US20210161333A1

US20210161333A1 - Portable sink

Info

Publication number: US20210161333A1
Application number: US17/103,549
Authority: US
Inventors: Cassidy Clawson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-11-29
Filing date: 2020-11-24
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: WO2022115847A1

Abstract

A portable sink comprising a fresh water container and a gray water container, wherein the fresh water container has an integrated basin. The basin is configured to align and interlock with the gray water container to form a portable sink. The basin and the gray water container further comprise openings such that used water may flow through the basin and into the gray water container for later disposal. The portable sink further comprises a pump and faucet assembly such that the portable sink may achieve a flow of running water outside of the modern plumbing system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Non-Provisional Application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/941,882, filed on Nov. 29, 2019, by inventor Cassidy Clawson, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD OF USE

The present disclosure generally relates to portable sinks, and more specifically a portable sink having a water basin and integrated waste water collection container.

BACKGROUND

There are many situations in which one may find themselves where running water is desirable, but not available. In particular, having a sink with running water at a remote location or a location not conducive to setting up a permanent fixture to allow for running water may be a desirable configuration.
While many portable sinks exist, these existing portable sinks each have their specific drawbacks. Some existing portable sinks require a relatively large and bulky apparatus in order to be set up at a remote location. Some existing portable sinks require complicated set up configurations in order to have running water. Still in other embodiments, existing portable sinks do not provide a compact apparatus that dispenses clean water and captures used water, such that any used water may be easily disposed of at a later time and location.
What is needed, is a self contained portable sink that is able to dispense clean water and capture used water with a compact footprint, such that the portable sink may be taken to a remote location and used effectively.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be directed to a portable sink. The portable sink may comprise a basin and a gray water container. The basin and gray water container may comprise indentations and protrusions, respectively, such that the basin and gray water container may interlock into a portable unit when the indentations and protrusions are aligned.
Both the basin and the gray water container may comprise one or more openings. In various embodiments the openings are round but in other embodiments the openings may take some other shape.
In some embodiments one opening provides access from the basin to the gray water container such that used water may drain from the basin into the gray water container where the used water is stored for later disposal.
In some embodiments the opening which provides access between the basin and said gray water container may be positioned at the base of the basin and may overlap with a similar opening in the gray water container when the basin and the gray water container are aligned in an interlocked, portable unit. In other embodiments the opening may be positioned elsewhere in the basin and may overlap with a similar opening in the gray water container when the basin and the gray water container are aligned and interlocked into a portable unit.
In some embodiments, the opening between the basin and the gray water container may be partially plugged by a drain flange and gasket assembly which may further be completely plugged by a gray water drain plug. In one embodiment both the drain flange and gasket assembly and the gray water drain plug are round in shape but in other embodiments both the drain flange and gasket assembly and the gray water drain plug may take a different form.
In some embodiments the gray water container may further comprise a second opening, which may be sealable such that the stored used water may be disposed of at a later time. In one embodiment this second opening may be positioned within a protrusion of the gray water container which may align with an indentation on the water basin with the fresh water container to form one of several locations where the containers may interlock.
In some embodiments the basin may comprise a fresh water container. In one embodiment the fresh water container may be formed from the basin and the gray water container may be formed independently. The water basin with the fresh water container and the gray water container may each have interlocking indentations and protrusions such that the parts interlock or otherwise matingly engage with each other to form a combined and easy to move portable unit. In another embodiment the fresh water container may be formed independently and may be configured to interlock with the basin and the gray water container via aligning and interlocking indentations and protrusions.
The fresh water container may store fresh, clean water and the gray water container may store used, unclean water to be disposed of at a later time.
In various embodiments the fresh water container may comprise an opening configured to house a pump and faucet assembly. The pump and faucet assembly may comprise a pump with an internal spring assembly and a faucet with an adjustment dial. The pump and faucet assembly is configured to pull water from the fresh water container and release it into the basin through the faucet in a steady flow. The faucet angle may be adjusted to a wider angle by turning the adjustable dial in one direction and may be adjusted to a narrower angle by turning the adjustable dial in the opposite direction.
In one embodiment the steady flow of water is achieved via the pump and the internal spring assembly. Pressure applied to press the pump down compresses the internal spring assembly and in so doing pulls fresh water from the fresh water container. The pulled water is released through the faucet into the basin as the spring returns to its decompressed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps, which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a portable sink.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a left-side, partially exploded view of one embodiment of a portable sink.

FIG. 3a is an illustration of a right side, plan view of the one embodiment of a faucet assembly showing a range of motion of the faucet outlet.

FIG. 3b is an illustration of a right side, perspective view of the one embodiment of a faucet assembly showing a range of motion of the pump.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a front perspective view of one embodiment of a portable sink.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
As is used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the screenshots, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.
In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.
As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 15% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about”, refer to a deviance of between 0.0001-40% from the indicated number or range of numbers.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a front perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a portable sink. The portable sink 100 may comprise a gray water container 105, a fresh water container 110, a faucet assembly 115, a drain flange 120, and a drain plug 125.
The fresh water container 110 may comprise a basin 130, water drain 135, receiving opening 140, handle 145, and indentation 150 (shown in FIG. 2). The fresh water container 110 may be hollow, such that a liquid or other material may be stored within the fresh water container 110. The basin 130 may be formed from a depression of a top portion of said fresh water container 110. The receiving opening 140 may comprise a threaded portion around an opening configured to receive the faucet assembly 115. In an alternate embodiment, the receiving opening 140 may comprise a threaded portion around an opening configured to receive a threaded sealing cap. In further alternate embodiments, the receiving opening 140 may not comprise a threaded portion, and instead be configured to receive the faucet assembly 115 or the sealing cap via friction, snap friction, or other engagement mechanisms. The water drain 135 may be a hole or other hollow pass through that may be preferably located at a low point of the basin 130, such that as water enters the basin 130, the water has a tendency to flow toward the water drain 135 when the portable sink 100 is on a substantially flat surface. In some embodiments, the water drain 135 may comprise a threaded portion. The indentation 150 may be on an underside of the fresh water container 110.
In one embodiment, the user may add water, or another liquid into the fresh water container 110 via the receiving opening 140. The fresh water may be secured within the fresh water container 110 by sealing the receiving opening 140.
In one embodiment, the receiving opening 140 may comprise a receiving threaded portion and the faucet assembly 115 may comprise a faucet threaded portion configured to engage the receiving threaded portion. In an alternate embodiment, the receiving opening 140 may be sealed via a threaded cap, or plug, to secure any liquid contained therein.
The basin 130 may be molded as a portion of the fresh water container 110, and have a depth such that a user may be able to use the basin 130 as they would a standard sink.
The faucet assembly 115 may comprise a pump 155, spring assembly 160, neck 165, faucet outlet 170, adjustment dial 175, and container engagement portion 180. The container engagement portion 180 may be configured to engage the receiving opening 140. In some embodiments, the container engagement portion 180 may comprise a threaded portion configured matingly engage a threaded portion of a receiving opening 140. In an alternative embodiment, the container engagement portion 180 may be configured to frictionally engage a receiving opening 140. The pump 155 may be configured to engage the spring assembly 160 to transport water or other liquid stored within the fresh water container 110 through the neck 165 and out the faucet outlet 170 through mechanisms known in the art. In one embodiment, the faucet outlet 170 may be configured to release the water or other liquid above the basin 130 such that a user may place one or more of their hands between the faucet outlet 170 and the basin 130. The adjustment dial 175 may be used to adjust the angle at which the neck 165 and faucet outlet 170 engage one another, thereby allowing a user to adjust the angle at which the water or other liquid exits the faucet outlet 170, preferably in a manner conducive to washing the user's hands. The adjustment dial 175 may also allow the portable sink 100 to be used more efficiently on an angled surface.
In an alternate embodiment, the faucet assembly 115 may rotate to switch between an on and off configuration. Preferably, even when in an off position, the faucet outlet 170 is over the basin 130 to catch drips.
In alternate embodiments, the faucet assembly 115 may be replaced with substantially any structure configured to transfer a liquid stored within said fresh water container 110 to the basin 130.
In one embodiment, the faucet assembly 115 may be configured to pressurize the fresh water container 110 via the pump 155. The faucet assembly 115 may comprise a straw or other structure configured to be in contact with a liquid stored within the fresh water container 110, such that when the fresh water container 110 is pressurized by using a one way valve, the faucet may be opened to allow liquid to travel through the straw and out the faucet assembly 115.
The gray water container 105 may comprise a drain receiver 185, protrusion 190, waste drain 195, and cap 197. The drain receiver 185 may be configured to receive water or liquid through the water drain 135, which may then be stored within the gray water container 105. In some embodiments, the drain receiver 185 may be threaded. The protrusion 190 may be located on a top side of the gray water container 105. In some embodiments, the protrusion 190 may be configured to matingly engage the indentation 150 on the underside of the fresh water container 110. In this manner, the gray water container 105 and fresh water container 110 may resist rotational movement with respect to one another. Additionally, the combination of the protrusion 190 and indentation 150 may allow a user to quickly orient the gray water container 105 relative to the fresh water container 110. The waste drain 195 may be an opening on the gray water container 105 that may be removeably sealed by the cap 197. The cap 197 may threadably, frictionally, or otherwise engaged to the waste drain 195. Preferably, the waste drain 195 may be large enough to allow any water or other liquid that is stored within the gray water container 105 to be disposed of in a convenient manner.
The drain flange 120 may comprise a lip 122 and stem 124. The stem 124 may preferably be substantially hollow, such that water or other liquid may traverse the stem 124. In one embodiment, the stem 124 may comprise a male threaded portion, configured to engage a female threaded portion of the drain receiver 185. In some embodiments, the stem 124 with a male threaded portion may also be configured to engage a female threaded portion of the water drain 135. The lip 122 may be an annulus extending outward from the stem 124. In one embodiment, the lip 122 may comprise a malleable material to aid in creating a water resistant or water proof seal between the drain flange 120 and the basin 130. Specifically, the lip 122 may rest on and matingly engage with the area of the basin that forms the circumference of the water drain 135. In one embodiment, the stem 124 may engage the drain receiver 185 to create a waterproof seal, such that water that exits the basin 130 through the water drain 135 is received into the gray water container 105 without little or no spillage.
In one embodiment, the water drain 135 may not have a threaded component, while the drain receiver 185 is configured to engage the drain flange 120, either through mating threads, friction, or other engagement mechanisms.
The drain plug 125 may be configured to seal one end of the hollow portion of the stem 124. The drain plug 125 may threadably, frictionally, or otherwise matingly engage with the drain flange 120.
In alternate embodiments, the indentation 150 and protrusion 190 may be located on the fresh water container 110 and gray water container 105, respectively.
In one embodiment, the handle 145 may make it easier to separate the otherwise flush and matingly engaged fresh water container 110 and gray water container 105.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a left-side, partially exploded view of one embodiment of a portable sink 100. FIG. 2 Provides an additional perspective of how the various components of the portable sink 100 may fit together. FIG. 2 also shows that the protrusion 190 may be configured to matingly receive the indentation 150.
In one embodiment, the drain flange 120 may engage the water drain 135 of the basin 130 and the drain receiver 185 of the gray water container 105 at the same time.
The drain receiver 185 may extend upward into and/or through the water drain 135. The stem 124 of the drain flange 120 may engage the drain receiver 185. In some embodiments, the stem 124 may engage the drain receiver 185 and may, in combination with the lip 122 securing the basin 130, apply a pressure such that the gray water container 105 and the fresh water exert a pressure against one another.
FIG. 3a is an illustration of a right side, plan view of the one embodiment of a faucet assembly 115 showing a range of motion of the faucet outlet 170.
FIG. 3b is an illustration of a right side, perspective view of the one embodiment of a faucet assembly 115 showing a range of motion of the pump 155.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of a front perspective view of one embodiment of a portable sink 100. FIG. 4 shows the portable sink 100 with its components in a preferred engaged configuration.

Claims

1. A portable sink, comprising

a fresh water container; and

a gray water container;

wherein said fresh water container comprises a basin;

wherein said basin comprises a water drain;

wherein said fresh water container and said gray water container are configured to engage one another;

wherein said fresh water container comprises a receiving opening; and

wherein said gray water container comprises a drain receiver.

2. The portable sink of claim 1, wherein a top portion of said gray water container and a bottom portion of said fresh water container are complementary in shape, such that when they engage with one another they do so matingly.

3. The portable sink of claim 2, wherein said gray water container comprises a protrusion and said fresh water container comprises an indentation configured to matingly engage one another.

4. The portable sink of claim 3, wherein said fresh water container comprises a handle.

5. The portable sink of claim 3, wherein said gray water container comprises a waste drain on said protrusion.

6. The portable sink of claim 1, wherein said gray water container comprises a waste drain

7. The portable sink of claim 1, further comprising a faucet assembly configured to removably engage with said receiving opening of said fresh water container;

wherein said faucet assembly comprises a pump and a faucet outlet; and

wherein said pump is configured to draw water from said fresh water container to said faucet outlet.

8. The portable sink of claim 7, wherein said faucet assembly comprises an adjustment dial configured to adjust a faucet outlet angle relative to said basin.

9. The portable sink of claim 7, wherein said faucet assembly comprises an adjustment dial configured to adjust a faucet outlet angle relative to a neck of said faucet assembly.

10. The portable sink of claim 1, further comprising a drain flange;

wherein said drain flange comprises a lip and stem; and

wherein said stem comprises a hollow portion, such that liquid may pass through said stem.

11. The portable sink of claim 10, wherein said stem is configured to traverse said water drain and said drain receiver, and said lip is configured to rest against said basin.

12. The portable sink of claim 11, wherein said stem comprises a stem male threading configured to engage a receiver female threading of said drain receiver.

13. The portable sink of claim 12, wherein said water drain comprises a drain female threading configured to engage said stem male threading.

14. The portable sink of claim 10, further comprising a drain plug configured to engage said drain flange, such that when said drain plug engages said drain flange, liquid is prevented from passing through said stem.

15. A portable sink, comprising

a fresh water container that is substantially hollow and configured to contain a first liquid;

a gray water container that is substantially hollow and configured to contain a second liquid;

a faucet assembly;

a drain flange; and

a drain plug;

wherein said fresh water container comprises a basin;

wherein said basin comprises a water drain;

wherein said gray water container comprises a drain receiver;

wherein a top portion of said gray water container and a bottom portion of said fresh water container are complementary in shape, such that said fresh water container and said gray water container are configured to matingly engage one another;

wherein said gray water container comprises a waste drain;

wherein said faucet assembly is configured to removably engage a receiving opening of said fresh water container;

wherein said faucet assembly comprises a pump and a faucet outlet;

wherein said pump is configured to draw water from said fresh water container and to said faucet outlet;

wherein said drain flange comprises a lip and stem;

wherein said stem comprises a hollow portion, such that liquid may pass through said stem;

wherein said stem is configured to traverse said water drain and said drain receiver, and said lip is configured to rest against said basin fresh water container;

wherein said stem comprises a stem male threading configured to engage a receiver female threading of said drain receiver;

wherein said water drain comprises a drain female threading configured to engage said steam male threading;

wherein said gray water container comprises a waste drain;

wherein said drain plug is configured to engage said drain flange, such that when said drain plug engages said drain flange, liquid is no longer able to pass through said stem; and

wherein said faucet assembly comprises an adjustment dial configured to adjust a faucet outlet angle relative to said basin.