Abstract: A backsplash is configured for a stable and permanent attachment to a countertop surface. The backsplash has a substantially elongated flat member which has a front face and a back face. The elongated member has extending from it near its bottom a first thin base ledge, a second thin base ledge, and a gripper flange. The first base ledge extends at a substantially right angle from the front face of the elongated member. The second base ledge extends at a substantially right angle from the back face of the elongated member, opposite the first base ledge. The gripper flange extends vertically from the flat member. A recess in the countertop surface is configured to frictionally receive the gripper flange and to also receive the first and second base ledges. An adhesive is used with the base ledges to augment the holding force of the gripper flange. A scribe ledge optionally extends from a top edge of the elongated flat member as an aid in installation to get a flush fit against a room wall surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel composite adhesive used to adhere coating materials onto a substrate wherein the substrate material and the coating material have significantly different expansion properties, e.g., thermoplastic coating materials onto cellulose based substrate materials. The composite adhesive comprises both a rigid adhesive such as an epoxy or acrylic and a laminating adhesive such as a rubber based contact cement. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a spline material is also rigidly adhered to the coating material so as to reinforce the bond between substrate and coating, especially where two pieces of coating material are attached at a seam. In another preferred embodiment the composite adhesive and/or spline material is used in preparing composite articles such as counters, sinks, furniture, profile edging, chemical resistant lab tops, showers, etc.

Abstract: An edge molding is shaped to mount on a corestock in a cooperative relationship with a substantially flat surface top to form a two piece surface top assembly which is easy to install yet appears to be seamless. The edge molding has a facing wall, an integral first ledge and an integral second ledge, each extending at substantially right angles from the facing wall. An inside face of the facing wall has at least one longitudinally running excess adhesive flow-out groove and the inside faces of the ledges have longitudinally running gripper ridges. The second ledge preferably also has a drip channel on its outside face to interrupt the flow of spilled liquid. The edge molding and surface top are positioned onto the corestock and adhesively secured thereto. An edge area where the surface top overlaps the edge molding is capable of being routed to a desired shape.