US3034141A - Sink retaining structure - Google Patents

Description

May 15, 1962 G. A. LYON 3,034,141

SINK RETAINING STRUCTURE Filed July 17, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 AINVENTOR George /berf yon May l5, 1962 G. A. LYON 3,034,141

sINK RETAINNG STRUCTURE Filed July 17, 1959 4 sheets-sheet 2 Faq. 5

INVNTOR George Alber/gon ATTORNEYS May 15, 1962 G. A. LYON 3,034,141

SINK RETAINING STRUCTURE Filed July 17, 1959 4 sheets-sheet s INVENTOR George A/erlyon A ORNEYS May 15, 1962 G. A. LYON 3,034,141

SINK RETAINING STRUCTURE Filed July 17, 1959 4 sheets-sheet 4 4 /55 2 'z f3 I 5 /57 ,/5/ F] 4 `"""""`*`S /47 53 v l I INV ENTOR Georg e /,er/yon ATTORNEYS United States ware Filed July 17, 1959, Ser. No. 327,75 4 Claims. (Cl. 4-187) The present invention relates to improvements in sink retaining structures, and more particularly concerns the attachment of sink rim flanges in supported, sealing engagement with a counter top.

It has been common to provide sinks with attached retaining bracket structure to which retaining clips or movable fastening devices are connected. in another form of sink retaining device a generally T-shaped crosssection molding frame is inserted between the edge off the sink and the edge of the hole in the counter top and retaining clips are carried by the downwardly extending leg of the T-shaped section for securing the sink and supporting frame and counter top together.

All of the prior retaining structures have involved the use of numerous separate parts requiring substantial skill in effecting assembly and due to the numerous separate parts liability of loss of parts and damage to the parts before installation can be effected has been a substantial hazard.

There has accordingly been a need in this art for simplification in the retaining structure, reduction in the loss hazard as well as liability to damage of parts, while also improving tolerance ratios and flexibility of installation.

It is accordingly an important object of the present invention to provide new and improved structure for retaining sinks in counter tops and which retaining structure will adequately afford the desirable results contemplated while eliminating the disadvantages of prior expedients.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel sink construction wherein attachment of the sink to the counter top is accomplished simply by means of retaining clips which have a shouldering interengagement with the sink.

A further object of the invention is to provide new and improved sink retaining clips which coact in a novel manner with the sink and a counter top supporting the sink for effecting a retained, clamped engagement of a sink flange with the counter top.

It is another and important object of the invention to provide new and improved sink retaining means which is adaptable for either self-rimming sinks wherein the sink bowl has an upper lateral flange which directly engages upon a counter top or for sinks of the kind having rigid integral rim anges that do not in and of themselves engage upon the Counter top,

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a novel sink retaining structure which is extremely versatile with respect to preferences of sink rim design and configuration.

Still another object of the invention is to provide irnproved sink retaining structure which eliminates all need for any welding, brazing or similarly attaching brackets or parts to a sink bowl or flange.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a top plan view of a sink installation embodying features of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sec- 3,634,141 Patented May 15, 1962 tional detail view taken substantially on the line Il-Il of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary bottom plan View of the Sink instal-lation showing how one of the retaining clips is adapted to be assembled with the sink Iand the counter to IFIGURE 4 is a fragmentary Vvertical sectional view similar to FIGURE 2, but showing a modification;

FIGURE 5 is a similar vertical sectional view showing another modification;

FIGURE 6 is a similar view showing a further modification;

FIGURE 7 is a similar view showing still another modification;

FIGURE 8 is a similar view showing yet another modification;

FIGURE 9 shows a still further modification;

FIGURE 10 is -another view of the modification of FIGURE 9 showing how the retaining clip thereof is adapted to be assembled with the sink and the counter top;

FIGURE l1 shows a yet further modification;`

FIGURE l2 discloses still another modification;

FIGURE 13 discloses an additional modification;

FIGURE 14 is a partially sectional detail View taken substantially on the line XIV-XIV of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE l5 shows another modification;

FIGURE 16 shows a modification involving a resilient spring clip; and

FIGURE 17 is a view similar to FIGURE 16 showing the spring clip in one stage of assembling the Same with the sink and counter top.

Referring to FIGURES 1-3, a sink 20 is constructed and arranged to be supported by a counter top 21 which may comprise a wooden panel having a surface veneer of a durable, waterproof material 22 such as a thermoset-ting plastic. An aperture 23 of suitable size is prou vided in the counter top 2 to receive the sinkV bowl in clearance gap relation and with a rim flange 24 on the upper end of the bowl projecting laterally and having a downturned margin 25 providing an edge' which engages directly upon the counter top surface 22. In other words, this is a self-rimming sink since the rim flange of the sink itself engages upon the counter top and thereby supports the sink on the counter top.

In the present instance, the rim flange 24" of thel sink slopes downwardly and inwardly as a drainback, while the counter top engaging margin 25 arches upwardly and thereby affords a reinforcing rib which reasonably assures freedom from warpage of the counter top engaging edge, whereby to provide an effective seal against escape of dirt or water under the edge. `From the margin 25 the slope of the body of the flange 24' is on a pitch that affordsV a substantial chamber space under the flange 24 andbetween the flange and the adjacent edge defining the opening 23 in the counter top 2l.

Iunoture of the rim flange 24 with the top of the sink bowl is eected on an inwardly projecting horizontal reinforcing rib 27 and defined on its lower side by a downwardly `facing offsetting ilange 28 joined to the top of the sink bowl wall and providing an anti-splash guard about the sink bowl under the rim flange 24. In addition, the rib 27 and the offsetting flange 28 define with the sloping rim flange 24 an outwardly opening groove 29 within whichy the upper surface of the flange 28 provides a shoulder ledge.

For retaining the sink 20 in centered relation within the counter top opening 23 and firmly securing ther sink against upward displacement from the counter top, combina'tion sink retaining and centering means are provided, herein in the form of substantially L-shaped retaining and centering clips 30 each of which includes a normally upwardly extending arm portion 31 joined at its lower end to a laterally projecting ami 32. In this instance, the clips 30 are of rigid bar-like construction and with the upstanding arm 31, at least, cross-sectionally dimensioned to t up within a limited gap spacing between the edge defining the opening 23 in the counter top and the sink, with the upper Aend portion ofthe arm 31 within the chamber under the'rim flange 24.

On its upper end portion, the clip arm 31 is provided with a head portion affording a lateral, inwardly directed projection 33 aiording a downwardly facing shoulder that Qin assembly projects into the groove 29 of the sink and retainingly overlies and engages the ledge shoulder 28. A complementary clearance relationship of the clip head projection portion 33 with respect to the sloping opposed overlying rirn ilange 24 is provided for a sloping clip head surface 34. On the outwardly facing tip end portion of the clip arm 21 it is adapted to thrust in limiting relation against the opposed portion of the counter top edge upon tendency of the clip to rock about a fulcrum at interengagement of the clip shoulder projection 33 with the sink shoulder 28, since the major mass of the clip is outwardly from the fulcrum.

In the assembly, the outwardly projecting clip arm 32 underlies the counter top 21 Vin substantially spaced relation, and this arm carries movable clamping means der 2S to draw the rim flange down and eiiectively sealingly thrust the edge of the rim ilange margin 25 against the counter top. As a result of the fulcruming of the shoulder projection 33 on the shoulder 28, the thrust tip of the arm 31 forces an inward component of thrust of the projection 33 as well as a downward component of thrust, enacting-with the other several retaining clips 30 about the perimeter of the sink to center the sink as well as retain the same in position on the counter top.

It will be appreciated, ofcourse, that the sink is adaptedrto be made from stainless steel or other suitable sheet material which is readily adapted for drawing by suitable die press operations.V Moreover, the particular construction of the rim ange 24 lends its readily to an attractive polished finish or 'other suitable finish which may be the same as or in contrast to the finish aiorded for the walls of the sink b owl below the oiisetting flange 28 and the bottom of the bowl; In assembling the sink 20 with the counter top 21, the sink may be laid in invetted relation upon a supporting surface and the counter top then assembled in'inverted relation onto the engaging margin of the sink rim ange. On the other hand, the sink may be assembled in upright condition by dropping it through the opening 23 in upright position. 1

After assembly of the sink and counter top has been thus effected, the several retaining clips 30 are assembled by orienting the retaining leg 31 in each instance with the retaining shoulder projection 33 thereof extendingrlongitudnally of theV gap between the sink and the edge of the counter top substantially as shown in full outlinerin FIGURE 3 and inserting'the retaining leg 31 into position within the gap until the retaining shoulder 33 is located in general alignment with the sink shoulder 2g, whereupon the clip is swung about the axis of the arm V31 until the arm 32 lies opposite the counter top underside the counter top 21 also in position until it engages the underside of the counter top 21 in thrusting retaining relation. It will be appreciated, of course, that in order to assure proper centering of the sink, at least certain of the retaining clips 30 should be assembled at each of the sink sides, or if the sink happens to be of round outline then at diametrically opposite sides, since when the clips are turned into the assembled relationship they will eiect substantial centering and then when they are drawn up tight uniformly at opposite sides they will mutually coact to maintain the sink in firm centered position. i

In FlGURE 4 is shown a sink assembly which in most respects is similar to the form of FIGURE 2. However, in FlGURE 4 a sink 39 is provided of the heavy enameled or otherwise coated steel construction having a rigid lateral rim iiange 4t) on its upper end. In this instance the rigid flange 40 is provided with a thin arched self-rimming iiange extension 41 having an outer downturned margin 42 for engaging edgewise against the top of the counter top 21, while the body of the rim liange extension eX- tends generally inwardly and downwardly to provide a chamber therebelow with the edge of Vthe counter top. On its inner margin the ilange extension 41 is provided with a generaily U-shaped attachment flange 43 embracing the edge portion of the sink rim 40 and providing an upwardly facing shoulder ledge 44 over the rim edge portion defining with the body of the flange extension an outwardly opening groove 45 receptive of a lateral inward projection 47 on an upwardly extending arm 48 of a retaining Vclip 49 having a lateral oppositely extending arm St) for underlying the counter top and provided with a clamping screw 51 similar to the clamping screw 35.

Assembly of the clip 49 is adapted to be effected similarly as described in connection withrthe clip 30, the retaining shoulder projection 47 fulcruming and thrusting downwardly against the sink shoulder 44 while the upper end portion of the clip leg 48 bears against the adjacent edge of the counter top 21 as the clip tends'to rock under the upward thrust of the screw 51 against the counter top drawing the clip downwardly and thus effecting a centered, firmly anchored, retained engagement Aof the sink with the edge of the margin 42 firmly sealingly engaging upon the counter top.

In FIGURE 5 a sink 52 may be made from one form of material drawn to shape while an attached sink rim llange 53 may be made of another type of material. Thus the sink bowl may be made from cold rolled steel suitably painted or enameled or plastic coated, while the attached sink rim 53 may be made from stainless steel, if preferred. On its upper end, the wall of the sink 52 has a returnbent downwardly and outwardly projecting crimp ilange S4 crimpingly engaged upon a downwardly and outwardly extending attachment ange 55 on the inner margin of the sink rim flange '53, thus providing a rigid laminated upwardly and outwardly facing shoulder 57 defining with the downwardly and inwardly sloping body of the flange member 53 a groove opening toward the edge of the counter top 21 upon the upper surface of which a downturned outer marginal portion 58 of the ange member 53 engages in edgewise sealing relation.

For retaining the sink in centered rmly held relation on the counter top 21, retaining and centering clips 59 are provided each of which has an upstanding rigid arm 60 having a shouldering projection 61 complementary to the sink shoulder 57. An outwardly oppositely extending arm 62 on the lower endV of the arm 60 underlies the counter top 21 in spaced relation and has a clamping screw 63 threaded therethrough and engageable tightly against the underside of the counter top to draw the clip downwardly. Thereby the retaining shoulder projection 61 thrusts againstthe sink shoulder 57 and draws the rim ange member 53 downwardly effectively sealingly engaging the edgeV of the margin S3 against-the counter top, and by thrusting of the upper end portion of the arm 6? against'the edge of the counter top effecting a centered relation of the sink within the opening 23 of the counter top.

FIGURE 6 discloses another form of one piece drawn thin sheet material sink 64 having integrally formed on the upper end thereof a laterally outwardly extending rim flange 65 including an outer downturned margin 67 for effecting edgewise sealing engagement with the upper surface 22 of the counter top 21. In this instance, the rim flange 65 is of curved arc-hed cross-section defining a chamber with the adjacent edge of the counter top and sloping inwardly and downwardly and at its inner margin turned generally under and outwardly and downwardly to provide an oifsetting juncture portion 68 joining the upper end of the sink wall and defining a generally upwardly and outwardly facing shoulder at the lower side of a groove 69 within the substantially rigid, reinforcing riblike rim ange 65.

Rigid centering and retaining clips 70 are provided for the sink 64, each including an upstanding arm 71 arranged to project into the gap between the sink and the edge of the counter top defining the opening 23, and provided with a suitable interlock and thrust projection 72 engageable with the shoulder portion 68 of the sink while the upper end portion of the arm 71 is engageable in tilt-limiting, thrusting relation against the adjacent edge of the counter top. A generally horizontal outwardly projecting arm 73 of the clip 70 is disposed under the margin of the counter top and carries a thrust clamping screw 74 which lupon being driven against the underside of the counter top 21 draws the clip 70 downwardly and, similarly as described in connection with the clip 30 of FIGURE 2 effects a securing, centering coaction with the sink 64 and the counter top. Assembly of the clips 70 is eiected with `the'sink and the counter top similarly as described in connection with the clips 30.

Although in FIGURE 6 the full line showing of the sink includes side walls extending generally upright, it will be appreciated that the formation of the rim flange 65 is the same all the way around the sink, similarly as in FIG- URE 1, even where the sink is provided with a rear plumbing ledge 75 as indicated in dash outline in FiG- URE 6.

Under some conditions, especially where very thin rnaterial is used in the fabrication of the sink, it is desirable to provide a modilied retaining clip 77 as shown in FIG. 7 which will compensate for lack of direct downward thrust against a substantially rigid portion of the sink in line with the thrust receiving shoulder against which the clip draws downwardly. For example, where a sink 73 has a plumbing liange ledge 79 to which an integral rim iiange 80 is connected in one piece by a downwardly and ontwardly turned juncture shoulder offsetting portion 81, the rib formation at such juncture may not be suiciently rigid to withstand the direct downward pulling thrust of an interlock projection 82 on an upstanding leg 83 of the clip 77 Where the clip may be overtightened by means of a clamping thrust screw 84 threaded through an outwardly projecting lower clip arm 85 and driven clampingly thrustingly against the underside of the counter top. To this end, the upstanding clip arm 83 has a lower upwardly facing counterthrust projection 87 below the interlock projection 82 and spaced therefrom and projecting in inwardly offset relation thereto in a manner to receive the shoulder portion 81 of the sink within a bight S8 defined between the projections.

As' the clip 77 is drawn downwardly by action of the clamping screw 84 against the underside of the counter top 21, to draw the interlock projection S2 thrustingly against the sink shoulder 81 and thereby draw a generally downwardly and outwardly turned outer margin S9 of the sink rim S0 into edgewise sealing engagement with the counter top, with tendency toward roc-king of the clip arm 33 about the thrust fulcrum of the projection S2 on the Shoulder 81 there is, of course, a centering and tilt-limiting thrust of the upper end portion of the arm 83 against the adjacent edge of the counter top. At the same time, the thrust compensating projection 87 is tilted up against the underside of the sink ange 79 adjacent to but spaced inwardly from the shoulder 81 to counterbalance downward pull of the interlock projection 2 suiciently to at least to a substantial extent avoid tendency of the shoulder S1 to buckle under the downward thrust imposed by the clip.

It will be appreciated, of course, that the clip 77 is assembled with the sink 78 in the gap between the shoulder S1 and the edge of the counter top in substantially the same manner as described in connection with the clips already referred to and more particularly the clip 30.

In another form' of the invention as shown in FIG. 8, a sink 90 is provided on its upper end with an outwardly projecting integral rim flange 91 which slopes generally inwardly and downwardly and has an outer marginal downwardly and outwardly turned seating iiange margin 92 engageable edgewise upon the upper surface 22 of the counter top 21 sealingly. At its inner margin the rim ange 91 has a generally downwardly and outwardly turned osetting shoulder flange portion 94 joined thereto on a reinforcing overhanging rib 93 and joining the rim llange to the upper end of the sink bowl wall.

Within a groove 95 defined by the shoulder 94 with the body portion of the rim flange 91, an interlock thrust projection 97 of an upstanding arm 98 of a centering and retaining clip 99 is engaged. On its lower end the clip has an outwardly projecting arm 100 carrying movable thrust means such as a thumb screw 101 threaded therethrough and having on its upper end a thrust washer or plate 102 engageable thrustingly with the und-erside of the counter top 21. In the assembly, tightening of the screw 101 draws the interlock projection 97 thrustingly downwardly against the shoulder 94 in line with the upstanding wall of the sink bowl, and as the projection 97 fulcrums on the shoulder 94 the upper end portion of the arm 9S swings thrustingly into engagement with the adjacent edge of the counter top for centering the sink, substantially as described hereinbefore in connection with the other forms of clip and more particularly the clip 30. Assembly of the clip 99 with the sink and counter top is also eifected substantially the same.

In the modification of FIGURES 9 and 1.0, a drawn sheet metal sink 103 has an integral rim iiange 104 on its upper end sloping downwardly and inwardly and provided with a downturned outer seating margin 105 engageable in edgewise sealing, sink-supporting relation with the upper surface 22 of the counter top 21. At its lower end the rim flange 104 has a reinforcing shoulder 107 provided by juncture with an outwardly extending offsetting, overhanging shoulder liange 108 deiining with the overlying divergently related body portion of the rim flange 104 an outwardly opening groove 109.

It will be observed that the ledge shoulder flange 108 is, in this instance, located at an elevation substantially below the underside of the counter top 21. Therefore, a retaining clip 110 is provided which is especially adapted for thrusting retaining, centering engagement with the shoulder 1018 in spite of such relatively low elevation. Accordingly, the clip 110 has a generally upstanding arm 111 and an outwardly extending lower arm 112, the arms being rigidly joined on a shoulder projection 113 generally aligned with the lower arm 112 and projecting in the opposite direction therefrom for thrusting, fulcruming, centering engagement with the shoulder 108 of the sink within the groove 109. In order to clear the sloping rini ilange 104, the upstanding arm 111 is preferably generally complementally oblique or sloping as shown to overlie the lower arm 112 in a generally V-shape relation, with,

a substantial reentrant groove 114between the arms to afford clearance for the edge of the counter top. lCarried by the lower counter top-underlying arm 112 of the clip is a movable manipulatable member herein in the form of a screw 115 arranged to be driven thrustingly against the underside of the counter top to draw the clip downwardly and thus drive the shoulder projection 113 downwardly against the sink shoulder 108, while the upper end portion of the upstanding arm 111 thrusts centeringly against the adjacent edge of the counter top within the opening 23, similarly as described in connection with the clips 30.

By virtue of the low elevation of the sink shoulder 108 relative to the underside of the counter top 21 and thus a clear access downwardly` opening chamber between the counter top edge and the sloping rim flange 164, the clip 110 is adapted to be assembled with the sink and counter top by an upward, non-turning movement. That is, instead of assembling the clip 110 in the manner discussed relative to the clips 30 in FIGURE 3, assembly substantially as shown in FIGURE l of the clip 110 is enabled. Thus, with the clamping screw 115 completely retracted, the upstanding leg 111 of the retaining clip is moved into the gap between the counter top edge and the rim ilange 1114 while the clip leg 112 remains opposed to the underside of the counter top 21, the adjacent edge portion of the counter top being accommodated within the reentra'nt groove 114 between the clip legs. Thereafter, the clip 110 is swung inwardly until the shoulder projection 113 overlies the sink shoulder 108 within the groove 109. Then, running up of the clamping screw 115 effects interlocking of the clip with the sink and the counter top in the vmanner described for the other clips and more particularly the clips 30.

In order to facilitate the thrusting, sliding engagement of the upper end portion of the clip arm 111 with the counter top edge, without binding, a rounded cam thrust face 117 is provided on the outwardly directed side of the upper end portion of the leg 111.

Inasmuch as the clip 110 canbe assembled linearly and without turning, as described, the width of the clip and at least the thrust shoulder 113 thereof may be as great as desired. A suitable width is indicated in FIG- URE 9. This affords substantial distribution of downward thrust over a relatively extended` longitudinal portion of the sink shoulder 108. This is an especially desirable arrangement where quite thin sheet material is utilized in fabrication of the sink.

In FIGURE ll a generally similar sink construction is disclosed with certain slight modications adapted forV preferencesras to sink rim configuration. In this form, a sink 118 has a slopingdownwardly and inwardly directed rim flange 119 provided with an outer marginal downturned counter top engaging portion 120, and an inner end reinforcing rib 121 from which extends outwardly and downwardly sloping oisetting shoulder ilange 122 defining with the overlying rim ange 119 a groove 123, Y For retaining and centering the sink 118, a series of retaining clips 124 is provided each of which includes an upstanding arm 125 joined on a rigid thrust and interlock shoulder portion 127 to an outwardly projecting lower Varm 128 carrying a clamping screw 129 threaded there- VthrustsV 'downwardly and inwardly against the sloping VShoulder 122. f'

In the form of FIGURE 12, an adaptation of the invention to a sink 131 `of substantially rigid construction having a tlat lateral rim iiauge 132 is shown. Attached to the Ysink-prim ilange 132 so as to be a substantially integralpart thereof is a nim ange extension 133 having lan ou-ter downturned margin 134 to engage upon the counter top and sloping inwardly and downwardly in gap relation to the edge of the counter top 21. On its lower margin, the rim liange extension 133 has a generally U- shaped crimping flange structure 135 retainingly engaging the edge and margin of the rim ilange 132 in crimped-on relation.

- As shown, the upper side ofthe flange structure 135 underlies the ilange member 133 and provides an upwardly facing ledge seat shoulder 137 dening with the flange member 133 an outwardly opening groove 138. Thereby, clips of either the turn-in type as represented bythe clips 30, or clips of the rock-in type as generally represented by the clips 110 may be utilized for centering and retaining the sink in supported relation to the counter top 21. In this instance, clips 139 of the rock-in type are shown inthe assembly, each including a generally upstanding arm 140 having intermediately a shoulder interlock projection 141 engageable with the sink shoulder 137, and an outwardly projecting arm 142 for underlying the counter top and carrying a clamping member such as a screw 143. It will be observed that the arms 140 and 142 are of generally divergent relation defining therebetween a substantial reentrant space for accommodating the counter top edge dun-ing rock-in assembly of the clip 139 into the gap between the sink and the counter top edge. At its upper end the upstanding arm 140 has a rounded cam thrust surface 144 engageable with the edge of the counter top. It will be appreciated that the retaining clip 139 functions substantially the same as the clip 110, and the clip 30 in centering and retaining the sink relative to theY counter to-p.

The form of the invention shown in FIGURES 13 and 14 includes a Vone-piece drawn sink 145 having a rim ilange 147 provided at its outerV margin with a downturned counter top engaging portion 148. Adjacent juncture of the rim ange 147 with the upper end of the sink bowl vWall an underturned shoulder 149 is provided on the upper side of a generally outwardly projecting rein-forcing rib and anti-splash groove 150. A groove 151 is defined between the shoulder 149 and the overlying portion of the rim flange 147.

Y For centering and retaining the sink in place on the counter top 21 within the counter top opening 23, retaining clips 152 are provided which are adapted to be made from rod stock of cylindrical cross-section, although the clips may be made from rod stock of other crosssections or from other material. Each of the retaining clips 152 includes an upstanding arm 153 provided with an interlock projection 154 engageable with the sink shoulder 149, the upper end or tip portion of the arm having a rounded generally outwardly directed thrust surface 155 engageable with the edge of the counter top` It will be observed that the arm 153 including the interlock projection or head portion 154 thereof is longitudinally arched generally complementary to the arched opposing undersurface of the rim ange 147, and a clearance recess 157 .is provided on the outer side of the projection 154 enabling clearance of the arm 153 during generally rocking-in assembly thereof through the rather narrow gap between the rib and the adjacent edge of the counter top.

At the lower end of the clip 152 a rigid outwardly projecting ilattened arm 158 is provided'for underlying the counter top in spaced relation. Y Carried by the arm 158 is a movable member such as a screw 159 threaded through the arm and arranged to be driven thrustingly against the underside of the counter top 21 to draw the clip 152 downwardly and thereby thrust the interlock shoulder pro- Vjection154 thereof against the sink shoulder 149 while the tip thrusts against the edge of the counter top, whereby the sink is eiectively retained and centered with respect to the countertop in substantially the same manner as described in connection with the other forms of clips including the clips 30 and 110. Y

In FlGURE 15 a sink 160'is shown including a twopart rim ange including an outwardly projecting portion 161 at the top of the sink wall having a downturned and outwardly projecting terminal ange portion 162 in crimped engagement by a turned attachment ange 163 o-n the generally outwardly turned inner m-argin of an attached rim harige extension portion 164 of generally arched form. That part of the inner margin of the rim ange portion 164 which coacts crimpingly with the attachment ilange 163 provides an upwardly and outwardly facing and downwardly and outwardly sloping seating shoulder 165 dehning with the overlying portion of the flange member 164 an outwardly opening groove 167. On its outer margin the ange member 164 is provided with a downturned portion 168 engageable edgewise upon the upper surface 22 of the 'counter top 21 adjacent to thecoun-ter top opening 23. Y

For centering and retaining the sink 160 with respect to the counter top 21, retaining clips 169 are provided which are shown as the rock-in type and functioning substantially the same as the clips 30 and 110 for retaining the sink 160 in assembly with the counter top 21. To this end, the clips 169 comprise in each ins-tance an upstanding arm 170 having an arcuate shoulder projection 171 generally complementary to the arc of the opposed undersurface of the flange portion 164 to t within the groove 167 and providing a downwardly and inwardly facing thrust shoulder to cammingly engage upon the shoulder 16S in thrusting fulorumed downwardly drawing relation. On its upper end the arm 170 has a rounded thrust tip 172 engageable with the adjacent edge of the counter top 21. On its lower end the clip 169 has an outwardly eX- tending arm 173 for underlying the counter top and carrying movable clamping means such Aas a screw 17 4 threaded therethrough and engageable with thrusting clamping pressure against the underside of the counter top 21 to rockably thrustingly draw the clip 169 downwardly to sink retaining and centering relation tothe counter top. 4

ln FIGURES 16 and 17 `a sink 17S is disclosed which is of the drawn sheet metal type having a rim flange 177 sloping downwardly and inwardly and joining the top of the sink wall on an outwardly projecting juncture fold 178 providing an upwardly facing ledge shoulder 179 underlying and in groove-forming relation to the sink flange 177. On its upper outer margin the rim flange 177 is provided with a downturned portion 181) engageable edgewise in sealing seated relation upon the upper surface 22 of the counter top 21 and with the rim ange 177 eX- tending in downwardly and inwardly divergent charnberforming gap relation to the edge of the counter top 21 defining the sink receiving opening 23.

Although it will be appreciated that for retaining the sink 175 in place, a suitable Variant of either the turnin type of clip represented by the clip 38 or of the rock-in type of clip represented by the clip 118 may be utilized, another type of the clip which may be referred to as a snap-in type is shown as represented by the clip 181. This form of the clip may be made from resilient spring steel or similar material, and includes an upstanding arm 182 having a sink retaining shoulder thrusting fulcrum projection in the form of an upper terminal return-bent head ange 183 resiliently deliectably joined to the upper end of the arm 182 and normally extending divergently downwardly and inwardly therefrom. On its lower end, the arm 182 has an outwardly projecting arm 184 for underlying the counter top 21 in spaced relation and carrying movable clamping means in the form of a thumb screw 185 having an upper end clamping head plate or washer 187 engageable thrustingly against the underside of the counter top. Downturned reinforcing anges 188 may be formed on the sides of the clip arm 184 to render the same substantially rigid.

As will be observed in FIGURE 16, the retaining interlock projection ange 183 of the clip 181 which is longer after the counter top and the sink have been placed in assembly, the clip 181 is assembled therewith by'thrusting the arm 182 longitudinally into the gap between the sink and the counter top edge. During this thrusting longitudinal assembly movement, thearm 182 bears slidably against the edge of the counter top and the projection terminal flange 183 is squeezed resiliently deflectably toward the arm 182 by camming against the tip -of theshoulder fold 178 until the tip of theterminal liange 183 passes the shoulder fold and the terminal flange 183 snaps open, that is away from the arm 182 and into position with its tip overlying the shoulder 179. Then the clamping screw 185 is drawn up into engagement with the underside of the counter top 21 and clamping pressure applied which acts to draw the tip of the projection flange 183 lirmly against the sink shoulder 179 and tends to cause outward tilting of the lupper end of the arm 182 so that it thrusts cammingly against the edge of the counter top and reacts through the terminal 183 to center the'sink at the same time that the terminal draws the sink firmly downwardly to effect a sealing retained thinst ofthe edge of the marginal portion 1811 against the upper surface of the'counter top.

It will be appreciated that numerous features of the various forms of the invention as disclosed may be interchanged one for the other or into other combinations thereof which will readily suggest themselves from the several modications.

Although throughout the term sin has been used, it should be understood that any equivalent structure involving a pan or receptacle with a rinrange engaging `upon a supporting member is indicated. Of course, the

structures shown are especially suitable for securing kitchen sinks as shown.

It will be understood that modications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

1. A sink structure including (a) a counter top having an opening defined by an edge and (b) an upwardly opening bowl member depending through said opening and having (c) a rim flange projecting outwardly from the top of the bowl seated on the counter top adjacent to said edge,

(d) said memberhaving under the rim ange and spaced therebelow a portion disposed in limited spaced relation to and affording a narrow gap with said edge and (e) defining with said rim ilange a groove opening toward said edge, f

(f) said portion providing in the lower portion of said groove a generallyupwardly facing shoulder ledge,

(g) and rigid retaining clips each provided ywith (h) an upstanding arm having on its upper end portion a laterally projecting shoulder head engaging said ledge (i) and on its lower end portion an oppositely laterally projecting arm underlying the counter top l'Ul and having means thereon thrusting'against the underside of the counter top and thus drawing the clip downwardly to thrust said shoulder head downwardly against said ledge and thusv drawing said rim flange downwardly against the counter top,

(k) said arm being of a cross-section to extend freely through said gap but said head projection extending into said groove and together with said upper portion of the Yarm affording a head dimension which is substantially greater than said gap and thus preventing Withdrawal of the head portion of the arm downwardly through said gap,

(l) said head portion being dimensioned in cross-section normal to the direction of projection of said head portion less than the width of said gap whereby installation or removal Vof the clips with said head portions turned parallel to said edge is facilitated. j'

2. A sink structure including (a) a counter top having an opening delined by an edge and Y (b)` an upwardly opening bowl member depending `'through said openingA and having (c) a rim ,ange projecting'outwardly from the-top of the bowl seated on the counter top adjacent to said edge, Y

spaced therebelow a portion disposed in limited spaced relation to and affording a gap with said edge and (e) defining with saidrim flange a groove opening toward said edge, g

(f) said portion providing in the lower portion of said groove a generally upwardly facing shoulder *Y ledge, (g) and a pluralityrof retaining clips each of which is of generally L-shape with a generally upwardly extending arm and a generally horizontally extending arm projecting from the lower end of the upwardly projecting arm, Y

(h) said arms being divergently related and deiining a substantial reentrant space therebetween and (i) converging to a shoulder projection, said shoulder l projection having a ledge-opposing thrust portion I that slopesrldownwardly and outwardly for bearing in downwardly and inwardly camming thrusting relation against said ledge,

(j) said upwardly projecting arm having an upper end l portion thrusting against said edge adjacent to said rim pilange, Y

(k) said horizontally projecting arm underlying the counter top and having movable means thereon thrusting against the underside of the counter top and drawing said horizontal arm and thereby the entire clip downwardly to effect said thrusting cam- (disaid member having under the rim iiange and l ming engagement of said juncture shoulder thrustr portion against said ledge,

(l) said reentrant space being of suicient size to 'ac-1 commodate the counter top edge during rock-in assembly of the clip intosaid gap by engaging said upper end portion against said edge while said hori- Y zontally projecting arm is canted toward the underside of the counter top and thenswinging the clip to move said shoulder projection upwardly past said member portion and over said ledge.

3. `A sink structure including '(a) a counter top havingran opening defined by an edge and (b) an upwardly opening bowl member dependingv (f) said portion providing in the lower portion of said groove a generally upwardly facing shoulder ledge,

(g) and a plurality of retaining clips each of which has an upwardly projecting arm and a generally horizontally projecting arm, said groove and ledge being cross-sectionally arcuateY and said ledge sloping downwardly and outwardly,

(h) said upwardly projecting arm being cross-sectionally Vdimensioned to extend freely upwardly through said gap and having the upper end portion thereof of arcuate shape complementary to said groove and iitting therein and providing a downwardly and inwardly facing thrust shoulder cammingly thrustingly engaging said ledge (i) and an upper tip end portion engaging against said edge adjacent to said rimxange,

(j) said horizontally projecting arm underlying the Vcounter top and having movable means thereon thrusting against the underside of the counter top Vto draw the clip downwardly to etect said camming thrusting of said clip shoulder against said ledge,

(k) said upper end portion defining on the opposite side thereof from said shoulder a clearance receptive of said counter top edge in moving said upwardly projecting arm through said gap into position within said groove.

4. A sink structure including (a) a counter top having an opening del-ined by an edge and (b) an upwardly opening bowl member depending through said opening and having (c) a rim flange projecting outwardly from the top of the bowl seated on the counter top adjacent to said edge,

(d) said member having under the rim ange and spaced therebelow a portion disposed in limited spaced relation to and affording a narrow gap with Y said edge and Y t Y (e) detiningwith said rim flange a groove opening toward said edge, Y Y

(f) said portion providing in the lower portion of said groove a generally upwardly facing shoulder ledge of limited width,

(g) and a plurality of retaining clips each of which includes a resiliently flexible sheet metal strip construction (h) having an upwardly projecting arm extending through said gap and provided on its upper end with a return-bent resiliently flexible divergently extending head ange which is longer than the combined widths of said gap and said shoulder ledge'and having a distal terminal engaging in downwardly thrusting relation against said ledge,

(j) said upwardly extending arm having a horizontally extending` arm projecting from its lower end and underlying said counter top and having movable means thereon thrusting against the underside of the counter top and drawing the clip downwardly to eiect said thrust of said tip against said ledge,

(k) the normal divergence of said head ange projecting said tip to a substantially greater spacing from said upwardly extending arm than said gap and said head flange being movable into retaining positionV on the ledge'by pressing the clip upwardly into said gap with said upwardly extending arm abutting said edge kand said head ange resiliently deected by said member portion toward said upwardly extending arm until said tip has passed said ledge and snaps away from said upwardly extending arm to engage said tip on said ledge.

, (References on following page) References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Mann July 12, 1887 Wainwright June 3, 1930 5 Salvoni Apr. 7, 1936 Evitt Ian. 12, 1943 Hansman May 11, 1943 Blakeslee Apr. 27, 1948 Opstad Ian. 21, 1958 Hammer July 1, 1958 Richardson Peb. 23, 1960 Drain May 31, 1960 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain Apr. 30, 1952

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