Abstract:
A vanity assembly is provided. The vanity assembly can comprise a base, side walls, and a combination sink and countertop. The sink can have a drainage section located near a back side of the sink. The vanity assembly can further comprise a drawer configured to move relative to the sink, the drawer extending in front of the sink and utilizing a substantial portion of the space in front of the sink&#39;s drain section for storage. The drawer can have side wall sections and a bottom section configured to facilitate storage of common household items.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/289,363, filed Dec. 22, 2009, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This application relates to improved vanity assemblies, specifically vanity assemblies that include a combination sink and countertop with a drawer. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Vanity assemblies are commonly used in homes, particularly in bathrooms. Vanity assemblies typically comprise a combination sink and countertop type structure, with some space below the sink and countertop for storage. Many vanity assemblies are generally box-like in structure, having a base and side walls, with the combination sink and countertop resting on and/or connected to the two side walls. The space below the sink, above the base, and defined by the side walls can be used to store bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, or any other materials that might commonly be found in the bathroom area. Some vanity assemblies also include drawers. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that the storage space below a sink in a vanity assembly can often be limited due to the size, shape, and/or particular features of the sink. For example, a sink may comprise a substantially recessed area, for example a deep sink bowl, which extends well below the countertop. The sink may additionally comprise a drain section at the bottom of the recessed area. A deep bowl and/or drain section can inhibit the amount of space that can be used for storage in the vanity assembly. Thus, it would be advantageous to have a vanity assembly that increases the amount of usable area underneath the sink for storage purposes. 
         [0007]    Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that users of vanity assemblies often desire drawers, in addition to or in place of cabinet-like doors that open up to a storage space near the bathroom floor. While some vanity assemblies include drawers, these drawers are either located at inconvenient areas such as near the base of the vanity, where they are difficult to access, or they extend alongside the sink, thereby not taking full advantage of space that is left in front of the sink. It would be advantageous to have a drawer which is both convenient to use, and takes advantage of the space defined in front of the sink. 
         [0008]    Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a vanity assembly can comprise a combination sink and countertop, the sink having a recessed region extending below a portion of the countertop, a storage area comprising two sidewalls supporting the countertop and sink, and a base extending between the sidewalls. The vanity assembly can further comprise a drawer centered between and slidably connected to the sidewalls, the drawer being moveable generally horizontally relative the sink, the drawer comprising a front face with a top edge located near a bottom of the countertop. 
         [0009]    In accordance with another embodiment, a vanity assembly can comprise a combination sink and countertop, the sink comprising a sloped section extending towards a drain section, the drain section extending within a storage area underneath the combination sink and countertop, and a drawer in front of the sink comprising a front face section, the drawer being connected to a structure supporting the combination sink and countertop, the drawer further comprising an angled top surface which corresponds with the sloped section of the sink. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another embodiment, a vanity assembly can comprise a combination sink and countertop, the sink comprising a drain section below a rear area of the sink, and a drawer slidably connected to the a pair of sidewalls supporting the combination sink and countertop, the drawer configured to inhibit separation of the sidewalls, wherein the drawer extends within a small horizontal distance from the drain section, and a top edge of the drawer is within a small distance of a bottom of the countertop. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another embodiment, a vanity assembly can comprise a combination sink and countertop, the sink comprising a drain section, and a drawer centered in front of the sink near a top of the vanity assembly and connected to a structure supporting the sink, the drawer being moveable horizontally relative the sink, wherein the drawer utilizes at least 50% of the storage volume space directly in front of the drain section. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    These and other features and advantages of the present embodiments will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front side perspective view of a vanity assembly according to one embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a back side perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a right side elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  is a back side perspective view of a vanity assembly incorporating a framed cabinet. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front side perspective view of a drawer forming part of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a left side elevational view of a the drawer of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the drawer of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a front side partial perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9A  is a left side partial elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9B  is a left side partial perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing an alternative embodiment of the drawer of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a bottom partial perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a bottom partial perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a back side partial elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    An improved vanity assembly  10  is disclosed herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are described in the context of a vanity assembly for use in a bathroom because the embodiments disclosed herein have particular utility in this context. However, the embodiments and inventions herein can also be applied to types of vanity assemblies configured for other types of environments, including but not limited to garages, warehouses, kitchens, or any common storage areas. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , a vanity assembly  10  can comprise a vanity structure  12 . The vanity structure  12  can rest upon or be attached to a storage structure  14 . The vanity structure  12  can comprise a combination sink and countertop. For example, the vanity structure  12  can comprise a countertop  16 , and a recessed sink  18 . The countertop  16  and sink  18  can be formed separately and then attached together, such as for example by mechanical fasteners (e.g. clips), adhesive, or other fastening means. In some embodiments, the countertop  16  can be formed integrally with the sink  18 . In some embodiments, the sink  18  can rest within an opening formed in the countertop  16 . 
         [0029]    The countertop  16  can comprise a generally flat area surrounding the sink  18 . The countertop  16  can be formed or casted from ceramic, plastic, metal, composite, or other suitable material. 
         [0030]    The sink  18  can comprise a generally rectangular sink, although other shapes, sizes, and configurations of sinks are also possible. The sink can be formed of heated ceramic material, plastic, metal, composite, or other suitable material. The sink  18  can comprise a generally recessed region. For example, the sink  18  can comprise a generally recessed region defined by a drain area  20 , drain collection section  21 , sloped section  22 , and back wall  24 . The drain area  20  can comprise a generally rounded opening within the body of the sink  18 . The drain area  20  can be formed anywhere along the sink. In a preferred arrangement, the drain area  20  can be located between the sloped section  22  of the sink  18  and back wall  24 , along the drain collection section  21 . The drain area  20  can be located generally towards the back of the sink  18 , for example, adjacent the back wall  24 . 
         [0031]    The sloped section  22  can extend from an edge of the sink to the drain area  20 . The sloped section  22  can have a substantially gradual slope. For example, the sloped section  22  can have a slope of approximately 10 degrees relative to the countertop  16 . In some embodiments, the sloped section  22  can have a slope not greater than 10 degrees relative to the countertop  16 . In some embodiments, the sloped section  22  can have a slope not greater than 15 degrees relative to the countertop  16 . In some embodiments, the sloped section  22  can have a slope not greater than 20 degrees relative to the countertop  16 . In some embodiments, the sloped section  22  can have a slope not greater than 25 degrees relative to the countertop  16 . Other ranges of slopes are also possible. Additionally, the sloped section  22  can have a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes are also possible as well. For example, the sloped front surface can have a trapezoidal shape, or a generally triangular shape. 
         [0032]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , storage structure  14  can comprise at least one side wall  26 . The side walls  26  can support the vanity structure  12 . For example, the storage structure  14  can comprise two side walls  26  that are located on either side of the vanity structure  12 , and provide support for the vanity structure  12 . In some embodiments, the vanity structure  12  can be attached to or integrally formed with the side walls  26 . The side walls  26  can be formed from wood, plastic, composite, or other suitable material. The side walls  26  can have a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes and sizes are also possible. In some embodiments, instead of having separate side walls  26 , the storage structure  14  can comprise a common framed cabinet, such as for example as illustrated in  FIG. 4A . For example, there can be no front doors  28  which are separately attached by hinges to the side walls  26 . Rather, the storage structure  14  can comprise a single framed structure. 
         [0033]    The storage structure  14  can further comprise at least one door  28 . The doors  28  can be located along a front side of the vanity assembly  10 . The doors  28  can be located below the countertop  16  and sink  18 , and can swing open to provide access to a storage area underneath the countertop  16  and sink  18 . The doors  28  can be hinged to the sidewalls  26 . The doors can provide at least one handle  30 , such as for example a small door knob. The doors  28  can be arranged symmetrically underneath the sink  18 , giving the vanity assembly  10  a desirable aesthetic appearance. 
         [0034]    The storage structure  14  can further comprise a front base  32 , an interior base  34 , and a back panel  36 . The front base  32  can provide support for the vanity assembly  10 . The front base  32  can comprise a long, thin piece of wood, composite, or other material extending in a vertical plane along the bottom of the vanity assembly  10 . The front base  32  can be in contact with the bathroom (or other room) floor. The front base  32  can extend between the sidewalls. 
         [0035]    The interior base  34  can comprise a lower surface for placing household items such as buckets, cleaning supplies, bathroom items, or other materials. The interior base  34  can be located near the bottom of the vanity assembly  10 , and near the floor of a bathroom or other room. The interior base  34  can extend between the sidewalls  26  in a horizontal plane. 
         [0036]    The back panel  36  can be located near the top of the vanity assembly  10 . The back paneling  36  can comprise a long, thin piece of wood, composite, or other material extending in a vertical plane along the top, back side of the vanity assembly  10 . 
         [0037]    With reference to FIGS.  1  and  4 - 7 , the storage structure  14  can comprise a drawer  38 . The drawer  38  can be used to store additional materials, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, or other articles. The drawer  38  can be located near the top of the vanity assembly  10 . In some embodiments, the drawer  38  can be located between the doors  28  and the countertop  16 . The drawer  38  can extend the entire, or substantially the entire, width of the vanity assembly  10 . In some embodiments, the drawer  38  can be centered between the sidewalls  26 . The drawer  38  can be moved generally horizontally (e.g. parallel to the countertop  16 ) in and out of the storage assembly  14 . 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , the drawer  38  can comprise a front side section  40  having a top edge  41 . The front side section  40  can comprise a generally flat piece of wood, composite, or other material extending in a vertical plane. The front side section  40  can resemble and/or function similar to a header for the vanity assembly  10 . For example, the front side section  40  and drawer  38  can provide support for the vanity assembly  10 . The front side section  40  can have a generally rectangular configuration, although other shapes and sizes besides that shown in  FIG. 5  are also possible. In some embodiments, the drawer  38  can have a handle, such as a knob. In those embodiments without a handle, the size and shape of the front side section  40  can make it difficult for an observer to know whether the front side section  40  forms part of a drawer. For example, the front side section  40  can resemble merely a part of a support structure underneath the countertop. This can be advantageous if it is desired for the existence of the drawer  38  to remain hidden. 
         [0039]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 5-7 , the drawer  38  can comprise at least one drawer back side section  42  and drawer side section  44  with a drawer side top edge  45 . The drawer side sections  44  can be recessed inwardly from the front side section  40 , such that a width of the front side section  40  is greater than a width between the drawer side sections  44 . 
         [0040]    The drawer  38  can further comprise a drawer bottom section  46 . The drawer front side section  40 , side sections  44 , back side section  42 , and bottom section  46  can surround a storage area. The storage area formed by the drawer sections can be used to hold and store bathroom items (e.g. shaving cream toothbrushes), cleaning supplies, or any other items that might fit within a space defined by the drawer sections. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIGS. 8-10 , the drawer  38  can be positioned underneath the countertop  16  and sink  18 , such that the front side section  40  is recessed slightly inwardly from the countertop in a horizontal direction (i.e. to the right in  FIG. 9A ). In other embodiments, the front side section  40  can be flush with the countertop  12 . In some embodiments, the front side section  40  can be flush with the doors  28 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0042]    The top surface  41  of front side section  40  can be positioned in close proximity to the countertop  12 . For example, the top surface  41  can be positioned such that clearance is minimized between the top surface  41  and the countertop  12 . For example, the top surface  41  can be within 1 inch of a bottom  51  of the countertop  12 . In some embodiments, the top surface  41  can be within ½ inch of the bottom  51  of the countertop  12 . In some embodiments, the top surface  41  can be within ¼ inch of the bottom  51  of the countertop  12 . In some embodiments, the top surface  41  can be within ⅛ inch of the bottom  51  of the countertop  12 . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0043]    The back side section  42  can be positioned such that is it is in close proximity to, or in contact with, a drain section  48 . The drain section  48  can extend down from the drain area  20  in the sink  18  and into the storage area defined at least in part by the sidewalls  26 . For example, and as illustrated in  FIG. 9B , the drain section  48  can extend down as piping in a generally S-shaped manner. The drain section  48  can comprise a generally cylindrical or conical wall, with a bottom surface  50 . The back side section  42 , or a portion of the back side section  42 , can be positioned in close proximity to the drain section  48  along a direction parallel to that of the countertop  12  (e.g. horizontally). The back side section  42  can be positioned such that the drawer  38  is never in contact with the drain section  48 . The back side section  42  can be positioned such that the drawer  38  is always in front of the drain section  48  (e.g. to the left of drain section  48  in  FIG. 9A ). In some embodiments, the back side section  42  is positioned within 0.5 inches of the drain section  48  along a horizontal direction extending from the front side section  40  to the back section  42 , as viewed in  FIG. 9A  when the drawer  38  is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the back side section  42  is positioned within 1 inch of the drain section  48  along a horizontal direction extending from the front side section  40  to the back section  42 , as viewed in  FIG. 9A  when the drawer  38  is in a closed position. In some embodiments, the back side section  42  is positioned within 1.5 inches, within 2.0 inches, within 2.5 inches or within 3.0 inches of the drain section  48  along a horizontal direction extending from the front side section  40  to the back section  42 , as viewed in  FIG. 9A . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the surface  50  of the drain section  48  is positioned lower along a vertical direction than that of the top surface  45  of side section  44 , such as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . In some embodiments, a majority of the drain section  48  is positioned lower along a vertical direction than that of the top surface  45  of the side section  44 . 
         [0045]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the front side section  40  can have a height greater than that of the side section or sections  44 . For example, in some embodiments the drawer  38  does not define a channel extending the height of the drawer. This difference in height can accommodate for the sloped section  22  of sink  18 . Without a difference in height, the sloped section  22  could inhibit the drawer  38  from sliding horizontally relative to the countertop  12 , and the back side section  42  of drawer  38  would not be able to extend within close proximity to the drain section  48 . Thus, having a front side section  40  which is greater in height than the side section  44  advantageously allows for greater use of the storage area underneath the countertop  12  and in front of the drain section  48 . Additionally, having the drain area  22  and drain section  48  located in the rear of the sink  18  permits greater use of storage space within the storage structure  14 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the height of the front face  40  and side sections  44  can be based, at least in part, by the types of items to be stored. For example, the height of the front face  40  and side sections  44  can be made high enough to permit storage of bottles of shaving cream or other material within the drawer  38 . For example, the height of the side sections  44 , and also back side section  42 , can be high enough to inhibit the bottles from falling out of the drawer  48 . In some embodiments, the ratio of the height of the side sections  44  to the front side section  40  can be approximately 2:3. In some embodiments, the ratio can be less than 2:3. In some embodiments, the ratio can be less than 1:3. In some embodiments, the ratio can be less than 1:6. Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the height of the sink  18  can be defined as the distance between the bottom  51  of countertop  16  and the bottom surface  50  of the drain section. The ratio of the height of the front side section  40  to the height of the sink can be approximately 1:1. In some embodiments, the ratio can be greater than 1:1. Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 9A , in some embodiments the drawer side sections  44  can extend to within close proximity of the countertop  12  and/or sloped section  22 . For example, the side sections  44  can have top surfaces  45  that are defined by individual surfaces  45 A and  45 B. The top surface  45 B can be formed by cutting out a part of the side section  44 . The top surface  45 B can be angled, such that it runs generally parallel to the sloped section  22  of sink  18 . The top surface  45 B can be angled such that it is in close proximity to the sloped section  22 . In some embodiments, the top surface  45 B can be positioned within 0.5 inches of the sloping section  22 . In some embodiments, the top surface  45 B can be positioned within 1 inch of the sloping section  22 . In some embodiments, the top surface  45 B can be positioned within 1.5 inches of the sloping section  22 . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the top surface  45 A can extend from the front side section  40  to the beginning of sloped section  22  of the sink  18 . In some embodiments, the top surface  45 A can be positioned within 0.5 inches of the bottom  51  of countertop  12 . In some embodiments, the top surface  45 A can be positioned within 1 inch of the bottom  51  of countertop  12 . In some embodiments, the top surface  45 A can be positioned within 1.5 inches of the bottom  51  of countertop  12 . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 9B , in some embodiments, the drawer  38  can have a generally rectangular shape, with side sections  44  that have generally horizontal top surfaces  45 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the corner defined by the intersection of surfaces  45  or  45 B, and back section  42 , can be positioned within 0.5 inches of the sloped section  22 . In some embodiments, the corner the corner defined by the intersection of surfaces  45  or  45 B, and back section  42 , can be positioned within 1 inch of the sloped section  22 . In some embodiments, the corner defined by the intersection of surfaces  45  or  45 B, and back section  42 , can be positioned within 1.5 inches of the sloped section  22 . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 8-12 , the drawer  38  can be positioned within the storage assembly  14  such that the drawer  38  utilizes at least one half of any available storage space defined by the area directly in front of the drain section  48 , in between the sidewalls  26 , below the countertop  16  and sink  18 , and above the bottom section  46  of the drawer  38 . In some embodiments, the drawer  38  can utilize at least ⅔ of the any available storage space directly in front of the drain section  48 . In some embodiments, the drawer  38  can utilize at least ⅚ of any available storage space directly in front of the drain section  48 . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the drawer  38  can be connected to at least one of the side sections  26 . For example, the drawer  38  can be slidably connected to the side sections  44 . The drawer  38  can move relative to the side sections  46 , for example through use of a slide channel or channels  56 . The slide channel  56  can be built into the side section  46 , and can comprise a notched and/or recessed area along an inner portion of the side section  26 . In some embodiments, the channel  56  be a separately formed structure which is attached to the inside of sidewall  26 . The channel  56  can accommodate a corresponding roller, protruding channel, or other similar structure on or attached to the drawer  38 , such as for example protruding channel  54  illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The drawer  38  can be moved (e.g. pulled in and out) generally horizontally relative to the countertop  16 . In some embodiments, the channel  56  can include a stop or other structure to inhibit the drawer  38  from being pulled completely out of the vanity storage structure  14 . 
         [0054]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the drawer  38 , when connected to the sidewalls  26 , can inhibit the sidewalls from separating. The drawer  38  can hold the sidewalls  26  together. In some embodiments, the drawer  38  is arranged such that at least one of the side sections  44  is within 0.5″ of a sidewall  26  along a direction extending between the sidewalls  26 . In some embodiments, the drawer  38  is arranged such that at least one of the side sections  44  is within 1″ of a sidewall  26  along a direction extending between the sidewalls  26 . In some embodiments, the drawer  38  is arranged such that at least one of the side sections  44  is within 1.5″ of a sidewall  26  along a direction extending between the sidewalls  26 . Other ranges are also possible. 
         [0055]    Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.