ILLUMINATED SINK SYSTEM

An illuminated sink system includes a sink basin having at least one sidewall, an upper rim, a base wall, a drain opening, and an interior space. A generally transparent body section is positioned along a portion of the sink basin, and a lighting unit is secured along the body section. The lighting unit including a plurality of lights for selectively illuminating the interior portion of the sink basin, and a plurality of ultraviolet lights for selectively sanitizing the interior portion of the sink basin. The system includes a controller that is connected to the lighting unit and a motion sensor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to bath and kitchen fixtures, and more particularly to an illuminated sink system.

BACKGROUND

Kitchen and bathroom sinks are found in virtually every building across the globe. Depending on the particulars of the location, the design of the sink itself may be purely functional, or the sink may include decorative designs and/or features. Additionally, some type of lighting is placed nearby to allow users to operate the sink. Although the light housing may include decorative elements, the light produced is intended to illuminate the room of which the sink is a small part.

In light of the above, it would be beneficial to provide an illuminated sink system that can function to provide light within the sink so as to provide the sink with increased functionality and additional aesthetic appeal. It would also be beneficial if one or more of the lights of the sink could provide ultraviolet light so as to sterilize the sink between uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an illuminated sink system. One embodiment of the present invention can include a sink basin having at least one sidewall, an upper rim, a base wall, a drain opening and an interior space. A generally transparent body section can be positioned along a portion of the sink basin, and a lighting unit can be secured along the body section.

In one embodiment, the lighting unit can include a plurality of lights that are capable of illuminating the interior portion of the sink basin in any number of different colors, intensities and patterns. In one embodiment, the lighting unit can include a plurality of ultraviolet lights that are capable of sanitizing the interior portion of the sink basin.

In one embodiment, a controller is connected to the lighting unit and a motion sensor. The controller can function to selectively control the operation of the lighting unit based upon a timer output or a signal received from the motion sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Although described for use in a kitchen or bathroom, this is for illustrative purposes only. To this end, the below sink system can be manufactured for use in any type of environment where a sink or water dispenser would be used. For example, other embodiments include surgical scrub sinks, drinking water fountains, and the like.

Definitions

As described herein, a “unit” means a series of identified physical components which are linked together and/or function together to perform a specified function.

As described herein, the term “removably secured,” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated.

As described throughout this document, the term “complementary shape,” and “complementary dimension,” shall be used to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to, or substantially identical to the shape and size of another identified component within a tolerance such as, for example, manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.

FIGS. 1-5illustrate one embodiment of an illuminated sink system10that are useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 1.

As shown atFIG. 1, one embodiment of the illuminated sink system10can include, essentially, a sink basin11, body section20, a lighting unit30and a system controller40. The system10can include or can be configured for use with any type of counter1having a sink opening2positioned therein.

As shown, the sink basin11can include one or more sidewalls12, a base13, and a drain opening14positioned therein. The sidewalls and base forming an interior surface for retaining water and washable items. In one embodiment, the top ends of the sidewalls can extend outward to form a continuous rim15.

As described herein, the sink basin can include any number of different shapes and sizes and can be manufactured from any number of different materials such as stainless steel, porcelain, copper, or plastic, for example. Although described above, as including a single basin, this is for illustrative purposes only, as other embodiments are contemplated wherein the sink system10includes two or more individual sink basins11.

In the preferred embodiment, the body section20can be constructed from a generally clear or translucent material such as acrylic, for example, having a size that is slightly (e.g., 1-3 inches) larger than the size of the basin rim15. The body section can include a central opening21having a shape and size that is complementary to the shape and size of the top ends of the basin sidewalls12.

As shown, best atFIG. 2, the body section20can be positioned between the basin rim15and the bottom surface of the countertop1such that the counter opening2, the body opening21and the basin base13are vertically aligned. When so positioned, any number of commercially available sink clips5, or other such hardware can be used to secure the system to the counter.

Although described above with regard to particular materials, shapes and/or attachment components, this is for illustrated purposes only. To this end, the body section20can be constructed from any number of other materials and can include any number of shapes and sizes that are different from the rim portion15.

Additionally, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the body section is permanently joined to the basin11via adhesives such as glue or resin, for example, and/or can be incorporated into the initial construction of the basin so as to form an integral component made from one or more materials. In such a situation, the insert may be positioned at locations along or within the basin11other than the rim.

The lighting unit30can be connected to the below described controller40and can function to disseminate one or more different types of light through the body section20and into the basin11. In the preferred embodiment, the lighting unit can include a plurality of individual lights31such as Light Emitting Diodes (LED's), and/or LED strips, for example, that are capable of generating sustained visible light in a variety of different colors, patterns and intensities.

As shown best atFIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, these lights31can be positioned along or within the entire body section20so as to illuminate the basin11from all sides. Of course, other embodiments are contemplated wherein the lights are positioned only along a portion of the body20, and/or wherein other types of light producing devices are used.

In one embodiment, the lighting unit30can also include one or more ultraviolet lights32such as ultraviolet LED's, for example, that can also be provided along or within the body20. The inclusion of ultraviolet lights can function to advantageously kill bacteria and certain viruses, thus adding a significant beneficial feature to the system when utilized in locations such as hospitals, nursing homes or medical facilities, for example.

In one embodiment, the system10can include a motion sensor35which can be placed so as to detect movement of a user nearby. The motion sensor can be communicatively linked to the system controller directly or wirelessly and can function to selectively activate and/or deactivate certain functionality. For example, upon detecting the motion of a user, the system can activate one or more of the lights31, and can immediately deactivate the operation of the ultraviolet lights32. Of course, other functionality can be tied to the sensor.

In one embodiment, the system10can include any number of user controls36such as the illustrated push button, for example. The user controls can be communicatively linked to the system controller40directly or wirelessly and can function to allow a user to control the operation of the lighting unit30. To this end, the user controls can allow a user to turn the lights on or off, and/or to change the color, intensity, pattern or type of lights being utilized by the lighting unit. Of course, other functionality can be tied to the user controls.

The controller40can control the use and operation of the system. As shown atFIG. 4, one embodiment of the controller can include a processor41that is communicatively linked to an internal memory42, a timer module43, a component interface unit44, and/or a power source45.

Although illustrated as separate elements, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more system components may comprise, or include one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) containing any number of integrated circuit or circuits for completing the activities described herein. Of course, any number of other analog and/or digital components capable of performing the below described functionality can be provided in place of, or in conjunction with the below described controller elements.

The processing unit41can be a conventional central processing unit (CPU) or any other type of device, or multiple devices, capable of manipulating or processing information such as program code stored in the memory42and for causing the circuitry to complete the activities and functionality described herein.

Likewise, a timer module43can be provided, and can function to accurately measure the passage of time. As described herein, the timer module can be provided as a function of the processor or can include a separate physical circuit. In operation, the timer module can be used by the processor to selectively activate or deactivate the different lights31and32of the lighting units based on the passage of time.

Memory42can act to store operating instructions in the form of program code for the processor41to execute. Although illustrated inFIG. 4as a single component, memory42can include one or more physical memory devices such as, for example, local memory and/or one or more bulk storage devices. As used herein, local memory can refer to random access memory or other non-persistent memory device(s) generally used during actual execution of program code, whereas a bulk storage device can be implemented as a persistent data storage device such as a hard drive, for example, containing programs that permit the processor to perform the functionality described below. Additionally, memory42can also include one or more cache memories that provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times program code must be retrieved from the bulk storage device during execution. Each of these devices are well known in the art.

The internal component interface unit44can function to provide a communicative link between the processor41and various other device components such as the lighting unit30, the motion sensor35and/or the user controls36. In this regard, the component interface unit can include any number of different components such as one or more PIC microcontrollers, internal bus, USB connections and other such hardware capable of providing a direct link between the various components. Of course, any other means for providing the two-way communication between the identified components can also be utilized herein.

In one embodiment, the power unit45can include an A/C electrical power transformer and cord45acapable of allowing the device to be powered from a standard electrical outlet. Of course, other embodiments are also contemplated wherein the power source can include a plurality of batteries. Such a feature can be integrated into a smaller size main body so as to create a portable version of the device for use while traveling, for example.

As noted above, the system components can be arranged at different locations so as to create or accommodate sink basins of varying shapes and sizes. To this end,FIG. 5illustrates one embodiment of the system10wherein the body section15and lights31and/or32are positioned along the bottom end of the sink basin11. Such a feature being particularly advantageous for the vase-style sink systems wherein the basin is not positioned beneath a countertop.

Although described above as a complete sink system, other embodiments are also contemplated wherein the body section15, lighting unit30and/or controller40, for example, are provided as an aftermarket upgrade for use with other sinks. In such an embodiment, the body section15can be constructed so as to be complementary to the shape and size of a portion of the sink basin to which the system is to be mated.

As described herein, one or more elements of the illuminated sink system10can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws, glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.