GB2608113A

GB2608113A - Portable sink

Info

Publication number: GB2608113A
Application number: GB2108865.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Falco Nicholas
Original assignee: MECHLINE DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Current assignee: MECHLINE DEVELOPMENTS Ltd
Priority date: 2021-06-21
Filing date: 2021-06-21
Publication date: 2022-12-28
Also published as: GB202108865D0

Abstract

A portable sink 1 that includes a basin 2, a spout (3, Fig.1), a drain 4 comprising an outlet 6, and a housing (40, Fig.1) that supports the basin, wherein the portable sink comprises a water supply storage container 10 for storing a supply of water, a water supply line 12 configured to carry water from the water supply storage container to the spout, a pump 20 operable for moving water through the water supply line 12 from the water supply storage container to the spout, and a water heating system (30, Fig.4) comprising at least one electrical heating element (32, Fig.4) configured to heat water in a heating portion of the water supply line and a temperature controller (34, Fig.4) operably connected to the electrical heating element and configured to control operation of the electrical heating element.

Description

PORTABLE SINK

The present invention relates to a portable sink. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a portable sink for use without a mains water supply.

Background

Washing facilities in shops, factories and schools are often found to be lacking or inefficient due to the unavailability of a mains water supply. This can be problematic in particular for maintaining hygiene. Bottles or containers for holding clean water and used for washing can be susceptible to contamination and control of water usage can also be inefficient. Wastewater may not always be collected or can easily spill, polluting local surroundings. Washing facilities are needed to be portable for example in a hospital where those disabled may not be able to easily access the washing facility or where such washing facilities are required to be shared and transported.

Known portable washing facilities include a water supply storage container in which the water is pumped through a nozzle into a basin. However, the water is generally unheated, resulting in water that may be too cold for comfort and not ideal for washing purposes.

A need exists therefore to provide a portable washing unit which can be used without a mains water supply and which allows for heating of the water supply. Further, a need exists for such a portable washing unit to be relatively compact to enable transportation of the portable washing unit.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the aforementioned problems. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a portable sink that includes a basin, a spout, a drain comprising an outlet, and a housing that supports the basin, wherein the portable sink comprises a water supply storage container for storing a supply of water, a water supply line configured to carry water from the water supply storage container to the spout, a pump operable for moving water through the water supply line from the water supply storage container to the spout, and a water heating system comprising at least one electrical heating element configured to heat water in a heating portion of the water supply line and a temperature controller operably connected to the electrical heating element and configured to control operation of the electrical heating element.

Advantageously, the invention can be used for heating water that is pumped from the water storage container through a water supply line to the spout.

Optionally, the temperature controller includes at least one temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature of water in the water supply line.

For example, the temperature sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the water in the water supply line that extends between the water supply storage container and the spout.

Optionally, the pump is positioned between the water supply storage container and the spout. Optionally, the pump can be operable to displace water through the water supply line.

Optionally, the pump may be manually operable. Alternatively, the pump may be motor-driven, for example by an electric motor.

Optionally, the pump includes a foot pump operable by a user.

Optionally, the foot pump can be positioned near the base of the portable sink to enable the user to conveniently pump water through the water supply line.

Optionally, the water supply line comprises polymer, preferably thermoplastic polymer. Optionally, the water supply line includes Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Rigid Polyvinyl chloride (RPVC).

Optionally, the water supply line comprises one or more hoses.

In an embodiment, the water supply line comprises a first portion that extends between the water supply storage container and the pump and a second portion that extends between the pump and the spout. Optionally, the heating portion of the water supply line comprises a third portion of the water supply line. Advantageously, one or more of the first, second and third portions of the water supply line may comprise hoses and/or may be made of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Optionally, the second portion of the water supply line between the pump and the spout has a length in the range 2 metres to 4 metres, preferably 2.5 metres to 3.5 metres.

Optionally, the at least one electrical heating element has a length in the range 1 metre to 3 metres, preferably 1.5 metres to 2.5 metres.

Optionally, the at least one electrical heating element is coiled around the heating portion of the water supply line.

Optionally, the heating portion is located between the pump and the spout. Optionally, the heating portion has a length in the range 2 metres to 3 metres, preferably 1 metre to 1.5 metres.

Optionally, the heating portion comprises a coiled portion of the water supply line. Advantageously, such a coiled arrangement may provide efficient heating of the heating portion.

In an embodiment, the portable sink further includes an enclosure for enclosing at least a part of the water heating system. In an embodiment the enclosure encloses at least a part of the electrical heating element. Optionally, the enclosure encloses at least a part of the heating portion. Optionally, the enclosure encloses at least a part of the controller. The enclosure may enclose one or more electrical connections to the electrical heating element.

Optionally, the enclosure is configured to enclose at least a part of the heating portion. Optionally, the heating portion may be configured to extend beyond the enclosure.

Optionally, the enclosure includes electrical andjor thermal insulation. The enclosure may provide an electrically safe enclosure within which electrical components and/or electrical connections are housed. Optionally, the enclosure includes a casing.

Optionally, the capacity of the water supply storage container is in the range 5 litres to 30 litres, preferably 10 litres to 15 litres.

Optionally, the water heating system is configured to maintain the temperature of the water in the water supply line proximal to the electrical heating element at a temperature in the range 35°C to 45°C, preferably 37°C to 43°C.

Optionally, the water heating system is configured to maintain the temperature of the water in the water supply line proximal to the spout at a temperature in the range 30°C to 40°C, preferably 32°C to 38°C.

Optionally, the water supply storage container is releasably attached to the water supply line. Optionally, the water supply storage container can be disconnected from the water supply line to enable the water supply storage container to be transported away from the portable sink and/or for the water supply storage container to be replaced.

Optionally, the portable sink further includes a water waste storage container configured to receive and store water waste directly from the outlet. In another embodiment, the water waste storage container is omitted, and the hose from the outlet can enable the wastewater to be drained to the local surroundings to the portable sink.

Optionally, the water waste storage container is configured to receive and store water waste from the outlet via a water waste line.

Optionally, the water waste storage container is releasably attached to the water waste line. Optionally, the water waste storage container can be disconnected from the water waste line to enable the water waste storage container to be transported away from the portable sink and/or for the water waste storage container to be replaced.

Optionally, the housing includes an opening proximal to the pump. Optionally, the pump may be housed within the housing and the opening allows for a user to access the pump through the opening.

Optionally, the housing includes one or more water supply storage containers. Optionally, the housing includes one or more waste storage containers. Advantageously, the water supply line may be disconnected from a first water supply storage container and connected to second water supply storage container. Advantageously, the water waste line may be disconnected from a first water waste storage container and connected to a second water waste storage container.

Optionally, the housing includes a door for accessing the one or more of the water supply or water waste containers. Optionally, the door is lockable. In an embodiment, the portable sink further includes one or more wheels proximal to a base of the housing to aid transportation of the portable sink. Optionally, the one or more wheels may include one or more castors.

Brief Description of Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to accompanying drawings having like-reference numerals, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of the portable sink according to a first aspect of the invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view across the section A-A' of Figure 1 of the portable sink according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view across the section B-B' of Figure 1 the portable sink according to the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic according to a second aspect of the invention. Figure 5 is a side view according to the first aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description:

The embodiments described herein relate to a portable sink.

The following description presents exemplary embodiments and, together with the drawings, serves to explain principles of the invention. The scope of the invention is not intended, however, to be limited to the precise details of the embodiments, since variations will be apparent to a skilled person and are deemed also to be covered by the claims.

Descriptive terms should also be given the broadest possible interpretation; e.g. the term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of" such that interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner. Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", "upper" and "lower" are used for convenience of explanation usually with reference to the illustrations and are not intended to be ultimately limiting if an equivalent function can be achieved with an alternative dimension and/or direction.

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a portable sink 1 according to the invention that includes a basin 2, a spout 3, and a housing 40 that supports the basin 2. The spout 3 protrudes from the basin 2 and is curved to allow for water to be dispensed into the basin 2. The spout 3 can protrude from an upper surface 41 of the housing 40. The spout 3 may be arranged to rotate about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 41 to allow adjustment of the direction in which water can flow into the basin 2. This can be useful for collecting water from the spout 3 into for example a teapot or a container that is too big to fit in the basin 2. The spout 3 can be fixed to prevent rotation of the spout 3. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, a variety of different spouts or faucets are suitable for use with the portable wash sink 1 including high-reach spouts or telescopic spouts. The spout 3 can include a water saving diffuser (not shown) to improve the efficiency of the water dispensing. The water saving diffuser is optionally located proximal to a spout end 3a.

In a portable sink 1 according to the invention, the housing 40 includes a front panel 49, a rear panel 50 and two side panels 43a,43b that extend between the front panel 49 and the rear panel 50. The housing 40 can conceal components internal to the housing 40. The housing 40 can support the basin 2. In an embodiment, the housing 40 is made from stainless steel. Optionally, the housing 40 can be made from another suitably strong, relatively light-weight and corrosion resistant material.

The housing 40 may include an opening 46a that allows access to components stored within the housing 40. The opening 46a may be on the front panel 49, rear panel 50, or a side panel 43a,43b of the housing 40. Two or more openings may be used for example to access the components located at different positions within the housing for example a switch to control for example a water heating system 30 or for carrying out service or repairs of other components internal to the housing 40. The opening 46a may therefore be provided on a panel of the housing proximal to the component requiring access such that a user can easily gain access to the component through the opening 46a. In an embodiment, the opening 46a is on the front panel 49 for accessing water containers 10,12. Alternatively, the opening 46a for accessing water containers 10,12 may be located on the rear panel 49 of the housing 40.

A door 46b covering the opening 46a may be used to conceal components internal to the housing 40. The door 46b may for example be hinged to a side panel 43a,43b via hinges 44a,44b to allow a user to open and close the door 46b. A user can open the door 46b to access internal components for example for accessing containers 10,16. The door 46b can be locked for example via a lock 47 in a closed position. The door 46b may include a handle (not shown) to enable a user to conveniently open and close the door 46b.

The housing 40 may include an opening 48 for accessing a pump 20 that is operable by a user. In an embodiment, the pump 20 is a foot-operated pump or foot pump 22 located near the base 42 of the portable sink 1 to enable a user to conveniently engage the pump 20 in a hands-free manner. The foot pump 22 can be accessible by a user through the opening 48 proximal to a base 42 of the housing 40 as shown. The opening 48 for the foot pump 22 may be located on the front panel 49 of the housing 40. Optionally, the opening 48 may be accessed via a door (not shown) that can be closed when the pump 20 is not in use.

Referring now to Figure 2, the foot pump 22 located proximal to the base 42 of the housing 40 may be inclined at an angle towards the opening 48 of the front panel 49 to enable a user to conveniently operate the foot pump 22 using their foot. The foot pump 22 may be mounted on a platform 23 that is inclined at an angle a formed between the base 42 and the front panel 49. Alternatively, the foot pump 22 can rest on the base 42 and it can include a portion that inclines the foot pump 22 at an angle p formed between the base 42 and the front panel 49.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of foot pumps can be suitable for use in the portable sink 1 of the present invention including a gusher galley foot pump including a lever or a galley foot pump that is self-priming and includes a pedal or a diaphragm encased in a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. When a force is applied in a general direction A shown, the diaphragm is pressed into the chamber displacing fluid in the chamber and forcing the fluid through the outlet. The diaphragm is mounted on a spring such that the force applied by a user to push the diaphragm into the chamber to displace the fluid acts against a spring bias. The extension of the spring upon release of the foot pump 22 as it returns to its original position returns the diaphragm back to its starting position drawing fluid through the inlet into the chamber and priming the pump 20 ready for its next use. The inlet and/or the outlet can each include a non-return valve to restrict the direction of fluid flow to a single direction, for example, fluid entering the chamber through the inlet is prevented from flowing back into the inlet.

A water supply storage container 10 may be housed within the housing 40. The water supply storage container 10 may be supported on a platform 39. Preferably, the platform 39 extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the side panels 43a,43b to provide a platform 39 on which the container 10 is supported. The platform 39 may be aligned proximal to a lower edge of the door 46b such that a user can conveniently open the door 46b to access the container 10 or adjust its position on the platform 39 and space within the housing 40 is also efficiently used. Preferably, the capacity of the water supply storage container is approximately 12.5 litres which is sufficient for approximately 300 washes in the basin 2. The capacity of the water supply storage container can range between 5 litres to 30 litres depending on requirements and is preferably between 10 litres to 15 litres.

The water supply storage container 10 may be used for storing a supply of water and may be removable from the portable sink 1 so that it can be taken away to be refilled or it can be replaced with another water supply storage container that is already filled with water and ready to use.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the pump 20 may be positioned between the water supply storage container 10 and the spout 3. In an embodiment, a water supply line 12 extends between the water storage container 10 and the spout 3 and carries water from the water supply storage container 10 to the spout 3. The pump 20 may be used to displace water through the water supply line 12 from the water supply storage container 10 to the spout 3.

The water supply line 12 can include one or more lines or hoses. For example, in an embodiment, a first portion of the water supply line 12 comprises a first hose that extends between the water supply storage container 10 and the pump 20. The first hose may be inserted into the water supply storage container 10 and connected to an inlet of the pump 20. The first hose may be placed into the container 10 such that it reaches the bottom of the container 10 and can draw water from the container 10 until the container 10 is substantially empty. A second portion of the water supply line 12 may comprise a second hose that is connected to an outlet of the pump 20 and extends between the pump 20 and the spout 3. Alternatively, the water supply line 12 may comprise a single hose that passes through a pump for example a gear pump or peristaltic pump that can be manually operated by a user as will be appreciated by the skilled person. The water supply line 12 may be made of a suitable polymer material, preferably a thermoplastic polymer. The water supply line 12 may be flexible such that it can be arranged around the components within the housing 40. The water supply line 12 can for example be made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (RPVC) depending on requirements.

The water supply line 12 is in fluid transmission with water in the water supply storage container 10 but can optionally be easily removed. The water supply storage container 10 may be releasably attached to the water supply line 12. This enables the water supply storage container 10 to be disconnected from the water supply line 12 so that the container 10 can be removed and refilled or replaced with another water storage supply container that has been pre-filled with water.

Referring now to Figure 4, the portable sink 1 includes a water heating system 30. The water heating system 30 can be used to heat water in the water supply line 12 and deliver heated water to the spout 3.

The water heating system 30 includes an electrical heating element 32 which heats a heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12. The heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 is a portion of the water supply line 12 that is heated by the electrical heating element 32. The heating element 32 allows for the heating of water that is pumped from the water storage container 10 to the spout 3 through the water supply line 12.

In a specific embodiment the water supply line 12 includes a first hose that extends between the water supply storage container 10 and the pump 20, a second hose that extends between the pump 20 and the heating portion 38, a third hose that forms the heating portion 38, and a fourth hose that extends between the heating portion 38 and the spout 3. Optionally, the third hose can form the heating portion 38 and extends to the spout 3 and the fourth hose can be omitted. The first, second and fourth hoses may for example be made from PVC and the third hose may for example be made from RPVC. The RPVC hose has a relatively increased rigidity and can withstand the relatively higher temperature that the third hose is exposed to in the heating portion 38.

The length of the water supply line 12 between the pump 20 and the spout 3 may be approximately 3 metres. The length of the water supply line 12 between the pump 20 and the spout 3 may for example range between 2 metres to 4 metres depending on requirements and is preferably between 2.5 metres to 3.5 metres. The length of the water supply line 12 can be adjusted to suit requirements for example the capacity of the containers 10,16 used in the portable sink 1.

Preferably, the heating portion 38 is located between the pump 20 and the spout 3. In use, operation of the pump 20 by a user moves water through the water supply line 12 towards the spout 3 through the heating portion 38. Water passing through the heating portion 38 is heated and heated water is delivered to the user through the spout 3. The water at the spout 3 may have a higher temperature than the water in the water supply storage container 10. Alternatively, the heating portion 38 may be located between the water supply storage container 12 and the pump 20 so that the water is heated before it reaches the pump 20. In another embodiment a first heating portion 38 may be located between the water supply storage container 12 and the pump 20 and a second heating portion 38 may be located between the pump 20 and the spout 3. There can be a plurality of heating portions 38 in the portable sink 1 depending on requirements.

The heating portion 38 may comprise a portion of the water supply line 12 that is heated by a heating element 32. The heating element 32 may be coiled or spiral coiled around a portion of the water supply line 12 to form the heating portion 38. Coiling the heating element 32 around the water supply line 12 to form the heating portion 38 provides an efficient way of securing the heating element 32 to the water supply line 12 and for heating the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12. The heating element 32 may be electrically conductive for example it may comprise a metal wire or a resistance wire that provides electrical heating to the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12. Preferably, the heating element 32 is a conductor. Preferably, the heating element 32 has a high electrical resistivity for electric resistance heating as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Optionally, the heating element 32 can be a ceramic heating element.

The uncoiled length of the heating element 32 may be approximately 2 metres. The uncoiled length of the heating element can optionally range between 1 metre to 3 metres depending on requirements and is preferably between 1.5 metres to 2.5 metres. The length of the heating element 32 may be sufficient to coil around the water supply line 12 to form a heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12. The length of the water supply line 12 that is coiled by the heating element 32 to form the heating portion 38 preferably has a length of about 1.2 metres. The length of the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 can optionally range between 2 metres to 3 metres depending on requirements and is preferably between 1 metre to 1.5 metres.

The heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 may be arranged in a coiled arrangement. The heating element 32 may be coiled around the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 and the heating portion 38 may be configured in a coiled arrangement as shown in the drawings. This can increase the efficiency of heating the heating portion 38 and facilitates the storage of the heating portion 38. Optionally, the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 can also include a sheath to insulate the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12.

Such a coiled arrangement of the heating portion 38 allows for the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 to be stored in a heating box 24. The coiled arrangement provides efficient heating of the heating portion 38. The heating box 24 is positioned proximal to the base 42 of the housing 40. Alternatively, the heating box 24 can be located proximal to pump 20 or the spout 3 or another area within the housing 40 depending on requirements.

The heating box 24 may provide an enclosure 26a for the heating portion 38. The enclosure can provide electrical and/or thermal insulation to the heating portion 38 to retain heat within the heating box 24 and to further improve the efficiency of heating and to protect the heating element 32 from moisture within the housing 40. The enclosure 26a can provide an electrically safe enclosure within which electrical components and/or electrical connections are housed. Alternatively, the heating box 24 and the enclosure 26a may be omitted so that the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 does not have a separate enclosure but is contained within the housing 40. In this case the water supply line 12 may have a reduced length, for example in the range 0.7-1.5 metre, typically about 1 metre.

The heating element 32 may be electrically connected to a temperature controller 34. The temperature controller 34 may be operably connected to the electrical heating element 32 and configured to control the operation of the heating element 32. The controller 34 can be located proximal to the heating element 32 to minimise the length of the electrical connections 25 between the heating element 32 and the controller 34. The temperature controller 34 may include a temperature sensor 36 that can sense the temperature of the water supply line 12 and/or the temperature of water in the water supply line 12. The temperature sensor 36 may be in contact with the water supply line 12 for example the temperature sensor 36 may be attached to the external surface of a PVC hose, preferably an RPVC hose. Preferably, the temperature sensor 36 is attached to the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12. The temperature sensor 36 may contact the water supply line 12 at a location within the enclosure 26a. This ensures that the temperature sensor 36 sensing the temperature of the water supply line 12 is housed within the enclosure 26a. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 36 can be attached to any location of the water supply line 12. In other embodiments, there can be multiple temperature sensors 36 for measuring the temperature of the water supply line 12 at several positions along the water supply line 12. For example, it may be preferable to measure the temperature of the water closer to the spout 3 to ensure that water to be dispensed from the spout 3 is at the desired temperature for the comfort and/or safety of the user. The temperature sensor 36 may be a thermocouple wire or a thermocouple probe or another suitable means for measuring the temperature of the water supply line 12 as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

The temperature sensor 36 may be electrically connected to the controller 34 such that the controller 34 can determine the temperature of the water supply line 12 at the location of the water supply line 12 where the temperature sensor 36 is connected. The controller 34 may control the operation of the heating element 32 depending on the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 36. The controller 34 can increase or decrease the heat output of the heating element 32 to adequately control the temperature of the water in the heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12.

Where multiple temperature sensors 36 are used the sensors 36 may feed into a single controller 34 or multiple controllers 34 depending on requirements. Where multiple heating portions 38 are provided the heating elements 32 may feed into a single controller 34 or multiple controllers 34 depending on requirements. Preferably, a controller 34 that is configured to control the operation of a heating element 32 is also fed by a temperature sensor 36 that is proximal to that heating element 32. The controller 34 may be able to more accurately control the temperature of the heating element 32 for heating a heating portion 38 of the water supply line 12 that is proximal to a corresponding temperature sensor 36 that senses the temperature of the water supply 12 at or near to the corresponding heating portion 38.

The controller 34 may be housed within an enclosure 26b which is electrically insulating. The enclosures 26a,26b may include openings for the electrical connections to pass between them. The enclosures 26a,26b can both be enclosed within a larger enclosure to completely isolate all the electrical components within a larger electrically safe enclosure.

The controller 34 may be powered by a power supply (not shown) that is electrically connected to the controller 34 via a power cable 37. The power supply can be any suitable power source including a mains power supply, a generator, or a battery. Optionally, the power can be supplied from a renewable energy source for example, the portable sink 1 can be provided with a solar panel to receive solar energy to power the heating element 32 and/or for charging a rechargeable battery. Optionally, the power supply can be from a rechargeable power source such as a rechargeable battery. This is particularly useful for embodiments used where there is a lack of mains electricity as well as a lack of mains water supply. In embodiments where a battery is provided, the battery can be enclosed in an electrically insulating enclosure similar to the aforementioned enclosures 26a,26b.

The water heating system 30 may be configured to maintain the temperature of the water in the water supply line 12 in the heating portion 38 at a temperature in the range 35°C to 45°C, preferably 37°C to 43°C. This may provide a temperature in the water supply line 12 proximal to the spout 3 that is in the range 30°C to 40°C, preferably 32°C to 38°C. The water heating system 30 ensures that water in the water supply line 12 is sufficiently heated in consideration of heat losses through the water supply line 12 as the water moves from the heating portion 38 to the spout 3. This ensures that water delivered through the spout 3 to the user is not too hot.

The portable sink 1 may include a drain 4 having an outlet 6. Water dispensed from the spout 3 into the basin 2 can flow into the drain 4 and through the outlet 6.

In an embodiment, a water waste storage container 16 is housed within the housing 40 for collecting wastewater from the outlet 6. The water waste storage container 16 is supported on the platform 39 and is positioned adjacent to the water supply storage container 10. Preferably, the capacity of the water waste storage container 16 is approximately 12.5 litres which is sufficient for storing wastewater from approximately 300 washes. The capacity of the water waste storage container can range between 5 litres to 30 litres depending on requirements and is preferably between 10 litres to 15 litres. Preferably, the water waste storage container 16 is at least the same capacity as the water supply storage container 10.

The water waste storage container 16 used for storing wastewater may be removed from the portable sink 1 and taken away to be emptied, or it can be replaced with another water waste storage container 16 that is already empty. A water waste line 18 may extend between the drain 4 and/or the outlet 6 and the water waste storage container 16 to carry water from the drain 4 and/or outlet to the water waste storage container 16. The water waste line 18 can be a hose or a drainpipe for example a twinwall drain. The water waste line 18 can be flexible or it may be moulded to a desired shape to fit within the housing 40 depending on requirements. The water waste line 18 may be made from PVC or RPVC or another suitable drainpipe material as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Optionally, the water waste line 18 can include a waste trap for example a U-shaped portion as will be appreciated by the skilled person.

In specific embodiments, the water waste line 18 is releasably attached to the outlet 6 and/or the water waste storage container 18 so that the waste line 18 can be replaced with another water waste line 18 of a different dimension to suit different applications. For example, the water waste line 18 can be a hose that extends through an opening in the housing 40 allowing wastewater to be drained to the local external surroundings to the portable sink 1. In this embodiment the water waste storage container can be omitted. This is particularly useful when there are no water waste storage containers 16 available and/or the local surroundings include suitable drainage facilities to allow the wastewater to be drained directly into the drainage facilities. For this purpose, a relatively longer water waste line 18 can be used as compared with the length of a waster vvate line 18 that is internal to the housing 40 for directly connecting the outlet 6 and the water waste storage container 16. Optionally, the water waste storage container 16 and/or the outlet 6 can be configured to enable a direct connection such that wastewater flows directly from the outlet 6 to the water waste storage container 16. This can be through for example an extended neck portion in the water waste storage container 16 and/or the outlet 6 with corresponding mating portions including a fastener to secure the water waste storage container 16 directly to the outlet 6. In this embodiment, the water waste line 18 can be omitted.

The water waste storage container 16 can be disconnected from the water waste line 16 to enable the water waste storage container 16 to be transported away from the portable sink 1 and emptied and/or for example for the water waste storage container 16 to be replaced.

The portable sink 1 can include a water supply storage container 10 and a water waste storage container 16. In certain embodiments, the portable sink 1 includes a plurality of water supply storage containers 10 or a plurality of water supply storage containers 10 and water waste storage containers 16 depending on requirements. The portable sink 1 can further include a soap container for storing soap connected via a channel to a soap dispenser (not shown) mounted on the basin 2 or the upper surface 41.

Referring now to Figure 5, in an embodiment, the portable sink 1 includes wheels 45 for example castors proximal to the base 42 of the housing 40 to aid transportation of the portable sink 1. The housing 40 can include a splashback panel 51 that extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the rear panel 50. The splashback panel 51 can include a mirror and/or a display for indicating the temperature of the water in the water supply line 12 and/or the battery status for embodiments in which a battery is used. Optionally, the portable sink 1 includes a user interfacing panel including for example two arrows for presenting an input to the controller 34 enabling a user to manually alter the temperature of the water in the water supply line 12 and/or for switching the water heating system 30 on or off.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable sink (1) that includes a basin (2), a spout (3), a drain (4) comprising an outlet (6), and a housing (40) that supports the basin (2), wherein the portable sink (1) comprises: * a water supply storage container (10) for storing a supply of water; * a water supply line (12) configured to carry water from the water supply storage container (10) to the spout (3); * a pump (20) operable for moving water through the water supply line (12) from the water supply storage container (10) to the spout (3); and * a water heating system (30) comprising an electrical heating element (32) configured to heat water in a heating portion (38) of the water supply line (12) and a temperature controller (34) operably connected to the electrical heating element (32) and configured to control operation of the electrical heating element (32).
2. The portable sink (1) according to claim 1, wherein the temperature controller (34) comprises a temperature sensor (36) configured to sense the temperature of water in the water supply line (12).
3. The portable sink (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pump (20) is positioned between the water supply storage container (10) and the spout (3).
4. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pump (20) comprises a foot pump (22) operable by a user.
S. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water supply line (12) comprises polymer, preferably thermoplastic polymer.
6. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water supply line (12) comprises Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Rigid Polyvinyl chloride (RPVC).
7. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water supply line (12) comprises one or more hoses.
8. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the water supply line (12) between the pump (20) and the spout (3) has a length in the range 2 metres to 4 metres, preferably 2.5 metres to 3.5 metres.
9. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the electrical heating element (32) has a length in the range 1 metre to 3 metres, preferably 1.5 metres to 2.5 metres.
10. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrical heating element (32) is coiled around the heating portion (38) of the water supply line (12).
11. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating portion (38) is located between the pump (20) and the spout (3).
12. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating portion (38) has a length in the range 2 metres to 3 metres, preferably 1 metre to 1.5 metres.
13. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating portion (38) comprises a coiled length of supply line.
14. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an enclosure (26a) for enclosing at least a part of the water heating system (30)
15. The portable sink (1) according to claim 14, wherein the enclosure (26a) is configured to enclose at least a part of the heating portion (38).
16. The portable sink (1) according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the enclosure (26a) comprises electrical and/or thermal insulation.
17. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the enclosure (26a) comprises a casing.
18. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capacity of the water supply storage container (10) is in the range 5 litres to 30 litres, preferably 10 litres to 15 litres.
19. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water heating system (30) is configured to maintain the temperature of the water in the water supply line (12) proximal to the electrical heating element (32) at a temperature in the range 35°C to 45°C, preferably 37°C to 43°C.
20. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water heating system (30) is configured to maintain the temperature of the water in the water supply line (12) proximal to the spout (3) at a temperature in the range 30°C to 40°C, preferably 32°C to 38°C.
21. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water supply storage container (10) is releasably attached to the water supply line (12).
22. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a water waste storage container (16) configured to receive and store water waste directly from the outlet (6).
23. The portable sink (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the water waste storage container (16) is configured to receive and store water waste from the outlet (6) via a water waste line (18).
24. The portable sink (1) according to claim 23, wherein the water waste storage container (16) is releasably attached to the water waste line (18).
25. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (40) comprises an opening (48) proximal to the pump (20).
26. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (40) comprises one or more of the water supply storage container (10) and/or the waste storage container (16).
27. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (40) comprises a door (46b) for accessing the one or more containers (10, 16).
28. The portable sink (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more wheels (45) proximal to a base (42) of the housing (40) to aid transportation of the portable sink.