US20200123751A1 - Sink and method of installing same - Google Patents
Sink and method of installing same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200123751A1 US20200123751A1 US16/618,445 US201816618445A US2020123751A1 US 20200123751 A1 US20200123751 A1 US 20200123751A1 US 201816618445 A US201816618445 A US 201816618445A US 2020123751 A1 US2020123751 A1 US 2020123751A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sink
- rim
- side wall
- cut
- clamping elements
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/32—Holders or supports for basins
- E03C1/33—Fastening sinks or basins in an apertured support
Definitions
- the present application relates to a sink, in particular a kitchen sink.
- the application relates to a (kitchen) workplace comprising a sink and a worktop, said worktop having a cut-out therein, in which said sink is installed.
- the application relates to a method of installing a sink in a worktop cut-out.
- the sink has outwardly directed flanges along its side walls, which flanges are fixed to the lower surface of a worktop by means of brackets or the like. Accordingly, with the undermount method, the sink has to be installed from below the worktop which may be cumbersome and difficult.
- So-called inset or slimtop sinks present an edge portion around the sink bowl, which edge portion is intended to be placed on top of the upper worktop surface when installing the sink.
- the sink in question further presents clamps which are—on one side—attached to said edge portion, whereas the other extremity of said clamps is brought into contact with the lower worktop surface. Then, by means of screws comprised in said clamps, the sink is fixed to the worktop. Again, the main installation work has to be done from below the worktop, which can be cumbersome and difficult.
- said clamps can present a rather intricate design.
- So-called flushmount sinks differ from the above-mentioned inset or slim top sinks in that said edge portion of the sink is not located on top of the upper worktop surface, but is located in a shallow circumferential recess around a worktop cut-out. In this way, the sink does not protrude from the upper worktop surface, which can be appreciated for reasons of design and hygiene.
- Flushmount sinks are fixed to the worktop by means of clamps, much like inset or slim top sinks.
- sinks can be made from various materials, metal (steel) and ceramic materials are widely used for this purpose.
- resin-compound materials such as Franke Fragranite, made from quartz sand and acrylic resin, are used as an alternative to the aforementioned materials, which presents advantages as far as wear-resistance and hygienic properties are concerned.
- a sink having one or more features of the invention, in particular kitchen sink, made at least partly from a resin-compound material
- the sink comprising: at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof, said rim extending outwardly from said side wall by an extent; a number of resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of said bowl adjacent said rim, which clamping elements, in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent of said rim, and which clamping elements are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall, at least some of said clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in said side wall and/or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim.
- a workplace having one or more features of the invention, said workplace comprising a sink, in particular kitchen sink, said sink made at least partly from a resin-compound material and comprising: at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof, said rim extending outwardly from said side wall by an extent; a number of resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of said bowl adjacent said rim, which clamping elements, in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent of said rim, and which clamping elements are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall, at least some of said clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in said side wall and/or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim; and a worktop, said worktop having
- the object is also achieved by a method of installing a sink in a worktop cut-out according to one or more features of the invention, said method comprising a) providing a sink made at least partly from a resin-compound material with: at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof, said rim extending outwardly from said side wall by an extent; a number of resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of said bowl adjacent said rim, which clamping elements, in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent of said rim, and which clamping elements are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall, at least some of said clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in said side wall and/or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim
- a device for installing a sink in a worktop cut-out said sink made at least partly from a resin-compound material and comprising at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof; said device comprising at least one installing jig for placing on an upper face of said rim and extending coplanar with said upper face of said rim while extending, at least locally, beyond said rim outwardly from said sink, and a jig counterpart for removably fixing said installing jig to said sink.
- the sink according to the present invention is capable of breaking current installation rules.
- the rim extends across the worktop cut-out section, thus potentially protecting the latter, and an upper edge of said rim is coplanar with the upper worktop surface, when installed.
- the sink rim is floating in the worktop cut-out, i.e. does not come into contact with a side wall of said cut-out.
- a corresponding gap can be sealed by using any suitable sealant, e.g. a silicone sealant.
- Installation of the sink according to the present invention can be executed by pushing the sink in the worktop cut-out from above the worktop, preferable by using a suitable installation device according to one aspect of the present invention.
- the sink can be kept in its final position within the worktop cut-out by means of the resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of the sink bowl (so-called fastfix clips) in combination with the adhesive action of said sealant (e.g. silicone).
- said sealant e.g. silicone
- the installed sink can present a flushmount-like rim in terms of alignment with the worktop upper surface, while greatly facilitating the required installation work.
- the rim of the sink according to the present invention can be much thinner than standard in the market, e.g. 4 mm vs. 15 through 30 mm, which can be seen as advantageous in terms of esthetics.
- a value of the extent by which the sink rim extends outwardly from the sink side wall is comprised between 2.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, and more preferably equals about 4 mm, as mentioned.
- said rim can be configured in solid material or can be configured by outward and downward bending of the side wall material used for production of the sink.
- said clamping elements are compressible inwardly towards said side wall to an extent that they do not extend outwardly beyond said extent of the rim. In this way, an easy installation of the sink in a worktop cut-out from above the worktop is made possible.
- a clamping force per unit length of the side wall, as caused by said clamping elements in said loaded or compressed state thereof, is essentially evenly distributed around the sink, preferably by adapting a number of the clamping elements and/or by adapting a mutual spacing between individual clamping elements and/or by adapting the clamping force of individual clamping elements.
- it can be easily made possible to self-center the sink during insertion in the worktop cut-out by means of said clamping elements. This can help to achieve a uniform gap around the sink, which is advantageous in terms of sealing said gap as well as in terms of esthetics.
- individual clamping elements comprise at least one spring element, which is hook-shaped in cross-section, with a first leg extending essentially parallel to said side wall and preferably downwardly from said rim, a second leg extending outwardly from said first leg and from said side wall, and a third leg extending outwardly from said second leg and from said side wall as well as parallel to said first leg, in said free or uncompressed state of the clamping elements, said third leg at least partially overlapping with said first leg.
- This can further help to facilitate installing the sink from above the worktop, while ensuring a reliable clamping action for holding the sink within the worktop cut-out during installation and prior to effectiveness of an additional adhesive material used for fixing the sink in the worktop cut-out.
- a free end portion of said third leg is further angled outwardly from said side wall.
- the sidewall of the sink can have an essentially flat configuration.
- the sink as such can have an overall rectangular shape, when seen from above, preferably with rounded corners.
- a distance between said rim and said worktop cut-out side wall can be essentially uniform around said sink for achieving a superior esthetical effect. This has already been mentioned above and can be achieved by means of adapting the clamping force per unit length of the sink side wall, as detailed above.
- an adhesive sealing joint is located around said rim between said sink and said cut-out side wall, preferably a silicone joint or the like. While filling the gap between the floating rim and the cut-out side wall, said joint can be devised to durably hold the sink in place within the worktop cut-out, in combination with a clamping action of the clamping elements. Accordingly, a main effect of the clamping elements can be to center the sink during installation thereof and to hold it in place until the adhesive sealant has set (or cured).
- an upper face or upper edge of said rim can be essentially coplanar with the upper worktop surface, thus achieving a superior esthetical and hygienical effect.
- an embodiment of the inventive method can comprise placing the sink in the worktop cut-out from above the worktop, beginning with a bottom part of the sink, which bottom part is located opposite said rim. This may greatly facilitate installation of the sink, in particular in comparison with current undermount methods.
- said method may comprise placing the sink in the worktop cut-out and lowering it therein until an upper face of said rim is essentially coplanar with the upper surface of the work top.
- a bead of an adhesive sealing material can be placed around the rim, preferably a silicone material or the like, so that, during method step c), an adhesive sealing joint is formed around the rim between the sink and the cut-out side wall, preferably a silicone joint or the like.
- the joint can be effective to close the gap between the sink rim and the cut-out side wall, while protecting the latter from moisture or the like.
- the adhesive sealing material will hold the sink in place after curing or setting.
- the sink prior to step c), can be provided with a removable installation device, said installation device comprising at least one installing jig placed on an upper face of the sink rim and extending essentially coplanar with said upper face of said rim while extending, at least locally, beyond said rim outwardly from the sink. Then method step c) can be performed until said installing jig comes into contact with said upper worktop surface. Afterwards, the installation device can be removed. In this way, the above-described embodiment of the inventive method enables flushmount-like installation of the sink in an easy and reliable fashion.
- the worktop can be provided on its upper surface, adjacent a contour of the cut-out, with a removable protective cover, in particular a tape, which protective cover can be removed after completion of step c).
- a number of recesses can be made in said side wall or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim, in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablating or cutting, and at least some of said clamping elements can be attached to the sink in respective recesses, preferably by glueing or adhesive bonding.
- a further embodiment of the installation device comprises that the counterpart of said installing jig is to be located at the sink outlet opening on an outside of the sink bowl. Therefore, said counterpart can be devised accordingly.
- said counterpart in a further embodiment of the installation device, can be devised as a plate-like element, a planar dimension of which is bigger than a clear opening of said outlet opening. In this way, said counterpart can be placed over said outlet opening without passing therethrough.
- the device comprises a connecting means for detachably connecting the installing jig and the counterpart.
- said connecting means are devised as a screw means, so that detachably connecting said installing jig and said counterpart can be readily achieved without the use of any specialized tools or the like.
- the installation device may comprise corresponding openings in said installation jig and in said counterpart for passing through said connecting means.
- At least said opening in said counterpart can be devised as a threaded bore. This further facilitates detachably connecting said installation jig and said counterpart.
- said connecting means may comprise an abutment means, which defines a maximum distance of said installation jig and said counterpart, so that fixing the device on a sink can be achieved in a secure and reliable fashion.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sink according to the present invention, further illustrating the optional method step of placing a bead of an adhesive sealing material around the sink rim;
- FIGS. 2A-2C show different steps during installation of the sink of FIG. 1 in a worktop
- FIGS. 3A-3C show the installation steps of FIG. 2 from a perspective view
- FIG. 4 shows a tool for making the recesses for locating the clamping elements
- FIG. 5 shows a clamping element located in a recess made according to FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sink according to the present invention installed in a worktop
- FIG. 7 shows a detail from FIG. 6 ;
- FIGS. 8A-8D show a sink together with an installation device
- FIG. 9 shows a worktop with a cut-out, prior to installing a sink according to the present invention.
- FIG. 10 shows the worktop of FIG. 9 after applying a removable protective cover according to a preferred method step
- FIG. 11 shows an intermediate state during installation of the sink according to FIG. 1 or FIGS. 2A through 2C or FIGS. 8A through 8D according to the inventive method;
- FIG. 12 shows a detail from FIG. 11 ;
- FIGS. 13A-13D show successive method steps for completing the sink installation process.
- the sink according to the present invention is denoted by means of reference numeral 1 .
- Said sink 1 can—without limitation—be devised as a kitchen sink and is at least partially made of a resin-compound material, such as Fragranite (quartz+acrylic resin). It comprises a bowl 2 with a bottom wall 3 and a circumferential side wall 4 . At least one outlet opening, which cannot be seen in FIG. 1 , is located in said bottom wall 3 (cf. FIG. 6 ).
- a circumferential rim 5 is located at an upper edge of said bowl 2 around an outside thereof, as can be readily seen from FIG. 1 . Said rim 5 extends outwardly from said side wall 4 by an extent E.
- the sink 1 comprises a number of resilient clamping elements 6 arranged on the outside of said bowl 2 adjacent said rim 5 .
- one clamping element 6 is shown in a free or uncompressed state, in which it extends outwardly beyond the extent E of said rim 5 .
- the clamping elements 6 are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force directed outwardly from said side wall 4 , for holding the sink in a corresponding worktop cut-out, as will be explained in more detail below.
- a value of said extent E can be comprised between 2.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, and more preferably equals about 4 mm.
- the clamping elements 6 can comprise at least one spring element which is hook-shaped in cross section, with a first leg 6 a extending essentially parallel to said side wall 4 and preferably downwardly from said rim 5 , a second leg 6 b extending outwardly from said first leg 6 a and from said side wall 4 , and a third leg 6 c extending outwardly from second leg 6 b and from said side wall 4 as well as parallel to said first leg 6 a , in said free or uncompressed state of the clamping elements 6 , as shown in FIG. 12 . Furthermore, said third leg 6 c at least partly overlaps with said first leg 6 a . A free end portion of said third leg 6 c is angled outwardly from said side wall 4 , as shown at reference numeral 6 d.
- the rim 5 is configured in solid resin-compound material for increased mechanical strength.
- the clamping elements 6 are compressible inwardly toward the side wall 4 to an extent that they do no longer extend outwardly beyond said extent E of the rim 5 . This enables easy installation of the sink 1 from above a worktop, as will be explained in detail below.
- a clamping force per unit length of the side wall 4 is essentially evenly distributed around the sink, by adapting the number of the clamping elements 6 .
- all of the clamping elements 6 are essentially identical; however, more clamping elements can be placed along the longer side walls of the rectangular sink 1 , thus enabling centering of the sink 1 within a worktop cut-out.
- the number of clamping elements 6 at opposing side walls 4 of the sink 1 should be identical, which cannot be seen in FIG. 3A .
- a bead 8 of an adhesive sealing material is placed around the rim 5 , which adhesive sealing material can be—without limitation—a silicone material.
- adhesive sealing material can be—without limitation—a silicone material.
- said bead 8 is placed around the entire periphery of the rim 5 around the sink 1 , more preferably with a bead width or diameter of approx. 7 mm.
- FIG. 1 further shows a worktop 11 having an essentially rectangular cut-out 11 a , which cut-out 11 a is intended to be fitted with a sink 1 as described above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 12 .
- the cut-out 11 a is made larger in dimension than an area circumscribed by the sink rim 5 but smaller than an envelope around said clamping elements 6 in their uncompressed state while defining a cut-out side wall 11 b extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface of said worktop.
- Reference numeral 11 d denotes an upper surface 11 d of worktop 11 .
- Worktop 11 can be made of wood, metal, stone or any other suitable (composite) material. It should be noted that the side wall 11 b of cut-out 11 a needs not to be polished or otherwise treated when installing sink 1 as described above by using an installation method according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 2A through 2C show the sink 1 of FIG. 1 (with bead 8 ) and its interaction with worktop 11 (cut-out 11 a ) during installation of the sink 1 .
- FIG. 2A shows a clamping element 6 in its free state prior to interaction.
- sink 1 When sink 1 is lowered according to arrows A 1 , it gradually enters cut-out 11 a while the clamping elements 6 make contact with the cut-out side wall 11 b ( FIG. 2B ) which has a centering effect on the entire sink (arrow A 2 ).
- FIG. 2C shows the final installation state, wherein the clamping elements 6 hold the sink 1 in the cut-out 11 a .
- the sink 1 is mounted flush with the worktop upper surface 11 d , e.g. by using an appropriate alignment device 20 and pushing according to arrow A 3 .
- the material of bead 8 fills a gap between rim 5 of sink 1 and cut-out side wall 11 b.
- FIGS. 3A through 3C show the same sequence of events as FIG. 2A through 2C from a perspective view.
- FIG. 4 further shows a tool 30 for making said recesses R in the resin-compound material of sink 1 , in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablating or cutting.
- tool 30 is devised as a rotational cutting tool with cutting head 31 and driving shaft 32 .
- At least some of said clamping elements 6 can then be attached to the sink in respective recesses R by glueing or adhesive bonding (cf. FIG. 5 ).
- the clamping element 6 shown in FIG. 6 has multiple legs 6 b , 6 c of slightly differing shape, which is an optional feature of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of sink 1 installed in worktop 11 .
- the outlet opening 3 a which cannot be seen in FIG. 1 , is clearly visible and located in bottom wall 3 (cf. FIG. 6 ).
- FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the gap between sink 1 and worktop 11 as already mentioned in connection with FIG. 2C .
- Said gap is filled with the material of bead 8 (silicone).
- bead 8 silicone
- rim 5 and gap together are only 6.5 mm wide.
- FIGS. 8A through 8D show a sink 1 different from that of FIGS. 1 through 7 and its interaction with a special installation device denoted by reference numeral 9 .
- the sink shown in FIGS. 8A-8D as well as in the following figures is not made of a resin-compound material, but of metal. However, it could easily be replaced by a sink according the present invention, i.e., made of resin-compound material and having clamping elements installed in recesses, as detailed above.
- the installation device 9 comprises and installing jig 9 a and a so-called jig counterpart or counterpart 9 b .
- the installing jig 9 a can be best seen in FIGS. 8A and 8C , whereas the counterpart 9 b can be best seen in FIGS. 8 b and 8 d .
- the installing jig 9 a and its counterpart 9 b can be made—for instance—in plastic or wood-composite material, without limitation.
- the installing jig 9 a has a flat, sheet-like configuration of overall rectangular shape with circumferentially protruding flaps 9 c and grip openings 9 d , which are located in vicinity of an edge portion of the installing jig 9 a .
- each flap 9 c corresponds to the location of a clamping element 6 .
- the square-shaped counterpart 9 b is placed over an outlet opening 3 a of sink bottom wall 3 .
- the overall dimensions of counterpart 9 b are devised such that it completely covers said outlet opening 3 a , without passing therethrough.
- sink 1 has an edge contour 3 b around said opening 3 b , which contour 3 b corresponds to a shape of the counter-part 9 b in form fitting manner.
- said counterpart 9 b has a central opening 9 f which can be devised as a threaded bore.
- FIG. 8C illustrates how a screw (connecting means) 10 can be inserted through opening 9 e for connecting the installing jig 9 a and its counterpart 9 b mutually and in connection with the sink 1 (cf. FIG. 8D ).
- the screw 10 is screwed into threaded bore 9 f of counterpart 9 b .
- the installing jig 9 a and its counterpart 9 b are securely and removably attached to sink 1 , as shown in FIG. 8D .
- Sink 1 can then be manipulated by simply engaging grip openings 9 d.
- FIG. 9 shows a worktop 11 having an essentially rectangular cut-out 11 a , which cut-out 11 a is intended to be fitted with a sink 1 as described earlier.
- the cut-out 11 a is made larger in dimension than an area circumscribed by said rim but smaller than an envelope around said clamping elements in their uncompressed state while defining a cut-out side wall 11 b extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface of said worktop.
- Worktop 11 can be made of wood, metal, stone or any other suitable (composite) material. It should be noted that the side wall 11 b of cut-out 11 a needs not to be polished or otherwise treated when installing sink 1 as described above by using an installation method according to the present invention.
- worktop 11 has been provided, adjacent a contour of cut-out 11 a , with a removable protective cover 11 c made from strips of a suitable tape material.
- sink 1 with installation device 9 and bead 8 (not shown; cf. FIG. 1 ) is inserted downwardly (arrow D) in the cut-out (cf. FIG. 9, 10 ) of worktop 11 .
- the clamping elements 6 are compressed by interaction with the cut-out side wall 11 b , thus generating a force for holding sink 1 within the cut-out 11 a .
- sink 1 is pushed downwardly D until the flaps 9 c of installing jig 9 a make contact with an upper surface 11 d of worktop 11 .
- edge 5 of sink 1 is located within cut-out 11 a opposite side wall 11 b , and sealing material of bead 8 is located between said side wall 11 b and said rim 5 for sealing a gap therebetween and for durably holding the sink after setting or curing of the adhesive sealing material, while further protecting side wall 11 b.
- FIG. 13A shows the state of the installation after said contact between installing jig 9 a and worktop 11 .
- An upper face or upper edge (not shown) of the sink rim is now coplanar with worktop upper surface 11 d.
- connecting means or screw 10 is removed from installation device 9 , thus separating installing jig 9 a and its counterpart 9 b .
- connecting means 10 has an abutment 10 a which comes into contact with installing jig 9 a (cf. FIG. 13A ) for defining a maximum distance between connected installing jig 9 a and counterpart 9 b.
- the protective cover 11 is removed, thus achieving a complete workplace according to an aspect of the present invention.
- the clamping elements will hold the sink in position until the sealing material has dried (set or cured).
- the sealing material (silicone) could be applied with a bead diameter of approximately 7 mm all around the sink rim.
- said screw 10 can be devised with an M8 thread. The same holds for the threaded bore 9 f of counterpart 9 b.
- cut-out 10 a should correspond to a sink bowl length +2 mm and to a sink bowl width +2 mm, respectively.
- any concrete dimensions will also depend on the respective dimensions of clamping elements 6 and rim 5 (extent E) according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 12 .
- protective cover 11 c according to FIG. 10 could be applied with a respective width of 20 through 30 mm, without limitation.
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Abstract
A method of installing a sink (1) in a worktop cut-out (11a), including: a) providing a sink (1) made at least partly from a resin-compound material, with a bowl (2), an outlet opening located in the bottom wall (3), and a circumferential rim (5) located at an upper edge and extending outwardly from a bowl side wall (4); a number of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged on the outside of said bowl (2) adjacent the rim (5), which in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the rim (5), and provide in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force out-wardly from said side wall (4), at least some of the clamping elements (6) being at-tached to the sink in respective recesses (R) arranged in the side wall (4) or in a transition region between the side wall (4) and the rim (5); b) making the worktop cut-out (11a) with a larger dimension than an area circumscribed by the rim (5) but smaller than an envelope around the clamping elements (6), defining a cut-out side wall (11b) extending perpendicular to an upper surface (11d) and a lower surface of said worktop (11); c) placing the sink (1) centered in the cut-out (11a) by the clamping elements (6) being compressed between the cut-out side wall (11b) and the sink (1).
Description
- The present application relates to a sink, in particular a kitchen sink.
- According to a further aspect, the application relates to a (kitchen) workplace comprising a sink and a worktop, said worktop having a cut-out therein, in which said sink is installed.
- Furthermore, according to another aspect thereof, the application relates to a method of installing a sink in a worktop cut-out.
- Today, different installation methods are used for installing sinks, in particular kitchen sinks, in a built-in kitchen.
- Using the undermount method, the sink has outwardly directed flanges along its side walls, which flanges are fixed to the lower surface of a worktop by means of brackets or the like. Accordingly, with the undermount method, the sink has to be installed from below the worktop which may be cumbersome and difficult.
- So-called inset or slimtop sinks present an edge portion around the sink bowl, which edge portion is intended to be placed on top of the upper worktop surface when installing the sink. The sink in question further presents clamps which are—on one side—attached to said edge portion, whereas the other extremity of said clamps is brought into contact with the lower worktop surface. Then, by means of screws comprised in said clamps, the sink is fixed to the worktop. Again, the main installation work has to be done from below the worktop, which can be cumbersome and difficult. Furthermore, said clamps can present a rather intricate design.
- So-called flushmount sinks differ from the above-mentioned inset or slim top sinks in that said edge portion of the sink is not located on top of the upper worktop surface, but is located in a shallow circumferential recess around a worktop cut-out. In this way, the sink does not protrude from the upper worktop surface, which can be appreciated for reasons of design and hygiene. Flushmount sinks are fixed to the worktop by means of clamps, much like inset or slim top sinks.
- While sinks can be made from various materials, metal (steel) and ceramic materials are widely used for this purpose. Recently, resin-compound materials, such as Franke Fragranite, made from quartz sand and acrylic resin, are used as an alternative to the aforementioned materials, which presents advantages as far as wear-resistance and hygienic properties are concerned.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a new sink and a corresponding installation method, which present a unique integration of the sink with the worktop, while facilitating the installation work while enhancing wear-resistance and hygienic properties. Furthermore, a cut-out section of the worktop shall be protected, which is not easily possible with the above-mentioned current installation methods.
- The object is achieved by a sink having one or more features of the invention, in particular kitchen sink, made at least partly from a resin-compound material, the sink comprising: at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof, said rim extending outwardly from said side wall by an extent; a number of resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of said bowl adjacent said rim, which clamping elements, in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent of said rim, and which clamping elements are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall, at least some of said clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in said side wall and/or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim.
- According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a workplace having one or more features of the invention, said workplace comprising a sink, in particular kitchen sink, said sink made at least partly from a resin-compound material and comprising: at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof, said rim extending outwardly from said side wall by an extent; a number of resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of said bowl adjacent said rim, which clamping elements, in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent of said rim, and which clamping elements are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall, at least some of said clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in said side wall and/or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim; and a worktop, said worktop having a cut-out therein, in which said sink is installed, said cut-out defining a cut-out side wall extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface of said worktop, wherein said cut-out side wall is located opposite said rim, and wherein said sink is centered within said cut-out by means of said clamping elements, which are compressed between said cut-out side wall and said sink.
- According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is also achieved by a method of installing a sink in a worktop cut-out according to one or more features of the invention, said method comprising a) providing a sink made at least partly from a resin-compound material with: at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof, said rim extending outwardly from said side wall by an extent; a number of resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of said bowl adjacent said rim, which clamping elements, in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent of said rim, and which clamping elements are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall, at least some of said clamping elements being attached to the sink in respective recesses arranged in said side wall and/or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim; b) making said worktop cut-out, it being larger in dimension than an area circumscribed by said rim but smaller than an envelope around said clamping elements in their uncompressed state while defining a cut-out side wall extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface of said worktop; c) placing said sink in said cut-out so that said cut-out side wall is located opposite said rim, said sink being centered within said cut-out by means of said clamping elements, which are compressed between said cut-out side wall and said sink.
- Further disclosed is a device for installing a sink in a worktop cut-out, said sink made at least partly from a resin-compound material and comprising at least one bowl with a bottom wall and a circumferential side wall; at least one outlet opening located in said bottom wall; a circumferential rim located at an upper edge of said bowl around an outside thereof; said device comprising at least one installing jig for placing on an upper face of said rim and extending coplanar with said upper face of said rim while extending, at least locally, beyond said rim outwardly from said sink, and a jig counterpart for removably fixing said installing jig to said sink.
- Owing to its rim design, the sink according to the present invention is capable of breaking current installation rules. Preferably, the rim extends across the worktop cut-out section, thus potentially protecting the latter, and an upper edge of said rim is coplanar with the upper worktop surface, when installed.
- In this way, a side wall of the worktop cut-out can be protected and does not require to be polished or otherwise treated prior to installing the sink, which can greatly reduce installation costs.
- Preferably, the sink rim is floating in the worktop cut-out, i.e. does not come into contact with a side wall of said cut-out. A corresponding gap can be sealed by using any suitable sealant, e.g. a silicone sealant.
- Installation of the sink according to the present invention can be executed by pushing the sink in the worktop cut-out from above the worktop, preferable by using a suitable installation device according to one aspect of the present invention.
- The sink can be kept in its final position within the worktop cut-out by means of the resilient clamping elements arranged on the outside of the sink bowl (so-called fastfix clips) in combination with the adhesive action of said sealant (e.g. silicone).
- As a final result, the installed sink can present a flushmount-like rim in terms of alignment with the worktop upper surface, while greatly facilitating the required installation work.
- Owing to the mentioned installation method, the rim of the sink according to the present invention can be much thinner than standard in the market, e.g. 4 mm vs. 15 through 30 mm, which can be seen as advantageous in terms of esthetics. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, a value of the extent by which the sink rim extends outwardly from the sink side wall is comprised between 2.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, and more preferably equals about 4 mm, as mentioned.
- In another embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, said rim can be configured in solid material or can be configured by outward and downward bending of the side wall material used for production of the sink.
- In yet another embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, said clamping elements are compressible inwardly towards said side wall to an extent that they do not extend outwardly beyond said extent of the rim. In this way, an easy installation of the sink in a worktop cut-out from above the worktop is made possible.
- According to yet another embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, a clamping force per unit length of the side wall, as caused by said clamping elements in said loaded or compressed state thereof, is essentially evenly distributed around the sink, preferably by adapting a number of the clamping elements and/or by adapting a mutual spacing between individual clamping elements and/or by adapting the clamping force of individual clamping elements. In this way, it can be easily made possible to self-center the sink during insertion in the worktop cut-out by means of said clamping elements. This can help to achieve a uniform gap around the sink, which is advantageous in terms of sealing said gap as well as in terms of esthetics.
- According to a further embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, individual clamping elements comprise at least one spring element, which is hook-shaped in cross-section, with a first leg extending essentially parallel to said side wall and preferably downwardly from said rim, a second leg extending outwardly from said first leg and from said side wall, and a third leg extending outwardly from said second leg and from said side wall as well as parallel to said first leg, in said free or uncompressed state of the clamping elements, said third leg at least partially overlapping with said first leg. This can further help to facilitate installing the sink from above the worktop, while ensuring a reliable clamping action for holding the sink within the worktop cut-out during installation and prior to effectiveness of an additional adhesive material used for fixing the sink in the worktop cut-out.
- In order to further enhance the clamping effect, according to a preferred further embodiment of the sink according to the present invention, a free end portion of said third leg is further angled outwardly from said side wall.
- For easy installation and for achieving an esthetical effect, the sidewall of the sink can have an essentially flat configuration. Furthermore, the sink as such can have an overall rectangular shape, when seen from above, preferably with rounded corners.
- In a preferred further embodiment of the workplace according to the present invention, a distance between said rim and said worktop cut-out side wall can be essentially uniform around said sink for achieving a superior esthetical effect. This has already been mentioned above and can be achieved by means of adapting the clamping force per unit length of the sink side wall, as detailed above.
- In yet another embodiment of the workplace according to the present invention, an adhesive sealing joint is located around said rim between said sink and said cut-out side wall, preferably a silicone joint or the like. While filling the gap between the floating rim and the cut-out side wall, said joint can be devised to durably hold the sink in place within the worktop cut-out, in combination with a clamping action of the clamping elements. Accordingly, a main effect of the clamping elements can be to center the sink during installation thereof and to hold it in place until the adhesive sealant has set (or cured).
- According to yet another embodiment of the workplace according to the present invention, an upper face or upper edge of said rim can be essentially coplanar with the upper worktop surface, thus achieving a superior esthetical and hygienical effect.
- As already mentioned before, an embodiment of the inventive method can comprise placing the sink in the worktop cut-out from above the worktop, beginning with a bottom part of the sink, which bottom part is located opposite said rim. This may greatly facilitate installation of the sink, in particular in comparison with current undermount methods.
- In yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, said method may comprise placing the sink in the worktop cut-out and lowering it therein until an upper face of said rim is essentially coplanar with the upper surface of the work top.
- Prior to method step c), in yet another further embodiment of the inventive method, a bead of an adhesive sealing material can be placed around the rim, preferably a silicone material or the like, so that, during method step c), an adhesive sealing joint is formed around the rim between the sink and the cut-out side wall, preferably a silicone joint or the like. The joint can be effective to close the gap between the sink rim and the cut-out side wall, while protecting the latter from moisture or the like. Furthermore, the adhesive sealing material will hold the sink in place after curing or setting.
- In yet a further embodiment of the inventive method, prior to step c), the sink can be provided with a removable installation device, said installation device comprising at least one installing jig placed on an upper face of the sink rim and extending essentially coplanar with said upper face of said rim while extending, at least locally, beyond said rim outwardly from the sink. Then method step c) can be performed until said installing jig comes into contact with said upper worktop surface. Afterwards, the installation device can be removed. In this way, the above-described embodiment of the inventive method enables flushmount-like installation of the sink in an easy and reliable fashion.
- For protecting the worktop surface, in particular from said sealing material, prior to method step c), in a further embodiment of the inventive method, the worktop can be provided on its upper surface, adjacent a contour of the cut-out, with a removable protective cover, in particular a tape, which protective cover can be removed after completion of step c).
- In yet a further embodiment of the inventive method, prior to step a), a number of recesses can be made in said side wall or in a transition region between said side wall and said rim, in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablating or cutting, and at least some of said clamping elements can be attached to the sink in respective recesses, preferably by glueing or adhesive bonding. In this way, and sink as well as already existing resin-compound sinks can be easily (retro)fitted with the new fixation technology.
- A further embodiment of the installation device comprises that the counterpart of said installing jig is to be located at the sink outlet opening on an outside of the sink bowl. Therefore, said counterpart can be devised accordingly.
- Preferably, said counterpart, in a further embodiment of the installation device, can be devised as a plate-like element, a planar dimension of which is bigger than a clear opening of said outlet opening. In this way, said counterpart can be placed over said outlet opening without passing therethrough.
- In a further embodiment of the installation device, the device comprises a connecting means for detachably connecting the installing jig and the counterpart. Preferably, said connecting means are devised as a screw means, so that detachably connecting said installing jig and said counterpart can be readily achieved without the use of any specialized tools or the like.
- For detachably connecting said installing jig and said counterpart, according to a further embodiment thereof, the installation device may comprise corresponding openings in said installation jig and in said counterpart for passing through said connecting means.
- If said connecting means are devised as a screw means, in yet another embodiment of the installation device, at least said opening in said counterpart can be devised as a threaded bore. This further facilitates detachably connecting said installation jig and said counterpart.
- According to yet another preferred embodiment of the installation device, said connecting means may comprise an abutment means, which defines a maximum distance of said installation jig and said counterpart, so that fixing the device on a sink can be achieved in a secure and reliable fashion.
- Further features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof with relation to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sink according to the present invention, further illustrating the optional method step of placing a bead of an adhesive sealing material around the sink rim; -
FIGS. 2A-2C show different steps during installation of the sink ofFIG. 1 in a worktop; -
FIGS. 3A-3C show the installation steps ofFIG. 2 from a perspective view; -
FIG. 4 shows a tool for making the recesses for locating the clamping elements; -
FIG. 5 shows a clamping element located in a recess made according toFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sink according to the present invention installed in a worktop; -
FIG. 7 shows a detail fromFIG. 6 ; -
FIGS. 8A-8D show a sink together with an installation device; -
FIG. 9 shows a worktop with a cut-out, prior to installing a sink according to the present invention; -
FIG. 10 shows the worktop ofFIG. 9 after applying a removable protective cover according to a preferred method step; -
FIG. 11 shows an intermediate state during installation of the sink according toFIG. 1 orFIGS. 2A through 2C orFIGS. 8A through 8D according to the inventive method; -
FIG. 12 shows a detail fromFIG. 11 ; and -
FIGS. 13A-13D show successive method steps for completing the sink installation process. - In
FIG. 1 , the sink according to the present invention is denoted by means ofreference numeral 1. Saidsink 1 can—without limitation—be devised as a kitchen sink and is at least partially made of a resin-compound material, such as Fragranite (quartz+acrylic resin). It comprises abowl 2 with abottom wall 3 and acircumferential side wall 4. At least one outlet opening, which cannot be seen inFIG. 1 , is located in said bottom wall 3 (cf.FIG. 6 ). Acircumferential rim 5 is located at an upper edge of saidbowl 2 around an outside thereof, as can be readily seen fromFIG. 1 . Saidrim 5 extends outwardly from saidside wall 4 by an extent E. Preferably,side wall 4 andrim 5 are formed integrally from said resin-compound material, as shown. Furthermore, thesink 1 comprises a number ofresilient clamping elements 6 arranged on the outside of saidbowl 2 adjacent saidrim 5. InFIG. 1 , oneclamping element 6 is shown in a free or uncompressed state, in which it extends outwardly beyond the extent E of saidrim 5. Theclamping elements 6 are devised for providing, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force directed outwardly from saidside wall 4, for holding the sink in a corresponding worktop cut-out, as will be explained in more detail below. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 and toFIG. 12 , it can be easily gathered that the clampingelement 6, in its unloaded state, does extend outwardly beyond the extent E of saidrim 5. In a preferred embodiment, a value of said extent E can be comprised between 2.5 mm and 6 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, and more preferably equals about 4 mm. - As can further be gathered from
FIG. 1 andFIG. 12 , theclamping elements 6 can comprise at least one spring element which is hook-shaped in cross section, with afirst leg 6 a extending essentially parallel to saidside wall 4 and preferably downwardly from saidrim 5, asecond leg 6 b extending outwardly from saidfirst leg 6 a and from saidside wall 4, and athird leg 6 c extending outwardly fromsecond leg 6 b and from saidside wall 4 as well as parallel to saidfirst leg 6 a, in said free or uncompressed state of theclamping elements 6, as shown inFIG. 12 . Furthermore, saidthird leg 6 c at least partly overlaps with saidfirst leg 6 a. A free end portion of saidthird leg 6 c is angled outwardly from saidside wall 4, as shown atreference numeral 6 d. - As can further be gathered from
FIG. 1 andFIG. 12 , therim 5 is configured in solid resin-compound material for increased mechanical strength. - Furthermore, from
FIG. 1 andFIG. 12 it can be gathered that theclamping elements 6 are compressible inwardly toward theside wall 4 to an extent that they do no longer extend outwardly beyond said extent E of therim 5. This enables easy installation of thesink 1 from above a worktop, as will be explained in detail below. - Referring now to
FIG. 3A , it can be seen that a clamping force per unit length of theside wall 4, as caused by said clampingelements 6 in their loaded or compressed state, is essentially evenly distributed around the sink, by adapting the number of theclamping elements 6. According to a preferred embodiment, all of theclamping elements 6 are essentially identical; however, more clamping elements can be placed along the longer side walls of therectangular sink 1, thus enabling centering of thesink 1 within a worktop cut-out. In this context, the number ofclamping elements 6 at opposingside walls 4 of thesink 1 should be identical, which cannot be seen inFIG. 3A . - Further according to
FIG. 1 , by means of asuitable device 7, abead 8 of an adhesive sealing material is placed around therim 5, which adhesive sealing material can be—without limitation—a silicone material. The effect of saidbead 8 will be explained below. Preferably, saidbead 8 is placed around the entire periphery of therim 5 around thesink 1, more preferably with a bead width or diameter of approx. 7 mm. -
FIG. 1 further shows aworktop 11 having an essentially rectangular cut-out 11 a, which cut-out 11 a is intended to be fitted with asink 1 as described above in connection withFIGS. 1 and 12 . To this end, the cut-out 11 a is made larger in dimension than an area circumscribed by thesink rim 5 but smaller than an envelope around said clampingelements 6 in their uncompressed state while defining a cut-outside wall 11 b extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface of said worktop.Reference numeral 11 d denotes anupper surface 11 d ofworktop 11.Worktop 11 can be made of wood, metal, stone or any other suitable (composite) material. It should be noted that theside wall 11 b of cut-out 11 a needs not to be polished or otherwise treated when installingsink 1 as described above by using an installation method according to the present invention. -
FIGS. 2A through 2C show thesink 1 ofFIG. 1 (with bead 8) and its interaction with worktop 11 (cut-out 11 a) during installation of thesink 1.FIG. 2A shows aclamping element 6 in its free state prior to interaction. Whensink 1 is lowered according to arrows A1, it gradually enters cut-out 11 a while theclamping elements 6 make contact with the cut-outside wall 11 b (FIG. 2B ) which has a centering effect on the entire sink (arrow A2).FIG. 2C shows the final installation state, wherein theclamping elements 6 hold thesink 1 in the cut-out 11 a. Thesink 1 is mounted flush with the worktopupper surface 11 d, e.g. by using anappropriate alignment device 20 and pushing according to arrow A3. The material ofbead 8 fills a gap betweenrim 5 ofsink 1 and cut-outside wall 11 b. -
FIGS. 3A through 3C show the same sequence of events asFIG. 2A through 2C from a perspective view. - The clamping elements 6 (cf.
FIG. 1 ) are located in respective recesses R in saidside wall 4 of thesink 1 or in a transition region T between saidside wall 4 and saidrim 5, as shown inFIG. 4 andFIG. 5 .FIG. 4 further shows atool 30 for making said recesses R in the resin-compound material ofsink 1, in particular by drilling, grinding, milling, boring, ablating or cutting. InFIG. 4 ,tool 30 is devised as a rotational cutting tool with cuttinghead 31 and drivingshaft 32. At least some of saidclamping elements 6 can then be attached to the sink in respective recesses R by glueing or adhesive bonding (cf.FIG. 5 ). The clampingelement 6 shown inFIG. 6 hasmultiple legs -
FIG. 6 shows another perspective view ofsink 1 installed inworktop 11. InFIG. 6 , the outlet opening 3 a, which cannot be seen inFIG. 1 , is clearly visible and located in bottom wall 3 (cf.FIG. 6 ). -
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the gap betweensink 1 andworktop 11 as already mentioned in connection withFIG. 2C . Said gap is filled with the material of bead 8 (silicone). Preferably,rim 5 and gap together are only 6.5 mm wide. -
FIGS. 8A through 8D show asink 1 different from that ofFIGS. 1 through 7 and its interaction with a special installation device denoted byreference numeral 9. The sink shown inFIGS. 8A-8D as well as in the following figures is not made of a resin-compound material, but of metal. However, it could easily be replaced by a sink according the present invention, i.e., made of resin-compound material and having clamping elements installed in recesses, as detailed above. - The
installation device 9 comprises and installingjig 9 a and a so-called jig counterpart orcounterpart 9 b. The installingjig 9 a can be best seen inFIGS. 8A and 8C , whereas thecounterpart 9 b can be best seen inFIGS. 8b and 8d . The installingjig 9 a and itscounterpart 9 b can be made—for instance—in plastic or wood-composite material, without limitation. The installingjig 9 a has a flat, sheet-like configuration of overall rectangular shape with circumferentially protrudingflaps 9 c andgrip openings 9 d, which are located in vicinity of an edge portion of the installingjig 9 a. Further comprised are two connectingopenings 9 e which are located near a center of the installingjig 9 a. As can be seen fromFIG. 8C , the installingjig 9 a can be placed on top of thesink 1, so that it rests on an upper edge or upper face of the rim, while saidflaps 9 c protrude outwardly from thesink 1 with respect to the rim. Preferably, the location of eachflap 9 c corresponds to the location of aclamping element 6. - As can be gathered from
FIG. 8B , the square-shapedcounterpart 9 b is placed over anoutlet opening 3 a of sinkbottom wall 3. In this context, the overall dimensions ofcounterpart 9 b are devised such that it completely covers said outlet opening 3 a, without passing therethrough. Preferably,sink 1 has anedge contour 3 b around saidopening 3 b, which contour 3 b corresponds to a shape of the counter-part 9 b in form fitting manner. - As can further be seen from
FIG. 8B , saidcounterpart 9 b has acentral opening 9 f which can be devised as a threaded bore. -
FIG. 8C illustrates how a screw (connecting means) 10 can be inserted throughopening 9 e for connecting the installingjig 9 a and itscounterpart 9 b mutually and in connection with the sink 1 (cf.FIG. 8D ). To this end, thescrew 10 is screwed into threadedbore 9 f ofcounterpart 9 b. In this way, the installingjig 9 a and itscounterpart 9 b are securely and removably attached to sink 1, as shown inFIG. 8D .Sink 1 can then be manipulated by simply engaginggrip openings 9 d. -
FIG. 9 shows aworktop 11 having an essentially rectangular cut-out 11 a, which cut-out 11 a is intended to be fitted with asink 1 as described earlier. To this end, the cut-out 11 a is made larger in dimension than an area circumscribed by said rim but smaller than an envelope around said clamping elements in their uncompressed state while defining a cut-outside wall 11 b extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface of said worktop.Worktop 11 can be made of wood, metal, stone or any other suitable (composite) material. It should be noted that theside wall 11 b of cut-out 11 a needs not to be polished or otherwise treated when installingsink 1 as described above by using an installation method according to the present invention. - According to
FIG. 10 ,worktop 11 has been provided, adjacent a contour of cut-out 11 a, with a removableprotective cover 11 c made from strips of a suitable tape material. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 ,sink 1 withinstallation device 9 and bead 8 (not shown; cf.FIG. 1 ) is inserted downwardly (arrow D) in the cut-out (cf.FIG. 9, 10 ) ofworktop 11. In this way, as shown inFIG. 12 , theclamping elements 6 are compressed by interaction with the cut-outside wall 11 b, thus generating a force for holdingsink 1 within the cut-out 11 a. Methodwise,sink 1 is pushed downwardly D until theflaps 9 c of installingjig 9 a make contact with anupper surface 11 d ofworktop 11. Then,edge 5 ofsink 1 is located within cut-out 11 aopposite side wall 11 b, and sealing material ofbead 8 is located between saidside wall 11 b and saidrim 5 for sealing a gap therebetween and for durably holding the sink after setting or curing of the adhesive sealing material, while further protectingside wall 11 b. -
FIG. 13A shows the state of the installation after said contact between installingjig 9 a andworktop 11. An upper face or upper edge (not shown) of the sink rim is now coplanar with worktopupper surface 11 d. - Then, according to
FIG. 13B , connecting means or screw 10 is removed frominstallation device 9, thus separating installingjig 9 a and itscounterpart 9 b. As can be easily gathered fromFIG. 13B (cf. alsoFIG. 11 andFIG. 8C ), connectingmeans 10 has anabutment 10 a which comes into contact with installingjig 9 a (cf.FIG. 13A ) for defining a maximum distance between connected installingjig 9 a andcounterpart 9 b. - Then, according to
FIG. 13C , theinstallation device 9 is completely removed fromsink 1 onworktop 11. - Finally, in the method step illustrated in
FIG. 13D , theprotective cover 11 is removed, thus achieving a complete workplace according to an aspect of the present invention. In this context, it should be checked whether or not the gap between the sink bowl and the worktop is filled properly with the sealing material. If not, some adjustment could be made. The clamping elements will hold the sink in position until the sealing material has dried (set or cured). - With reference to
FIG. 1 orFIG. 12 , the sealing material (silicone) could be applied with a bead diameter of approximately 7 mm all around the sink rim. - With respect to
FIGS. 8A through 8D , saidscrew 10 can be devised with an M8 thread. The same holds for the threadedbore 9 f ofcounterpart 9 b. - Preferably, the dimensions of cut-out 10 a according to
FIGS. 9 and 10 should correspond to a sink bowl length +2 mm and to a sink bowl width +2 mm, respectively. However, any concrete dimensions will also depend on the respective dimensions of clampingelements 6 and rim 5 (extent E) according toFIG. 1 andFIG. 12 . - Accordingly,
protective cover 11 c according toFIG. 10 could be applied with a respective width of 20 through 30 mm, without limitation.
Claims (18)
1. A sink, made at least partly from a resin-compound material, the sink comprising:
at least one bowl (2) with a bottom wall (3) and a circumferential side wall (4);
at least one outlet opening (3 a) located in said bottom wall (3);
a circumferential rim (5) located at an upper edge of said bowl (2) around an outside thereof, said rim (5) extending outwardly from said side wall (4) by an extent (E);
a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged on the outside of said bowl (2) adjacent said rim (5), said clamping elements (6), in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent (E) of said rim (5), and said clamping elements (6) are configured to provide, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall (4), at least some of said clamping elements (6) being attached to the sink in respective recesses (R) arranged in said side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between said side wall (4) and said rim (5).
2. The sink (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a value of said extent (E) is between 2.5 mm and 6 mm.
3. The sink (1) according to claim 1 , wherein said rim (5) is a solid material.
4. The sink (1) according to claim 1 , wherein said clamping elements (6) are compressible inwardly toward said side wall (4) such that the clamping elements do not extend outwardly beyond said extent (E) of said rim (5).
5. The sink (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a clamping force per unit length of said side wall (4), as caused by said clamping elements (6) in said loaded or compressed state thereof, is essentially evenly distributed around the sink (1), by at least one of adapting a number of the clamping elements (6), and adapting a mutual spacing between individual ones of the clamping elements (6), or adapting a clamping force of individual ones of the clamping elements (6).
6. The sink (1) according to claim 1 , wherein said clamping elements (6) comprise at least one spring element which having a hook-shaped cross section with a first leg (6 a) extending essentially parallel to said side wall (4) and downwardly from said rim (5), a second leg (6 b) extending outwardly from said first leg (6 a) and from said side wall (4), and a third leg (6 c) extending outwardly from said second leg (6 b) and from said side wall (4) as well as parallel to said first leg (6 a), and in said free or uncompressed state of said clamping elements (6), said third leg (6 c) at least partially overlapping with said first leg (6 a).
7. The sink (1) according to claim 1 , wherein a free end portion (6 d) of said third leg (6 c) is further angled outwardly from said side wall (4).
8. A workplace comprising a sink (1) made at least partly from a resin-compound material, said sink comprising:
at least one bowl (2) with a bottom wall (3) and a circumferential side wall (4);
at least one outlet opening (3 a) located in said bottom wall (3);
a circumferential rim (5) located at an upper edge of said bowl (2) around an outside thereof, said rim (5) extending outwardly from said side wall (4) by an extent (E);
a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged on the outside of said bowl (2) adjacent said rim (5), said clamping elements (6), in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent (E) of said rim (5), and said clamping elements (6) are configured to provide, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall (4), and at least some of said clamping elements (6) being attached to the sink in respective recesses (R) arranged in said side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between said side wall (4) and said rim (5); and
a worktop (11), having a cut-out (11 a) therein, in which said sink (1) is installed, said cut-out (11 a) defining a cut-out side wall (11 b) extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper surface (11 d) and a lower surface of said worktop (11), said cut-out side wall (11 b) is located opposite said rim (5), and said sink (1) is centered within said cut-out (11 a) by said clamping elements (6), which are compressed between said cut-out side wall (11 b) and said sink (1).
9. The workplace according to claim 8 , wherein a distance or gap between said rim (5) and said cut-out side wall (11 b) is essentially uniform around said sink.
10. The workplace according to claim 8 , wherein an adhesive sealing joint is located around said rim (5) between said sink (1) and said cut-out side wall (11 b).
11. The workplace according to claim 8 , wherein an upper face of said rim (5) is essentially coplanar with said upper worktop surface (11 d).
12. A method of installing a sink (1) in a worktop cut-out (11 a), comprising:
a) providing a sink (1) made at least partly from a resin-compound material, with:
at least one bowl (2) with a bottom wall (3) and a circumferential side wall (4);
at least one outlet opening (3 a) located in said bottom wall (3);
a circumferential rim (5) located at an upper edge of said bowl (2) around an outside thereof, said rim (5) extending outwardly from said side wall (4) by an extent (E);
a plurality of resilient clamping elements (6) arranged on the outside of said bowl (2) adjacent said rim (5), said clamping elements (6), in a free or uncompressed state thereof, extend outwardly beyond the extent (E) of said rim (5), and said clamping elements (6) are configured to provide, in a loaded or compressed state thereof, a clamping force outwardly from said side wall (4);
at least some of said clamping elements (6) being attached to the sink in respective recesses (R) arranged in said side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between said side wall (4) and said rim (5);
b) making said worktop cut-out (11 a) having a larger dimension than an area circumscribed by said rim (5) but smaller than an envelope around said clamping elements (6) in their uncompressed state while defining a cut-out side wall (11 b) extending essentially at right angles with respect to an upper and lower surface (11 d) of said worktop (11);
c) placing said sink (1) in said cut-out (11 a) so that said cut-out side wall (11 b) is located opposite said rim (5), said sink (1) being centered within said cut-out (11 a) by said clamping elements (6), which are compressed between said cut-out side wall (11 b) and said sink (1).
13. The method according to claim 12 , comprising placing said sink (1) in said cut-out (11 a) from above said worktop (11), beginning with a bottom part of said sink (1) opposite said rim (5).
14. The method according to claim 12 , comprising placing said sink (1) in said cut-out (11 a) until an upper face of said rim (5) is essentially coplanar with said upper surface (11 d) of said worktop (11).
15. The method according to claim 12 , comprising: prior to step c), placing a bead (8) of an adhesive sealing material around said rim (5), so that, during step c), an adhesive sealing joint is formed around said rim (5) between said sink (1) and said cut-out side wall (11 b).
16. The method according to claim 12 , comprising: prior to step c), providing said sink (1) with a removable installation device (9), said installation device (9) comprising at least one installing jig (9 a) placed on an upper face of said rim (5) and extending coplanar with said upper face of said rim (5) while extending, at least locally (9 c), beyond said rim (5) outwardly from said sink (1), then performing step c) until said installing jig (9 a) comes into contact with said upper worktop surface (11 d), and then removing said installation device (9).
17. The method according to claim 12 , comprising: prior to step c), providing said worktop (11) on an upper surface (11 d) threeof, adjacent a contour of said cut-out (11 a), with a removable protective cover (11 c), and removing said protective cover (11 c) after completion of step c).
18. The method according to claim 12 , comprising: prior to step a), making a number of recesses (R) in said side wall (4) or in a transition region (T) between said side wall (4) and said rim (5), and attaching at least some of said clamping elements (6) to the sink in respective ones of the recesses (R).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17174293.5A EP3409851A1 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2017-06-02 | Sink and method of installing same |
EP17174293.5 | 2017-06-02 | ||
PCT/EP2018/064609 WO2018220226A1 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2018-06-04 | Sink and method of installing same |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200123751A1 true US20200123751A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
Family
ID=59009570
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/618,445 Abandoned US20200123751A1 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2018-06-04 | Sink and method of installing same |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20200123751A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3409851A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110691880A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112019025273A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3062597A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2736276C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018220226A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3365732A (en) * | 1965-09-27 | 1968-01-30 | Verson Mfg Co | Self-rimming sink mounting |
RU2076175C1 (en) * | 1994-05-20 | 1997-03-27 | Игорь Владимирович Дробышев | Device for fastening of sink |
DE4439906C1 (en) * | 1994-11-08 | 1995-11-30 | Blanco Gmbh & Co Kg | Fastener for plastics composite sinks |
FR2778419B1 (en) * | 1998-05-07 | 2000-06-16 | Christian Limbach | PROCESS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF A VESSEL WITH A RECEIVING TOP, A MONOBLOCK ASSEMBLY OBTAINED FOR FURNITURE, PARTICULARLY A BATHROOM OR KITCHEN |
DE102005047841A1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-04-19 | Niro-Plan Ag | Kitchen fitting |
US20100275368A1 (en) * | 2009-04-30 | 2010-11-04 | Miller Jason R | Sink With Storage Rack Assembly |
CH704123B1 (en) * | 2010-11-19 | 2014-09-30 | Suter Inox Ag | Assembly comprising a worktop and a functional unit disposed therein, in particular sink. |
CN203174703U (en) * | 2013-03-27 | 2013-09-04 | 陈伟 | Cleaning device of kitchen water tank |
US9803347B2 (en) * | 2013-08-29 | 2017-10-31 | Mehmet Hocaoglu | Seamless undermount stainless steel sink system |
DE202014102174U1 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2014-06-18 | Franke Technology And Trademark Ltd. | Adapter device for a sink |
-
2017
- 2017-06-02 EP EP17174293.5A patent/EP3409851A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2018
- 2018-06-04 BR BR112019025273-8A patent/BR112019025273A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2018-06-04 CN CN201880035696.8A patent/CN110691880A/en active Pending
- 2018-06-04 RU RU2019138437A patent/RU2736276C1/en active
- 2018-06-04 WO PCT/EP2018/064609 patent/WO2018220226A1/en active Application Filing
- 2018-06-04 US US16/618,445 patent/US20200123751A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-06-04 CA CA3062597A patent/CA3062597A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA3062597A1 (en) | 2018-12-06 |
WO2018220226A1 (en) | 2018-12-06 |
RU2736276C1 (en) | 2020-11-13 |
EP3409851A1 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
BR112019025273A2 (en) | 2020-06-16 |
CN110691880A (en) | 2020-01-14 |
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