US2913733A - Sink structure and method of assembly - Google Patents

Description

A. A. DANIELS SI NK STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY 3 SheetsSheet 1 Filed July 24, 1958 .ZEZZEZZZQF Nov. 24, 1959 A. DANIELS 2,933,733

INK STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY Filed July 24, 1958 3 Sheets Sheet 2 l7 A/berf A. flamels b aw zzw; Zia 2W I A. A. DANIELS f 2,913,733

SINK STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 J Nov. 24, 1959 I Filed July 24, 1958 ha/@9 gdw 'SINK STRUCTURE AND NIETHOD OF ASSEMBLY Albert A. Daniels, Highland Park, Ill.

ApplicationJnly 24, 1958, Serial No. 751,598

12 Claims. (Cl. 4--187) This invention relates generally to a sink construction, and more specifically to a self-rimming sink having an improved fastening means incorporated therein,

This application is a continuation-in-part of my application entitled Sink Structure and MethodoftAssembly .Serial No. 653,317, filed April 17, 1957,;and. now

abandoned.

Sinks installed in counter tops have been ,provlded .with a rim assembly around the sink to close the joint between the counter top and the sink. The rims whlch have been used are both decorative and functional. Certain rims of this type providea sanitary .seal and certain rims of this type support or clamp the sinkm position. A disadvantage to this type of. structure is has not been uncommon to leave a rather thin and weak section of counter top material at the front andback edge of the sink. The material being brittle, the likelihood of cracking the material is substantial, particularly when an inexperienced workman, such as a householder, is installing a sink in such a counter.

Furthermore, the opening for the bowl portion of prior sinks must be positioned with accuracy since the bowl portion of the sink or its edges mustalign closely with respect to the edge of the opening, and of course also accurately with respect to the plumbing-with which the sink is to be associated. Normally theaposition of the plumbing is fixed with respect to the counter, and determines the, exact location of the sinkv Wlthjl'eSpeCt to the counter. Accordingly, considerable 1sk'ilLandexperience is necessary to properly position :the topening 'for the bowl portion of the sink with thezrequisite accuracy. An error in locating this opening. necessitates scrapping of the counter top and the'provision' ofa new counter top. Therefore, to avoid such-ran error, time-consuming accuracy is requiredevenrofthe highly skilled craftsman employed in the task.

As a solution for these problems, I have provided 'a self-rimming sink whichmay be installed even though United States PatentO ice .simple and foolproof method of assembling a sink to a the bowl openingin the counter is inaccurately located.

Thus, a sink constructed inaccordance with my 'invention may be installed by workmen having less skill and experience with a somewhat lesser risk of loss arising from the preparation of the counter top for receiving thesink.

A further feature of my self-rimming sink is that it incorporates a novel fastening mechanism wherein cam means carried on a shaft are rotatedto engage the underside of the counter topzthereby clamping the sink thereagainst. having the .novel fastening :means Patented Nov. :24, 13-959 disclosed herein are further advantageousin thatrthe means andmode-of installation and attachment isrequally .adaptable to be used with sinks having irregular, sculptured, orlcontoured. shapes or forms.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention, to pro- :vide a self-rimming sink having means associated therewith for attaching the sink to the counter.

Astill further object of my invention is the 'provision of a self-rimming sink structure which permits the use of irregular, sculptured, or contoured shapes-or .edge of theopening do not afiect the installatiomof th sink.

vYet another object is the provision. of a sink which may be installed in a counter top where the opening in the counter top may be so located as to not; leave any relatively weak sections immediately adjacent to the sink. ,7 .,A still further object is the provision of means 'for holding a self-rimming sink ,securelyagainst the counter top.

Yet another object is the provision of an extremely counter. l .Manyother advantages, features and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the details of description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which several sinks incorporating the :principles of the present invention are shown by Way of illustrative example.

, 0n the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective. view of asink constructed in accordance with my invention, with a portion of the fastening means omitted;

.Figure 2 is an enlarged view taken along line 2 2 of Figure 1, and including the omitted parts and a counter top;

Figure 3 is a view taken along line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure, 4 is generally similarto Figure 2, but illus- ,trates amodified form of the invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a sink constructed inaccordance-with my invention, and provided with" a second modified form of the fastening means ofmy invention; A .Eigurefi is an enlarged view taken along iline 66 ofaFigure 5', andalso along line 6-43 of Figure '7, and including certain omitted parts and a counter top;

- .Fi gure 7;is a view.along line'7'7 of Figure 6;

.:Figure 8 shows in perspective a sink constructedin accordance :with my invention and having an irregular shape; and 7 ;Figure9;shows yet another embodiment of my inventionwherein aself-rimming sink is providedwtih a contelurtedzform.

As shown on the drawings:

'lfiherprinciplesof this invention areparticularly useful when-,enibodied in-a self-rimming sink having"-means for securing-.the-sink to a-counter top.

,qReferringito F-igures l and 2, a sink constructed in accordance with the principles- 0f my invention is"generally indicated at 10. The sink 10 includes one or more-bowl portions 11, a broad ledge 12 integralwith the-upper parto'fthe bowlportion 11, and a rim portion -13 integral with-theouter edge of the ledge 12, as best shown in Figure' 2. The rim portion 13 includes .a lip I -14= iwhich is' downwardly directed, i.e. 'directed toward an upper surface l8-of acounter 20,

The counter 20 has an opening 21 which receives the bowl portion 11 therein. Preferably, the width of the ledge should be as large as is practicable so that a maximum tolerance to the dimensions of the counter opening 21 may be obtained. The ledge 12 extends flatwise over the upper surface 18 of the counter 20, thereby overlapping a portion 22' of the counter. When the size of the bowl opening 21 is substantially equal tov the, size of the bowl, the ledge 12 substantially completely overlaps the counter 20. However, the size of the opening 21 is not critical, and hence ordinarily only the outer portion 17 of the ledge 12 will overlap the counter 20 in sink supporting fashion. Thus it is necessary for the ledge 12 to at least partially overlap the counter 20, such as at 22. A lower edge 15 of the lip 14 extends to a lower level than does the lower edge or face 19 of a sink supporting portion 22 of the ledge 12. Accordingly, in order that both the lower edge 15 of the lip 14 and the lower edge 19 of sink supporting portion 22 supports the sink 10, it is preferable that the lip 14 be resilient. Thus the lip 14 may provide not only additional support for the sink, but comprises a resilient seal whereby foreign matter may be excluded from entering the interface between the ledge 12 and the counter 20.

Means are also provided to hold the sink in position against the counter 20. These means act on the counter overlapping portion 22 as well as on the counter 20. In a preferred form, a sheet of pressure-sensitive material 23 is positioned between the sink supporting portion 22 and the counter 20. The material '23 may comprise paper, e.g. a crepe paper, which paper has a pressure-sensitive adhesive on both its upper and lower surfaces. Thus, when the sink is pressed into position against the pressure-sensitive material 23, as by hand, the sink 10 is securely held in position by the material 23 against the counter 20. Where the pressure-sensitive material 23 is applied continuously along the ledge 12, the material also serves as a seal to keep foreign materials from going under the ledge 12.

It is also preferred that additional holding means be provided. These means include a downwardly directed portion of flange 24 which is fixedly attached or bonded, as by welding, to the undersurface 19 of the ledge 12, here shown as being attached under the rim portion 13 of the ledge 12. For each of the flanges 24, a hole 25 is provided in the counter 20, through which the downwardly directed flange 24 extends. In Figure 2, the downwardly directed portion 24 comprises a flanged member which 'has a lower end 26 which is apertured at 27. A shaft 28 extends through the aperture 27 and has a portion 29 which is adapted to receive a driving or turning tool. For example, the portion 29 may comprise a pair of spaced parallel flat surfaces for receiving a wrench. A pair of earns 30 and 31 is carried on the shaft 28, one on each side of the flanged member 24. Each of the cams 30, 31 has a lobe 30', 31 respectively and may comprise any convenient material, pressed metal being preferred. If desired, serrations or knurling may be provided on the outer surface of the earns 30, 31, such as at 31a to increase their friction. The cam 30 may be fixed to the shaft 28 while the other cam 31 must be removable for installation.

To install the sink 10, the opening 21 is made in the counter 20. Thereafter, a plurality of holes 25, spaced outwardly from the opening 21, are cut in the counter 20, such as by a saber saw, each to receive one of the downwardly directed flanges 24 therethrough. The sink 10 is then positioned on the counter 20 with its bowl portion 11 in the opening 21 and with the downwardly directed flanges 24 extending through the openings 25. It is to be understood that as many of the openings, 25 and downwardly directed flanges 24 are provided as may be necessary. If a pressure-sensitive material 23 having two adhesive sides be used, of course I 4 that material is placed on the counter surface 18 or on the lower face 19 of the ledge 12 before the sink 10 is pressed into position. Thereafter, a wrench is applied to the driving portion 29 of the shaft 28 to rotate the earns 30, 31 so as to drive the cam lobes 30, 31 into the under surface 16 of the counter 20. The friction between the counter 20 and the cams 30, 31 locks the earns 30, 31 in position. Thus the turning of the shaft 28 both draws down the fastening means and locks the cam position.

Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 illustrate other embodiments of means for holding the sink 10 in position. It is to be understood that one of these may be used in place of the mechanical structure shown in Figures 2 and 3, either with or without the pressure-sensitive material 23. It is not intended to limit the patent to the specific forms disclosed herein, but rather they are disclosed to show the scope of my invention.

Accordingly, Figure 4 includes a means for holding the sink 10 in position which means has a downwardly direct ed portion 40 which is fixedly attached or bonded, as by welding, to the overlapping portion 22 of the ledge 12 of the sink 10. The downwardly directed portion 40 com prises a flanged member having a pair of adjacent flanges 41, 42 which extend through the counter 20 at a point remote from the opening 21. The flanges 41, 42 may have a shape similar to the flange 24 described above and shown in Figure 3, which flange includes the apertured lower end 26. Between the flanges 41, 42 there is carried a cam 43 which has a shaft 44, which may be integral therewith, and which is received within the apertured flanges 41, 42. An end 45 of the shaft 44 is adapted to receive a driving tool. With a slight spreading of the flanges 41, 42, the cam 43 may be installed or removed; and when installed, a driving tool may engage the portion 45 of the shaft 44 to rotate the cam means 43 whereby the cam 43 adjustably engages the lower surface 16 of the counter 20.

Referring to Figures 5-7, a downwardly directed portion or flange 50 is shown bonded, as by welding, to a lower surface 52 of a broad ledge 54 of a slightly different sink 55 whose bowl portions 56 are received in the opening 21 of the counter 20. The downwardly directed flange 50 extends into the counter 20 through a hole 25 remote from the opening 21. The ledge 54 includes a rim portion 57 integral therewith and which has a resilient lip 58, integral with the rim portion 57, which is deformably engageable with the top of the counter 20.

The flange 50 has a hook-shaped end which has an upper or outer convex surface which is contoured complementarily to the lower or inner concave surface of the rim portion 57, whereby the rim portion 57 acts to properly locate the flange 50 with respect thereto at the time that the flange 50 is to be'spot-welded thereto. The main portion of the flange 50 is disposed laterally closer to the broad portion of the ledge 54 than it is to the lip 58. The hook-shaped end of the flange 50 extends at 59 to a point intermediate the plane of the under surface 52 of the ledge 54 and the outer periphery of the lip 58, whereby the portion of the flange 59 may engage the upper surface 18of the counter 20 to limit the force which may be applied to the weld which secures the flange 50 to the sink.

As best seen in Figure 7, the lower portion of the flange 50 is provided with an aperture 63 which extends transversely therethrough, as well as a slot 64, of a width narrower than the size of the aperture 63, which communicates the aperture 63 with the outer edge of the flange 50. Thus a recess or nest 65 is provided at the power portion of aperture 63.

The fastening means also includes a preassembled cam assembly generally indicated by the numerals 66 and best seen in Figure 6. The cam assembly 66 includes a shaft 67, and a pair of earns 68, 68. Each of thecams 68 is provided with an aperture through which In the instant embodiment, the shaft 67 has .a square.

configuration as seen in Figure 7 and extends into a square aperture in each of the earns 68. The carnaperture is disposed eccentrically of the cam and has a center line which is parallel to the axis of the cam.

After the cams 68 have been disposed on the shaft 67, the ends of the shaft 67 may be peened or upset as indicated at .69, thereby expanding the size of the end to preclude either of the cams 68 from disengaging the shaft 67. j

The cam assembly 66 may be slipped laterally through the slot 64 to the aperture 63, and once in position, it may be rotated where it seats in the nest 65 and engages the undersurface of the counter 16. In a preferred embodiment, such as may be used with a counter top, Ihave found it advantageous to provide, A clearance when the cams are turned away from the counter;20, and a 4;" negative clearance when turned toward the counter 20.

By this cam assembly, since the shaft 67 is freeto move axially before a strain is placed on the cams, a turning. tool may be applied to the shaft at any one of four places. Thus a wrench may be applied at the right end of the shaft 67, or it may be applied intermediate the right hand cam 68 and the flange 50. If the parts be oriented axially, the wrench may be applied to the left hand end of the shaft 67 or to a point intermediate the left hand cam 68 and the flange 50. It is thus apparent that a good deal of flexibility is available so that the cam assembly 66 may be used in all sorts of different locations where obstructions are present, and whereby the most conveni-. ent engaging position may be selected forthat particular fastener.

One advantage to this type of fastener is that the lower sides 19 and 52 of the broad ledges 12 and 54 as well as the bowl portions 11 and 56, are not engaged by any portion of the fastening mechanism, except for the weld within the integral rim. Thus excessive tightening does not produce dimples, deformations, and the like on any portion of the sink, even though the cam assembly may be excessively over-tightened.

Referring to Figure 8, a novel type of self-rimming sink constructed in accordance with my invention is illustrated. The sink includes a bowl portion 8.0 which extends through the opening 21 in the counter 20. The

sink also has a ledge 81 which is integral with the bowl portion 80 and which extends therefrom. More .specifically, the ledge portion 81 extends a variable distance from the bowl portion 80 and has a smooth irregular contour or shape. The ledge 81 includes a means 82 for holding the sink against the counter 20, the means 82 here illustrated as being of the type shown in Figure 2. Thus the use of holddown means as disclosed herein permits the sink to have any irregular contour, without contouring the opening 21 correspondingly.

Referring again to Figure 5, it will be noted that the sink 55 likewise is provided with its ledge 52 which extends a variable distance from the bowl portions 56. This type of fastener makes it possible for smooth irregular contours or shapes to be utilized. While no fastenerneed be utilized where there is a sharp break in the shape as shown in Figure 8, the fasteners being located close to but not in the curved portion, it is within the contemplation of my invention, as seen in Figure 5, that a flange 71 generally similar to the flange 50 be provided at the curved portion where a flange is necessary there. This is particularly true where the curve is gradual and extends for a considerable distance. The flange 71 is substantially the same as the flange 50 except that it has a somewhat shorter length of engagement with the integral rim 57, and that it is curved from 'a generally flat. plane to have a curve which. is of. substantially the same radius as that of the rim 57 as it goes. about the corner, the axis of such radius being vertical.

1 Referring to Figure 9, a still further modification of my invention is illustrated. This sink includes one or more bowl portions 90 and has a broad ledge 91 extend- Iing therefrom. One side of the ledge 91, for example,

-2tl. One or both intermediate sides 96 and 97 of the Holding means such as shown herein, for example, of the type shown in Figures 2 and 3, are included at 99iand which extend through the counter 20 at a point remote from the opening 95. When each of the holding means 99 has been tightened, the sink is locked in place.

Thus it can be seen that a self-rimming fixture or sink has been provided which can be easily installed and where a great deal of latitude may be taken in sizing the counter opening for the bowl portion of the sink.

Although various modifications may be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such embodiments as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

I claim as my invention:

1. A sink for installation in a counter, having an opening, comprising in combination: a bowl portion; a ledge integrally extending therefrom and having an unobstructed flat lower-side annular portion disposed to flatwise engage the uppermost surface of the counter along an annular margin thereof adjacent to the opening; a rim portion of generally inverted U-shaped section integrally joined at one leg of the U to the outer periphery of said ledge; the other leg of the U comprising a yieldably resilient lip extending to a point below the lower surface of said ledge, whereby said lip may provide additional sink support and yieldably conform to the counter top as a seal; and means secured to one of said ledge and said rim portion in spaced relation to the free edge of said lip and so constructed and arranged as to extend through the counter and to engage a lower side thereof for adjustably drawing said lip against the upper surface of counter.

2. A sink for installation in a counter having an opening, comprising in combination: a bowl portion for extending into the counter opening; a broad ledge integrally extending therefrom in a single plane and having an irregular peripheral contour, opposite straight portions of which are non-parallel to each other and which extend a varying distance from said bowl portion, said ledge having an unobstructed flat lower side annular portion disposed to flatwise engage the uppermost surface of the counter along an annular margin thereof adjacent to the opening; a rim portion of generally inverted U-shaped section integrally joined at one leg of the U to the outer periphery of said ledge; the other leg of the U comprising a lip extending to a point below the lower surface of said ledge, whereby said lip may provide additional sink support; and means secured to one of said ledge and said rim portion in spaced relation to the free edge of said lip and so constructed and arranged as to extend through the counter and to engage a lower side thereof for adjustably drawing said lip against the upper surface of counter.

-3. 'In a sink supported by a counter, said sink having an integral ledge, a portion of said ledge having an unobstructed annular lower side portion flatwise overlaying the uppermost surface of a counter, the improvement comprising: means welded to the lower side of said counter-overlaying ledge portion and extending through a hole in the counter provided solely for said means; and second means removably supported by said first means beneath the counter, and clampingly engaging the lower side of the counter.

4. In combination with a sink having an integral ledge at least partially overlapping and supported by the uppermost surface of a counter, the improvement comprising: means acting on the lower side of the counteroverlapping and engaging portion of said sink ledge for holding and sealing said ledge against the counter, said means including pressure-sensitive tape having adhesive on both sides thereof in direct engagement with the top of the counter and with the lower side of said sink ledge.

5. In combination with a counter fixture having a main portion and a ledge integral therewith, the ledge having an unobstructed flat lower-side annular portion disposed to at least partially overlap the uppermost surface of a counter, the improvement comprising: a flange welded to said lower side portion of the ledge within an area which prospectively overlaps the counter, said flange being downwardly directed for extending through and below the counter; said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending below and parallel to the counter; and a cam-and-shaft assembly, the shaft thereof being journalled in said aperture, and the cam thereof being shaped for adjustably engaging the lower side of the counter in response to rotation of the shaft to draw and hold the integral fixture ledge against the upper surface of the counter, said assembly freely removable from said flange.

6. In combination with a counter fixture having amain portion and a ledge integral therewith, the ledge having an unobstructed flat lower-side annular portion disposed to at least partially overlap the uppermost surface of a counter, said improvement comprising: a flange welded to the lower side portion of the ledge within an area which prospectively overlaps the counter, said flange being downwardly directed for extending through and below the counter; said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending below and parallel to the counter; a shaft journalled in said aperture; and cam means corotatably carried by said shaft and slidable therealong in an axial direction, said cam means being shaped for selectably engaging and disengaging the lower side of the counter in response to rotation of the shaft, and thereby draw and hold the integral fixture ledge against the upper surface of the counter.

7. In combination with a counter fixture having a main portion and a ledge integral therewith, the ledge having an unobstructed flat lower-side annular portion disposed to at least partially overlap the uppermost surface of a counter, the improvement comprising: a flange welded to the lower side portion of the ledge within an area which prospectively overlaps the counter, said flange being downwardly directed for extending through and below the counter; said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending below and parallel to the counter; a shaft journalled in said aperture and having a pair of spaced parallel longitudinal surfaces for receiving a driving tool; a pair of cams corotatably secured to said shaft to be rotated therewith, at least one of said cams being axially slidable along said shaft; and means on said shaft holding said slidable cam thereon; said cams each being shaped for engaging and disengaging the lower side of the counter in response to rotation of the shaft, and thereby draw and hold the integral fixture ledge against the upper surface of the counter.

8. A method for assemblying a sink, having a bowl and peripherally disposed sink-fastening means, to a cqun- 8 ter comprising only the steps of cutting an opening in the counter for receiving the bowl; cutting a plurality of holes in the counter spaced from said opening for receiving said sink-fastening means; positioning said sink on the highest surface of the counter with only its bowl portion in the opening and its fastening means extending through the holes; and locking the sink in place by drawing down on the fastening means with respect to the lower surface of the counter.

9. In combination with a fixture rim having a generally inverted U-shaped section, one leg of which is secured to the outer periphery of a fixture ledge and the other leg of which prospectively engages a counter, the improvement comprising: a flange having an upper end portion secured to the interior of the U-shaped section of the rim, said flange prospectively extending through the counter remotely from the ledge; said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending parallel to the counter, and on the side thereof opposite to the rim; a shaft journalled in said aperture and radially spaced from said side of the counter; and a pair of cams corotatably and axially slidably carried by said shaft, said cams each being shaped for selectably engaging and disengaging the lower side of the counter in response to rotation of said shaft for drawing the fixture ledge against the counter.

10. In combination with a sink having a bowl portion and a ledge integral therewith, the ledge having an unobstructed flat lower-side annular portion disposed to at least partially overlap the uppermost surface of a counter, and a rim having a generally U-shaped section, one leg of which is integral with the outer periphery of the ledge, and the other leg of which extends below the lower surface of the ledge, the improvement comprising: a flange having an upper U-shaped end portion complemental to the interior of the U-shaped section and welded thereto, said flange prospectively extending through and below the counter, terminating remotely from said upper end portion; said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending below and parallel to the counter; a shaft journalled in said aperture and having at least one pair of radially spaced flat surfaces for receiving a driving tool; pair of cams corotatably secured to said shaft to be rotated therewith, at least one of said cams being axially slidable along said shaft; and means on said shaft holding each of said slidable cams thereon, at least one of said holding means being detachably secured to said shaft; said cams each being shaped for engaging and disengaging the lower side of the counter in response to rotation of the shaft, and thereby draw and hold the integral sink ledge against the uppermost surface of the counter.

' 11. In combination with a sink having a bowl portion and a ledge integral therewith, the ledge having an unobstructed flat lower-side annular portion disposed to at least partially overlap the uppermost surface of a counter, and a rim having a generally U-shaped section, one leg of which is integral with the outer periphery of the ledge, and the other leg of which has a length extending below the lower surface of the ledge, the improvement comprising: a flange having a U-shaped upper end portion complemental to the interior of the U-shaped section andwelded thereto, said flange prospectively extending through and below the counter, terminating remotely from said upper end portion, said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending below and parallel to the counter; a shaft journalled in said aperture and having at least one pair of radially spaced flat surfaces for receiving a driving tool; and a pair of cams corotatably secured to said shaft to be rotated therewith, both of said cams being axially slidable along said shaft; said shaft having deformed ends operative to hold each of said cams thereon; said flange having a slot extending from said aperture to a generally vertical edge of said flange through which said cams and said shaft may be removed and installed as a unit.

12. In combination with a fixture rim having a generally inverted U-shaped section, one leg of which is secured to the outer periphery of a fixture ledge and the other leg of which prospectively engages a counter, the improvement comprising: a flange having an upper end portion secured to the interior of the U-shaped section of the rims, said flange prospectively extending through the counter remotely from the ledge; said flange having an aperture, the axis of which is located for extending parallel to the counter, and on the side thereof opposite to the rim; a shaft journalled in said aperture and radially spaced from said side of the counter; and a pair of cams corotatably and axially slidably carried by said shaft, said cams each being shaped for selectably engaging and disengaging the lower side of the counter in response to 15 2,817,097

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 524,477 Biddle Aug. 14, 1894 2,505,828 Fox May 2, 1950 2,584,581 Harris Feb. 5, 1952 2,665,430 Ross et al. Jan. 12, 1954 2,717,397 Ross Sept. 13, 1955 Henley Dec. 24, 1957

Images