A SUPPORT PROFILE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a support profile which is used in kitchen countertops, placed under the countertop, and has a dropper that prevents the liquid flowing on the countertop from passing to the wooden platform. Background of the Invention

The flat platforms in the kitchens on which meals are prepared and dishes are washed when necessary by means of the sink they include, are called kitchen countertops. Usually there are wooden cupboards under the kitchen countertops. A great majority of preparation of food and drinks at home by people is performed on these countertops and after the meals, the dishes are cleaned again by using these countertops. During preparation of the meals and washing the dishes in the kitchen sink, liquids are spilled on the countertop and they accumulate thereon. The liquid accumulating on the countertop accumulates at an edge and leaks and contacts the wooden cupboard under the countertop. In the case that the liquid contacts the wooden platform, this platform may decay and after a while it may swell and become unusable. Additionally, a liquid or other fluids remaining after the meal staying on the countertop for a while both causes a smell and many unfavorable situations with respect to hygiene.

The Japanese patent document no. JP2159226, an application in the state of the art, discloses a drainage part through which the liquids accumulating on the kitchen countertop are discharged. Summary of the Invention

An objective of the present invention is to provide a support profile which prevents decaying in case of a liquid leakage from the kitchen countertop.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a support profile which enables the kitchen countertop to easily fit on the wooden platform in a standard manner. Detailed Description of the Invention

A support profile developed to fulfill the objectives of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is the perspective view of the support profile.

Figure 2 is the front view of the support profile.

The components shown in the figures are each given reference numbers as follows:

1. Support profile

2. Dropper

3. Vent hole

4. Cutting surface

5. Arch

6. Upper surface

7. Radius

8. Clips slot

A support profile (1), which is arranged under the kitchen countertop, and which is located between the countertop and the wooden platform ensuring that the weight of the countertop spreads out homogeneously over the wooden platform, basically comprises

at least one dropper (2) which prevents the liquid flowing from the countertop from reaching the wooden platform,

- at least one vent hole (3) which is provided to prevent an oven arranged on the countertop from damaging the profile (1) and which enables this area to be heated less thanks to the air circulation forming therein,

at least one cutting surface (4) which is used as a support for a cutting apparatus to cut the countertop and this way enables to cut the countertop properly,

at least one arch (5) which is formed to increase strength against the weight of the countertop and to enable the countertop weight to be homogenously transmitted to the wooden platform,

at least one upper surface (6) which contacts the countertop and on which serrations are formed to provide a good adhesion with the countertop,

- at least one radius (7) which abuts the inner part of the frontal face of the countertop and which is arranged at one side of the profile (1) so that the adhesive residues at the inner part of the frontal face do not prevent the profile

(1) from being firmly fitted.

- at least one clips slot (8), which is provided to enable products such as sinks that are placed on the countertop to be firmly fitted to the countertop, and into which a protrusion on the sink fits.

In one embodiment of the invention, a support profile (1), which is preferably produced from a plastic material and adhered under the countertop upon cutting at desired sizes, comprises a dropper (2) at a corner thereof. When the support profile (1) is being placed under the countertop, the dropper (2) is arranged such that it will be out of the countertop. The liquid flowing on the countertop first arrives at the frontal face of the countertop and there, it tends to proceed to the wooden platform. However, by means of the dropper (2) provided on a corner of the support profile (1), the liquid flowing on the countertop cannot proceed to the wooden platform and thus decaying of the platform is prevented.

There is a vent hole (3) on the side of the support profile (1), arranged on the countertop, facing the oven. In case a built-in oven is arranged on the countertop, the oven emits heat to the outer environment when it is being actively used. A vent hole (3) is provided on the side of the profile (1) facing the oven with the purpose of preventing the profile (1) and the countertop from being subjected to expansions and cracking. By means of the air stream in the vent hole (3), heat increase does not occur and thus the support profile (1) and the countertop do not get damaged.

In cases where it is necessary to provide a space on the kitchen countertop for arranging products such as sink and oven, the cutting surface (4) guides the cutting tool that cuts this area and thus the area that is cut is obtained in a well- arranged form.

An arch (5) is formed at the middle part of the support profile (1) in order for it to bear the weight of the kitchen countertop. No bending occurs in the support profile (1) thanks to this arch (5). In addition, various notches are provided on the upper surface (6) of the support profile (1) facing the countertop, and by means of the fact that the adhesives filled into these notches hold the countertop better, the countertop is prevented from moving on the support profile (1). Mounting of the frontal face of the countertop is made by applying adhesive on the surface of the countertop that is parallel to the ground plane. During application of the adhesive to this area, some adhesive residue is formed there. In order for the support profile (1) to be easily mounted to this area, the corner of the support profile (1) that is close to the dropper (2) is rounded. Thanks to this radius (7) formed at the corner of the support profile (1), the profile (1) easily fits to the area where the countertop and the countertop frontal face are connected. There is a protrusion provided on the sinks used at countertops. The profile (1) adhered under the countertop includes a clips slot (8). When the sink is arranged on the countertop, the said protrusion on the sink fits into the clips slot (8). This way, the sink is easily fixed on the countertop and its movement is prevented.