Abstract:
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.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Wash basins, sinks, tubs, and other retaining and draining structures are often necessary for human use of any space to provide liquid an refuse disposal as well as allowing for washing or soaking of dishes, hands, laundry, etc. For example, restrooms, kitchens, changing rooms, wetbars, locker rooms, utility rooms, laundromats, plane and train lavatories, etc. all conventionally include sinks with plumbing to supply water and rinse refuse through sinks. 
         [0002]    Sinks usually include a large open top and one or more continuous basins housing a drain at a lowest point. Conventionally, a faucet resides outside, typically above, the sink to provide water for washing, rinsing, and/or flushing away refuse. The basin is typically large and deep enough to house dishes, laundry, or other materials to be washed and hold water for washing and/or soaking the same. As such, larger, deeper basins with greater open volume and top area have typically been more desired because they hold more washing materials and/or dispose of more refuse. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Example embodiments include sinks with a tub and cover that are installable together as a sink unit in an area where a sink is desired. An example embodiment sink may use one or more basins and lids attached thereto, and the lids are moveable to open the basins for access and use or close the same for concealment. The basins and lids can thus be adjusted for a variety of sink- or counter-requiring tasks. Example embodiments can include a variety of different features, such as a drain in basins of the sink for refuse or sewage disposal, hinges and other attachment structures to provide desired movement between lids and basins, a variety of different types and numbers of faucets or other water sources, internal structures such as drying racks, countertops alongside the sink, holes and other drains in lids to permit wetbar and counter usage in a closed position, etc. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    Example embodiments will become more apparent by describing, in detail, the attached drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus do not limit the example embodiments herein. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an example embodiment sink with opened lid. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an example embodiment sink with opened lid. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an example embodiment sink with closed lid. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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. 
         [0013]    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. 
         [0014]    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. 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an example embodiment sink  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , example embodiment sink includes a basin  110  into which liquids, refuse, or washable items may be placed for washing or disposal. Basin  110  may 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 flange  111  to assist in positioning or mounting sink  100 . For example, flange  111  may extend about a top  117  that is an open portion of basin  110  and include one or more attachment points to secure sink  100  to surrounding counter or other structure. Flange  111  may include one or more fasteners, mounting holes, etc. to facilitate securing example embodiment sink  100  to any type of housing or structure. Flange  111  may be reduced or altogether removed in some configurations. 
         [0016]    Basin  110  and/or flange  111  are liquid impermeable and may be composite or unitary. For example, basin  110  may be formed of a single piece of sculpted, molded, or cast material such as plastic, ceramic, metal, stone, etc. Flange  111  may be similarly formed from the same piece of material as basin  110 . Basin  110  and/or flange  111  may be fabricated of a desired size, including depth, based on application. For example, in small spaces with limited counter space, basin  110  may be deeper to accommodate more volume with a small counter profile about top  117 , such as somewhat less than a foot long and wide but over a foot deep. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , example embodiment sink  100  includes a closeable lid  120  moveably joined to basin  110  and/or flange  111 . Closeable lid  120  may be joined to basin  110  in a variety of ways. For example a hinge  150  may be mounted directly between basin  110  and an underside of lid  120  to permit rotation of lid  120  between an open and closed position. A second hinge  150  may be opposite the first to support the axis of rotation of lid  120  at both ends. Or, for example, a moveable joint, cantilever, complex lever, and/or track may allow more complex movement of lid  120  between an open and closed position. If closeable lid  120  is joined to basin  110  in a manner internal to basin  110 , no external hinge, joint, etc. may consume space outside of example embodiment sink  100 . A lack of any external joining mechanism may allow sink  100  to better accommodate small spaces in a seamless, functional, and aesthetic manner. 
         [0018]    Closeable lid  120  may further be joined to basin  110  in a manner that permits lid  120  to be easily opened and closed and in a manner that permits lid  120  to consume less external space when opened and avoid contact with any faucet while opening or closing. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , if hinge  150  connects to basin  110  at an internal position within a side  116  of, and away from a top  117  and back  118  of, basin  110 , a portion of lid  120  may be rotated down into basin  110  when open. Further, as shown in  FIG. 2 , lid  120  may be rotatable to a lower angle, permitting lid  120  to “rest” against back  118  of basin  120 . Such a configuration may permit lid  120  to be easily rotated and lodged in an open position while consuming less space outside of basin  110 . Further, if placed within basin  110 , such as hinge  150  is placed, any connection structure between lid  120  and basin  110  may consume little or no external space. While the space-saving and naturally-reclining configuration of  FIG. 2  is achieved via hinge  150  spaced from back  118  and top  117 , it is understood that other structures, including a moveable joint or joints, an internal track permitting inward-to-basin sliding of opened lid  120 , a collapsible structure for lid  120 , extension/telescoping arms permitting outward-from-basin movement of lid  120  so as to completely open basin  110 , etc. are equally useable in example embodiments to secure an openable and closeable lid to a basin. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of example embodiment sink  100  in a closed position. As shown in  FIG. 3 , lid  120  may be fully seated to top  117  of basin  110 . Lid  120  may be substantially co-planar with flange  111  and/or a surrounding countertop into which sink  100  is installed, so as to provide a continuous counter space for work or placement of objects. Any seam  115  created between a closing of lid  120  and basin  110  and/or flange  111  may be relatively small to preserve continuity. Further, a seal, such as a flexible gasket, felt, adhesive, etc., may be placed in seam  115  to enhance continuity between a closed lid  120  and surrounding structures. Such a seal may be attached to lid  120  and/or basin  110  at appropriate locations to fill seam  115 . 
         [0020]    Any connecting device, such as hinge  150  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), may be internal to basin  110  and closed lid  120  so as to be invisible and/or non-space-consuming when lid  120  is closed, further contributing to continuousness between lid  120  and any surrounding surfaces. The fashion by which lid  120  is joined and moveable with respect to basin  110  may permit easy opening and closing of lid  120 . For example, in  FIG. 3 , a user may simply press on an area of lid  120  behind hinge  150  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) to cause lid  120  to rotate down into basin  110  and 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 lid  120  to facilitate opening and closing. Further, in this way, any liquid or refuse on lid  120  may naturally fall into basin  110  for disposal when opening lid  120 . 
         [0021]    Lid  120  may be fabricated of a material matching basin  110  and/or flange  111  in order to preserve aesthetic and functional continuity when closed. For example, if basin  110  and flange  111  are formed of a continuous hammered copper, lid  120  may similarly be formed of a continuous hammered copper to match, providing rigidity necessary for counter space and surface/material properties throughout sink  100  without any discontinuity or joint. Alternatively, lid  120  may be fabricated of a material and/or include a veneer that matches surrounding counter appearance. Thus, when closed, lid  120  is 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, lid  120  may conceal any refuse or dirty dishware or cutlery being stored in basin  110  of example embodiment sink  100 . 
         [0022]    Lid  120  may include a hole  121  that passes into basin  110  when lid  120  is closed. Hole  121  may be sealable, such as with a moveable cover matching the remainder of lid  120 , or remain open. Hole  121  may be positioned vertically in-line with a faucet and/or drain (not shown) used with example embodiment sink  100 . Hole  121  may allow liquid spilled or placed on closed lid  120 , or water flowing from a faucet associated with a position of hole  121 , for example, to pass into basin  110  even when lid  120  is closed. Hole  121  may 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 basin  110 . In this way, a user may still dispose of liquid or other waste material down example embodiment sink  100  even when closed and being used as a surface, such as a surface for serving drinks, for example. Hole  121  may be relatively small, such as a 4-inch diameter or less, while still permitting these functions. 
         [0023]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a variety of internal structures are useable in basin  110 . For example, a collapsible drying rack  130  may be attached to lid  120  and fit within basin  110  when closed. Drying rack  130  may include several opposing tines or other retaining surfaces for holding a variety of dishes, cookware, and/or utensils to drip/air dry in basin  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , lid  120  and drying rack  130  attached thereto may be positioned such that a bottom of drying rack  130  when fully opened is above a bottom of basin  110 , allowing any drying materials in rack  130  to avoid a liquid level or any refuse in basin  110 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , drying rack  130  can collapse into a smaller structure that permits closing of lid  120  while fitting drying rack  130  entirely in basin  110  when lid  120  is closed. In this way, collapsible drying rack  130  may provide additional storage and drying space for kitchenware within a small basin  110  while permitting closure of lid  120  and concealment of any contents of basin  110 . 
         [0024]    Although example embodiment sink  100  is shown with a collapsible drying rack  130  attached to closeable lid  120 , it is understood that other internal structures are useable in sink  100 , including dividing walls, air freshener strips, lighting that activates only when open, etc. Further, stops or locks may be placed within or attached to basin  110  to stop and/or secure lid  120  in a closed position with a desired degree of continuity with surrounding structures. 
         [0025]    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.