only project

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from one side of the limb, and the number of fingers may be increased or decreased. The shape of the fingers may be altered - e.g. be curved, or be semicircular to connect to the limb in two locations.

In the present embodiment a sufficient clearance is illustrated between the liquid 5 director 22 and the top of the below work surface item. However, in other embodiments, the liquid director may be sufficiently flexible so as to deflect out of the way as the below work surface item is opened.

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Claims

1. A worktop comprising:

a work-surface, to be arranged substantially horizontally in use and having a top surface, front longitudinal edge and an underside comprising at least one recess;

a worktop item, located below the work-surface;

a separate liquid director having an upper mounting portion comprising at least one resilient formation mounted to a recess in the underside of the work-surface and at least one projection arranged to extend generally downwardly therefrom.

2. A worktop according to claim 1 wherein at least one recess is a continuous longitudinal recess.

3. A worktop according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one resilient formation comprises at least one limb that engages a wall of a recess, holding the liquid director in place under the worktop.

4. A worktop according to any previous claim wherein at least one resilient formation is dimensioned such that during insertion into a recess the formation is arranged to compress, in order to increase the ease of insertion.

5. A worktop according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one resilient formation comprises a substantially vertical portion with a plurality of projections that engage with a wall of a recess, holding the liquid director in place under the worktop.

6. A worktop according to claim 5 wherein the or each recess comprises a mouth at a section of the recess proximate the underside of the work-surface, and one or more of the plurality of projections extend substantially downwards, towards the recess mouth.

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7. A worktop according to any previous claim wherein a top section of at least one resilient formation tapers to a point.

8. A worktop according to any previous claim wherein the upper mounting portion of the liquid director further comprises one or more sections that are resilient ly biased towards the underside of the worktop, in order that the one or more sections can stay in contact with the underside of the worktop and create a seal.

9. A worktop according to any previous claim wherein the at least one resilient formation comprises a bottom section of a substantially similar width to the recess in order that a seal can be created between the formation and the recess.

10. A worktop comprising:

a work-surface, to be arranged substantially horizontally in use and having a top surface front longitudinal edge and an underside a worktop item, located below the work-surface a separate liquid director having an upper mounting surface for mounting to the underside of the work-surface and at least one projection arranged to extend generally downwardly therefrom, wherein the liquid director is mounted via the upper mounting surface to a bottom face of the work-surface located at a position laterally closer to a front longitudinal edge of the work-surface than the below-work-surface item, so as to deflect spilled water away from the worktop item.

11. A worktop according to claim 10 wherein the liquid director is adhesively mounted to the work-surface.

12. A worktop according to claims 1 to 11 wherein the liquid director extends generally parallel to a longitudinal edge of the work-surface.

13. A worktop according to claim 12 wherein the liquid director is of a substantially equal length to the longitudinal edge of the work-surface.

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14. A worktop according to any previous claim wherein the liquid director is made from a flexible, preferably resilient material.

15. A worktop according to claim 14 wherein the liquid director is made, at least partially, from a silicone rubber material, preferably an anti-microbial silicone rubber.

16. A worktop according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the liquid director is made from, at least partially, PVC, preferably TF Grade PVC.

17. A worktop according to any preceding claim wherein the liquid director has a substantially constant profile along its length.

18. A worktop according to claim 17 wherein the profile comprises at least one projection arranged to extend generally forwardly in addition to downwardly.

19. A worktop according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the profile comprises two projections extending generally downwardly.

20. A worktop according to any previous claim wherein at least one projection is located at a position laterally closer to a front longitudinal edge of the work-surface than the worktop item, so as to deflect spilled water away from the worktop item.

21. A worktop according to any preceding claim wherein the work-surface comprises a non-water-resistant core covered by a layer of water-resistant material.

22. A worktop according to claim 21 when dependent on any one of claims 10 to 20 wherein the liquid director does not interrupt or divert the layer of water resistant material.

23. A worktop according to claim 21 or claim 22 wherein a longitudinal join is provided in the water resistant material on the underside of the work-surface, substantially parallel to the front edge, and a front edge of the liquid director is located forward of the join.

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24. A worktop according to claim 23 wherein the liquid director overlies the join.

25. An elongate liquid director for mounting to an underside of a work-surface to inhibit the unwanted flow of liquid behind the liquid director, the liquid director having a substantially constant profile along its length, said profile

5 comprising a mounting portion having a substantially planar face for mounting to the work surface, and two projections extending generally downwardly therefrom, so as to divert the liquid flow.

26. A liquid director according to claim 25 wherein at least one projection tapers to a point.

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27. A liquid director according to claim 25 or 26 wherein both projections taper to a point.

28. An elongate liquid director for mounting to an underside of a work-surface to inhibit the unwanted flow of liquid behind the liquid director, the liquid director having a substantially constant profile along its length, said profile

15 comprising a mounting portion having a resilient formation for mounting to a recess in the work surface, said profile comprising at least one projection to direct the liquid flow.

29. A liquid director according to claim 28 wherein at least one projection tapers to a point.

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30. An elongate liquid director for mounting to an underside of a work-surface to inhibit the unwanted flow of liquid behind the liquid director, the liquid director having a substantially constant profile along its length, said profile comprising a mounting portion having a substantially planar face for mounting to the work surface, said profile comprising at least one projection, wherein

25 said projection tapers to a point.

31. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 30 wherein the profile comprises at least one projection with at least one curved surface.

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32. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 31 wherein a front face of the liquid director comprises a concave curved surface.

33. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 32 wherein a front face of the liquid director comprises a convex curved surface.

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34. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 33 wherein an inner face of the liquid director comprises a concave curved surface.

35. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 34 wherein an inner face of the liquid director comprises a convex curved surface.

36. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 35 wherein the liquid 10 director is made from a flexible, preferably resilient material

37. A liquid director according to claim 36 wherein the liquid director is made from silicone rubber material, preferably an anti-microbial silicone rubber.

38. A liquid director according to claim 36 wherein the liquid director is made from PVC, preferably TF Grade PVC.

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39. A liquid director according to any one of claims 25 to 27 and 30 to 38 wherein an adhesive layer covered by a removal backing is provided on the mounting portion.

40. A liquid director constructed and arranged substantially as described herein and/or with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 7w.

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