Patent Publication Number: US-9850643-B2

Title: Sink with drain cover

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/781,769, which was filed on Mar. 14, 2013. The foregoing U.S. provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This application relates generally to the field of sinks. More specifically, this application relates to sinks having drain covers that are configured to have a seamless appearance while allowing for sufficient draining. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment of the application relates to a sink assembly including a sink and a drain cover. The sink includes a basin and a projection provided in a bottom wall of the basin. The projection includes a first portion and a second portion that define a cavity and a drain opening. The first portion extends from the bottom wall at a first orientation and the second portion extends from the first portion at a second orientation that is different than the first orientation. The drain cover is installed into the cavity of the projection. The drain cover includes a base and at least one leg extending downward from a bottom surface of the base. The base of the drain cover has a top surface that is substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the bottom wall of the basin, and has an outer periphery that extends beyond an outer periphery of the drain opening. 
     Another embodiment of the application relates to a sink. The sink includes a basin having a bottom wall, a projection provided in the bottom wall, and a drain removably coupled to the basin. The drain includes a flange and a body extending therefrom. The projection includes a first portion and a second portion that define a cavity and a drain opening. The first portion extends from the bottom wall at a first angle, and the second portion extends from the first portion at a second angle that is different than the first angle. 
     Yet another embodiment of the application relates to a drain cover for a drain opening in a sink. The drain cover includes a base having a top and bottom, and at least one leg extending away from the bottom. When the drain cover is installed into the sink, the top of the base is substantially coplanar with a bottom wall of the sink, and an outer periphery of the base extends beyond an outer periphery of the drain opening. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sink having a drain opening covered by a drain cover, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of the sink of  FIG. 1  without a drain cover installed. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the sink and drain cover of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of the sink of  FIG. 1  without a drain cover installed. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the sink and drain cover of  FIG. 2  taken along line  3 - 3 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of the sink and drain cover of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of the sink and drain cover of  FIG. 2  taken along line  5 - 5 . 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cross-sectional view of the sink and drain cover of  FIG. 2  taken along line  6 - 6 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a sink assembly including a drain cover coupled to a sink and covering a drain, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7A  is a detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a sink assembly including a drain cover coupled to a sink and covering a drain, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is a detail view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a sink, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A  is a detail view of a portion of the sink of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 9B  is a detail view of a portion of the sink of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a drain cover. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the drain cover of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of the drain cover of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a sleeve for use with a drain cover, such as the drain cover of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the sleeve of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14A  is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the Figures, disclosed herein are sink assemblies configured having drains that are configured to be covered with drain covers that provide a seamless appearance with the sinks, while allowing for sufficient draining through the drain. 
       FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a sink assembly  100  having a sink  110  with a drain opening  114  covered by a drain cover  120 , according to an exemplary embodiment. The sink  110  may have any suitable shape that is configured as a vessel (e.g., a container) that is able to hold a volume of water therein. The sink  110  may be generally polyhedron (e.g., hexahedron) shaped with an open side therein. For example, the sink  110  may be generally hexahedron shaped with an open top surface. The sink  110  may be made of metal, such as a stainless steel or a cast iron, or any other suitable material. Further, the sink  110  may have a coating, such as chrome or enamel, which may be provided over at least the visible surfaces (e.g., when installed) to change the exterior appearance of the sink  110 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2A , the sink  110  includes a basin  111  and a projection  112  (e.g., a recessed portion or component, an insert, an integrally molded member, a depression, an indentation, etc.). The basin may include a wall or a plurality of walls. As shown, the basin includes a bottom wall  111   a  (e.g., floor, base, etc.) and four side walls  111   b  extending upwardly from the bottom wall  111   a , where the four side walls  111   b  include two pair of opposing side walls. The bottom wall  111   a  may be generally flat or may be curved (e.g., crowned). Each side wall  111   b  may extend from the bottom wall  111   a  in a perpendicular direction or may extend at an angle relative to the bottom wall. Each pair of adjacent side walls  111   b  may be connected by a transition  111   c  (e.g., upper transition), which may be a curved portion. Additionally, each side wall may be connected to the bottom wall with a transition  111   d  (e.g., lower transition). The upper and lower transitions  111   c ,  111   d  may have overlapping areas, such as in the corners between two adjacent side walls  111   b  and the bottom wall  111   a.    
     The projection  112  may be configured to extend from the basin  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , the projection  112  is provided in the bottom wall  111   a  of the basin  111 . The projection  112  may extend away (e.g., downwardly) from the bottom wall  111   a , such as a bottom surface of the bottom wall. In other words, the projection  112  is configured as a recess, such as when viewed from above the sink  110 . As shown, the projection  112  is integrally formed with the basin  111 . In other words, the projection  112  may be configured as an extension of the sink  110 . Alternatively, the projection  112  may be formed separately from the basin  111  and operatively coupled thereto to form a container capable of holding water therein, such as when the drain is closed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the projection  112  defines a cavity  113  and a drain opening  114 . For example, in some embodiments, the projection  112  extends generally downwardly from the bottom wall  111   a  and forms a cavity  113  between the projection and a first plane P1 that is coplanar with the bottom wall  111   a  of the basin. The projection  112  may include an opening in the form of a drain opening  114 , where the drain opening  114  is configured to receive a drain (see, for example, drain  740  of  FIG. 7  or drain  840  of  FIG. 8 ), if provided in the assembly  100 , and drain water (and objects washed down by the water) from the sink  110 . 
     The projection  112  may include one or more than one portion extending in a recessed fashion relative to the bottom wall  111   a  to form a recessed projection. In other words, the recessed projection  112  may include more than one recess (e.g., portion that is recessed below the sink). According to an exemplary embodiment, the projection  112  includes a first portion  112   a  and a second portion  112   b , which may define the cavity  113  and/or the drain opening  114 . The first portion  112   a  may be configured to extend from or relative to the bottom wall  111   a  at a first orientation, and the second portion  112   b  may be configured to extend from or relative to the first portion  112   a  at a second orientation, which may be configured to be different than the first orientation. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the projection  112  includes a first portion  112   a , a second portion  112   b , and a third portion  112   c . The first portion  112   a  is frusto-conical shaped and extends from the bottom wall  111   a  of the basin  111  at a first orientation in the form of a first angle A1 relative to the first plane P1 of the bottom wall. The second portion  112   b  is frusto-conical shaped and extends from the first portion  112   a  of the projection  112  at a second orientation in the form of a second angle A2 relative to a second plane P2 of the bottom wall  111   a . The third portion  112   c  is frusto-conical shaped and extends from the second portion  112   b  of the projection  112  at a third orientation in the form of a third angle A3 relative to a third plane P3 of the bottom wall  111   a . As shown, the third portion  112   c  may include an opening that serves as the drain opening  114 . 
       FIGS. 9-9B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sink  910  wherein like elements from previous figures have similar designations increased by an order of nine (e.g., sink  110  shown in  FIG. 1  is sink  910  in  FIG. 9 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink  910  includes a projection  912  configured having first, second, and third portions  912   a ,  912   b ,  912   c . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the first portion  912   a  is configured having an outer diameter of about 8.0 inches (203.2 mm) and extends from the bottom wall  911   a  at a first angle A1 equal to about 22° (twenty-two degrees) relative to the first plane P1. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the second portion  912   b  is configured having an outer diameter of about 4.66 inches (118.4 mm) and extends from the bottom wall  911   a  at a second angle A2 equal to about 81° (eighty-one degrees) relative to the second plane P2. As shown in  FIG. 9A , the third portion  912   c  is configured having an outer diameter of about 4.54 inches (115.3 mm) and extends from the bottom wall  911   a  at a third angle A3 equal to about 18° (eighteen degrees) relative to the third plane P3. Also shown, the third portion  912   c  includes a drain opening  914  having a diameter of about 3.62 inches (91.95 mm). Thus, the drain opening  914  includes an outer periphery that is defined by the surface having the diameter of about 3.62 inches (91.95 mm). As shown in  FIG. 9B , a first radius  912   d  may be provided between the first and second portions  912   a ,  912   b , and a second radius  912   e  may be provided between the second and third portions  912   b ,  912   c . Additionally, a third radius  912   f  may be provided between the first portion  912   a  and the bottom wall  911   a , and/or a fourth radius (not shown) may be provided where the third portion  912   c  transitions to the drain opening  914 . It is noted that any one or combination of the radii disclosed may be replaced with another type of transition, such as a chamfer, having any suitable shape. 
     The cavity  913  between the projection  912  and the first plane P1 of the bottom wall  911   a  may include more than one section. For example, the cavity  913  may include first and second sections  913   a ,  913   b , which may correspond to the first and second portions  912   a ,  912   b  of the projection  912 . The first section  913   a  may have a frusto-conical shape that is bounded by the first portion  912   a , the first plane P1, and a second plane P2 located at the intersection between the first and second portions  912   b ,  912   c , as shown in  FIG. 9A . The second section  913   b  may have a frusto-conical shape that is bounded by the second portion  912   b , the second plane P2 located at the intersection between the first and second portions  912   a ,  912   b , and a third plane P3 located at the intersection between the second and third portions  912   b ,  912   c , as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     The cavity  913  may include first, second, and third sections  913   a ,  913   b ,  913   c , where the first and second sections  913   a ,  913   b  may be configured the same as, similar to, or different than the first and second sections  913   a ,  913   b  discussed above. The third section  913   c  may have a frusto-conical shape that is bounded by the third portion  912   c , the third plane P3 located at the intersection between the second and third portions  912   b ,  912   c , and a fourth plane P4 located at the drain opening  914 , as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2A , the sink  110  may also include a rim  110   d  that is configured to extend around at least a portion of the top of the sink  110 . For example, the rim  110   d  may extend partially or completely around a periphery of the top of the basin  111  in an outwardly manner. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , the drain cover  120  is configured to be installed into the cavity  113  to provide a seamless appearance with the sink  110  (e.g., the projection  112  and bottom wall  111   a  of the basin  111 ) while allowing for sufficient draining through the drain. In other words, the configuration and/or location of the drain cover  120  (with respect to the sink  110 ) is configured to harmonize, such that the drain cover  120  blends in with the bottom wall  111   a  in a seamless manner to a person standing over the sink  110 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the drain cover  120  includes a base  121  and a leg  122  extending from the base. However, the drain cover  120  may be configured to include a plurality of legs  122 . According to another exemplary embodiment (not shown), one or more legs  122  may extend upwardly from the projection  112  and receive the drain cover  120  to removably couple the drain cover  120  to the sink  110 . 
       FIGS. 10-12  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the drain cover  120  that includes five legs  122  extending from an underside (e.g., a bottom surface) of the base  121  in a downwardly direction. As shown, the base  121  has a circular shape to harmonize with the conical shape of the projection  112  to provide a seamless appearance of the drain cover  120  with the projection  112  and the bottom wall  111   a  of the basin  111  (for example, see  FIGS. 3-6 ). The circular base  121  has a top surface  121   a  (e.g., a topside, a top, an upper surface, etc.), a bottom surface  121   b  (e.g., an underside, a bottom, a lower surface, etc.) provided on the opposite side relative to the top surface  121   a , and an outer periphery  121   c  (e.g., perimeter, outer surface, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 11 , the outer periphery  121   c  is circular with a diameter of about 5.38 inches (136.5 mm). Thus, the outer periphery  121   c  of the drain cover  120  may be configured to be larger in size (e.g., diameter) than the size of the second portion  112   b  of the projection  112  and/or the drain opening  114  (for example, see  FIGS. 3-6 ), such as to obscure them from view of a person standing over the sink  110 . 
     The legs  122  of the drain cover  120  may be arranged in a circular pattern on the bottom surface  121   b . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the circular pattern of the five legs  122  has a diameter of about 4.22 inches (107.2 mm) and is concentric (e.g., coaxial) with the circular outer periphery  121   c . As shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , this arrangement may advantageously allow the pattern of legs  122  to engage the projection  112 , such as the second portion  112   b , in a concentric manner, while arranging the base  120  (e.g., the outer periphery) concentric with the projection  112 , such as the first portion  112   a , which may help provide the seamless appearance between the drain cover  120  and the sink  110 . 
     Each leg  122  may have any suitable shape. As shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , each leg  122  has a cylindrical shape, such that each leg  122  is elongated with a circular cross-section. Each leg  122  may have an end that has the same cross-section as the rest of the leg, or the end of the leg may be tapered (not shown). Alternatively, each leg  122  may be tapered the entire length of the leg or any length less than the entire length of the leg (not shown). The angle of the taper of the leg  122  may be configured to match the angle A2 of the second portion  112   b  (see  FIG. 3A ). For example, the leg  122  may have a taper configured at an angle of 81° (eighty-one degrees). Each leg  122  may extend a length (e.g., distance) that allows the drain cover  120  to engage the projection  112 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , each leg  122  may extend a length that puts the end of each leg into the second portion  112   b  to facilitate removably attaching the drain cover  120  to the sink  110 . 
     The drain cover  120  may be made out of a material that is configured to match the appearance (e.g., color, material, finish, etc.) of the sink  110 . For example, the drain cover  120  may be made out of metal, such as stainless steel or cast iron, which is configured to match the appearance of the sink  110 , such as by having a brushed appearance. Also, for example, the drain cover  120  may be made out of a plastic (e.g., polymer) material that is configured to match the sink  110 , such as an enameled sink. The base  121  may include more than one layer, such as, for example, by being a laminate having at least a substrate layer and at least a finish layer provided over the substrate, where the substrate may be a polymer or other suitable material, and the finish layer may be a metal or other suitable material that is configured to match the appearance of the sink  110 . The legs  122  may be integrally formed with the base  121 , such as with the substrate layer, or may be formed separately and coupled to the base  121 . 
     It is noted that the drain cover  120  may include any number of legs  122 , which may be configured having any suitable size, but it may be advantageous for the drain cover  120  to include at least three legs  122  to provide a better fit condition with the conical shaped projection  112  of the sink  110 . Three or more legs  122  may help the drain cover  120  engage the sink/and or the drain more securely, and may help the coupled drain cover  120  fit concentrically with the projection  112  of the sink  110 . Additionally, the spacing between the legs  122  is large enough to allow most objects entering the recessed projection  112  to pass through the legs  122  into the drain. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-6 , when the drain cover  120  is installed into the cavity  113 , the legs  122  are configured to extend from the first section  113   a  into the second section  113   b  of the cavity, and the top surface  121   a  of the base is configured substantially coplanar with an upper surface of the bottom wall  111   a . In other words, the legs  122  of the drain cover  120  may engage a recess in the sink  110  to remotely secure the drain cover  120  in place over the drain opening  114 , such that the top surface of the bottom wall  111   a  and the top surface  121   a  are coplanar. This arrangement advantageously allows the user to slide objects in the bottom of the sink  110 , such as along the bottom wall  111   a  and the drain cover  120 , without the drain cover  120  impeding movement of the object, which would result if the drain cover  120  stood proud of the top surface of the bottom wall  111   a . Moreover, when the drain cover  120  is installed into the cavity  113 , the outer periphery  121   c  of the base  121  extends beyond the outer periphery of the drain opening  114 . This arrangement advantageously prevents the drain and/or drain opening  114  from being visible from a perspective above the drain cover  120 . The drain cover  120  may be configured to obscure the drain and/or drain opening  114  completely from the vision of a user, such as at all perspectives above and around the sink  110 . The outer periphery  121   c  of the drain cover  120  may be configured to leave a gap between the base  121  and the projection  112 , such as the first portion  112   a , in order to allow for objects placed in the bottom of the sink  110  to be washed into the drain through the gap and through the spacing between the legs  122  of the drain cover  120 . The size of the gap may be tailored, but according to an exemplary embodiment, a gap of about 1.31 inches (33.3 mm) provides enough clearance to allow most disposed objects (i.e., objects intended to be washed into the drain) to pass through, while providing a harmonious appearance that obscures the drain opening  114  and drain. 
       FIGS. 7-7A  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a sink assembly  700  wherein like elements from previous figures have similar designations increased by an order of seven (e.g., sink  110  of  FIG. 1  is sink  710  of  FIG. 7 ). The sink assembly  700  includes, a sink  710 , a drain  740 , and a drain cover  720  engaging a recess in the sink  710  over the drain  740  to obscure the drain opening  714  and drain  740  from view by a person standing over the sink assembly  700 . The sink  710  may be configured the same as any sink disclosed herein, or may be configured differently. 
       FIGS. 8-8A  illustrate yet another exemplary embodiment of a sink assembly  800  wherein like elements from previous figures have similar designations increased by an order of eight (e.g., sink  110  of  FIG. 1  is sink  810  of  FIG. 8 ). The sink assembly  800  includes, a sink  810 , a drain  840 , and a drain cover  820  engaging a recess in the sink  810  over the drain  840  to obscure the drain opening  814  and drain  840  from view by a person standing over the sink assembly  800 . The sink  810  may be configured the same as any sink disclosed herein, or may be configured differently. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7-8A , each sink  710 / 810  includes a recessed projection  712 / 812  having first, second, and third portions  712   a / 812   a ,  712   b / 812   b ,  712   c / 812   c , where the third portion  712   c / 812   c  has a drain opening  714 / 814  therein. The drain  740 / 840  is configured to engage the drain opening  714 / 814  in order to carry away water and objects placed down the drain opening. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the drain  740  includes a body  742  and a flange  741  extending away (e.g., perpendicularly away) from the body  742 , where the body  742  includes a first cylindrical section  742   a , a tapered section  742   b , and a second smaller cylindrical section  742   c  provided below the tapered section  742   b . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the drain  840  includes a body  842  and a flange  841  extending away from the body, where the body  842  is configured as a cylindrical section including a recess  842   a  (e.g., a channel, an undercut, etc.) that is provided near the bottom of the cylindrical section. 
     The flanges  741 / 841  of the drains  740 / 840  are configured to engage the projection  712 / 812 , such as a recess formed by the projection, to secure the drain  740 / 840  to the sink  710 / 810 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , each flange  741 / 841  extends away from the body  742 / 842  at a location that is near the plane between the second and third sections  713   b / 813   b ,  713   c / 813   c  of the cavity  713 / 813  (when installed with the sink  710 / 810 ) to engage at least one surface (e.g., an inner surface) of the projection  712 / 812 . The flange  741 / 841  may be configured to engage a surface of the third portion  712   c / 812   c , the second portion  712   b / 812   b , a transition (e.g., radius, chamfer, etc.) between the first and second portions  712   a / 812   a ,  712   b / 812   b , or any combination thereof. For example, an outer periphery of the flange  741 / 841  may engage a surface of the third portion  712   c / 812   c  and/or a surface of the transition between the second and third portions  712   b / 812   b ,  712   c / 812   c , such that the flange  741 / 841  is supported by the third portion  712   c / 812   c.    
     The sink  710 / 810  may further include a seal (not shown) that is configured to prohibit leaking (e.g., of water). For example, the sink  710 / 810  may include a seal between the flange  741 / 841  of the drain  740 / 840  and the projection  712 / 812  to seal the interface therebetween to prohibit leaking between the flange and the sink. 
       FIGS. 13-14A  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sleeve  130  that is configured to be removably disposed over the legs  122  of the drain cover  120 . The sleeve  130  may be configured to provide an improved connection between the drain cover  120  and the sink  110 . For example, the sleeve  130  may provide a more secure fit condition between the drain cover  120  and the sink  110  when the drain cover  120  is installed. The sleeve  130  may also reduce the likelihood of damage to the sink  110 , such as through wear from the drain cover  120  being installed and removed repeatedly. As shown in  FIGS. 13-14   a , the sleeve  130  includes a body  130   a  having a centrally located bore  130   b  extending through a length of the body. The body  130  further includes a tapered end  130   c  located at a distal end of the body. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  130  is made from a material that provides an increased friction (e.g., coefficient of friction) between the sink  110  and the sleeve  130  compared to the friction between the sink  110  and the leg  122  of the drain cover  120 . For example, the sleeve  130  may be made from a rubber or elastomeric material. The sleeve  130  may be compressible, such as in the event of an interference fit between the sleeve  130  and the sink  110  when the drain cover  120  is installed. For example, the rubber sleeve  130  may compress when the drain cover  120  is installed to provide a more secure connection. The rubber sleeve  130  also prohibits the likelihood of damage to the sink  110  (e.g., the projection  112 , bottom wall  111   a ) by contacting the sink  110  directly, as opposed to the legs  122  of the drain cover  120 . 
     The sleeve  130  may be a separately formed part that is configured to slide over the respective leg  122  of the drain cover  120  to removably attach the sleeve to the leg. Alternatively, the sleeve  130  may be over-molded onto the drain cover  120 , or integrally formed therewith. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 8A , the sleeve  730 / 830  is configured to engage the flange  741 / 841  of the drain  740 / 840 , such that a gap (e.g., clearance) is provided between the outer surface of the sleeve  730 / 830  and the second portion  712   b / 812   b  of the projection  712 / 812 . The gap may vary, such as based on manufacturing tolerances, but a nominal gap of 0.011-0.016 inches (0.28-0.41 mm) is shown in the various exemplary embodiments. If the assembly varies to a point where there is an interference fit, the sleeve  730 / 830  is compressible to allow the drain cover  720 / 820  to be properly seated or located with the base  721 / 821  coplanar to the bottom wall  711   a / 811   a . The sleeve  730 / 830  may have a tapered end  730   c / 830   c , such that the angle of taper is configured to match the angle of orientation of the second portion  712   b / 812   b.    
     It is noted that although specific dimensions have been provided for various features and elements of the sink assemblies disclosed herein, the dimensions provided are exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, these dimensions may be changed, such as to tailor the features and elements of the sink assemblies to accommodate differently configured sinks, drains, and/or other members. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the sink assemblies as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.