Sink With Integrated Support Surface

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to vessels for holding liquids. In one example, the liquid vessel is useful as a sink for commercial, residential, recreational, or transportation applications.

BACKGROUND

Vessels for holding liquids, for example water, come in all shapes and sizes and have many applications. Common liquid or water vessels may include commercial and residential sinks, for example in kitchens for meal preparation or in washrooms. Sinks or wash basins may also be used for commercial and residential activities, for example restaurant bar service and for utility rooms for washing larger articles, for example clothing or pets. Recreational applications include camping and use in recreational vehicles (RV's). Transportation applications include sinks for airplanes, trains, buses, and maritime vessels.

Hard or rigid vessels and sinks are often bulky and serve a limited purpose, for example containing water during meal preparation or dish washing. Common sinks are often deep-drawn and have large radiused corners at the bottom surface and one or more drain openings which allow only a minimal flat bottom surface to work or support objects. Depending on the activity for which the sink is used, other items may be supported or collected by the minimal flat surface, for example scrap cut vegetables, which may not provide a clean working surface for further food preparation.

These disadvantages become more acute when the vessel or sink is used in small spaces, for example very small living spaces such as microapartments or microflats, or transportation vehicles such as airplane washrooms, and recreational vehicles (RVs), and boats. These space-limited applications typically provide little or no countertop space or other surfaces to prepare meals, place articles upon, or other activities described above.

There is a need for liquid vessels, for example sinks, to provide the function of liquid containment that also include an integrated, easily accessible, and easy to use support or working surface for the preparation of meals or other common activities.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a liquid vessel with an integrated support surface. In one application, the liquid vessel is a sink with an integrated support surface. In one example, the liquid vessel is useful in the form of a sink for commercial, residential, recreational, or transportation applications.

The liquid vessel, for example in the form of a sink or basin, is rigidly mounted in a countertop, for example a kitchen or commercial restaurant or meal preparation. In other applications, the sink may be self-standing (e.g., having little or no countertop), for example a washroom or utility room. In one example, the liquid vessel includes a bottom, sidewalls, and a backwall. A support wall is integrated and connected to the bottom and engaged with the sidewalls. The support wall is rotatable relative to the bottom and the sidewalls having a first position wherein the support wall is sealingly engaged with the sidewalls forming a liquid containment volume and a second position wherein the support wall is radially distant from the sidewalls forming a support surface. In one example, the vessel includes a front wall and the support wall axis of rotation is positioned at the top of the front wall thereby elevating the support wall axis of rotation vertically above the bottom. A seal is connected to at least one of the bottom, the sidewalls, or the support surface to prevent liquid from escaping the liquid containment volume when the support wall is positioned in the first position.

In one example, the vessel includes a retainer connected to the support wall and at least one of the sidewalls. The retainer is also connected to the support wall and is operable to position and securely support the support wall in a substantially horizontal orientation forming the support surface.

In another example, the vessel includes a latch which secures or removably locks the support wall in the first position.

In another example, a utility panel is connected to an inside surface of the support wall. When the support wall is positioned in the second position, the utility panel serves as the support surface. In one example, the utility panel is a cutting board useful for meal preparation.

These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid vessel in the form of a sink shown with the support wall in the first or closed position.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an alternate example of FIG. 1 shown with the support wall in the second or open position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate example of FIG. 1 shown with the support wall in the second position.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate example of FIG. 2 shown with the support wall in the second position.

FIG. 7 is top view of FIG. 6 shown with an example latch in a latched position.

FIG. 8 is an alternate perspective view of FIG. 6 shown with the support wall in the first position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate example of FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-11 examples of a liquid vessel with an integrated support surface 10 are shown and described below. In one example, the liquid vessel is a sink with an integrated support surface. In the exemplary form of a sink (vessel, sink, basin collectively referred to as a sink for ease of explanation only), the invention is useful for a wide range of applications in commercial, residential, recreational, or transportation environments.

By way of example only, the sink 10 is useful in commercial applications where a sink and an auxiliary support surface is needed. Examples include restaurants, bars, kitchens, and professional and medical offices. Residential applications include kitchens and utility rooms, for example laundry rooms. Recreational examples include recreational vehicles (RV's), boats, and camping equipment. Transportation examples include airplanes, buses, maritime ships and trains. The sink 10 is useful in washrooms or facilities for all of the areas and devices described above. It is understood that sink 10 may be useful in other applications where there is a need for a device suitable for liquid containment and an auxiliary or additional support or work surface.

In the various examples of sink 10 shown in the figures, like numerals are used for the same or substantially similar components shown throughout the views.

Referring to FIG. 1 an example of sink 10 is shown. The sink 10 includes a bottom 12. In one example in the form of a sink, the bottom includes a through drain opening 14 (only one drain opening 14 shown in phantom line). In alternate examples, for example where sink 10 includes two separate liquid containment volumes (discussed below), more than one drain opening 14 may be used. In applications of the inventive liquid vessel that is not in the form of a sink, it is understood that the liquid vessel may not include a drain opening 14.

In the FIG. 1 example illustrated, sink 10 further includes sidewalls 16 connected to the bottom 12. As shown, sidewalls 16 are positioned in an opposing manner relative to the bottom 12. Sink 10 further includes a backwall 18 connected to the bottom 12 and sidewalls 16, and a support wall 20 (also shown in a lowered or second position shown in phantom line and described further below). Although described as separate or distinct walls or components connected together, it is understood that the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, and the backwall 18 may be a single, integrated piece, for example drawn or formed as a single piece from a single or multiple pieces connected together before forming. In an alternate example described below and shown in FIG. 10, sink 10 may further include a front wall connected to the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16, and the support wall 20 as further described below.

In one example in an application as a kitchen sink 10, the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16, the back wall 18, and the support wall 20 are made from stainless steel. In an alternate example, the support wall 20 may be made from a different material than stainless steel (or a different material than the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, and the backwall 18 if different from stainless steel). In an alternate example, any of the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, backwall 18, and the support wall 20 each may be made from different materials than the other of the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16, the backwall 18, and the support wall 20. It is understood that the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16, the backwall 20, and/or the support wall 20 may be made from material other than stainless steel. For example, alternate materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, coated steel, porcelain, or other materials may be used to suit the particular application or environment.

Still referring to the FIG. 1 example, the support wall 20 includes an outside surface 24 and an inside surface 26 (see FIG. 2). As generally shown and described further below, the support wall 20 is operable to selectively rotate about an axis of rotation 30 relative to the bottom 12 and sidewalls 16 by a hinge 34 to form a support surface 36 (generally shown in phantom line in FIG. 1) that is integrated with the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, and backwall 18 when in a second or lowered position (discussed further below). That is, the support wall 20 when assembled with the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, and back wall 18 is part of and forms a functional liquid vessel or sink 10. The support surface 36 can be any portion or all of the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20.

In the examples illustrated in the figures, hinge 34 is positioned on the outside or exterior of the bottom 12 and support wall 20. It is understood that the hinge 34 may be positioned on the inside of the bottom 12 and the inside surface 26 of support wall 20. In another example (not shown), hinge (or hinges if more than one hinge) 34, or a retainer described below, may alternately be connected to each of the sidewalls 16 and the support wall 20 to provide the rotation of the support wall 20 about the axis of rotation 30 (or other axis of rotation of the support wall 20 relative to the bottom 12 and sidewalls 16).

In one example of hinge 34, hinge 34 is configured to be a piano-style or continuous hinge (e.g., a single, long hinge that extends along the entire length, or a substantial portion of, the bottom of the support wall 20). In one example, the hinge 34 is configured to only allow rotation of the support wall 20 between the first position and the second position (i.e., 90 degrees). Other hinge configurations where the hinge 34 is configured to allow rotation of the support wall 20 at an angle greater than 90 degrees may be used to suit the particular application. It is understood that alternate styles or forms of hinges, including multiple separate hinges 34, may be used. In one example (not shown) two separate hinges 34 may be used along the bottom of the support wall 20. Other forms of hinges 34 may be used, for example butt hinges, barrel hinges, concealed hinges, knuckle hinges, overlay hinges, scissor hinges (attached to the sidewalls 16 for example), or other hinges or suitable hardware which allow rotation of the support wall 20 relative to the bottom 12 and sidewalls 16. As noted, for some forms of hinges or retainers (discussed below) the hinges 34 may be connected to the sidewalls 16 and the support wall 20.

A seal 38 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) is used to is used to create a liquid or water-tight seal between the bottom 12, the support wall 20 and at least one of the bottom 12 or the sidewalls 16 to define a liquid containment volume 40, for example when there is no drain opening 14, or when the drain opening 14 is plugged or stopped to prevent the flow of liquid therethrough.

Referring to the FIG. 2 example, an alternate sink 10A is shown. Sink 10A is positioned or mounted in an opening in a rigid surface 41, for example a kitchen or workspace countertop, and an enclosure 42, for example kitchen cabinets (both shown in phantom line). Other rigid surfaces 41 and/or enclosures 42 may be used. It is understood that sink 10A may not be used with a rigid surface 41 and/or an enclosure 42, for example in an application where the sink 10A is a free-standing device. In alternate examples, the sink 10A may be supported by one or more vertical pedestals, or mounted to a wall. In another example, for example where sink 10A does not include a drain opening 14 and is used as a self-contained basin or container, sink 10A may simply be placed on top of a support device or surface for use (for example used as a portable sink for camping).

The sink 10A includes the bottom 12, the drain opening 14, the sidewalls 16, the back wall 18, and the hinge 34 as generally described above for FIG. 1. A flange 43 extends angularly outwardly from a front edge 44 of each sidewall 16. Reinforcement ribs or structures (not shown) may be used between the sidewalls 16 and the respective flanges 43 to prevent displacement of the flanges 43 relative to the sidewalls 16 when force is applied to the flanges 43. The sink 10A includes an alternate support wall 20A that extends further than as shown in FIG. 1 to the outer edges of the flanges 43. In one example, the flanges 43 are positioned at an angle 46 relative to the respective sidewall 16. In one example, angle 46 is 90 degrees. In an alternate example, angle 46 is greater than 90 degrees, for example, to account for anticipated elastic deformation of the flanges 43 due to force applied by the support wall 20 and seal 38 when the support wall 20A is in the first position. In an alternate example (not shown), the flanges 43 may extend inward (i.e, extending toward the opposing sidewall 16) at the angle 46 as described above. It is further understood that sink 10A may not include flanges 43 as generally shown in the FIG. 1 example.

The sink 10A includes a retainer 50 (two shown) operable to position and/or support the support wall 20A between a first position (i.e., closed position shown in solid line FIG. 1) and a second position (i.e., open position shown in FIG. 2). In the FIG. 2 example, each retainer 50 includes a first link 54 pivotally connected to the respective sidewall 16 at a first end. The retainer 50 further includes a second link 58 pivotally connected to the support wall 20A at a first end. In one example, the support wall 20A includes a mounting bracket 60 connected to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20A. The mounting bracket 60 pivotally connects to the first end of the second link 58. The FIG. 2 retainer 50 further includes a pin 62 pivotally connecting the second end of the first link 54 and the second end of the second link 58 together allowing the first link 48 and the second link 50 to rotate about pin 62 relative to one another in a scissors-like manner to allow the support wall 20 to move between the first position (FIG. 1) and the second position (FIG. 2). In one example, on movement of the support wall 20A from the second position to the first position, the second end of the first link 54, the second end of the second link 58, and the pin 62 translate or rotate downward and inward toward the liquid containment volume 40.

In the FIG. 2 example, the first link 54, the second link 58, and the pin 62 are sized, positioned, and oriented, so that the support wall 20A can rotate about the axis of rotation 30 between the first position and the second position. In the example wherein the support wall 20A is moved from the first position to the second position, the support wall 20A and the support surface 36 are increasingly radially distant from the sidewalls 16 about the axis of rotation 30. At the second position, the retainer 50, and/or the hinge 34, position and securely support the supporting wall 20A in the second position at an angle 64 relative to the front edge 42 of the sidewalls 16. In one example, the angle 64 is 90 degrees positioning the support wall 20A and the support surface 36 in a substantially horizontal orientation. Alternate angles 64, including a 90 degree angle, or alternate angles 64 larger or smaller than 90 degrees, may be used to suit the particular application.

In an alternate example (not shown) retainer 50 may include a device (not shown) to selectively change or set the angle 64, and secure the support wall 20A and the support surface 36 at the chosen angle 64 or orientation. In an alternate example (not shown), the first link 54 and the second link 58 may be positioned and connected to the outside or exterior surface of the sidewalls 16 so the retainer 50 is connected, packaged, moves and functions outside of the liquid containment volume 40. Although two retainers 50 are illustrated, it is understood that a single retainer 50 may be used which is connected to at least one of the sidewalls 16. In an alternate example (not shown), no retainer 50 is used. In this example, the hinge 34 is constructed or configured to not allow the support wall 50 to rotate about the axis of rotation 30 at an angle 64 more than 90 degrees (or an alternate angle 64 as described above).

In the FIGS. 2 and 3 example, one example of the seal 38 is shown. Example seal 38 includes a bottom seal 70, a support wall seal 76, and a sidewall seal 80 as generally shown. The bottom seal 70 is connected to the bottom 12 and positioned at or adjacent to a front edge 84 of the bottom 12 as generally shown. The bottom seal 70 is continuous along the front edge 84 of the bottom 12 and continues, or wraps around, to extend to a portion of the sidewalls 16 as generally shown. In one example (not shown) the bottom seal 70 extends along only the entire length of the front edge 84 of the bottom 12 between the sidewalls 16. The bottom seal 70 includes a height to prevent, or assist in preventing, the escape of liquid from the liquid containment volume 40 when the support wall 20 is in the first position. The bottom seal 70 may further be configured or useful in preventing the escape of a small amount of liquid from the liquid containment volume 40 when the support wall 20A is positioned in the second position. Alternate constructions or configurations of the bottom seal 70 may be used to suit the particular application.

The FIGS. 2 and 3 example support wall seal 76 is connected to the support wall 20 and positioned at or adjacent to a bottom edge 88 of the support wall 20A. The support wall seal 76 is continuous and extends along a length of the bottom edge 88 of the support wall 20A between the sidewalls 16. In one example (not shown), the support wall seal 76 may extend to the outer edges of the flanges 43. As best seen in the FIG. 3 example, the bottom seal 70 and the support wall seal 76 are configured to have cross-sections, or outer contours, to be complimentary to the other to form a liquid or water-tight seal or barrier when the support wall 20A is positioned in the first position to prevent, or assist in preventing, liquid from passing through or between the bottom seal 70 and support wall seal 76 from the liquid containment volume 40. Although a complimentary bottom seal 70 and a support wall seal 76 are shown, it is understood that only one of either the bottom seal 70 or the support wall seal 76 may be used to provide a water-tight barrier to suit the particular application.

Referring to the FIG. 2 example, the sidewall seal 80 is connected to each flange 43 as generally shown. The sidewall seal 80 is positioned and configured to abuttingly contact the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20A forming a liquid or water-tight seal or barrier to prevent, or assist in preventing, liquid from passing through or between the sidewall seal 80 from the liquid containment volume 40. In one example, the sidewall seal 80 is a closed, hollow, bulb-shaped or D-shaped seal configuration or cross-section. In another example, the sidewall seal 80 is a solid, bulb, D-shaped or semi-circle configuration or cross-section. In the sink 10A, the sidewall seal 80 extends from the bottom to below the upper end of the flange 43. It is understood that the length or the height of the sidewall seal 80 may extend to the top or upper edge of the flange 43. In alternate examples (not shown), the sidewall seal 80 may be of different lengths, longer or shorter, and be alternately positioned on the flange 43 than as illustrated.

In an alternate example (not shown), the sidewall seal 80 is alternately connected to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20A and abuttingly engages the respective flange 43 when the support wall 20A is positioned in the first position. In an alternate example (not shown) both the flanges 43 and the support wall 20A include a sidewall seal 80 that are complimentary to one another and abuttingly engage to form a liquid or water-tight seal or barrier as described.

The seal 38, in the FIGS. 2 and 3 example, may be made from any suitable material to either singly, or combined with another seal structure (e.g., a combination of the bottom seal 70 and the support wall seal 76), to provide a water-tight barrier between the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16 and the support wall 20A (and all variations of support wall 20 described herein), to prevent, or assist in preventing, liquid from escaping the liquid containment volume 40 when the support wall 20 is in the first position. One example material is a semi-rigid or flexible rubber that is semi-compressible when a force is applied, for example by the support wall 20A is positioned in the first position to form a water-tight seal. Other elastomers, foams, polymers, or other suitable materials may be used for any one of, or all of, the bottom seal 70, the support wall seal 76, and/or the sidewall seal 80. It is understood that the described bottom seal 70, support wall seal 76, and sidewall seal 80 may be of other configurations, cross-sections, contours, lengths, widths, heights, and materials than those described to suit the particular application.

Referring to the FIG. 2 example, sink 10A includes a latch 94 (two shown) operable to secure the support wall 20A to the sidewalls 16 when the support wall 20A is positioned in the first position. In the FIG. 2 example, each latch 94 includes a magnet 96 connected to the respective flange 93. In one example, magnet 96 is a strong permanent magnet. The magnet 96 is connected to a magnet housing (not shown) that is mounted to the flange 93 to position a contact surface of the magnet axially extending outwardly from the outer surface of the flange 93 facing the support wall 10A. The length of the extension of the magnet 96 beyond the outer surface of the flange 93 is dependent on the height or cross section of the sidewall seal 80 to take into account the desired compression of the sidewall seal 80 in order to achieve a water-tight seal as described. The magnet 96 may be alternately positioned to, for example, maximize or optimize contact or compression of the seal 38 when the support wall 20A is positioned in the first position.

The FIG. 2 latch 94 further includes a plate 100 connected to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20A. The plate 100 is positioned to align with the magnet 96 when the support wall 20A is positioned in the first position. The plate 100 is made from a ferromagnetic material such as steel containing a sufficient amount of iron to be strongly attracted by the magnet 96. In operation, when the support wall 20A is moved toward the first position, the magnet 96 will attract and bias the support wall 20A toward the flanges 43 and bottom 12 until the plate 100 is in contact and secure engagement with the magnet 96. The magnet size and/or strength is sufficient to keep the support wall 20A in the first position to keep the seal 38 abuttingly engaged or compressed to maintain a water-tight seal preventing escape of liquid or water from the liquid containment volume 40. In an alternate example (not shown), the magnet 96 is connected to the support wall 20A and the plate 100 is connected to the respective flange 43. Other positions and configurations for the magnet 96 and plate 100 may be used to suit the particular application. In alternate examples, mechanical fasteners, for example reclosable, high engagement VELCRO® or DUAL LOCK type fastening systems and products, or other similar mechanical attachment devices or systems may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an alternate example sink 10B is shown. In the example, the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, backwall 18, and hinge 34 are generally configured as shown and described for FIG. 1. The sink 10B includes an alternate support wall 20B generally configured as described for the FIG. 1 support wall 20. The sink 10B also includes an alternate seal 38, retainer 50, and latch 94 as further described below.

The sink 10B includes and alternate retainer 50A (two shown) in the form of a cable 104 connected to the sidewalls 16 and the support wall 20B as generally described above for the example retainer 50 (i.e., in the form of the first link 54 and the second link 58). The example cable 104 is flexible such that when the support wall 50B is moved between the second position and the first position, the cable 104 flexes or bends, for example into a downward extending loop or drape, allowing the support wall 20B to achieve the first position without interfering with the support wall 20B and the seal 38. The cable 104 is sized to a length wherein on movement of the support wall 20B from the first position to the second position, the cable is fully extended or taunt when the support wall 20B achieves the second position, for example when the support wall 20B and/or the support surface 36 are in a substantially horizontal orientation as described above. Although two cables 104 are shown, it is understood that only one cable 94 may be used and connected to at least one of the sidewalls 16 and the support wall 20B.

Cable 104 may be made from braided steel or other ferrous or non-ferrous metal, polymer, or textile strands. In alternate examples, cable 104 may be made from a flexible monofilament (i.e., a single strand) metal, polymer, or textile cable or wire, or other materials or configurations suitable for the application. Other configurations, positions, and orientations of retainer 50A may be used. In one example, the retainer 50A may be positioned and connected to the outside or exterior of the sidewalls 16 so as to not move or intrude into the liquid containment volume 40 and/or contact the seal 38. In an alternate example of sink 10B (not shown), no retainer 50A is used. In this example, the hinge 34 may be configured to stop rotation of the support wall 20B at one or more of the angles 64, or at a horizontal orientation, as described above.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the sink 10B seal 38 includes or is configured as a single alternate bottom seal 70A. As best seen in FIG. 5, the bottom seal 70A includes a generally L-shaped seal which is positioned at, or adjacent to, the front edge 84 of the bottom 12. As best seen in FIG. 4, the bottom seal 70A continuously extends along the entire length of the front edge 84 of the bottom 12 between the sidewalls 16. Example bottom seal 70A further connects to the sidewalls 16 and extends upward along the sidewalls 16 as generally shown. As best seen in FIG. 5, in operation, when the support wall 20B is in the first position, the support wall 20B abuttingly or compressingly engages the bottom seal 70A providing a liquid or water-tight seal preventing liquid from escaping from the liquid containment volume 40 as generally described above.

Although shown and described that bottom seal 70A is connected to the bottom 12 and sidewalls 16, it is understood that bottom seal 70A can be alternately connected to and positioned on the support wall 20B at or adjacent to the bottom edge 88 to provide a water-tight seal when the support wall 20B is in the first position as generally described above. It is understood that bottom seal 70A may be used in combination with one or more of the other seals described herein (e.g., the support wall seal 76 and/or the sidewall seal 80). The bottom seal 70A can take other positions, orientations, cross-sections, contours, heights, widths, and lengths than as illustrated and described. The bottom seal 70A may be made from the materials described above for seal 38 (e.g., bottom seal 70, support wall seal 76, and sidewall seal 80). It is further understood that the length or height of the bottom seal 70A may extend up the sidewalls 16 to the top of the sidewalls 16. Other lengths or heights of the bottom seal 70A, longer and shorter, along the sidewalls 16 may be used to suit the particular application.

Referring to the FIG. 4 example, sink 10B includes an alternate latch 94A. The latch 94A (two shown) includes a latch receptacle 108 connected to the respective sidewall 16. In one example, latch receptacle 108 is a closed round ring or D-shaped ring having a through hole. Each latch 94A further includes a hook 110 connected to the support wall 20B. The hook 110 and latch receptacle 108 are positioned such that when the support wall 20B is in the first position, the hook 110 is engageable with the latch receptacle 108.

In operation, when the support wall 20B is in the first position, the hook 110 is engageable with the latch receptacle 108 to tightly secure or removably lock the support wall 20B in the first position. In one example, when the hook 110 engages the latch receptacle 108, sealing engagement or compression of the seal 38, for example bottom seal 70A, for the water-tight seal described above is ensured. Although shown with two latches 94A, only one latch 94A may be used. In an alternate example (not shown), the latch receptacle 108 may be positioned on and connected to the support wall 20B and the hook 110 may be positioned on and connected to the sidewalls 16. In an alternate example (not shown), the receptacle may be positioned on the outside or exterior of the sidewall 16. Other latch 94 devices or hardware, and positions and orientations, may be used to secure or removably lock the support wall 20B in the first position to suit the particular application.

Still referring to FIG. 4, sink 10B includes a utility panel 120 positioned on and connected to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20B forming the support surface 36. In one example, the utility panel 120 is removably connected to the inner surface 26 of the support wall 20B. In the removable connection configuration, in one example, the utility panel 120 includes two or more pins, or a plurality of pins, or protrusions axially extending outward from a mounting surface of the utility panel (i.e., the underside of the utility panel 120 facing the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20B as shown in FIG. 4). The inside surface 26 of the support wall 20B includes corresponding and aligned holes or depressions to receive the respective pins providing for a secure, but removable connection of the utility panel 120 to the support wall 20B such that when the utility panel 120 is installed and connected to the support wall 20B, the utility panel 120 does not move, or does not easily move, relative to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20B.

In one example of the utility panel 120 removable configuration, the pins may have a slight interference fit to the described holes in the support wall 20B. In other words, the diameter or dimensions of the pins may be slightly larger than the diameter or dimensions of the holes to form a slight press-fit. In this example, the utility panel 120 would remain secured to the support wall 20B when the support wall 20B is in the first position, but may be removed for cleaning or replacement. Other devices or hardware may be used to removably connect the utility panel 120 to the support wall 20B. Alternate examples include mechanical fasteners such as bolts or screws. Other more easily accessible hardware include mechanical clips, clamping devices, or other mechanical fastening devices or systems described for latch 94 above. In an alternate example, the utility panel 120 is semi-permanently, or permanently, connected to the support wall 20B. In the permanent connection configuration, the utility panel 120 may be an integral part of the support wall 20B or connected through a permanent adhesive or other means.

The utility panel 120 can be configured and used for a wide variety of activities depending on the application of sink 10B (and all other variations of sink 10 described and illustrated herein). In one example where sink 10B is used in a kitchen or food preparation area, the utility panel 120 can be in the form of a cutting board used to cut or chop food items when the support wall 20B is in the second position. In the cutting board example, the cutting board may be made from plastic, wood, or other polymer materials. In another example where the sink 10B is used in a residential utility room, the utility panel 120 may be in the form of a non-skid panel or durable pad to support a pet being washed or other laundry-type activities. In another example where sink 10B is used in a medical office, the utility panel 120 may be in the form of a tray for holding medical instruments or other office devices, tools or accessories. Other forms, configurations, sizes, shapes, orientations, and materials of the utility panel 120 may be used to suit the particular application.

In one example of operation of the sink 10B including the utility panel 120, the support wall 20B is unlatched through disengagement of latch 94A, for example the hook 110 is disengaged from the latch receptacle 108. The support wall 20 is moved from the first position to the second position, and the utility panel 120 is installed or connected to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20B in one of the manners described above. On completion of use of the utility panel 120, or a need to add liquid into the liquid containment volume 40, the utility panel 120 can be removed, and the support wall 20B can be returned to the first position and secured with latch 94A (or by alternate latch 94 though engagement of the magnet 96 and plate 100 if so used with sink 10, 10A, 10B). Alternately, the utility panel 120 can remain engaged to the support wall 20B as the support wall 20B is returned to the first position.

Referring to FIGS. 6-9 an alternate example sink 10C is shown. In the example, the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, backwall 18, and hinge 34 are generally configured as shown and described for FIG. 2. The sink 10C further includes a utility panel 120 described above. The sink 10C includes an alternate support wall 20C generally described for FIG. 2 but includes a seal groove described further below. The sink 20C further includes an alternate retainer 50B, and an alternate latch 94B described further below.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the sink 10C support wall 20C includes a seal groove 124 (two shown) positioned toward each side edge or lateral end of the support wall 20C as generally shown in FIG. 6. Each seal groove 124 is laterally aligned with the front edge 44 of the respective sidewall 16. As best seen in the FIG. 9 example, seal groove 124 is a concave groove sized and positioned to receive an alternate sidewall seal 80A discussed further below. As best seen in FIG. 6, the seal groove 124 extend the entire height of the support wall 20C. In alternate examples (not shown), the seal groove 124 may be of different lengths, for example, extend along only a portion of the height of the support wall 20C.

Referring to FIG. 6, the sink 10C includes an alternate retainer 50B (two shown). In the example, each retainer 50B includes a first guide 130 connected at a first end to the respective sidewall 16. In one example the first guide 130 is arcuate in configuration. The first guide 130 defines an arcuate closed slot 132 extending along a length of the first guide 130. Retainer 50B further includes a second guide 136 connected at a first end to the support wall 20C. In one example the second guide 136 is arcuate in configuration. As generally described for FIG. 2, a mounting bracket 60 may be used to connect the second guide 136 to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20C. The second guide 136 is connected to a guide pin 140 at a second end that is positioned in the closed slot 132 in the first guide 130.

In an alternate example (not shown), the closed slot 132 is defined by the second guide 136 and the guide pin 140 is connected to the first guide 136. In an alternate example (not shown), the first guide 130 is connected to the outside or exterior of the respective sidewall 16 as generally described above for FIG. 2. In one example, the first guide 130 and the second guide 136 are made from stamped steel or aluminum. Other configurations, orientations, sizes, shapes, and materials may be used for the first guide 130 and the second guide 136 to suit the particular application. Although shown as having two retainers 50B, it is understood that only a single retainer 50B may be used and connected to at least one of the sidewalls 16. As described above for FIG. 2, in an alternate example (not shown), no retainer 50B may be used and the hinge 34 may be used to stop the rotational movement of the support wall 20C at the second position.

In operation, on movement of the support wall 20C between the first position and the second position, the guide pin 140 of the retainer 50B translates in the closed slot 132 allowing the support wall 20C to rotate about the axis of rotation 30. In one example, the retainer 50B, and particularly the closed slot 132, is sized and positioned to stop the support wall 20C at the second position, for example at angle 64 as described and illustrated for FIG. 2.

In the FIG. 6 example, seal 38 includes the bottom seal 70A generally described and illustrated in FIG. 4. In an alternate example, the seal 38 for sink 10C may alternately include the bottom seal 70 described and shown for FIG. 2. As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, the sink 10C example seal 38 further includes an alternate sidewall seal 80A which is positioned in the seal groove 124 and connected to the inside surface 26 of the support wall 20C. The length of the sidewall seal 80A may extend all along the length or height of the seal groove 124 and/or the front edge 44 of the respective sidewall 16 to overlap the portion of the bottom seal 70A, or may be positioned to cover or seal the portion of the front edge 44 that is not covered or sealed by the bottom seal 70A. In an alternate example, the sidewall seal 80A may be of different lengths, longer or shorter, to suit the particular application. In an alternate example (not shown), the sidewall seal 80A may be connected to the front edge 44 of the sidewall and seat or abuttingly engage the seal groove 124 when the support wall 20C is in the first position. The bottom seal 70A and the sidewall seal 80A may be configured and be made from the materials described for the variations of seal 38 described above.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sink 10C is shown with an alternate latch 94B (two shown). The example latch 94B includes a housing 146 and a bolt or bar 148 that selectively translates between a first or unlatched position (i.e., retracted position shown in FIG. 6) and second or latched position (i.e., extended position shown in FIG. 7). Referring to the FIG. 6 example, a through closed slot 150 is defined by each sidewall 16 for receipt of the bolt 148 as best seen in FIG. 7.

In one example, a seal (not shown) may be connected to the sidewall 16 defining the slot 150 so as to prevent escape of liquid through the slot 150 when the bolt 148 is in the first position and the second position. In an alternate example (not shown), the slot 150 may be eliminated and a latch receptacle (not shown) may be connected to the inside surface of the sidewall 16 to receive the bolt 148 in the second position eliminating a possible pathway for escape of liquid through the slot 150. In an alternate example (not shown), the housing 146 and bolt 148 may be positioned on and connected to the sidewall 16. In this example, the bolt 148 may extend and engage an outside or exterior surface of the support wall 20C to prevent the support wall 20C from rotating about the axis of rotation 30 from the first position. Alternate configurations, components, positions, and orientations of the latch 94B may be used to suit the particular application.

In one example, the bolt 148 is rectangular in configuration and sized to pass through the slot 150 in the sidewall 16. The bolt 148 and slot 150 can take other configurations, for example round. The bolt 148 may be made from ferrous and non-ferrous metals, rigid polymers, composites, and other materials to suit the particular application. The latch 94B may include other features, for example, detents or spring biasing components and functions to ensure the latch 94B latches, locks and/or secures the support wall 20C in the first position. It is understood that sink 10, 10C may not include a separate latch 94B. In this example, other components and functions to bias or urge the support wall 20C toward the first position may be integrated into other components, for example hinge 34.

In operation of the sink 10C, on movement of the support wall 20C to the first position, the user moves or manipulates the latch 94B to move the bolt 148 from the first position (retracted and unlatched) to the second position (extended and latched) such that the bolt 148 passes through the slot 150 to secure or lock the support wall 20C in the first position.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, an alternate vessel in the form of example sink 10D is shown. In the example, the bottom 12, sidewalls 16, backwall 18, and hinge 34 are generally configured as shown and described for FIG. 4. The sink 10D includes the support wall 20B, the retainer 50A, and the seal 70A as generally described and illustrated in FIG. 4. The sink 10D positions the hinge 34 vertically above the front edge 84 of the bottom 12 thereby elevating the axis of rotation 30 for the support wall 20B above the bottom 12 versus the other examples described and illustrated herein.

The sink 10D includes a front wall 156 connected to the bottom 12 and the sidewalls 16. The front wall 156 extends upward from the bottom 12 to a height 158 which defines the axis of rotation 30 for the support wall 20B above the bottom 12. In one example, the front wall 156 is integral with the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16 and the backwall 18 (i.e., formed from a single piece of material, for example through a drawing and/or stamping process if made from metal).

The use of front wall 156 provides an advantage that a portion of the liquid containment volume 40 (i.e., to the height 158) is contained or surrounded by the bottom 12, the sidewalls 16, the backwall 18, and the front wall 156 without having to rely on a seal 38. This is particularly, but not exclusively, useful in applications where only a small amount of liquid (e.g., to a level below height 158) would typically need to be contained in the liquid containment volume 40. In one example, the height 158 of front wall 156 is two inches. Other heights 158, both shorter and longer, may be used to suit the particular application.

It is understood that use of a front wall 156 configuration or construction elevating the hinge 34 and the axis of rotation 30 vertically above the bottom 12 may be used in the other sink 10, 10A, 10B and 10C examples. Additional or alternate components, features, and/or combinations of components and features described herein for the other sink 10-10C examples may be used with sink 10D (e.g., different seals 38, retainers 50, latches 94, and with or without utility panel 120). It is understood that one or more components or features described and shown for sink 10D may not be used (e.g. utility panel 120).

Several examples of the liquid vessels and the sinks 10 have been shown. The FIGS. 1-11 show examples having different configurations and components. It is understood that any of the constructions, configurations, and/or features in any one of the examples described or illustrated in the figures may alternately be used alone, or in combination, with the other constructions, configurations, and/or features that are described or shown in the other figures. For example, any of the sidewall 16 configurations and/or features described and/or illustrated (e.g., flanges 43 or slots 150) may alternately be used for the other examples of sinks 10-10D. As described, the sink 10D front wall 156 sink configuration may alternately be used for the other examples of sinks 10-10C. Any of the support walls 20 configurations and/or features described and/or illustrated (e.g., 20-20C) may alternately be used for the other examples of sinks 10-10D. Any of the hinge 34 types, configurations and/or features described and/or illustrated may alternately be used for the other examples of sinks 10-10D. Any of the seal 38 configurations and/or features described and/or illustrated (e.g., 38, 70-70A, 76, 80-80A) may alternately be used for the other examples of the sinks 10-10D.

Equally, any of the retainer 50 configurations and/or features described and/or illustrated (e.g., 50-50B) may alternately be used for the other examples of sinks 10-10D. Any of the latch 94 configurations and/or features described and/or illustrated (e.g., 94-94B) may alternately be used for the other examples of sinks 10-10D. Any of the utility panel 120 configurations and/or features (e.g., a cutting board, non-skid panel or durable pad) may alternately be used for the other examples of the sinks 10-10D. As described above, although the liquid vessel with an integrated support surface has been described as a sink, it is understood the invention is not limited to a sink configuration, but can be configured and/or function in other applications.

While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Sink With Integrated Support Surface

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CPC

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