SINKS WITH CONCEALABLE INTERNALS AND SPACES USING THE SAME

Sinks have a basin and associated lid to open and close the basin based on desired function. The lid is useable as a counter space and concealer for sink internals. The lid can be moved in a variety of ways based on desired function, potentially without need for external attachment, structure, and/or volume for lid function. The lid may be configured to match surrounding surfaces both functionally and aesthetically. Sinks are useable with drains, hinges and other attaching joints, faucets or other water sources, countertops alongside the sink, holes and other drains in lids to permit wetbar and counter usage in a closed position, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This is a patent document, and general broad rules of construction should be applied when reading it. Everything described and shown in this document is an example of subject matter falling within the scope of the claims, appended below. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely for purposes of describing how to make and use example embodiments. Several different embodiments not specifically disclosed herein may fall within the claim scope; as such, the claims may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only example embodiments set forth herein.

It will be understood that when element(s) are referred to in relation to one another, such as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” or “fixed” to another element(s), the relationship can be direct or with other intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “connected” for communications purposes includes all variations of information exchange routes between two devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise with terms like “only a single element.” It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, values, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It should also be noted that the structures and operations discussed below may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods may be executed repetitively, individually or sequentially, so as to provide looping or other series of operations. It should be presumed that any embodiment having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments.

The inventors have recognized that existing basin and drain structures are difficult to conceal due to a large open top, and existing basin and drain structures are difficult to cover and use as counter space. Particularly in small spaces with limited counter space, and where sink refuse or appearance may be particularly distracting, there is a need to easily and fully reclaim counter space consumed by the basin while aesthetically concealing the sink. Further, the inventors have recognized that placing a board or other flat surface over the sink may be cumbersome and the board itself may consume space that is limited in small areas when not in use, that the covering structure may become lost or may be easily separated from the basin, and/or that the covering structure may protrude above or below, or otherwise not aesthetically or functionally match, counter space adjacent to the sink. On the other hand, the inventors have recognized that using a flexible or fully collapsible surface over the sink may not present a continuous or aesthetically-pleasing match to surrounding counter space, that liquids or refuse may not easily drain into the sink off of such surfaces, and/or a lack of rigidity in the surface may preclude attaching functional pieces to the surface. Example embodiments discussed below enable unique solutions to these issues and other issues newly identified by the inventors.

The present invention is a sink and/or sink installed in a surrounding space with a lid that provides functional and aesthetic closure of the sink and a degree of concealment of the sink interior. The present invention is useable in any area where a conventional sink would otherwise be used, including small areas where space is limited. Example embodiments discussed below illustrate just a couple of the variety of different configurations that can be used in connection with the present invention.

FIG. 1is an illustration of an example embodiment sink100. As shown inFIG. 1, example embodiment sink includes a basin110into which liquids, refuse, or washable items may be placed for washing or disposal. Basin110may include a sealable drain (not shown) or other exit connected to a disposal unit or sewage pipe, for example. Example embodiment sink may include a flange111to assist in positioning or mounting sink100. For example, flange111may extend about a top117that is an open portion of basin110and include one or more attachment points to secure sink100to surrounding counter or other structure. Flange111may include one or more fasteners, mounting holes, etc. to facilitate securing example embodiment sink100to any type of housing or structure. Flange111may be reduced or altogether removed in some configurations.

Basin110and/or flange111are liquid impermeable and may be composite or unitary. For example, basin110may be formed of a single piece of sculpted, molded, or cast material such as plastic, ceramic, metal, stone, etc. Flange111may be similarly formed from the same piece of material as basin110. Basin110and/or flange111may be fabricated of a desired size, including depth, based on application. For example, in small spaces with limited counter space, basin110may be deeper to accommodate more volume with a small counter profile about top117, such as somewhat less than a foot long and wide but over a foot deep.

As shown inFIG. 1, example embodiment sink100includes a closeable lid120moveably joined to basin110and/or flange111. Closeable lid120may be joined to basin110in a variety of ways. For example a hinge150may be mounted directly between basin110and an underside of lid120to permit rotation of lid120between an open and closed position. A second hinge150may be opposite the first to support the axis of rotation of lid120at both ends. Or, for example, a moveable joint, cantilever, complex lever, and/or track may allow more complex movement of lid120between an open and closed position. If closeable lid120is joined to basin110in a manner internal to basin110, no external hinge, joint, etc. may consume space outside of example embodiment sink100. A lack of any external joining mechanism may allow sink100to better accommodate small spaces in a seamless, functional, and aesthetic manner.

Closeable lid120may further be joined to basin110in a manner that permits lid120to be easily opened and closed and in a manner that permits lid120to consume less external space when opened and avoid contact with any faucet while opening or closing. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, if hinge150connects to basin110at an internal position within a side116of, and away from a top117and back118of, basin110, a portion of lid120may be rotated down into basin110when open. Further, as shown inFIG. 2, lid120may be rotatable to a lower angle, permitting lid120to “rest” against back118of basin120. Such a configuration may permit lid120to be easily rotated and lodged in an open position while consuming less space outside of basin110. Further, if placed within basin110, such as hinge150is placed, any connection structure between lid120and basin110may consume little or no external space. While the space-saving and naturally-reclining configuration ofFIG. 2is achieved via hinge150spaced from back118and top117, it is understood that other structures, including a moveable joint or joints, an internal track permitting inward-to-basin sliding of opened lid120, a collapsible structure for lid120, extension/telescoping arms permitting outward-from-basin movement of lid120so as to completely open basin110, etc. are equally useable in example embodiments to secure an openable and closeable lid to a basin.

FIG. 3is an illustration of example embodiment sink100in a closed position. As shown inFIG. 3, lid120may be fully seated to top117of basin110. Lid120may be substantially co-planar with flange111and/or a surrounding countertop into which sink100is installed, so as to provide a continuous counter space for work or placement of objects. Any seam115created between a closing of lid120and basin110and/or flange111may be relatively small to preserve continuity. Further, a seal, such as a flexible gasket, felt, adhesive, etc., may be placed in seam115to enhance continuity between a closed lid120and surrounding structures. Such a seal may be attached to lid120and/or basin110at appropriate locations to fill seam115.

Any connecting device, such as hinge150(FIGS. 1 and 2), may be internal to basin110and closed lid120so as to be invisible and/or non-space-consuming when lid120is closed, further contributing to continuousness between lid120and any surrounding surfaces. The fashion by which lid120is joined and moveable with respect to basin110may permit easy opening and closing of lid120. For example, inFIG. 3, a user may simply press on an area of lid120behind hinge150(FIGS. 1 and 2) to cause lid120to rotate down into basin110and into the open position. In this example, no additional external latch or other obtrusive opening mechanism may be required, although external handles, latches, self-concealing holes, etc., as well at automated or spring or magnetic opening devices can be used on lid120to facilitate opening and closing. Further, in this way, any liquid or refuse on lid120may naturally fall into basin110for disposal when opening lid120.

Lid120may be fabricated of a material matching basin110and/or flange111in order to preserve aesthetic and functional continuity when closed. For example, if basin110and flange111are formed of a continuous hammered copper, lid120may similarly be formed of a continuous hammered copper to match, providing rigidity necessary for counter space and surface/material properties throughout sink100without any discontinuity or joint. Alternatively, lid120may be fabricated of a material and/or include a veneer that matches surrounding counter appearance. Thus, when closed, lid120is useable as additional work/functional space alongside any continuous countertop, potentially minimizing any lost counter space or disrupting structures that an open sink in a small area might cause. Additionally, when closed, lid120may conceal any refuse or dirty dishware or cutlery being stored in basin110of example embodiment sink100.

Lid120may include a hole121that passes into basin110when lid120is closed. Hole121may be sealable, such as with a moveable cover matching the remainder of lid120, or remain open. Hole121may be positioned vertically in-line with a faucet and/or drain (not shown) used with example embodiment sink100. Hole121may allow liquid spilled or placed on closed lid120, or water flowing from a faucet associated with a position of hole121, for example, to pass into basin110even when lid120is closed. Hole121may further facilitate liquid and refuse flow directly into a drain and potentially into a garbage disposal or sewage line by being positioned over such a drain in basin110. In this way, a user may still dispose of liquid or other waste material down example embodiment sink100even when closed and being used as a surface, such as a surface for serving drinks, for example. Hole121may be relatively small, such as a 4-inch diameter or less, while still permitting these functions.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, a variety of internal structures are useable in basin110. For example, a collapsible drying rack130may be attached to lid120and fit within basin110when closed. Drying rack130may include several opposing tines or other retaining surfaces for holding a variety of dishes, cookware, and/or utensils to drip/air dry in basin110. As shown inFIG. 1, lid120and drying rack130attached thereto may be positioned such that a bottom of drying rack130when fully opened is above a bottom of basin110, allowing any drying materials in rack130to avoid a liquid level or any refuse in basin110. As shown inFIG. 2, drying rack130can collapse into a smaller structure that permits closing of lid120while fitting drying rack130entirely in basin110when lid120is closed. In this way, collapsible drying rack130may provide additional storage and drying space for kitchenware within a small basin110while permitting closure of lid120and concealment of any contents of basin110.

Although example embodiment sink100is shown with a collapsible drying rack130attached to closeable lid120, it is understood that other internal structures are useable in sink100, including dividing walls, air freshener strips, lighting that activates only when open, etc. Further, stops or locks may be placed within or attached to basin110to stop and/or secure lid120in a closed position with a desired degree of continuity with surrounding structures.

Example embodiments thus being described, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that example embodiments may be varied through routine experimentation and without further inventive activity. For example, although a single-piece rotating lid is shown in example embodiments, a multi-piece lid with multiple associated hinge points is equally useable in example embodiments. Variations are not to be regarded as departure from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.