Patent Application
20180008041
The present invention relates to cabinets, and more particularly to a water damage protection system for cabinets.
Water damage from leaking pipes, faucets and sinks is a common problem in kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Often, the water damage necessitates ripping out rotted wood and replacement with plywood or the like. In many cases, the damage is so extensive that the entire cabinet must be replaced.
In the prior art, various devices have been designed to address the problem. For example, drip trays can be placed in a cabinet to catch dripping water. However, these devices take up considerable space in the cabinet and are usually employed only after a leak is detected.
The present invention relates to a water damage protection system that is installed in an existing cabinet or provided as a repair kit. The water damage protection system is disposed within a “hidden compartment” of a cabinet and includes at least one water tub which catches water from a potential leak. In an embodiment for use with double-doored cabinets, the compartment includes two tubs for catching water. The tub(s) sit directly on the floor, and may include adjustable legs or the like. The water tub(s) may include at least one water sensor which is activated when the tank starts to fill. In an embodiment, the water damage protection system includes grate shelves which sit on top of the device, the shelves having openings to allow water to pass through. The shelving is sturdy enough to support various household items and cleaning supplies stored in the cabinet. For new cabinets having the water damage protection system already installed, there would be grooves on the interior sides of the cabinet specifically designed to accommodate flanges of the tub and the legs (if any) would not need to be adjustable.
Referring to
As illustrated, in a configuration including two tubs, the tubs 110, 112 respectively include first interlocking means 130 and second interlocking means 132, which are constructed and arranged to interlock. The tubs 110, 112 are joined together near the middle of the cabinet by interlocking first interlocking means 130 of first tub 110 and second interlocking means 132 of second tub 112. The interlocking means 130, 132 do not interfere with the wooden vertical piece present in most two-door cabinets, particularly the type of two-door cabinets used in a kitchen. The tubs 110, 112 sit upon wooden supports 134 which are inserted into the existing grooves 136 in the interior walls 138 of the cabinet, which grooves 136 are a standard feature in standard cabinets.
As shown in
The tub basin 140, 142 of each tub 110, 112 includes an asymmetric floor 150 which at its lowest portion defines a water detection reservoir 152. The water detection reservoir 152 may optionally include a water sensor (not shown), that is activatable when the basin starts to fill with water. The water sensor 160 may, for example, sound an alarm when activated.
The asymmetric tub basin floor 150 is slanted to permit water to drain into the reservoir 152 thereof. In the embodiment shown at
Grate shelves 180, 182 are removably supported by each tub 110, 112, sitting on flange 174, 176. Grate shelves 180, 182 sit on top of the device 100, having holes 184 to allow water to pass through. At the same time, the shelves 180, 182 are sturdy enough to support various household items and cleaning supplies stored in the cabinet. The shelves 180, 182 may be made of rubber coated steel or any other suitable material. In one embodiment the grate shelves 180, 182 are about 3/16 inch thick. The grate shelves 180, 182 may be of any dimensions which fit on the upper flange the tub.
In an embodiment, the top of the device 100 is about 34.5 inches across. In one embodiment, each tub 110, 112 is about 17.25 inches wide at its upper opening 170. As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, the grate shelves may be provided to interlock and are supported by and sit on top of the upper opening 170, 172. For example, grate shelves could be provided which have a width of 17.25 inches and interlock to form a top shelf with combined width dimension equal to that of the system compartment, i.e., about 34.5 inches wide.
It is to be understood that although the dimensions provided herein correspond to a system installable or integral with a standard cabinet, a system of any dimensions may be provided for installation in a non-standard cabinet or other article of furniture, or provided integral with a non-standard cabinet or other article of furniture.
Repair kits including the components described, may be provided for repair of water damage to standard cabinets, non-standard cabinets, or other articles of furniture.
As mentioned, water damage from leaking pipes, faucets and sinks is a common problem in kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and often necessitates removal and replacement of rotted wood, or even replacement of an entire cabinet. The system of the present invention makes it possible for the cabinet to be repaired. To accomplish the cabinet repair in accordance with the present invention, the user removes the old piece of damaged plywood from the cabinet, thereby exposing the flooring. The wooden support pieces 134 are inserted in the grooves 136 where the plywood was held. The user then positions the tubs 110, 112 on the floor, adjusting the legs 120 to a proper height. Finally, a silicone seal or the like may be used around the edges.
Notably, newly manufactured cabinets, either standard or non-standard, may incorporate the novel water damage protection system. For new cabinets having the water damage protection system already installed, several features are different from those described above. In particular, there would be grooves on the interior sides of the cabinet specifically designed specifically to accommodate the flanges 174, 176 and the legs 120 would not need to be adjustable. Additionally, even for the double-door cabinet, a single tub design may suffice. Even if a double tub were used, it would not be necessary to use two separate, interlocking tubs. Instead the tubs could be one piece.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the various exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
