FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to sinks, and, more particularly, relates to mounting sinks with decorative lighting elements on, in, and under a countertop.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Every modern house has a kitchen and every kitchen has sink. Because the kitchen sink is used considerably more than any other part of the kitchen, it is usual located in the center and is a focal point. But kitchen sinks are rarely complimented for their aesthetic beauty. While some high-end countertops and sinks are certainly not unattractive, the sink is not usually the subject of compliments from guests in the home. This is unfortunate, particularly because guests seem to always find their way into the kitchen and it is the kitchen that is often the gathering spot during parties. It is also unfortunate that sinks are not more attractive because modern homes are featuring open kitchen designs, where the sink is not only visible from the kitchen, it is often visible from the front room, dining room, outdoor area, and other places within the home.
There are two standard methods for installing sinks—undermount and top mount. Both installation configurations start with a countertop with a large opening cut therein. For the undermount installation, the sink is sized so that the vertical side walls of the sink are approximately the same size as the hole in the countertop. Liquids and solid particles can be wiped off of the countertop surface directly into the sink. An undermount or recessed sink is installed under a countertop to create a seamless appearance. Undermount sinks can be mounted in two different ways: reveal (showing some of the sink rim) or overhang (shows no sink rim), also referred to as no reveal.
FIG. 35 shows a side profile partial cutaway view of sink with walls that form a permitter less than the hole in the countertop. FIG. 36 shows a second installation with sink walls that form a permitter slightly greater than the hole in the countertop. In both FIGS. 35 and 36 a flange or lip at the top of the vertical sink sidewalls extends outwards and is larger than the opening. Clamping structures attached to the bottom surface of the countertop are used to secure the lip to the underside surface of the countertop. There are a variety of structures that can be used, but the goal is to securely mate the sink to the underside of the countertop. Prior-art clamping mechanisms are shown in FIGS. 36 and 36. From above the countertop, the appearance is a countertop surface with inside edges of its opening that flows down and becomes a sink.
Undermount sinks are compatible with many solid surface countertop materials such as granite, marble and soapstone. It is the remodeler's choice for quartz, solid surface, or natural stone countertop materials because of the clean, uninterrupted feel.
The second standard way to install a kitchen sink is referred to as top mount. Also called self-rimming or drop-in sinks, these sinks are easy to install. They fit easily into a cutout in the countertop that is on top of a cabinet and they are supported by the flanges overlapping the cutout. However, debris can sometimes get caught at the edge where the sink and countertop meet. Ideal for replacement, drop-in sinks can be removed and installed without damaging countertops and are a great option for the DYI-er weekend project.
In this top mount configuration, the vertical walls of the sink form a shape that corresponds to, but is smaller than, the hole in the countertop. The sink includes an outwardly extending lip at its top that is larger than the opening in the countertop. This configuration is easy to install, as one simply sets the sink in the hole in the countertop and the lip and gravity keep it in place. Nevertheless, some form of clamp device is used under the countertop to ensure the sink does not move once it is installed. One such structure is shown in FIG. 37. FIG. 37 also shows how the lip is always visible top of the countertop and is not attractive. The lip is also an impediment to wiping debris from the countertop surface into the sink.
There is also an additional, but rare, method for installing sinks. This method is known as flush mount and is a proprietary method developed by the inventor of the present invention. The flush-mount method secures the sink on the under-side of the countertop when the sink is inserted into the pre-cut sink hole in the countertop. This flush-mount method differs from the aforementioned under-mount configuration due to the sink being secured inside the sink hole with a rimless edge being coplanar with the countertop's upper surface. The result is a beautiful sink that appears to be integrated into the countertop. The flush mount sink has no rim on the edge of the sink, but, as can be seen in the elevational side cutaway view of FIG. 38, a recessed flange welded at a certain height around the sink secures the sink to the underside of the countertop when the sink is inserted into the pre-cut sink hole. Although the sink is mounted to the countertop from underside, it differs from under mount sinks because the sink is secured inside the sink hole with the rimless edge coplanar with the countertop upper surface while an undermount sink rests under the countertop.
Some attempts have been made to improve the look of sinks through the use of light emitting diode (LED) illumination. One such structure is described in European Patent No. EP2194196. In that disclosure, a rectangular LED element is placed between the bottom surface of the countertop and the lip of the undermount sink. This configuration has several disadvantages. First, the undermount sink is lowered by the thickness of the LED element, which can create issues with the bottom of the sink making contact with valves and pipes under the sink and it reduces valuable storage space under the sink. Second, this configuration introduces multiple seams—one between the sink lip and the bottom of the LED structure and another between the LED structure and the bottom surface of the countertop. Each of these seems is a potential portal for water to pass through and fall to the area under the sink, which can eventually rot the cabinet material and/or form mold.
Currently, there is no known sink that allows for versatile installation and provides decorative lighting features.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a sink mounting assembly, sink lighting assembly, and methods of installation that overcome the hereinabove-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known sink configurations. More particularly, the invention provides a novel and unconventional sink mating junction combined with a light element configured to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the sink, but also provide sink configurations that are adaptable to multiple installation positions with respect to the countertop in which they are installed on, in, or under.
In embodiments of the present invention, a sink lighting assembly includes an outer wall with a first vertical portion, a second vertical portion, and a horizontal portion coupled between the first and second vertical portions. An inner wall has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end is coupled to the first vertical portion of the outer wall and the inner wall spans from the first vertical portion towards and past the second vertical portion of the outer wall. A lighting element is disposed in an area located between the second end of the inner wall and the second vertical portion of the outer wall.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the inner wall has a portion that is at an angle that is approximately 45 degrees in reference to the first vertical portion of the outer wall.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the inner wall has a first portion that is approximately parallel to the horizontal portion of the outer wall.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the inner wall has a second portion that is approximately parallel to the horizontal portion of the outer wall, the second portion being separated from the first portion by a non-horizontal portion of the inner wall.
In accordance with an additional feature, the outer and the inner wall are continuous and form a sink lighting assembly frame.
In some embodiments, a sink lighting assembly includes a sinking mating junction with a first wall oriented to couple to a vertical wall of a sink, a second wall oriented to couple to an upper edge of the sink, a third wall coupled to the first wall and the second wall and oriented at an angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first wall or the second wall, and a lighting element disposed in an area formed by the first wall and a lower portion of the third wall.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the third wall is at an angle that is approximately 45 degrees in reference to the first wall.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the first wall is at an angle that is approximately 90 degrees in reference to the second wall.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, a mid-portion of the third wall is coupled to the first wall and to the second wall at a point where the first wall and the second wall meet.
In accordance with another feature, the first, second, and third walls form a sink lighting assembly frame.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the frame is continuous with a shape that corresponds to the upper edge of the sink.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention also includes a sink with at least one sink wall and a sink lighting assembly coupled to an end of the at least one sink wall, where the sink lighting assembly has a sink mating junction that includes a first wall coupled to an upper portion of and substantially parallel to the at least one sink wall and a second wall coupled to an upper portion of and substantially perpendicular to the at least one sink wall, a third wall coupled to the first wall and the second wall and oriented at an angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first wall or the second wall, and a lighting element disposed in an area formed by a lower portion of the first wall and a lower portion of the third wall.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, a support frame has four frame members, each frame member corresponding in size to one of four sink walls and each has an elongated hollow body with two opposing wall elements and inwardly disposed lip elements forming a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to retain an end of a support bolt therein.
In accordance with the present invention, a method for installing a lighted sink in a countertop includes the steps of coupling a sink lighting assembly to an upper portion of a sink having at least one wall, the sink lighting assembly including a frame with a top cover wall that is oriented at an angle that is not parallel to the at least one wall of the sink and a lighting element disposed in an area between and underside of the top cover wall and an inside surface of the at least one wall of the sink. The method further includes the step of coupling a support frame to an underside of a countertop, the support frame including frame members, each frame member corresponding in size to one of the at least one walls of the sink and each frame member having an elongated hollow body with two opposing wall elements and inwardly disposed lip elements forming a substantially U-shaped channel adapted to retain an end of a support bolt therein and mechanically coupling the sink to the support frame.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a sink with light illumination, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.
“In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a sink lighting assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention installed within a countertop in a top-mount sink configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 1 removed from the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 1 removed from the countertop in an unaffixed position, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a perspective underside view of the sink of FIG. 1 showing a first step of the manner in which the sink is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a perspective side underside view of the sink of FIG. 1 showing a second step of the manner in which the sink is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a perspective underside sectional view showing a mounting system of the sink lighting assembly affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 7 is an elevational side edge cutaway view of the lighting element and one wall of the sink of FIG. 1 and a bracket base from the mounting system of FIG. 6 and showing a first step of the manner in which the mounting system is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 8 is an elevational side edge cutaway view of the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 1 and a bracket base from the mounting system of FIG. 6 showing a second step of the manner in which the mounting system is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a side edge cutaway view of the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 1 and a bracket base and bracket/bolt junction member from the mounting system of FIG. 6 showing a third step of the manner in which the mounting system is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a side edge cutaway view of the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 1 and a bracket base, bracket/bolt junction member, and bolt from the mounting system of FIG. 6 showing a fourth step of the manner in which the mounting system is affixed to the counter-top, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a side edge cutaway view of the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 1 affixed to the countertop in a top-mount installation configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of a sink lighting assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention installed within a countertop in a flush-mount sink configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a perspective underside view of a support frame aligned with a sink opening in the countertop of FIG. 12, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a perspective underside partial view of the support frame of FIG. 14 with a U-shaped channel adapted to retain an end of a support bolt therein, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a perspective underside view showing the support frame of FIG. 14 with a plurality of bolts retained within the U-shaped channel of FIG. 14, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 16 is a perspective underside view of the sink and lighting element of FIG. 12 and a plurality of bracket bases and bracket/bolt junction members, which are used in a second step of attaching the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 12 to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a perspective underside view showing the sink and brackets of FIG. 16 being attached to the frame of FIG. 15 in a third step of attaching the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 12 to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 18 is a perspective underside view showing the sink and brackets of FIG. 16 being attached to the frame of FIG. 15 with bolts applying an upward force to the sink and lighting element in a fourth step of attaching the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 12 to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a perspective underside view showing the sink and brackets of FIG. 16 being attached to the frame of FIG. 15 with bolts applying a downward force to the sink and lighting element in a fifth step of attaching the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 12 to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a cutaway side view showing the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 12 and a bracket base, bracket/bolt junction member, and bolt from FIG. 18 in a first step of a manner in which the mounting system of FIG. 14 attaches the sink lighting assembly to the countertop in a flush-mount configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a cutaway side view showing the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 12 and a bracket base, bracket/bolt junction member, and bolt from FIG. 18 with a nut installed in a second step of the manner in which the mounting system of FIG. 14 attaches the sink lighting assembly to the countertop in a flush-mount configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a cutaway side view showing the lighting element, countertop, and one wall of the sink of FIG. 12 and a bracket base, bracket/bolt junction member from FIG. 18 with a second bolt in a third step of the manner in which the mounting system of FIG. 14 attaches the sink lighting assembly to the countertop in a flush-mount configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a perspective underside sectional view of the sink lighting assembly of FIGS. 17-22 affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 24 is a first perspective top view of a sink lighting assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention installed within a countertop in an undermount sink configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a side bottom view showing a first step of the manner in which the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 24 is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a side bottom view showing a second step of the manner in which the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 24 is affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a side sectional view of a mounting system of the sink lighting assembly of FIG. 24 affixed to the countertop, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 28 is a side cutaway view of the lighting element and wall of the sink of FIG. 1 showing a lighting strip inside and covered by a protective layer of the lighting element, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 29 is a side cutaway view of the lighting element of FIG. 28 installed in an undermount configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 30 is a side view of the lighting element of FIG. 28 installed in an undermount configuration, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 31 is an elevational underside view showing a power source component of the sink lighting assembly attached to the lighting element, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 32 is an elevational side view of the power source component of FIG. 30 attached to the counter-top, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 33 is a prospective exploded view of the sink lighting assembly, according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 34 is flow chart showing an exemplary method of installing a sink lighting assembly according to an example embodiment;
FIG. 35 is an elevational side cutaway view of a prior-art undermount sink with a sink-wall permitter that is smaller than the perimeter of the opening in the countertop;
FIG. 36 is an elevational side cutaway view of a prior-art undermount sink with a sink-wall permitter that is larger than or equal to the permitter of the opening in the countertop;
FIG. 37 is an elevational side cutaway view of a prior-art top-mount sink;
FIG. 38 is an elevational side cutaway view of a flush-mount installation with a fixed flange around the outer walls of the sink;
FIG. 39 is an elevational partial cutaway view of a top-mount sink lighting assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 40 is an elevational partial cutaway view of an undermount light emitting assembly installation according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 41 is an elevational partial cutaway view of a flush mount installation of a light emitting assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 42 is a partial elevational downward-looking view of the sink with a lighting installation supporting two accessories that slide along an upper edge of the lighting assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a support frame installed under a countertop and bolt members extending therefrom.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides novel and efficient sink installation and lighting hardware assemblies and methods of installation, the assemblies and methods being configured to light a sink interior while simultaneously ensuring secure installation of the sink in multiple positions relative to a countertop. The lighting assembly advantageously prevents debris and other applicable undesirable particles from getting caught in corners and edges where the sink meets with one or more planar surfaces of the countertop in which the sink is installed. The sink mounting and lighting assemblies are configured to support a top-mount sink configuration in which the sink fits easily into a cut-out in the applicable planar surface allowing lips of the sink to overlap the cut-out, an under-mount sink configuration in which the sink is installed below the applicable planar surface, a flush-mount sink configuration in which the sink is secured to the underside of the applicable planar surface via a recessed lip, or a dual-mount sink configuration in which the sink may be installed in the planar surface as a drop-in or an under-mount. Furthermore, the present invention not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the applicable sink configuration, but also allows versatility to the configuration of the sink based on the preferences of the homeowner. Embodiments of the invention provide a sink mounting assembly including a plurality of walls, a plurality of mounting frames members, each one associated with one of the plurality of walls, a plurality of brackets, and a plurality of retaining and/or affixing mechanisms associated with the plurality of brackets in which the aforementioned components of the sink mounting assembly cooperate to allow for the sink lighting assembly to be installed in any of the aforementioned sink configurations, subject to the particulars of the associated planar countertop surface. Therefore, the sink mounting and lighting assemblies described herein provide improvements to not only the aesthetics of sink configurations, but, in some embodiments, also provides lighting of continuous surfaces allowing debris and other applicable particles to seamlessly be collected in the sink as opposed to getting caught in corners and edges.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, a sink lighting assembly 101 is depicted, according to an exemplary embodiment. The figures provided in this disclosure show several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. FIG. 1 depicts a sink 100 attached to a countertop 104. The sink 100 has a plurality of walls 106a-106n, where n represents any number larger than one. Some sinks, however are circular and can be considered as having one continuous wall rather than multiple planar walls. The present invention is suitable for applications where the sink has only one wall. As shown in FIG. 1, at the top of the plurality of sink walls 106a-n is a sink lighting assembly 101 that includes a plurality of sink lighting assembly members 102a-n, were each sink lighting assembly member 102a-n is shown corresponding to one of the plurality of sink walls 106a-n. The planar countertop 104 can be any material, such as marble, granite, or any other natural materials, and can also include manufactured materials. The planar countertop 104 has an opening that receives and supports the sink 100.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a portion of a first sink installation assembly 1001 (shown in FIG. 6) is shown. In this figure, the sink 100 is shown without the countertop 104. A plurality of bracket bases 202a-n are shown coupled to the exterior surfaces of the sink walls 106a-n. The first sink installation assembly 1001 can include any number of brackets 202 but, preferably, each sink wall 106a-n has at least one bracket.
FIG. 3 shows the sink 100 with brackets 202a-n located above an opening 302 in the countertop 104. In this step of the installation process, the sink 100 is to be lowered down into the opening 302. This installation method is called a “top-mount” installation because the dimensions of the upper portions of the sink wall 106 and/or the sink lighting assembly 102 are larger than the opening 302 in the countertop 104.
FIG. 4 shows a view of the underside 402 of the countertop 104. In this view, the lower portion of the sink 100 has been placed inside the opening 302 of the countertop 104. This view shows that the bracket bases 202a-n are positioned on the sink walls 106a-n of the sink 100 so that they are visible from below the countertop 104 when the sink 100 is fully positioned inside of the opening 302. The phrase “fully positioned” is intended to mean a position where the upper portions of the sink wall 106 and the sink lighting assembly 102 rest on and are fully supported by the upper surface 304 of the countertop 104. FIG. 4 also shows a plurality of bracket/bolt junction members 404a-n illustrated as being spaced away and separate from the bracket bases 202a-n. Each bracket/bolt junction member 404 corresponds to and slidably engages with one of the brackets 202.
FIG. 5 also shows the underside of the sink 100 installed in the countertop 104. This view shows a plurality of attachment bolts 502a-n that correspond to the plurality of bracket/bolt junction members 404a-n. In one embodiment, each of the bracket/bolt junction members 404a-n are provided with a non-illustrated threaded thru-hole that receives corresponding threads of the attachment bolts 502a-n in a conventional bolt/thread manner. The threads and threaded thru-holes allow the attachment bolts 502a-n to securely attach to the bracket/bolt junction members 404a-n and apply pressure to bottom surface of the countertop 104.
Turning now to FIG. 6, a perspective under-sink view of a portion of the complete sink installation assembly 1001 is shown in an upward-looking perspective cutaway view. In this view, the underside 402 of the countertop 104 is depicted and it can be seen that the bracket/bolt junction member 404 is provided with a set of shoulders 604 that slidably engage with channels 606 in the bracket 202. This mechanical engagement secures the bracket/bolt junction member 404 to the bracket 202 in four dimensions. In two dimensions, the bracket/bolt junction member 404 can slide out of the channels 606 and away from the bracket 202. Once the bracket/bolt junction member 404 is engaged with the bracket 202 and the sink 100 is in the opening 302 in the countertop 104 and the sink upper lip portion 704 is properly seated against the top surface 304 of the countertop 104, the attachment bolt 502 is inserted through the bracket/bolt junction member 404 at threaded location 608 in the planar bracket wall 602 in order to place pressure against the underside 402 of the countertop 104. With this configuration, the bolt 502 and bracket/bolt junction member 404 secures the sink 100 to the countertop 104 in a secure manner that prevents the sink 100 from moving with reference to the countertop 104. FIG. 6 also shows a side cutaway view of the sink lighting assembly 101 located at an upper lip portion 704 of the sink wall 106.
FIG. 7 shows a cutaway elevational view of the sink lighting assembly 101 coupled to an upper lip portion 704 of the sink wall 106. The sink lighting assembly 101 includes a first horizontal wall 706 that is coupled to the sink wall 106 and a second wall 708 that is substantially perpendicular to the first wall 706 and is coupled to the upper lip portion 704 of the sink wall 106. A third wall 710 is coupled to the first wall 706 and the second wall 708 at an angle that is approximately 45°. The present invention is not limited to any particular angle of the third wall 710 with reference to the first wall 706 and second wall 708. In a preferable embodiment, the third wall 710 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first wall 706 or the second wall 708. Finally, a fourth wall 714 is coupled to the second wall 708 and the third wall 710. The first wall 706 and third wall 710 create an area 712 that is located between a lower portion 716, i.e., lower half, of the third wall 710 and the first wall 706. As will be explained herein and shown in additional figures, the area 712 houses a novel lighting element that illuminates the interior portion of the sink 100.
FIG. 8 is a cutaway elevational side view of the structure of FIG. 7 resting against the countertop 104 in an above-mount configuration. In this configuration, the upper lip portion 704 of the sink wall 106 rests on top of the countertop 104. In addition, the second wall 708, fourth wall 714, and approximately half of the third wall 710 extend above the surface of the countertop 104. FIG. 8 also shows the location of the bracket 202 on the sink wall 106. More specifically, the majority of the bracket 202 is located below the countertop 104 and is accessible for receiving the bracket/bolt junction member 404 (not shown in this figure).
FIG. 9 is an elevational side cutaway view of the structure of FIGS. 7 and 8, but with the bracket/bolt junction member 404 engaged within the bracket 202. FIG. 10 shows that bolt member 502 passes through the bracket/bolt junction member 404 and applies pressure to an underside surface of the countertop 104. The tension of the bolt 502 maintains a constant contact between the upper lip portion 704 of the sink wall 106 and the upper surface of the countertop 104. This prevents movement of the sink 100 once it is installed within the countertop 104.
In a final step, as shown in FIG. 11, a sealant 1102 is placed between the countertop and the upper wall lip 704 of the sink wall 106. Additionally, the sealant 1102 is also placed between an upper portion of the sink wall 106 and the opening in the countertop 104. The sealant prevents intrusion of water and other materials into the sink/countertop junction. The sealant 1102 can be silicone, caulk, grout, or any other material that is capable of preventing water intrusion.
FIG. 12 is a perspective downward-looking view of a sink 1200 installed into a countertop 1204 in a flush-mount configuration. This mounting configuration varies from that shown in FIG. 1 in that there is no portion of the sink in a flush-mount configuration that rests on the upper surface of the countertop 1204. The sink 1200 includes a plurality of sink walls 1206a-n and a sink lighting assembly 1201 that includes a plurality of sink lighting assembly members 1202a-n, each corresponding to one of the sink walls 1206a-n. The term “flush-mount,” as used herein, is intended to indicate an installation configuration where the uppermost portion of the sink 1200 does not extend beyond the upper surface of the countertop 1204 in an appreciable way, i.e., it appears to the naked eye that the upper edge of the sink is flush with the countertop. In accordance with the present invention, the sink lighting assembly 1202 is attached to an upper portion of the sink walls 1206 and is the uppermost portion of the sink 1200 in FIG. 12.
Referring now to FIG. 13, an underside 1306 of the countertop 1204 is depicted in a perspective upward-looking view. In this view, a frame 1300 that includes a plurality of frame members 1302a-n (“a” indicating 1 and “n” indicating any number greater than 1) is shown aligned with an opening 1304 in the countertop 1204. The frame 1300 is dimensioned so as to be larger than the opening 1304. The frame 1300 is intended to be mechanically coupled to the underside 1306 of the countertop 1204. The coupling can be with bolts, adhesive, or any other way to fixedly couple one mechanical element to another. The term “members” when used herein in connection with the frame 1300 does not require separate pieces. Instead, the frame 1300 can be one continuous frame and, in that case, the frame members 1302a-n would refer to and be used to reference sides of the continuous frame 1300.
FIG. 14 shows a partial underside view of the frame 1300, which is now coupled to the underside 1306 of the countertop 1204. Each frame member 1302 is provided with an opening 1402 that is sized and dimensioned to receive a head 1408 of the bolt 1404. Each bolt 1404 is provided with a set of threads 1406. Once the head 1408 of the bolt 1404 is inserted within the opening 1402 of the frame member 1302a-n, the bolt 1404 is able to slide therein. This slidable ability of the bolt 1404 advantageously allows for adjustment and alignment of the bolts 1404 with the bracket assemblies of the sinks.
FIG. 15 is an upward-looking perspective view of the underside 1306 of the countertop 1204 showing the frame 1300 attached to the underside 1306 of the countertop 1204. In this view, a plurality of bolts 1404a-n have been inserted and received within the opening 1402 of the frame members 1302a-n of the frame 1300. The bolts 1404a-n are preferably aligned with the location of the brackets that are attached to the outside of the sink (not shown in this view) that will be coupled to the frame 1300.
FIG. 16 shows an underside of sink 1200 with a plurality of brackets 1602a-n and corresponding bracket/bolt members 1604a-n, similar to that depicted in FIG. 4. FIG. 17 illustrates a preferred alignment between each of the bolts 1404a-n and bracket/bolt members 1604a-n. In FIG. 18, a plurality of nuts 1802a-n are shown aligned with the plurality of bolts 1404a-n. The combination of the nuts 1802a-n and bolts 1404a-n allow for the sink 1200 to be moved in an upward direction, that is, tightening the nuts 1802a-n on the bolts 1404a-n applies upward pressure to the entire sink assembly and moves it in an upward direction with respect to the countertop 1204.
FIG. 19 shows a plurality of bolts 1902a-n that are analogous to the bolts 502a-n shown in FIG. 5. The bolts 1902a-n apply pressure to the sink 1200 in the opposite direction as do bolts 1404 and nuts 1802. That is, the bolts 1902, when tightened, apply pressure to the sink assembly in a downward direction, i.e., away from the countertop 1204.
FIG. 20 provides an elevational cutaway view of the sink mounting assembly 2001 installed in a countertop 1204 in a flush-mount configuration. The sink mounting assembly 2001 includes the frame 1300, the bracket 1602, the bracket/bolt junction 1604, the bolt 1404, and a second bolt 2202 (shown only in FIG. 22). Here, the uppermost portion of the lighting assembly 1201 is even with an upper surface 2003 of the countertop 1204. The lighting assembly 1201 includes a first wall 2002, a second wall 2004, and a third wall 2006. Like the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the first wall 2002 is parallel to and coupled to the sink wall 1206. The second wall 2004 is parallel to and coupled to an upper lip 2010 of the sink wall 1206. The first wall 2002 and the second wall 2004 are substantially perpendicular to one another. A third wall 2006 is coupled to the first wall 2002 and the second wall 2004 at an angle that is neither perpendicular nor parallel to the first wall 2002 and second wall 2004. A lower portion 2012 of the third wall 2006 and the first wall 2002 create an area 2008 that holds a light emitting element (LED) (not shown in this view).
FIG. 21 provides an elevational cutaway view of the sink mounting assembly 2001 and countertop 1204 and shows bolt 1404 passing through the bracket/bolt junction member 1604. Nut 2102 is coupled to the bolt 1404 and, by pressing against the bracket/bolt member 1604, applies upward pressure to the sink assembly.
FIG. 22 is an elevational cutaway view of the sink mounting assembly 2001 shown in FIG. 21, but shows an offsetting bolt 2202 threadingly coupled to the bracket/bolt member 1604 at a coupling point 2208. Threads 2204 mate with corresponding threads within the bracket/bolt member 1604 at the coupling point 2208. By turning head 2206 of offsetting bolt 2202, pressure is applied against the frame 1300, which is attached to a bottom surface of the countertop 1204. The combination of the upward pressure provided by the bolt 1404 and the downward pressure of the bolt 2202 locks the sink assembly into a fixed position that resists forces, whether upward or downward, and maintains the sink in a fixed and secure position with reference to the countertop 1204. These offsetting bolts are show in FIG. 23, which is an upward-looking cutaway view of the underside of the countertop 1204 and shows both bolt 1404 and offsetting bolt 2202. The lighting assembly 1202 is shown secured and flush with the countertop 1204.
FIG. 24 is a downward-looking perspective view of a third mounting configuration of the present invention. This mounting configuration is referred to herein as “undermount.” This embodiment includes a sink 2400 with a light-emitting assembly 2401 attached at an upper end thereof. The light-emitting assembly 2401 includes a plurality of light-emitting assembly members 2402a-n. The sink 2400 includes a plurality of sink walls 2406a-n. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of light-emitting assembly members 2402a-n corresponds to one of the plurality of sink walls 2406a-n. The sink 2400 and light-emitting assembly 2401 are visible through an opening 2403 in the countertop 2404.
FIG. 25 shows a partial view of the sink 2400 of FIG. 24. In this view, a first wall 2406a and the second wall 2406b can be seen meeting each other at a corner 2500. The bracket 2502 is attached to sink wall 2406a. A bracket/bolt junction member 2504 is illustrated in an adjacent position to the bracket 2502. The bracket/bolt junction member 2504 has a pair of feet 2506 that correspond to and slidably engage with channels within the bracket 2502. The bracket/bolt junction member 2504 includes a through hole 2508 and a threaded hole 2510. The through hole 2508 is for a bolt that applies upward pressure to the bracket/bolt junction member 2504, as described in connection with FIG. 23. The threaded hole 2510 is for a bolt that applies downward pressure to the bracket/bolt junction member 2504, as described in connection with FIG. 23.
FIG. 26 is similar to FIG. 19 and shows an alignment between brackets 2502, bracket/bolt junction members 2504, bolts 2606, a frame member 2604, and a plurality of nuts 2602.
FIG. 27 is an upward-looking view of the bottom surface 2702 of the countertop 2404. FIG. 27 illustrates the fact that the uppermost point 2704 of the light-emitting assembly 2401 touches the bottom surface 2702 of the countertop 2404 in this under mount configuration.
FIG. 28 provides an elevational side view of a light-emitting assembly 2401, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The light-emitting assembly 2401 includes a first wall 2804, a second wall 2806, and a third wall 2808. In this view, a light element 2814 is shown disposed within an area 2816 that is created by a lower portion 2810 of the third wall 2808 and the first wall 2804. The light element 2814, in one embodiment, is a linear strip light emitting diode array that provides substantially consistent illumination along a linear dimension. Because the present invention is a sink that is constantly exposed to water and contaminants, in one embodiment of the present invention, a protective element 2812 is disposed between the lower portion 2810 of the third wall 2808 and the first wall 2804 of the light-emitting assembly 2401 and seals the light element 2814 from the environment. The protective element 2812 can be any material that provides a waterproof barrier and should be one that allows light to pass from one side of the material to the other.
FIGS. 29 and 30 provide elevational partial cutaway views of the sink 2400 and lighting assembly 2401 mounted under the countertop 2404 in an undermount configuration. In these views, it can be seen that the uppermost portion of the light-emitting assembly 2401 remains below the lower surface 2702 of the countertop 2404. In this embodiment, the dimensions of the frame 2604 are larger than the opening 2403 in the countertop 2404.
FIG. 31 shows a perspective upward-looking exploded partial view of an outside surface of the light-emitting assembly 2401. The view shows two of the sink walls 2406a and 2406b with corresponding sink lips 2802a and 2802b. The lips 2802a and 2802b define an opening 3106 between them. The present invention provides a corner element 3104 that fits within the opening 3106 and secures a power cord 3102 of the light-emitting assembly 2402. The power cord 3102 provides power to the light element 2814 shown in FIG. 28, and runs to the nearest power source. The assembled configuration is shown in FIG. 32, where the light-emitting assembly 2401 is attached to a countertop 2404 and the power cord 3102 runs through the corner element 3104 and under the countertop 2404.
FIG. 33 shows an exploded view of the light-emitting assembly 2402. The assembly includes a frame structure 3302 that defines the area 2816 inside the frame structure 3302 and around its perimeter. Next to the frame structure 3302 is the lighting element 2814, which is depicted as a rectangular arrangement of linear LED arrays. When installed, the lighting element 2814 will create a continuous line of light around the interior of the sink. Finally, the protective element 2812, which serves as a sealing layer, is shown in FIG. 33 as a rectangular structure that corresponds to the rectangular dimensions of the frame structure 3302 and lighting element 2814.
FIG. 34 provides a flow chart that shows a series of steps to install the sink 100, 1200, 2400 and sink lighting assembly 101, 1201, 2401 with a sink installation assembly 1001, 2001, 2401 in conformance with embodiments of the present invention. The process begins at step 3402 where a sink lighting assembly 101, 1201, 2401 is coupled to an upper portion of a sink 100, 1200, 2400. Next, in step 3404, a support frame 1300, 2604 is coupled to and underside of the countertop. Note, step 3404 is not required in a top-mount installation method. In step 3406, at least one bracket base 202, 1602, 2502 is coupled to an outer surface of at least one of the sink walls 106, 1206, 2406. In step 3408, at least one bracket/bolt junction member 404, 1604, 2504 is slidably engaged with the at least one bracket base 202, 1602, 2502. In step 3410, at least one bolt member 502, 1406, 2606 is coupled to the support frame 1300, 2604 by inserting one end of each bolt member 502, 1406, 2606 into an opening in the support frame and positioning the bolt until it aligns with at least one of the bracket/bolt junction members 404, 1604, 2504. 2400
Note, step 3410 is not required in a top-mount installation method. In step 3412, the sink 1200, 2400 is brought into mechanical communication with the support frame by placing a nut on each of the at least one bolt members 502, 1406, 2606. In step 3414, for a flush-mount configuration, at least one downward force bolt 2202 is attached to each of the at least one bracket/bolt junction members 1604 and tightened until the sink lighting assembly 101, 1201, 2401 is secured to the countertop in a manner that resists both upward and downward forces on the sink and sink lighting assembly. The process ends at step 3416.
The present invention can be enhanced with accessories that provide added functionality to all embodiments of the light-up sink assembly previously described. The accessories can include a cutting board, a knife holder, a dish strainer, a shredder, and many more, that cover the sink lighting assembly 101, 1201, 2401 or fit within the assembly in a secure manner. FIGS. 39-41 illustrate exemplary components that facilitate these accessories. FIG. 39 shows an elevational partial cutaway view of a sink lighting assembly 3901. In the installation configuration shown in FIG. 39, the sink lighting assembly 3901 is coupled to a sink 2400 and mounted on top of the countertop 2404 in a top-mount configuration. Here, the sink lighting assembly 3901 differs from the previously illustrated lighting assemblies in a few notable ways. First, the assembly 3901 has an area 3903 that is holds the light emitting element 3904, e.g., LED strip. This area 3903 is more rectangular that the previously illustrated area 2008 and allows the light emitting element 3904 to sit flush and emit light in a downward direction. Second, the angled front/inner wall 3906 has two steps (horizontal portions), 3908 and 3910. These steps, 3908 and 3910 are separated by a non-horizontal portion 3909 and provide a support surface upon which portions of the accessories can securely sit. These will be shown in FIGS. 40 and 41.
The sink lighting assembly shown in FIG. 39 has an outer wall that includes a first vertical portion 3902, a second vertical portion 3914, and a horizontal portion 3905 coupled between the first 3902 and second 3914 vertical portions. An inner wall has a first end 3916 and an opposing second end 3917. The first end 3916 of the inner wall is coupled to the first vertical portion 3902 of the outer wall. The inner wall 3907 spans from the first vertical portion 3902 towards and past the second vertical portion 3914 of the outer wall. A lighting element 3904 is disposed in an area 3903 located between the second end 3917 of the inner wall and the second vertical portion 3904 of the outer wall.
Referring still to FIG. 39, a cover 3912 is shown resting on the countertop 2404 and also spanning above and covering the illustrated portion of the sink lighting assembly 3901. The cover 3912 spans the entire sink covers the entire light emitting assembly 3901. The cover 3912 can provide numerous features and accessories. For example, it can include a series of slits that can accept the cutting ends of knives and serve as a knife rack. Another embodiment of a cover is shown in FIG. 40. This embodiment includes two sliding panels 4012 and 4014. Each panel 4012, 4014 can feature, for example, a cutting board that would facilitate the cutting of food items above the sink. Conveniently, once the food items are cut, the cover 3912 can be moved, e.g., by opening it in the center by sliding two halves 4012, 4014 away from each other, and the debris from the cut food can be easily dropped into the sink and disposed of. In another embodiment, the cover panels 4012, 4014 can have perforations and serve as a dish drying rack. Conveniently, the cover 4012, 4014 can be made into halves so that either half can be slid to the side in order to grant access to the sink. In the embodiment where the cover 4012 is a rack for drying dishes, the dishes can continue to dry even when the cover half is pushed over the countertop 2404. Of course, when the cover 4012 is over the sink, the water from the drying dishes conveniently falls into the sink.
FIG. 40 provides an elevational partial cutaway view of an undermount light emitting assembly installation 3901. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the emitting assembly 3901 makes contact with a bottom surface of the countertop 2404. The assembly 3901 features the two steps 3908 and 3910 shown in FIG. 39. In this view, two accessory elements 4012 and 4014 can be seen seated in steps 3908 and 3910, respectively. The elements 4012 and 4014 can span the entire opening of the sink or can be smaller than the entire opening of the sink. The elements 4012 and 4014 can be used jointly or separately, depending on the preference of the user. For example, element 4012 could be a cutting board and element 4014 could be a drying rack for dishes. If each of the elements has a bit less than half of the entire sink with, there could still be an opening between them that would allow the user to place liquids and foods into the sink to dispose of them. The elements 4012 and 4014 can also be removed as needed by the user. Advantageously, the steps 3908 and 3910 allow the elements to seek firmly and securely and to slide as desired by the user.
FIG. 41 provides an elevational partial cutaway view of a flush mount installation of the light emitting assembly 3901. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the light-emitting assembly 3901 is substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the countertop 2404. The accessory element 4012 is seen seated in the upper seat 3908, similar to what was shown in FIG. 40.
FIG. 42 shows a partial perspective downward-looking view at the top of a sink frame 4202 that is built with an approximately 45-degree angle from its upper edge 4201 down to a step 4203 that is approximately horizontal and parallel to the countertop. In the step 4203 rides an accessory 4204, which, in this illustrated example, is a strainer 4210. Strainer 4210 can be, for example for drying washed lettuce of other vegetables. The accessory 4204 can slide back and forth along the step 4203 to allow a user to gain access to any part of the sink or to simply align the strainer 4210 with any desired part of the sink 4200. A second accessory 4208 can also be supported by and ride within the frame 4202. The second accessory can ride within a second step (not shown) or ride along the angled portion of the frame, as illustrated. If the base 4012 of the second accessory 4206 is larger than the base 4014 of the first accessory 4204, the second accessory can pass above the first accessory 4204 so that the two can align with one another or they can change locations along the frame 4202.
FIG. 43 illustrates an additional use of support frame 1300. When desired, a user can install an additional set of bolt members 502 into the channel of the support frame 1300. One such bolt member 502 is shown in FIG. 43 with its head locked into the channel of the support frame 1300 and its threaded end extending downwardly away from the countertop 2404. The threaded ends of the bolt members 502 provide numerous additional utilities for the user. For example, a user can hang a shelf underneath the sink using the threaded ends of the bolt members and a set of nuts, not illustrated, to secure the shelf to the bolt members 502. The bolt members 502 can be provided in any length desired by the user or the application.
The claims appended hereto are meant to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Patent Grant
11795674
