AU2018241147B2 - A Basin - Google Patents

Abstract

A basin including an outlet, a rim and at least one sidewall extending between the outlet and the rim, the basin further being associated with one or more water outlets, the one or more water outlets being positioned relative to the basin such that water exiting the one or more water outlets impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet. 18 15 20 10

Description

A BASIN

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a basin. In particular, the present invention relates to a basin adapted to reduce or eliminate the spread of bacteria or viruses.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Bacteria (including microfilms of bacteria) and viruses can grow in the outlet (wastes and/or drains) of conventional basins (also referred to as “sinks”). This can be particularly problematic for basins used in the healthcare sector. In these basins, harmful or toxic bacteria or viruses (originating from, for instance, bodily fluids or infectious substances) may flourish in the outlet.

[0003] Conventional basins typically include a tap or faucet positioned above the basin outlet. When water from the tap impacts upon the outlet, either directly or on an angle, the bacteria or viruses in the basin outlet may become airborne, and may be inhaled or ingested by people in the vicinity of the basin. In some people (such as the elderly, children, those recovering from surgery or injury, and those with compromised immune systems) this can lead to serious infections or even death. Further, once airborne, the bacteria or viruses may come into contact with, and be carried on, the hands of the person using the basin. This may be especially dangerous if the person using the basin is a surgeon, dentist, nurse or similar healthcare worker who may be conducting surgery on a patient, dressing a wound or similar. In these situations, it would be possible for cross-contamination to occur, with the patient being exposed to the bacteria or virus on the healthcare worker’s hands, thereby leading to infection.

[0004] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a basin that reduced or eliminated the possibility of bacteria or viruses present in a basin outlet (such as a waste or drain) from becoming airborne through water impact. In addition, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a basin that reduced or eliminated the growth of bacteria or viruses therein. Further, there would

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 be an advantage if it were possible to provide a basin that provided these advantages without compromising the ability of users to access and use the basin.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] The present invention is directed to a basin which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a basin including an outlet, a rim and at least one sidewall extending between the outlet and the rim, the basin being associated with one or more water outlets, the one or more water outlets being positioned relative to the basin such that water exiting the one or more water outlets impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet.

[0008] The outlet may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. It is envisaged that the size and shape of the outlet may vary depending on the size of the basin, the rate at which water may flow into the basin from a tap or taps, the desired rate at which the basin is to empty of water and so on. Preferably, the outlet may be adapted for connection to a conduit, such as a pipe, hose or the like, through which water leaving the basin through the outlet may be directed. The outlet may be connected to the conduit using any suitable technique. For instance, the outlet may be connected to the conduit using a frictional connection, screw-threaded connection, snap connection, one or more mechanical fasteners (bolts, nuts, screw, nails, rivets or the like), adhesives or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. It will be understood that it is highly preferable that any connection between the outlet and the conduit be in accordance with any applicable codes and standards, such as, but not limited to, the Plumbing Code of Australia.

[0009] The outlet may simply be an opening in the basin. Alternatively, a waste may be provided in the outlet. The exact type of waste used is not critical to the

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 invention, and it will be understood that the waste may comprise a grate, strainer, pop-up waste or the like. In addition, the waste may be adapted to receive a closure member, such as a plug, in order to reduce or substantially preclude the flow of water through the outlet.

[0010] In some embodiments of the invention, the waste and/or outlet and may associated with a trap, such as, but not limited to, a bottle trap.

[0011] The waste may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as metal, metal alloy, polymer or the like. Preferably, the waste may be fabricated from a metal alloy, such as steel (including stainless steel), brass or the like.

[0012] In some embodiments of the invention, the basin may be provided with a lower surface in which the outlet is located. A lower region of the at least one sidewall may be connected to the lower surface. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that a curved surface may be provided between the at least one side wall and the lower surface such that no corners or similar points may be formed between the lower surface and the at least one sidewall where water may collect or pool.

[0013] In other embodiments of the invention, the at least one sidewall may form a continuous surface between the rim and the outlet. The at least one sidewall may be angled between the rim and the outlet. The at least one sidewall may extend between the rim and the outlet at a constant angle. In this embodiment of the invention, the at least one sidewall may comprise a substantially planar surface that extends between the rim and the outlet.

[0014] In other embodiments of the invention, the at least one sidewall may be curved such that the tangential angle of the at least one sidewall may change between the rim and the outlet. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is envisaged that the tangential angle of the at least one sidewall may approach 90° closer to the rim, and may approach 0° closer to the outlet. Preferably, however, the tangential angle of the at least one sidewall will be greater than 0° across the entire sidewall. In this embodiment, no horizontal regions exist in the at least one sidewall. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the region between the rim and the outlet

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 may substantially bowl-shaped. Preferably, the outlet may be located at or adjacent the deepest portion of the bowl.

[0015] In a preferred embodiments of the invention, the basin may comprise a single sidewall that extends between the outlet and the rim. The outlet may be positioned substantially centrally within the basin such that the sidewall is of the same length, and have an identical curvature, in all directions between the outlet and the rim. In other embodiments of the basin may not be symmetrical about the outlet and/or the outlet may be offset from the centre of the basin. The outlet may be offset either to the right or the left of the centre of the basin. In these embodiments of the invention, the sidewall may be of different lengths, and may be provided with different curvatures, in different directions between the outlet and the rim. It is also envisaged that the sidewall may curve continuously between the rim and the outlet, although the curvature of the at least one sidewall may vary between the rim and the outlet (e.g. along a line between the rim and the outlet).

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet may be provided in a rear region of the basin. It will be understood that, when the basin is in use, the portion of the basin closest to a user will be considered to be the front region, and the potion of the basin furthest from the user will be considered to be the rear region. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet may be located in either the rear left of the basin, or the rear right of the basin. In some embodiments of the invention, such as when the basin is mounted on, or forms part of, a stand (such as a vanity unit, bench, countertop or the like) the rear portion of the basin may be located adjacent to, or in abutment with, a wall or the like. Alternatively, the basin may be provided with a connection portion at the rear thereof. The connection portion may be adapted to allow connection of the basin to a support, such as a wall. Any suitable connection portion may be provided, although in some embodiments of the invention, the connection portion may comprise one or more apertures to allow one or more fasteners (such as bolts, screws, nails or the like) to pass therethrough and connect the basin to the support. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the basin may be adapted to support at least 30kg of mass thereon without requiring the use of a support bracket. More preferably, the basin may be adapted to support at least 150kg of mass thereon without requiring the use of a support bracket. In other

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 embodiments of the invention, the basin may be connected to the support using one or more brackets or the like, or through the use of adhesives, such as glue, mortar, cement or the like.

[0017] By providing the outlet (and preferably the one or more tap holes) in the rear region of the basin, it is envisaged that all of the plumbing associated with the basin (water lines, drain lines etc.) may be located in the rear portion thereof (and preferably below the basin). Thus, it is envisaged that no associated plumbing may be located beneath the front portion of the basin.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention in which the basin is connected to a wall at the rear thereof, it is envisaged that the basin may be connected at a suitable height to allow users in wheelchairs to position their wheelchairs so that their legs are at least partially positioned underneath the basin. In addition, by ensuring that no associated plumbing is located under the front portion of the basin, a person in a wheelchair may get relatively close to the basin in order to use it, rather than either risking injury to their legs from coming into contact with associated plumbing under conventional basins, or having to position themselves further from the bowl and then attempting to reach a tap.

[0019] It is envisaged that the rim may define the periphery of the basin. Alternatively, the rim may define a bowl portion of the basin. In this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the basin may also include a surface region. The surface region may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. The surface region may at least partially surround the bowl portion of the basin. In some embodiments of the invention, the surface region may have a functional purpose (such as being a drying or drainage rack, storage area or the like) and/or may be provided for aesthetic reasons.

[0020] In some embodiments of the invention, the surface region may be substantially planar. However, the surface region may be provided with curves, depressions, slopes or the like. This may be particularly the case when the surface region includes a drainage or drying rack. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that at least a portion of the surface region may slope towards the bowl portion so that water on the surface region drains into the bowl portion and through the outlet.

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 [0021] In some embodiments of the invention, the surface region may entirely surround the bowl portion of the basin. In this way the surface region extends between the rim and the periphery of the basin about the entire circumference of the rim. By having the surface region entirely surround the bowl portion of the basin, the surface region may be placed in abutment with a stand (such as a vanity unit, bench or countertop) to support the basin on the stand.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the bowl portion extends below the surface region. Preferably, at least a portion of the surface region is positioned substantially flush with the rim. Preferably, however, the surface region may be provided so as to slope towards the bowl portion. The slope may be continuous across the surface region, or may vary. However, in this manner, any water or other liquids on the surface region may flow along the sloped surface towards and into the bowl portion.

[0023] The rim may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. In some embodiments of the invention, the rim may define the point at which the at least one sidewall meets the surface region (where present). The sidewall and the surface region may meet at an angle (such that, for instance, a corner is formed between the sidewall and the surface region) or the point at which the sidewall and the surface region meet may be curved.

[0024] It is envisaged that the basin may include a front portion located closest to a user when the basin is in use, and a rear portion positioned away from a user when the basin is in use. Preferably, the outlet may be positioned in the rear portion of the basin and/or the rear portion of the bowl portion of the basin.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, the basin may be provided with one or more tap holes therein. Preferably, the one or more tap holes may be positioned in the basin such that water exiting a water outlet associated with the one or more tap holes impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet. The one or more tap holes may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration, and it will be understand that the size and shape of the tap holes may vary depending on the particular tap or other fittings that are to be used with the basin. In some embodiments of the invention, a single tap hole may be provided, for instance when

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 a mixer tap is to be used. In other embodiments of the invention, multiple tap holes may be provided. For instance, a first tap hole may be provided for a cold water tap, a second tap hole may be provided for a hot water tap, and a third tap hole may be provided for a water spout associated with the cold water tap and the hot water tap. Thus, the water outlet may be a tap, water spout or the like.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, no tap holes may be present in the basin. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that the water outlet may be associated with tap holes provided in an adjacent support member, such as a bench, counter, wall or the like. In this embodiment, it is still envisaged that water exiting a water outlet associated with the one or more tap holes in the support member impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet.

[0027] As previously stated, water exiting the water outlet impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet. By ensuring that water does not impact directly onto the outlet, the present invention prevents bacteria, viruses etc. that may be present in the outlet (and associated waste, if present) from being disturbed and becoming airborne.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, water exiting the water outlet may impact on a portion of the sidewall that is shaped so as to direct the water along the sidewall. Preferably, this may be achieved by impacting the water exiting the water outlet on a portion of the sidewall that has a tangential angle (i.e. the angle between the tangent and the horizontal) of between 20° and 90°. More preferably, the portion of the sidewall upon which the water exiting the water outlet impacts may have a tangential angle of between 30° and 80°. Yet more preferably, the portion of the sidewall upon which the water exiting the water outlet impacts may have a tangential angle of between 40° and 70°.

[0029] At these tangential angles, it is envisaged that water impacting on the sidewall may flow along the sidewall (towards the outlet and/or towards the rim). This may be achieved regardless of the flowrate of water onto the sidewall. This may in turn assist in washing the sidewall, or flushing any bacteria or viruses on the sidewall towards the outlet.

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 [0030] In comparison, in basins in which the tangential angle of the portion of the sidewall on which water exiting the water outlet impacts is relatively low (i.e. less than 20°), at least some of the water will not flow along the sidewall, but will instead rebound off the sidewall in a generally upward direction. In this manner, water may impact on the outlet (or waste, if present) at an angle, thereby disturbing bacteria or viruses present in the outlet (or waste). In addition, if a bacterial film is present on the sidewall, water splashing generally upwardly from the sidewall may cause the bacterial film to become airborne.

[0031] Preferably, the basin is adapted to substantially preclude water impacting on the sidewall from flowing over the rim of the basin. This may be achieved by, for instance, positioning the water outlet so that water exiting the water outlet impacts on a portion of the sidewall that is relatively deep within the bowl portion. More preferably, this may be achieved by ensuring that the bowl portion of the basin is relatively deep such that water is unable to flow over the rim. It is particularly desirable if this is the case regardless of the flowrate of water onto the sidewall.

[0032] The bowl portion may be of any suitable depth. However, it is preferred that the bowl portion may be between about 100mm and about 400mm deep. More preferably, the bowl portion may be between about 110mm and about 300mm deep. Yet more preferably, the bowl portion may be between about 120mm and about 220mm deep. It will be understood that the depth of the bowl portion refers to the vertical distance between the rim and the lowermost point of the bowl portion of the basin.

[0033] The basin may be fabricated from any suitable material, or combination of materials. For instance, the basin may be fabricated from metal (or a metal alloy), polymer, fibreglass or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. More preferably, however, the basin may be fabricated from a ceramic material. Any suitable ceramic material, or combination of ceramic materials, may be used such as, but not limited to porcelain or clay (such as fire clay).

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the basin may be provided with a surface coating. Any suitable coating may be provided, although in a preferred

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 embodiment of the invention, the coating may be provided with antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties.

[0035] The coating may be of any suitable form, and may be, for instance, paint, or a coating adhered to the surface of the basin using an adhesive. More preferably, the coating may comprise a ceramic glaze or vitreous enamel applied to at least a portion of the surface of the basin. More preferably, the coating may be applied to at least the entire surface of the basin.

[0036] Any suitable ceramic glaze or vitreous enamel may be provided, and the exact type of glaze or enamel used is not critical to the invention. Preferably, however, an antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral substance may be added to the glaze or enamel prior to its application to the basin so as to impart antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties to the basin. The nanoparticles may be added to the glaze or enamel in any suitable form, such as a solid or in liquid form (for instance, carried in a liquid medium).

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral substance may include a plurality of nanoparticles. Any suitable nanoparticles may be used. For instance, the nanoparticles may comprise metal oxide (for instance, iron oxides), positively charged metal nanoparticles (for instance, silver, zinc, copper, gold or the like), carbon structures (such as graphene oxide sheets, nanotubes, fullerenes and the like) or any suitable combination thereof.

[0038] The plurality of nanoparticles may be added to the glaze or enamel in any suitable concentration. It will be understood that the concentration of nanoparticles may vary depending on the type of nanoparticles, the duty to which the basin is to be put (for instance, a basin for domestic use compared to a basin to be used in hospital operating theatres, infectious disease wards and the like), the specific type of bacteria or viruses to be guarded against and the like.

[0039] As well as imparting antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties to the basin, it is also envisaged that the glaze or enamel containing the nanoparticles may provide the basin with non-stick properties. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that any solid particles that enter the basin (for instance, when a user

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 washes their hands) may be substantially precluded from sticking to the at least one sidewall. Thus, cleaning the basin may be made easier in comparison to conventional basins.

[0040] In some embodiments of the invention, the non-stick properties of the coating may be provided or enhanced by the addition of a material with non-stick properties (such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluorothylene).

[0041] Preferably, the basin is fabricated so as to be relatively durable and to have relatively high mechanical strength. It is envisaged that the basin may be fabricated so as to be capable of supporting at least 30kg thereon. More preferably, the basin may be fabricated so as to be capable of supporting at least 150kg thereon without requiring the use of a support bracket.

[0042] The basin may be used for any suitable purpose, and particularly in any suitable application in which providing a basin with antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties may be beneficial. For instance, the basin may be used in domestic applications (such as a kitchen, bathroom or laundry basin), in commercial applications (such as restaurants, offices and the like), in public bathrooms, in industrial applications, or in the healthcare sector (such as in hospitals, doctors’ surgeries or clinics, dentists’ rooms or the like). Although the present invention has been largely described in terms of a basin in which a user washes their hands, it is envisaged that the basin may also comprise a bathtub or the like.

[0043] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. For instance, the present invention provides a basin with antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties, which may of itself prevent the spread of infection or disease. Further, by ensuring that water impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet, the spread of disease or infection caused by bacteria or viruses in the outlet (and waste, if present) becoming airborne through the impact of water, either directly or from splashing caused by water impacting on a portion of a sidewall having a relatively low tangential angle is reduced or eliminated. In addition, the present invention provides improved access over conventional basins for users in wheelchairs by locating the plumbing associated with the basin at the rear thereof.

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 [0044] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0045] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0046] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a prior art basin.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a basin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate plan and side views, respectively, of a basin according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0050] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a prior art basin 100. In this prior art basin 100, the point on the sidewall 101 at which water 103 impacts as it exits a water outlet 102 has a relatively low tangential angle (i.e. the sidewall 101 is close to horizontal at the point at which water 103 impacts thereon).

[0051] Due to the low tangential angle of the sidewall 101, water splashes 104 are created that rebound generally upwardly from the surface of the sidewall 101. Not only can these water splashes 104 contain bacteria or viruses that were present on the sidewall 101 (thereby making the bacteria or viruses airborne), but the water

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 splashes 104 may also impact on the outlet (not shown) of the basin 100, thereby disturbing any bacteria or viruses growing the outlet.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a basin 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Unlike in the prior art basin 100 of Figure 1, the point at which water 11 impacts on the sidewall 12 in the basin 10 of the present invention has a relatively high tangential angle of about 35° to the horizontal. At this angle, and regardless of the flowrate of water 11 through the water outlet 13, the water 13 either flows up along the sidewall 12 towards the rim (not shown) or down along the sidewall 12 towards the outlet (not shown). Not only does this prevent bacteria and viruses from becoming airborne through splashing water, but it also serves to wash the sidewall 12, thereby removing any solid particles or the like that might be present on the sidewall 12.

[0053] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate plan and side views, respectively, of a basin 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The basin 10 includes a bowl portion 14 that includes a rim 15, an outlet 16 and a sidewall 12 extending therebetween. The basin 10 includes a front portion 17 and a rear portion 18, with the rear portion 18 adapted for connection to a support such as a wall (not shown).

[0054] The outlet 16 is positioned in the rear portion 18 of the basin 10 and also in the rear of the bowl portion 14. By positioning the outlet 16 at the rear of the basin 10 and bowl portion 14, all plumbing (not shown) associated with the outlet 16, such as traps, pipes or the like is positioned towards the rear of the basin 10. This allows users, such as those in wheelchairs, to get close to the basin 10 when using it by positioning their wheelchairs such that the user’s legs are at least partially under the front portion 17 of the basin 10. A user can position themselves in this manner without coming into contact with the plumbing (not shown), and without having to lean forward to reach the tap (not shown).

[0055] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the sidewall 12 curves between the rim 15 and the outlet 16 so that water is unable to pool or collect within the bowl portion 14. Instead, water in the bowl portion 14 is directed along the sidewall 12 toward the outlet 16.

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 [0056] The basin 10 includes a surface region 19 that surrounds the bowl portion 14. The surface region 19 is provided for aesthetic purposes and also so that objects (such as, for instance, soap) may be placed on the surface region 19.

[0057] The surface region 19 includes a tap hole 20. In this embodiment of the invention, only a single tap hole 20 is provided, and it is envisaged that a mixer tap (not shown) will be associated with the tap hole 20.

[0058] In Figure 3B, the curvature of the sidewall 12 of the bowl portion 14 may be more clearly seen. It will be noted that the sidewall 12 curves continuously between the rim 15 and the outlet 16, although the degree of curvature varies between the rim 15 and the outlet 16. The tangential angle of the sidewall 12 is greater than 0° at all points on the sidewall 12 such that no horizontal surfaces are created within the bowl portion 14. In this way, water is unable to pool or collect within the bowl portion 14.

[0059] While not illustrated, the water outlet of the mixer tap (not shown) will be positioned such that water existing the water outlet will impact on the sidewall 12 at a point spaced apart from the outlet 16. In this way, any bacteria or viruses present in the outlet will remain undisturbed (and therefore not become airborne) through the effect of water impacting on the outlet 16.

[0060] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0061] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

2018241147 05 Oct 2018 [0062] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (13)

1. A basin including an outlet located in a rear portion of the basin and offset to the left or the right of the centre of the basin, a rim and at least one sidewall extending between the outlet and the rim, wherein the at least one sidewall curves continuously downwardly between the rim and the outlet, the basin further being associated with one or more water outlets, the one or more water outlets being positioned relative to the basin such that water exiting the one or more water outlets impacts on a portion of the sidewall spaced apart from the outlet and wherein the one or more water outlets are located substantially centrally in a rear portion of the basin.

2. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a tangential angle of the sidewall is greater than 0° across the entire sidewall.

3. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tangential angle of the portion of the sidewall on which the water impacts is between 20° and 90°.

4. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the rim defines a bowl portion of the basin.

5. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet is located at or adjacent the deepest portion of the bowl portion.

6. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the basin further comprises a surface region at least partially surrounding the bowl portion.

7. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outlet comprises an opening in the basin.

8. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the water outlet comprises a tap or water spout.

2018241147 18 Oct 2019

9. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the basin is provided with a coating having antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties.

10. A basin according to claim 9 wherein the coating comprises a ceramic glaze or vitreous enamel.

11 .A basin according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the coating includes a plurality of nanoparticles having antibacterial, antimicrobial and/or antiviral properties.

12. A basin according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the coating has nonstick properties.

13. A basin according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the basin includes one or more tap holes therein, at least one of the one or more tap holes adapted for association with the one or more water outlets.