AU2018101332A4 - Mobile sink assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A sink assembly for a wheeled container having an upper opening, the sink assembly including a frame locatable adjacent the upper opening, a first trap 5 supportable relative to the frame, said first trap having a draining aperture, a second trap positionable below the first trap and adapted to receive fluid from the first trap via the draining aperture, a third trap adapted to receive fluid from the second trap, and a pump operatively connectable to pump fluid which has left the third trap to the first trap; wherein in use fluid which has left the third trap is pumped to the first trap, 0 passes through the draining aperture into the second trap and from the second trap passes to the third trap and out of the third trap, while particulate matter is retained in at least one of the first and second traps. -- - -- 26 Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a mobile apparatus for cleaning devices and tools and trapping particulate waste. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for cleaning tools and equipment of trades’ people. Reference to cleaning of tools and equipment will be made in the specification by way of example of the invention but the invention is not limited to this example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tools and equipment on a work site often become contaminated or dirty with particulate matter and can no longer be used for their intended purpose. In these situations, the worker must clean their tools and equipment, so they can be reused.

Cleaning of tools typically requires the worker to take the tools off site to clean them. This is an inconvenience and consequently there is a reduced amount of time spent working.

If the tools and equipment are cleaned on-site, the consequent waste must be picked up and disposed of. If tools and equipment are cleaned using water from a tap or hose, the surrounding area becomes contaminated with waste. A further level of complexity is introduced where the resulting waste is toxic or environmentally harmful.

There are specific sinks designed to capture particulate waste such as the sink assembly described in Australian innovation patent AU2014100713. In this patent specification there is disclosed a sink that traps the particulate matter for proper disposal at a later time. The described sink is part of a working bench with plumbed connections to mains water and storm water drains.

Australian innovation patent AU2015101817 describes a mobile sink assembly that is easily accessible to workers working outdoors or away from sink facilities with plumbed connections. The mobile sink assembly of AU2015101817 however, has restricted use in remote areas and requires access to a water source.

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-2OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with mobile sink assemblies and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a sink assembly for a wheeled container having an upper opening, the sink assembly including a frame locatable adjacent the upper opening;

a first trap supportable relative to the frame, said first trap having a draining aperture;

a second trap positionable below the first trap and adapted to receive fluid from the first trap via the draining aperture;

a third trap adapted to receive fluid from the second trap; and 5 a pump operatively connectable to pump fluid which has left the third trap to the first trap; wherein in use fluid which has left the third trap is pumped to the first trap, passes through the draining aperture into the second trap and from the second trap passes to the third trap and out of the third trap, while particulate matter is retained in at least one of the first and second traps.

Preferably in use, the fluid leaving the third trap flows into a lower portion of the wheeled container. Preferably in use, the lower portion of the wheeled container is located below the third trap.

The sink assembly preferably includes a main tank. The main tank is preferably adapted to receive fluid from the third trap. The main tank preferably has a draining aperture for draining fluid from the main tank to the lower portion of the wheeled container. In one embodiment, the main tank has one or more perforated walls and/or a perforated base to enable fluid to flow from the main tank.

The main tank is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. More preferably the main tank is substantially rectangular in shape to fit at least partially within the main tank. In one embodiment, the third trap has one or more perforated walls and/or a perforated base to enable fluid to flow from the third trap. In another embodiment, the third trap has a drainage aperture to enable fluid to flow from the third trap.

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The main tank is preferably supportable by the frame. In one embodiment, the main tank is integrally formed with the frame. Preferably the main tank includes a lip adapted to abut a portion of the frame. The main tank is preferably locatable at least partially within the upper opening of the wheeled container.

The main tank is preferably adapted to support the first trap. More preferably the main tank is adapted to support the first trap within the wheeled container. The main tank is preferably adapted to support the third trap within the main container. The main tank preferably includes an abutment surface to support the third trap. The main tank is preferably adapted to support the third trap within the main tank.

The main tank is preferably made predominantly from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic. More preferably the plastic material is High-density polyethylene (HDPE). In another embodiment the plastic material is polyethylene and/or recycled plastic. In a further embodiment, the main tank is made predominantly from stainless steel.

The first trap preferably has a rail or a lip that at least partially surrounds an outer perimeter of the first trap. The rail or lip are preferably adapted to support the first trap relative to the frame. The rail or lip are preferably adapted to support the first trap within the main tank. In one embodiment, the sink assembly preferably includes a collar locatable around an outer perimeter of the first trap. The collar is preferably adapted to support the first trap relative to the frame. The collar is preferably adapted to support the first trap within the main tank.

The top of the first trap is preferably positioned in use below the top of the wheeled container. More preferably there are one or more discharge apertures on or near the top of the first trap where an overflow of fluid can discharge. Preferably in use the overflow of fluid can discharge into the main tank.

The first trap is preferably substantially rectangular in shape to fit within the upper opening of the wheeled container. More preferably the first trap is substantially rectangular in shape to fit within the upper opening of the wheeled tank. The first trap is preferably made predominantly from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic. More preferably the plastic material is HDPE. In another embodiment the plastic material is polyethylene and/or recycled plastic. In a further embodiment, the first trap is made predominantly from stainless steel.

The draining aperture is preferably positioned in the floor of the first trap.

-42018101332 11 Sep 2018 ln one embodiment, the first trap has one or more perforated walls and/or a perforated base to enable fluid to flow from the first trap. In one embodiment, the draining aperture is a perforation of the one or more perforated walls and/or a perforated base.

In one embodiment, the sink assembly further includes a riser locatable around the draining aperture of the first trap to retain a predetermined level of fluid in the first trap.

The second trap is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. More preferably the second trap is substantially rectangular in shape to fit at least partially 0 within the third trap. In one embodiment, the second trap has one or more perforated walls and/or a perforated base to enable fluid to flow from the second trap. In another embodiment, the second trap has a drainage aperture to enable fluid to flow from the second trap. The second trap is preferably made predominantly from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic. More preferably 5 the plastic material is HDPE. In another embodiment the plastic material is polyethylene and/or recycled plastic. In a further embodiment, the second trap is made predominantly from stainless steel.

The third trap is preferably substantially rectangular in shape. More preferably the third trap is substantially rectangular in shape to fit at least partially 0 within the main tank. In one embodiment, the third trap has one or more perforated walls and/or a perforated base to enable fluid to flow from the third trap. In another embodiment, the third trap has a drainage aperture to enable fluid to flow from the third trap. The third trap is preferably made predominantly from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic. More preferably the plastic 25 material is HDPE. In another embodiment the plastic material is polyethylene and/or recycled plastic. In a further embodiment, the third trap is made predominantly from stainless steel.

The frame is preferably adapted to be located on an upper edge of the wheeled container. The upper edge of the wheeled container preferably defines the upper opening of the wheeled container. The frame is preferably adapted to be located at least partially about the upper edge of the wheeled container. Preferably the frame includes a skirt portion which covers at least an upper portion of the wheeled container.

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-5The frame is preferably adapted to support the pump. More preferably the frame is adapted to support the pump outside of the wheeled container.

The frame preferably includes one or more legs adapted to support the wheeled container on a ground surface. Preferably the one or more legs inhibit the 5 wheeled container from tipping about wheels of the wheeled container. The one or more legs are preferably extendable.

The frame is preferably attachable to a lip of the wheeled container. More preferably the frame is attachable to a lip of the wheeled container. The frame is preferably releasably attachable to a lid hinge of the wheeled container. In one 0 embodiment, a lid of the wheeled container is attachable to the frame.

The frame is preferably made predominantly from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic. More preferably the plastic material is HDPE. In another embodiment the plastic material is polyethylene and/or recycled plastic. In a further embodiment, the frame is made predominantly from stainless 5 steel.

Preferably, one or more filter bags is positionable within one or more of the traps and/or the main tank. The one or more filter bags are preferably disposable filter bags. Preferably the one or more filter bags are made using a natural fibre. In another embodiment, the one or more bags are made using a manmade fibre.

Preferably the one or more filter bags have a shaped opening attachable to a shaped opening of a corresponding trap and/or the main tank.

Preferably a filter bag can be positioned within the first trap to collect particulate matter. More preferably the sink assembly includes a filter bag positionable within the first trap.

Preferably a filter bag can be positioned within the second trap to collect particulate matter. More preferably the sink assembly includes a filter bag positionable within the second trap.

Preferably a filter bag can be positioned within the third trap to collect particulate matter. More preferably the sink assembly includes a filter bag positionable within the third trap.

In one embodiment, a filter bag can be positioned within the main tank. Preferably the sink assembly includes a filter bag positionable within the main tank.

The sink assembly preferably includes one or more filter units adapted to filter the fluid that is pumped to the first trap. The frame is preferably adapted to support

-62018101332 11 Sep 2018 the one or more filter units. More preferably the frame is adapted to support the one or more filter units outside of the wheeled container. The one or more filter units are preferably one or more sieve filters. The sieve filters can be any suitable filters such as sand, clay, fibre or paper cartridge filters.

The sink assembly preferably includes a timer to indicate when the one or more filter bags and/or the one or more filter units require replacement at a predetermined time period. Preferably the timer is based on the runtime of the pump. Preferably an audible or visual alert is activated when the timer reaches the predetermined time period.

The sink assembly preferably includes one or more work surfaces attachable to the frame. Preferably each of the one or more work surfaces is a tray. The tray preferably includes an end wall and two opposed side walls. Preferably in use, when attached to the frame, the tray is open towards the first trap. Preferably each of the one or more work surfaces includes a support leg to support the work surface relative to a ground surface. Preferably the support leg is an extendible support leg.

The one or more work surfaces are preferably made predominantly from a plastic material. The plastic material is preferably a thermoplastic. More preferably the plastic material is HDPE. In another embodiment the plastic material is polyethylene and/or recycled plastic. In a further embodiment, the one or more work surfaces are made predominantly from stainless steel.

The sink assembly preferably includes a tube, hose and/or a tap so that fluid can flow from the pump to the first trap. More preferably, the sink assembly includes at least one tube, hose and/or a tap so that fluid can be pumped by the pump from the lower portion of the wheeled container to the first trap.

The pump is preferably an electric pump. More preferably the pump is a 12v electric pump. In one embodiment, the pump is a foot pump or a hand pump.

The sink assembly preferably includes a controller to control the operation of the pump. Preferably the controller is a switch. The controller is preferably attached to the frame.

The sink assembly preferably includes a power cable. Preferably the power cable can be plugged into a mains socket to provide electricity to the sink assembly. In one embodiment the power cable can be connected to a battery pack and/or solar power to provide electricity to the sink assembly. In another embodiment, the sink assembly includes a power inlet. The power inlet is preferably attached to the frame.

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-7Preferably the sink assembly includes one or more power outlets adapted to supply power to items such as hand tools. The one or more power outlets are preferably attached to the frame.

The sink assembly preferably includes one or more fluid level sensors. The 5 one or more fluid level sensors are preferably locatable within the wheeled container. In another embodiment, the one or more fluid level sensors are locatable on an outside surface of the wheeled container.

The sink assembly preferably includes one or more visual and/or audible alert devices adapted to indicate when fluid has reached the one or more fluid level 0 sensors. The one or more visual and/or audible alert devices are preferably attached to the frame. Preferably the sink assembly includes a visual indicator adapted to indicate that a predetermined minimum level of fluid is present in the wheeled container. Preferably the sink assembly includes a visual indicator adapted to indicate that a predetermined maximum level of fluid is present in the wheeled 5 container. Preferably the sink assembly includes an audible alert device adapted to indicate that a predetermined maximum level of fluid is present in the wheeled container. Preferably the audible alert device is a buzzer.

In one embodiment, the sink assembly includes a heater to heat the fluid pumped to the first trap. Preferably the heater is an electric heater.

The wheeled container is preferably a ‘wheelie bin” type container with an axle and two spaced apart wheels. Wheelie-bins may also be referred to as 2 wheeled mobile garbage bins. In another embodiment, the wheeled container is a four wheeled container. Preferably the four wheeled container has two axles. Preferably the wheeled container has a capacity between substantially 60L to 360L. 25 Preferably the wheeled container has a capacity between substantially 120L to 360L. More preferably the wheeled container has a capacity of substantially 240L. In another embodiment, the wheeled container has a capacity of up to 1,100L. Preferably the capacity is between 360L and 1,100L. In a further embodiment, the wheeled container has a capacity of more than 1,100L.

The fluid is preferably water or a cleaning solution.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a sink assembly for a wheeled container having an upper opening, the sink assembly including a frame locatable adjacent the upper opening;

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-8a first trap supportable relative to the frame, said first trap having a draining aperture;

a second trap positionable below the first trap and adapted to receive fluid from the first trap via the draining aperture;

a third trap adapted to receive fluid from the second trap;

a main tank adapted to receive fluid from the third trap, the main tank having a draining aperture, and in fluid communication and a pump operatively connectable to pump fluid which has left the third trap to the first trap; wherein in use fluid which has left the third trap is pumped to the first 0 trap, passes through the draining aperture into the second trap and from the second trap passes to the third trap and out of the third trap, while particulate matter is retained in at least one of the first and second traps.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a sink assembly for a container having an upper opening, the sink assembly including 5 a frame locatable adjacent the upper opening;

a first trap supportable relative to the frame, said first trap adapted to receive fluid;

a second trap positionable below the first trap and adapted to receive fluid from the first trap; and a pump operatively connectable to pump fluid which has left the second trap to the first trap; wherein in use fluid which has left the second trap is pumped to the first trap, flows from the first trap into the second trap and out of the second trap, while particulate matter is retained in at least one of the first and second traps.

Preferably the sink assembly includes a third trap. Preferably the third trap is adapted to receive fluid from the second trap. Preferably the pump is adapted to pump fluid which has left the third pump.

Preferably the first trap includes a drainage aperture. Preferably the second trap is adapted to receive fluid from the first trap via the draining aperture.

Preferably the container is a wheeled container.

In one embodiment, the sink assembly includes the wheeled container.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly

-92018101332 11 Sep 2018 stated. For example, features which are relevant to a wheeled container in one aspect can also be relevant to a container in another aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a sink assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the sink assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the sink assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of the sink assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a work surface according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a partial side view of the work surface of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a sink assembly according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows an assembled perspective view of the sink assembly of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a perspective cross section view of the sink assembly of

Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a cross section view of the sink assembly of Figure 8;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the first trap of the sink assembly of

Figure 7;

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the second trap of the sink assembly of

Figure 7;

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the third trap of the sink assembly of Figure 7;

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the main tank of the sink assembly of

Figure 7; and

Figure 15 shows a bottom perspective view of the main tank of Figure 14.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OFTHE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figures 1-4 there is shown a sink assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sink assembly 10 has a frame 12. The frame 12 attaches the sink assembly 10 to a wheeled container in the form of a 5 wheelie bin 14. The frame 12 is located about an upper opening (not shown) of the wheelie bin. The frame 12 has a skirt portion 16 which is located about an upper portion of the wheelie bin 14. The frame 12 supports a pump 18. The pump 18 is adapted to pump fluid from a lower portion of the wheelie bin to a first trap 20 of the sink assembly 10. The first trap 20 is supported relative to the frame 20. The first 0 trap is supported by a main tank (not shown) which is supported by the frame 12. The first trap 20 has a draining aperture 22 to enable fluid to drain from the first trap 20 to a second trap (not shown).

The sink assembly 10 includes a controller in the form of buttons 24 to control the operation of the pump. The buttons 24 are attached to the frame 12.

The sink assembly 10 includes two filter units 26,28 to filter fluid being pumped to the first trap 20.

The sink assembly 10 includes a leg 30 to support the sink assembly relative to a ground surface 32 and inhibit the wheelie bin 14 from tilting about a pair of wheels 34.

The frame 12 includes attachments in the form of mounting apertures 36 to attach working surfaces (not shown) to the frame 12.

The sink assembly 10 has a hose 38 so that fluid can be pumped into the first trap 20.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, there is shown a working surface in the 25 form of a tray 40. The tray 40 has a floor 42, two opposed side walls 44,46 and an end wall 48. The tray 40 has hooks 50,52 which engage with mounting apertures of a sink assembly (not shown). A support leg 54 is attached to the end wall 48. The support leg 54 is adjustable and is adapted to support the tray 40 relative to a ground surface (not shown).

With reference to Figures 7-10, there is shown a sink assembly 100 according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11 to 15 show detailed views of a first trap 120, second trap 172, third trap 168, a top perspective view of a main tank 160 and a bottom perspective view of the main tank 160.

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The sink assembly 100 includes a frame 112. The frame 112 is located adjacent an opening 102 of a container in the form of a wheelie bin 114. The frame 112 supports a main tank 160 within the opening 102 of the wheelie bin 114.

The main tank 160 has an upper lip 162 which engages with the frame 112. 5 The main tank 160 has protrusions 164 which supports a first trap 120 within the main tank 160. The main tank 160 has a draining aperture 166 so that fluid in the main tank can drain into a lower portion of the wheelie bin 114.

The main tank 160 supports a third trap 168. The third trap 168 includes perforations 170 to enable fluid to drain from the third trap 168 into the main tank 0 160.

The third trap 168 supports a second trap 172 within the third trap 168. The second trap 172 is positioned underneath a draining aperture (not shown) of the first trap 120 to receive fluid from the first trap 120. The second trap 172 has perforations 174 to enable fluid to drain from the second trap 172 into the third trap 5 168.

The first trap 120 includes a collar 176 located around a periphery of the first trap 120 to support the first trap on the protrusions 164 of the main tank 160.

The frame 112 includes attachments 136. The attachments 136 enable working surfaces (not shown) to be attached to the frame 112.

In use, filter bags (not shown) are placed in one or more of the first trap 120, second trap 172, third trap 168 and main tank 160. Fluid is pumped via a pump (not shown) from a lower portion of the wheelie bin 114 into the first trap 120. The fluid drains from the first trap 120 into the second trap 172, from the second trap 172 into the third trap 168, from the third trap 168 to the main tank 160, and from the main tank 160 into the lower portion of the wheelie bin 114. As the fluid flows from the first trap 120 to the lower portion of the wheelie bin 114, at least some of the particulate matter in the fluid is filtered out by the filter bags (not shown).

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the sink assembly includes improved distribution of the sink assembly. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the sink assembly includes improved usability at remote sites. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the sink assembly includes an indication of the fluid level.

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VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

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Claims (15)

1. A sink assembly for a wheeled container having an upper opening, the sink assembly including

5 a frame locatable adjacent the upper opening;

a first trap supportable relative to the frame, said first trap having a draining aperture;

a second trap positionable below the first trap and adapted to receive fluid from the first trap via the draining aperture;

0 a third trap adapted to receive fluid from the second trap; and a pump operatively connectable to pump fluid which has left the third trap to the first trap; wherein in use fluid which has left the third trap is pumped to the first trap, passes through the draining aperture into the second trap and from the second trap passes to the third trap and out of the third trap, while particulate matter is retained in 5 at least one of the first and second traps.

2. A sink assembly for a wheeled container having an upper opening, the sink assembly including a frame locatable adjacent the upper opening;

0 a first trap supportable relative to the frame, said first trap having a draining aperture;

a second trap positionable below the first trap and adapted to receive fluid from the first trap via the draining aperture;

a third trap adapted to receive fluid from the second trap;

25 a main tank adapted to receive fluid from the third trap, the main tank having a draining aperture, and in fluid communication and a pump operatively connectable to pump fluid which has left the third trap to the first trap; wherein in use fluid which has left the third trap is pumped to the first trap, passes through the draining aperture into the second trap and from the second trap

30 passes to the third trap and out of the third trap, while particulate matter is retained in at least one of the first and second traps.

3. A sink assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the frame is adapted to support the pump outside of the wheeled container.

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4. A sink assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheeled container is a wheelie bin.

5 5. A sink assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more fluid level sensors locatable within the wheeled container, and one or more visual and/or audible alert devices adapted to indicate when fluid has reached the one or more fluid level sensors.

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Figure 7

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Figure 11

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Figure 13

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Figure 14

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Figure 15