Abstract:
This disclosure describes a sink clamp and a method of installing a sink that utilizes a quick bar clamp, a sink hook, and a countertop support bar. The quick bar clamp is comprised of a slide bar, a clamp arm, and a bar clamp. The clamp arm is attached to the countertop support bar. The sink hook is attached to the end of the slide bar. In operation, the sink hook is located on the underside of a sink. The slide bar is slotted through the drain opening. The countertop support bar rests on top of a countertop. When an installer utilizes the bar clamp, the sink is raised to the underside of the countertop.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a device and a method for installing a sink. 
         [0003]    Background—Prior Art 
         [0004]    Sinks are in almost every single home and building that have been constructed in the last hundred years. There are an almost infinite number of different types of sinks. One type of a very common and popular sink is an under-mounted sink. Under-mounted sinks are installed below the countertop surface. The edge of the countertop material is exposed where a hole has been created for the sink. The under-mounted sink is then attached to the underside of the countertop or the cabinet. 
         [0005]    Installing under-mounted sinks is extremely difficult. When a typical sink is installed, its rim rests on top of the countertop. This allows the installer to make small adjustments to the location of the sink and then glue or attach the sink to the countertop or cabinet. With under-mounted sinks, the rim of the sink is under the countertop. Thus, the under-mounted sink has nothing to support it when it is first installed. The installation of an under-mounted sink generally requires two installers. 
         [0006]    To install an under-mounted sink, first an adhesive is generally placed on the rim of the under-mounted sink. Next, one installer is required to hold the sink in place, while the second installer clamps the sink on to the countertop or cabinet. Once the sink is clamped, the installers can only make minor adjustments to the location of the sink. If the installers fail to place the under-mounted sink in the correct position, or if they need to make adjustments, the clamps must be completely removed and the installers must start over again. If the adhesive is dry, the adhesive must be removed before an attempt is made to reset the under-mounted sink. The other option is to simply replace the sink. Both options are very costly and time-consuming. Once the sink is in the correct position, a silicone-based sealant is usually used to ensure a waterproof joint between the sink and the countertop material. 
         [0007]    The previously described method of installing an under-mounted sink has several limitations. The method is extremely labor-intensive and takes two installers. Once the sink is set, only minor adjustments can be made to the sink&#39;s location. Making major adjustments requires resetting the sink, which is even more labor-intensive. If the sink is not correctly installed, the sink and the countertop may need to be completely replaced. In addition, if the sink is not correctly installed, the junction between the countertop and the under-mounted sink may leak. 
         [0008]    While there have been some attempts to resolve these issues, the prior systems are very costly, complicated, and large. There remains a need for a device that reduces the labor time needed to install an under-mounted sink and that only requires a single installer. In addition, the device should allow the installer to make both minor and large adjustments to the sink&#39;s position quickly and easily. Furthermore, the device must be easily storable. Such a device would decrease the cost of under-mounted sinks while also increasing the quality of the installation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention is a sink clamp that utilizes a quick bar clamp, a sink hook, and a countertop support bar. The quick bar clamp is comprised of a slide bar and a bar clamp. The bar clamp is attached to the countertop support bar. The sink hook is attached to the end of the slide bar. 
         [0010]    In operation, the sink hook and a portion of the slide bar are slotted through the drain opening in a sink. The countertop support bar rests on top of a countertop. When an installer activates the bar clamp, the slide bar moves through the bar clamp. The movement of the slide bar causes the sink to raise toward the underside of the countertop. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the invention is that the device can be easily switched from a storage configuration to an operational configuration. In a storage configuration, the countertop support bar and the sink hook run parallel to the slide bar. In an operational configuration, the countertop support bar and the sink hook are perpendicular to the slide bar. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention may take form in certain parts and in the arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawing, which for a part hereof: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a prospective side view illustrating a sink clamp positioned on a countertop with the sink clamp holding a sink in an installed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a prospective side view of the sink clamp with the countertop support bar at a slight angle from the slide bar, illustrating the pivot point of the sink clamp; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a prospective top view of the sink clamp positioned on a countertop, with the sink clamp holding a sink in an installation position to be installed; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the sink clamp in the operational position, with the slide bar perpendicular to the countertop support bar and the sink clamp opened; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a prospective side view of the sink clamp in the standby position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-section of the sink clamp, sink, and countertop; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows a prospective side view of the sink clamp in the operational position, with the slide bar perpendicular to the countertop support bar and the sink clamp opened; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows a prospective side view illustrating the sink clamp positioned on a countertop, with the sink clamp holding a sink in position to be installed, with a gap between the sink and the countertop. In this position, an installer can easily make adjustments to the location of the sink. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The following discussion describes embodiments of the invention and several variations of these embodiments. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to these particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. It is not necessary that the device have all the features described below with regard to the specific embodiment of the invention shown in the figures. 
         [0022]    In the following description of the invention, certain terminology is used for the purpose of reference only, and is not intended to be limiting. Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “above,” and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the component described. Terms such as “side,” “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” and “vertical” describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference, which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology includes words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
         [0023]    Referring generally to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 8  is a clamp  2 , embodying features of the present invention comprising a slide bar  20 , a clamp arm  16 , a sink hook  10 , and a countertop support bar  8 . The clamp arm  16  is moveable and stationary, connected to the slide bar  20 . The countertop support bar  8  is pivotally attached to the clamp arm  16 , as described in more detail below. The sink hook  10  is attached to the slide bar  20 . 
         [0024]    The slide bar  20  and the clamp arm  16  are a standard quick bar clamp. However, it is understood that the invention may be employed in any number of bar clamps without departing from the principles of the present invention. The slide bar  20  passes through the clamp arm  16 , such that a user may cause the clamp arm  16  to move along the longitudinal axis on the slide bar  20 . When not engaged by a user, the clamp arm  16  is stationary and connected to the slide bar  20 . The clamp arm  16  comprises a grip  24 , a drive handle  22 , and a clamp support  28 . When a force is applied to the drive handle  22 , the slide bar  20  moves along through the clamp arm  16 . Generally, the force is created by a user&#39;s hand. Standard quick bar clamps are known for having enormous force. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 4 , the clamp arm  16  is connected to the countertop support bar  8 . The clamp arm  16  and countertop support bar  8  are connected by a pivot  26 . The pivot  26  acts as a hinge connection, such that the clamp arm  16  and the countertop support bar  8  are allowed to rotate so that when the clamp  2  is in the operational position, the longitudinal axis of the clamp arm  16  is at an approximate ninety-degree angle from the longitudinal axis of the slide bar  20 . When the clamp  2  is in the storage position, the longitudinal axis of the clamp arm  16  and the longitudinal axis of the slide bar  20  are approximately parallel. When the clamp  2  is in the operational position and the clamp arm  16  exerts a force against the pivot  26 , this prevents the movement of the pivot  26 . 
         [0026]    To provide additional support for the pivot  26 , a pivot block  32  is located between the clamp support  28  and the countertop support bar  8 . The pivot block  32  allows the force from the clamp arm  16  to be transferred to the countertop support bar  8  so that when the clamp arm  16  applies a force to the countertop support bar  8 , the pivot block  32  aids in transferring the force to the countertop support bar  8 . 
         [0027]    The slide bar  20  has a first end  50  and a second end  52 . Located at the first end  50  is a bar stop  30 . The bar stop  30  prevents the clamp arm  16  from sliding off the slide bar  20 . The second end  52  is located on the opposite end of the longitudinal axis of the slide bar  20 . Located near the second end  52  is the sink hook  10 . However, the sink hook  10  may be located anywhere along the slide bar  20 . In order to reinforce the slide bar  20 , a slide bar support  38  is located at the same location as the sink hook  10 . The slide bar support  38  is made of a material that can withstand a considerable tension force. The slide bar support  38  allows for the diameter of the slide bar  20  to be reduced. As described in detail below, when the sink hook  10  is in the storage position, the sink hook  10  can fold into the slide bar support  38 . This configuration reduces the overall size of the second end  52  and sink hook  10 . It also provides the additional strength needed to support a sink  6 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the length of the countertop support bar  8  is generally longer than a typical sink opening  54 . Generally, the overall length of the countertop support bar  8  is between one to five feet long. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , to reinforce the countertop support bar  8 , a flange  34  runs along the longitudinal axis of the countertop support bar  8 . In practice, there are two flanges  34  on each side of the countertop support bar  8 . To reduce the weight of the countertop support bar  8  and to allow the clamp arm  16  to travel through the countertop support bar  8 , there is at least one slot  14 . The length and size of the slot  14  may vary. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the width and the length of the slot  14  must be large enough to allow for the clamp arm  16  to travel through the countertop support bar  8 . The countertop support bar  8  is made from any ridged material that can support the weight of a sink and withstand the forces applied by the clamp arm  16 . In practice, the clamp arm  16  is manufactured from steel or aluminum. To prevent scratching a countertop  4  or cabinet, a rubber pad (not shown) may be placed between the countertop support bar  8  and the countertop  4 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the sink hook  10  is located along the slide bar  20 . Generally, the sink hook  10  would be located at the second end  52 . The sink hook  10  is attached to the slide bar  20  with a sink hook hinge  36  connection. The sink hook hinge  36  allows the sink hook  10  to rotate to be either perpendicular or parallel to the slide bar  20 . When the sink hook  10  and the slide bar  20  are inserted into a drain opening  37  (generally located at the base of the sink  6 ), the sink hook  10  is parallel to the slide bar  20 . Once the sink hook  10  and the slide bar  20  are inserted into the drain opening  37 , the sink hook  10  is rotated such that the sink hook  10  is perpendicular to the slide bar  20 . This configuration allows the clamp  2  to hold the sink  6 . A detent device (not shown) may be located to prevent the sink hook  10  from rotating freely. 
         [0030]    To prevent damage to the sink  6  and to prevent the users from inserting the slide bar  20  too far into the drain opening  37 , a guild block  12  is located near the second end  52  above the sink hook  10 . In practice, the guild block  12  would be located approximately one to eight inches above the sink hook  10 . 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 , the sink hook  10  has a U-shape. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the U-shape configuration allows the sink hook  10  to fold around the slide bar  20  and the slide bar support  38 . This reduces the overall bulk of the clamp  2 . As described above, the configuration allows the user to easily insert the sink hook  10  and slide bar  20  into the drain opening  37 . When the sink hook  10  is through the drain opening  37  and in the operational position, the sink hook  10  has a cantilever configuration. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the sink hook  10  may have several different shapes and configurations to those shown such as a hook. The length of the sink hook  10  must be at least long enough to span the length of a drain opening  37 . In practice, the sink hook  10  length would be between one to six inches. The sink hook  10  may be made of any ridge material that would support a sink; generally, the sink hook  10  would be made of steel or aluminum. 
         [0032]    To operate the clamp  2 , the sink  6  is placed under the countertop  4 . While the sink hook  10  is in the storage position and the countertop support bar  8  is at a slight angle to the slide bar  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 , the sink hook  10  and the second end  52  of the slide bar  20  are inserted into the drain opening  37 . The installer rotates the sink hook  10  from the closed position to the open position as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0033]    The installer lifts the sink  6  and the clamp  2  such that the countertop support bar  8  is located above the countertop  4 . The countertop support bar  8  is then rotated to the operational position as shown in  FIG. 7 . Next, the installer rotates the countertop support bar  8 , such that the countertop support bar  8  is perpendicular to the slide bar  20  and parallel to the countertop  4 . The countertop support bar  8  is then positioned on top of the countertop  4  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0034]    When the installer applies pressure to the drive handle  22 , the clamp arm  16  is activated thus moving the slide bar  20 . The movement of the slide bar  20  causes the sink  6  to rise closer to the underside of the countertop  4 . 
         [0035]    Once the sink  6  is near the countertop  4 , a gap  40  is created between the sink  6  and the countertop  4 . The installer may make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the sink  6  is located properly in the sink opening  54 . The installer then places adhesive on a sink rim  42 . Next, the installer applies pressure to the drive handle  22 , again causing the sink  6  to move toward the countertop  4 . Once the sink rim  42  comes into contact with the countertop  4 , the user can apply additional force to ensure a tight fit between the sink rim  42  and the countertop  4 . 
         [0036]    A variety of different permutations of the invention is contemplated and not meant to be limited by this disclosure. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described in this section. The embodiments are merely exemplary, and one skilled in the art will recognize that many others are possible in accordance with this invention. Having now generally described the invention, the same will be more readily understood through references to the above descriptions and drawings, which are provided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention, unless so specified. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function, or “steps” for performing a specified function, should not be interpreted as a “means” or “steps” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112. 
         [0037]    All features disclosed in the specification—including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed—may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification—including the claims, abstracts, and drawings—can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is only one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.