Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DUAL CAPACITY SINK
[0003] The present invention relates to wash basins, and in particular to
kitchen sinks.
[0004] Kitchen sinks are well known. They can be formed of any number
of materials, such as ceramics, metal, cast iron, polymers, etc, and have a
bottom and upright side walls defining an open volume of space. This volume
can be divided into two or more basins by one or more intermediate partitions
that extend between the sides walls. Double basin sinks are common in kitchen
applications, see_e.g,_ U.S. Pat. Nos. D203,802 and D478,970.. The basins can
be
of equal or different size and configuration, and each basin usually has a
stoppable drain at the bottom.
[0005] The partition in double basin kitchen sinks is typically referred to as
a divider that extends between front and rear side walls to form two basins
that
are situated side by side. The two basins are commonly used to wash dishes and
the like in which one basin holds soapy water-and the other holds rinse water
(or
contains water sprayed from a faucet). To keep the soap water and rinse water
from commingling and to maximize the volume of water each basin can hold, the
divider typically extends vertically up to or very near the top of the sink,
see e.4..
U.S. Pat. No. D362,901.
[0006] The double basin sink can hold two separate volumes of water.
However, this comes at the cost of dividing the overall size of the sink,
typically
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into about two halves. Since the capacity of the sink is made smaller by
dividing
it into two basins, double basin sinks cannot fully submerge certain large
items
as well as single basin sinks of equal rim size. Thus, the conventional sinks
require a tradeoff between the functionality of double basins and the capacity
of
a single basin. This long-standing problem has not been adequately addressed
by the prior art.
[0007] Another problem is that the tall dividers of conventional double
basin sinks often acts an obstruction. For example, when filling. a pot with
water,
or when washing dishes, it is common to hold the item under the faucet. Since
the space between the divider for faucet is typically small, many taller items
must be set down into a basin to be rinsed or filled, which is inconvenient if
that
basin is being used. Pull out and extra tall faucets have been developed in
part
to address this problem. The tall dividers of conventional double basin sinks
also
require the user to lift the item up a significant distance when moving it
from one
basin to the other, as when moving a pot from the wash basin to the rinse
basin.
[0008] Thus, an improved sink with increased flexibility and usability is
needed to address these concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a sink that can effectively be a large
single basin sink and alternatively a double basin sink in which each of the
two
basins can hold a meaningful volume of water to wash dishes and the like. The
dual capacity sink has a very low height divider that divides the sink into
two
individual basins only at a lower portion of the sink. This allows the sink to
be
used in one capacity as a double basin sink in which the sink can hold one or
more smaller (and separate) volumes of fluid, for example, one basin holding
wash water and the other holding rinse water. The sink would be used in this
capacity to wash smaller dishes and other items. The sink can also be used in
a
second capacity as a large single basin sink in which it contains fluid in the
basins
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and above the divider. The sink would be used in this capacity to wash baking
sheets, pans and other larger items.
[0010] Specifically, in one aspect the sink has a bottom and.=upright side
walls extending along the periphery of the sink to a rim at a first height
from the
bottom. The sink defines a first basin and a second basin divided by a divider
that extends to a second height which is less than the first height. In one
capacity the sink is capable of holding a first volume of fluid in one of the
basins
at a level no greater than the second height, and in a second capacity the
sink is
capable of holding a second volume of fluid in the basins at a level greater
than
the second height. A sufficient volume of fluid in the sink above the divider
can
be used for submerging items in sink that are too large to be submerged in
either of the basins individually.
[0011] In another aspect the invention provides a dual capacity sink the
height of the divider is significantly less than the peripheral side walls of
the sink.
In one preferred form, the height of the divider is about 20 to 70 percent, an
more preferably between 50-60 percent, of the height of the side walls. As one
preferred example, the height of the side walls can be about 9 inches and the
divider can extend up to a height of about 5 inches. The vertical distance
between the top of the divider and the side walls can thus be about 4 inches,
.20 with a usable depth of at least about 1 1/2 inches.
[0012] The two divided basins can be substantially equal in size and
configuration or they can be unequal such that they can hold the same volume
or different volumes. ' As well, the bottom of each divided basis can be at
the
same height or at different heights so that each different volumes can be
achieved with basins made of the same front to back and side to side
dimensions.
[0013] Irrespective of the size and configuration of the divided basins,
each can hold the same or different volumes of fluid. Thus, in its double
basin
capacity the sink can be used to hold one volume (of water for example) In one
basin and a second volume in the other basin, and then be filled to a third
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volume which exceeds the volumes of each basin individually, and this can be
all
be achieved consecutively without draining either of the divided basins.
[0014] The dual capacity sink can provide three fluid zones, one in each of
the basins and a third above the divider and the basin zones. Each zone can
thus be used for a different purpose. For example, small items or items that
require soaking can be contained in one or both of the basin zones at the
bottom
of the sink, while other items, such as large pots or baking sheets, could be
washed in the zone above the two basins. The cleaning of items in the upper
zone would not be inhibited by the items in the basins.
[0015] The sink can also include a faucet having a spout with an outlet
=
that can direct a spray of fluid from the spout into each of the divided
basins.
The low divider provides additional clearance under the faucet such that items
in
the upper zone can fit under the outlet and sprayed. Preferably, the outiet of
the faucet is at a height of about 6-12 inches or more above the top of the
divider depending on the size of the faucet.
[0016] Another aspect= of the dual capacity sink is its use for washing
items. The method can include supplying fluid to a first zone of the sink
corresponding to the first basin; supplying fluid to a second zone of the sink
corresponding to the second basin; supplying fluid to a third zone of the sink
corresponding to the volume of the sink vertically above the basins and the
divider; and submerging in the fluid an item that is too large to be submerged
in
either of the basins individually such that a portion of the Item is in the
third
zone above the divider.
[0017] Thus, the dual capacity sink of the present invention provides a
marked improvement over conventional sinks. Its low height divider allows the
sink to effectively be two sinks in one. The sink can be a double basin sink
allowing containment of one or more lesser volumes of water for washing (and
rinsing) smaller items. And, the sink can be a large, single basin sink for
washing large items. In other words, it provides increased capacity for
washing
large items without losing the functionality of the double basins. The low
divider
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also facilitates transferring Items, especially heavy items, between the
basins,
and provides more clearance, and thus less obstruction, between the sink and
faucet.
[0018] These and stiii other advantages of the invention will be apparent
from the detailed description and drawings. What follows are preferred
embodiments of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the
invention
the claims should be looked to as the preferred embodiments are not intended
as
the only embodiments within the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual capacity sink according to the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view thereof shown in a double basin
capacity in which two basins in the iower part of the sink contain water;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view thereof shown in a single basin
capacity in'which the sink has a volume of water extending above a divider
that
divides the basins;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing an
item to be washed in one of the basins as well as faucet for filling each of
the
basins;
,[0024] FIG. 6 is a sectionai.view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 showing
how a larger item, such as the baking sheet shown, could be washed in the
single basin capacity of the sink;
[00251 FIG. 7 Is a perspective view of another embodiment of the dual
capacity sink according to the present Invention in which the divided basins
are
of equal size; and
[0026] FIGS. 8-11 are views similar to FIGS. 3-6, albeit corresponding to
the equal basin version of the sink shown In FIG. 7.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Figures 1-6 illustrate a first dual capacity sink 10 having unequally
sized basins 12 and 14, and FIGS. 7-11 illustrate an alternate sink 10A in
which
the basins 12A and 14A are the same other than being mirror images. The
embodiment shown in FIGS. 7-11 can be readily understood from a description
of the FIGS. 1-6 embodiment in that it is generally the same but for the equal
sized basins and the addition of a back deck 16, which can be used to mount a
faucet 18 (such as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 10 and 11) which can spray water
directly into each of the basins. Given the similarity of the two sinks 10 and
10A,
the following description will be directed only to the sink 10 shown in FIGS.
1-6.
[0028] The sink 10 can be made of cast iron or other materials, and
referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it has the larger, primary basin 14 and the
smaller
basin 12. The sink has a bottom 22 and front 24, rear 26, left 28, and right
30
upright side walls with a turned rim 32 extending along the upper periphery of
the side walls. The sink 10A inciudes the back deck 16, such that the rim 32
is
wider at the rear side wall 26 than at the others. The bottom of both basins
12
and 14 is at the same height and both each are generally planar with a slight
decline toward drain openings 34 and 36 to assist in draining the basins 12
and
14. The drain openings 34 and 36 can be closed using conventional drain stops
(not shown), and optionally a disposal unit (not shown) could be attached to
either drain, preferably the drain 34 of the smaller basin 12.
[0029] The bottom 22 melds into a low height divider 38, which can be in
the form of a "saddle" with an inverted U-shape, that runs between the front
24
and rear 26 side walls to define the two basins 12 and 14. Referring to FIGS.
5
and 6, the top of the divider 38 extends up from the bottom of the basins 12
and
14 to a first height A, which Is considerably less than the height B to which
the
side walls extend.
[0030] In one size of the sink 10, the height A is approximately 5 inches
and the height B is approximately 9 inches. In that case, there is about 4
inches
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between of vertical distance in the sink 10 above the divider 38, that is
above
the basins 12 and 14. Of the 4 inches, at least about 2-3 inches of vertical
distance is available to accommodate fluid volume. Common sizes of the sink
will typically have a peripheral wall height of between about 6-9 inches and a
divider height of between about 2-6 inches. However, the divider height is
preferably no greater than about 70% of the sink wall height and no less than
about 20%. Using the preferred dimensions given above, the divider 38 extends
up only a little more than half, about 56%, of the height of the side walls.
As
mentioned, however, a divider height in the range of 20-70% the height of the
side walls should be suitable. And, the vertical distanced between heights A
and
B is about 2-4 inches or more, and preferably at least 1 1/2 inches.
[0031] The sink 10 can also have an overall rim dimension, for example,
33 inches by 22 inches. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the basin 12 would then
have dimensions of about 9 inches by 17, and with a 5 inch divider height, its
volumetric zone would be about 765 cubic Inches (approximately 3.3 gallons).
The basin 14 would be about 19 inches by 17 Inches giving it a volumetric zone
of about 1,615 cubic inches (approximately 7 gallons). The space above the
divider 38 would have dimensions of about 30 inches by 17 inches by 4 inches
resulting in a volumetric zone of 2,040 cubic inches (approximately 8.8
gallons).
For a 33 inches by 22 inches sink with a height A of 9 Inches and a height B
of
between 1 1/2 and 6 1/2 inches, the volumetric capacities would be in the
range
of about 230 cubic inches (1 gailon) to 965 cubic inches (4.2 gallons) for
basin
12, 485 cubic inches (2.1 gallons) to 2,035 (8.8 gallons) for basin 14, and
3,825
cubic inches (16.5 gallons) to 1,275 cubic inches (5.5 gallons) for the upper
zone
above the divider. While these values are given by way of example, they are
not
intended to be limiting. Preferably, however, each zone should be at least
about
230 cubic inches (or at least about 1 gallons).
[0032] Thus, as can be seen each zone of the sink 10 is of significant
volume sufficient for washing items. In the sink 10 shown In the drawings, the
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large upper zone above the divider 38 provides the largest volume and thus can
accommodate larger items.
[0033] All of the above dimensions are provided merely by way of
-exampie. Of course, the sink could be made to other dimensions so long as
each
basin 12 and 14 can provide a significant volume of fluid to immerse items
therein sufficient to wash the items and so that the sink provides a zone of a
significant volume of fluid vertically above the divider 38 that is sufficient
to
completely immerse some items that are.too large to be submerged in one of the
basins 12 or 14.
[0034] This low divider height also facilitates transfer of items between the
basins 12 and 14 as well as greater clearance between the faucet 18, and in
particular the outlet 40 thereof, which is at a height C. The height C of the
faucet outlet will vary, of course, depending upon the faucet selected.
However,
in all cases the low height A will be a benefit because the increased
clearance
will allow taller items to fit between the faucet 18 and the divider 38.
Clearance
distances in the range of 6-12 inches, preferably about 8 inches, should be
expected using the sink 10 of having the preferred dimensions stated above. If
such increased ciearance is not important to the consumer, the lower divider
height could allow the faucet outlet height C to be lower than normal to
reduce
splashing.
[0035] As best shown in shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sink 10 is dual
capacity because the very low height divider 38 divides the sink into two
individual basins only at a lower portion of the sink 10. This allows the sink
10 to
be used in one capacity as a double basin sink (as in FIG. 3) in which the
sink 10
can hold one or more smaller volumes of fluid, such as basin 14 holding soap
water and basin 12 holding rinse water, to wash small dishes. The sink 10 can
also be used In a second capacity as a large single basin sink (as In FIG. 4)
in
virhich it holds a larger volume of fluid, including above the divider, to
wash
larger items, such as a baking sheet or pizza dish.
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[0036] The sink 10 can provide three fluid zones, one in each of the basins
12 and 14 and a third vertically above the divider 38 and the basin zones.
Each
zone can thus be used for a different purpose. For example, small items or
items
that require soaking can be contained in one or both of the basin zones at the
bottom of the sink while other items, such as large pots or baking sheets,
could
be washed in the zone above the two basins. The cleaning of items in the upper
zone would not be inhibited by the items in the basins. Grease and food from
items in the basins 12 and 14 would be iess likely to come into contact with
the
items in the upper zone above the divider 38.
[0037] The sink 10 can be used to hold one volume of fluid in one basin
and a different (or possibly equivalent) volume in the other basin, and then
be
filled to yet another larger volume, which exceeds the volumes of each basin
individually. One or both of the basins 12 and 14 can be supplied with water
directly from the faucet 18. Alternatively, one basin could be filled to reach
the
top of the divider 38 and then excess water would spill over into the other
basin.
In either case, water would be supplied to the upper zone above the divider 38
by first filling both basins 12 and 14 up to the divider 38.
[0038] A user could wash dishes and the like in the sink 10 by supplying
fluid to one basin or to both of the basins (or zones) of the sink, either by
directly flling each or filling one basin fully to create spill over into the
other
basin. The appropriately dishes could be washed and rinsed in the sink in its
double basin capacity. Once the smaller dishes have been washed, the water
could be drained (perhaps only from the wash basin) or if the water was not
too
dirty or tepid, both basins could be filled up to the top of the divider so
that the
water level would rise and fill the upper zone of the sink vertically above
the
basins and the divider. Then, larger items could be washed by placing the item
entirely in the upper zone above the divider or in the upper zone and one or
more of the basins. In this way, the sink 10 could accommodate Items that were
larger than a maximum dimension of each of the basins.
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[0039] It should be appreciated that preferred embodiments of the
invention have been described above. However, many modifications and
variations to the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in
the
art, which will be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore,
the
invention should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the
full scope of the invention, the following claims should be referenced.
