Apparatus and method for attaching a backsplash to a countertop

Abstract

A serpentine clip attaches a backsplash to a countertop. The clip has a first arm that engages a slot in the rear edge of the countertop and a second arm that engages a slot in the backsplash. Each arm preferably includes barbs that securely retain the arms in the slots.

1 . Apparatus for attaching a backsplash to a countertop, comprising a body having a U-shape with a base member and first and second opposed arm members extending from the base member, and a third arm member extending from the second arm member, wherein the first and third arm members have opposite sides and including barbs on at least one of said opposite sides, and wherein the first arm member is configured for attachment to the countertop and the third arm member is configured for attachment to the backsplash. 
   
   
       2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the countertop has an upper surface that defines a first plane and includes a rear edge having a first slot that is substantially parallel to the first plane, and wherein the first arm engages said first slot. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the backsplash has a forward surface that defines a second plane that is substantially transverse to the first plane and a lower edge having a second slot that is substantially parallel to the second plane, and wherein the third arm engages said second slot. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second arm members extend from the base member at about a 90 degree angle. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the third arm extends from the second arm at about a 90 degree angle. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the third arm is substantially parallel to the base member. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  including barbs on both of the opposite sides of the first and third arm members. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the first and third arm members define a first width at the barbs and wherein the width of the first and second slots is less than the first width. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein when the backsplash is attached to the countertop the second arm member rests on the upper surface of the countertop. 
   
   
       10 . Apparatus for attaching a backsplash to a countertop, comprising a clip member having a first arm that engages a slot in the countertop and a second arm that engages a slot in the backsplash to secure the backsplash to the countertop. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the clip member has a serpentine shape with a base member, and the first arm member extends from the base member at about a 90 degree angle and the second arm member is substantially parallel to the base member. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11  in which the second arm member extends from an intermediate arm member between the base member and the second arm member. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein the clip member has a U-shape and the first and second arm members extend from the base at about a 90 degree angle. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  wherein each of the first and second arm members have opposite sides, and including barbs on at least one of said opposite sides of each of said first and second arm members. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus according to  claim 14  including barbs on both of said opposite sides of each of said first and second arm members. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein the countertop defines an upper surface and the distance from the center of the slot to the upper surface defines a first distance, and wherein the distance from the center of the first arm member to the second arm member is equal to the first distance. 
   
   
       17 . A method for attaching a backsplash to a countertop, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a clip having a U-shape with a base member and first and second opposed arm members extending from the base member, and a third arm member extending from the second arm member;   (b) forming a slot in a rear edge of the countertop;   (c) forming a slot in a bottom edge of the backsplash;   (d) attaching the backsplash to the countertop with the backsplash substantially perpendicular to the countertop by inserting the first arm member in the slot in the rear edge of the countertop, and inserting the third arm member in the slot in the bottom edge of the backsplash.   
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17  including the step of removing a portion of the rear edge of the countertop and a portion of the bottom edge of the backsplash prior to step (d). 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17  in which the clip as a width and wherein the step of removing a portion of the rear edge of the countertop and a portion of the bottom edge of the backsplash further comprises removing a section having a width that is substantially the same as the width of the clip. 
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 17  including the step of retaining the arm members in the slots by providing barbs on said arm member. 
   
   
       21 . Apparatus for attaching a backsplash to a countertop, comprising a one-piece clip having a serpentine body including a first arm configured for connecting to the countertop and a second arm configured for connecting to the backsplash. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein said first arm connects to said countertop in a slot formed therein, and said second arm connects to said backsplash in a slot formed therein. 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein said serpentine body is further defined by a U-shaped section having a base member and opposite arms extending from the base, wherein the first arm is defined by one of the arms extending from the base and the second arm extends from the opposite of said arms extending from said base. 
   
   
       24 . The apparatus according to  claim 21  wherein said serpentine body is further defined by a U-shaped section having a base member, and said first and second arms extend from said base member. 
   
   
       25 . The apparatus according to  claim 21  including gripping means on said first and second arms to retain said arms in said slots.