WO2020076348A1

WO2020076348A1 - Modular sink assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2020076348A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/061620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shujen Yu
Original assignee: Mila International Inc.
Priority date: 2018-10-12
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2020-04-16

Abstract

In an implementation, a modular sink assembly is disclosed. The modular sink assembly includes a sink module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The sink module has a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange. The modular sink assembly also includes an accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The accessory module has a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange.

Description

MODULAR SINK ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a sink assembly, and more particularly to a modular sink assembly.

[0003] Sinks are plumbing fixtures used for washing hands, dishwashing, and the like. Sinks typically include faucets, or taps, that supply water and drains that allow the water to exit the sink. Additionally, sinks for kitchens, bathrooms, and other facilities come in an array of designs and styles. Countertops and sinks are important architectural features of the facility.

SUMMARY

[0004] In an implementation, a modular sink assembly is disclosed. The modular sink assembly includes a sink module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The sink module has a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange. The modular sink assembly also includes an accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The accessory module has a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange.

[0005] In other features, a length of the interfacing edge of sink module equals a length of the interfacing edge of the accessory module.

[0006] In other features, the modular sink assembly includes at least one coupling member that connects the sink module and the accessory module, and the at least one coupling member is configured to fit between or over the interfacing edges of the sink module and the accessory module. [0007] In other features, the sink module comprises a sink basin.

[0008] In other features, wherein the depth of the sink module equals the depth of the accessory module.

[0009] In other features, the outwardly extending flange of the sink module is integral with the sink module.

[0010] In other features, the outwardly extending flange of the assembly module is integral with the assembly module.

[0011] In other features, the sink module comprises at least one of copper, bronze, brass, titanium, or stainless steel.

[0012] In other features, the sink module, the assembly module, and the at least one coupling member are manufactured from the same material.

[0013] In other features, the modular sink assembly further includes at least one of another sink module or an accessory module. The at least one of another sink module or the accessory module defines an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The at least one of another sink module and an accessory module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange that is equal to the depth of the sink module.

[0014] In an implementation, a sink system is disclosed. The sink system includes a modular sink assembly. The sink system includes a sink module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The sink module has a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange. The sink system also includes an accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The accessory module has a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange. The sink system also includes a countertop defining a countertop cutout, the countertop cutout configured to receive the modular sink assembly. [0015] In other features, a length of the interfacing edge of sink module equals a length of the interfacing edge of the accessory module.

[0016] In other features, the sink system includes at least one coupling member that connects the sink module and the accessory module, and the at least one coupling member is configured to fit between or over the interfacing edges of the sink module and the accessory module.

[0017] In other features, the sink module comprises a sink basin.

[0018] In other features, the depth of the sink module equals the depth of the accessory module.

[0019] In other features, the outwardly extending flange of the sink module is integral with the sink module.

[0020] In other features, the outwardly extending flange of the assembly module is integral with the assembly module.

[0021] In other features, the sink module comprises at least one of copper, bronze, brass, titanium, or stainless steel.

[0022] In other features, the sink module, the assembly module, and the at least one coupling member are manufactured from the same material.

[0023] In other features, the sink system further includes at least one of another sink module or an accessory module. The at least one of another sink module or the accessory module defines an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange. The at least one of another sink module and an accessory module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange that is equal to the depth of the sink module. [0024] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular sink assembly in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a modular sink assembly in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. [0028] FIG. 2B is a side view of a sink module in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2C is a side view of an accessory module in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular sink assembly and a countertop in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modular sink assembly and a counter top in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an isometric perspective view of a modular sink assembly and a counter top in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a modular sink assembly and a counter top in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. [0034] In the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to identify similar and/or identical elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The functionality of kitchen sinks has remained substantially unchanged over the years. Typical kitchen sink styles are single bowl and double bowl and currently occupy a minimum amount of kitchen space. The functionality of these kitchen sink assemblies are typically limited to cleaning part of the cooking process whether it is cleaning of ingredients for cooking or cleaning of cooking and serving utensils afterwards. As more people are preparing their own food at home, many who spend time in the kitchen would benefit from a sink system that delivers more usability other than simply a place for dirty dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and the like. As more people are cooking, their unique habits require a sink assembly that caters to their space and a flexible system to allow people to acquire a sink assembly that fit their desired sink usage, which can include areas for prepping and finishing of the food preparation process.

[0036] Often people add kitchen accessories beside their kitchen sinks, and some companies make drain boards attached with kitchen sink. Dish rack, sponge holder, and cutting board are common kitchen accessories that may be added. In accordance with implementations of this disclosure, a modular sink assembly that can be customized to cover a variety of uses is disclosed.

[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2A illustrate an example sink assembly 100 in accordance with an example implementation of the present disclosure. As shown, the sink assembly 100 can include one or more multiple sink modules 102(1 )-102(m). The sink assembly 100 also includes one or more accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n). It is understood that the number of sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and the number of accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) can be selected based upon the desired configuration of the sink assembly 100. In example implementations, each sink module 102(1 )-102(m) comprises distinct sink basin, and each accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) may comprise a distinct sink accessory assembly. For example, the accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) may comprise prep boards, racks, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0038] The sink assembly 100 also includes one or more coupling members 106(1 )-106(o). The coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) interface with corresponding sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and/or corresponding accessory modules 104(1 )- 104(n). For example, the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and/or accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) are jointed together with one or more coupling members 106(1 )- 106(o) that interface with edges 108 of the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and/or edges 110 of the accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n).

[0039] In an implementation, the coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) comprise U- shaped coupling members that interface with U-shaped edges of the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and U-shaped edges of the accessory module 104(1 )-104(n). As shown, each sink module 102(1 )-102(m), accessory module 104(1 )-104(n), and coupling member 106(1 )-106(o) each include an outwardly extending flange portion 112, 114, 116, respectively, for mounting within a countertop cutout (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The flange portions 112, 114, 116 can be integral with the corresponding sink module 102(1 )-102(m), accessory module 104(1 )-104(n), and coupling member 106(1 )-106(o).

[0040] In various implementations, the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m), accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n), and coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) may be comprised of copper, bronze, brass, titanium, stainless steel, combinations thereof, or the like. It is understood that the various sink modules 102(1 )-102(m), accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n), and/or coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) may all be manufactured from the same material or different material. For example, the material type for the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m), accessory modules 104(1 )- 104(n), and/or coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) may be selected based upon thermal expansion of the selected materials.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and the accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) are jointed together with the coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) via respective edges 108, 110 to form the sink assembly 100. For example, U-shaped coupling members interface with corresponding U-shaped edges of the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n). Once assembled, the sink assembly 100 can be positioned within a countertop cutout 302 defined within a countertop 304 to form a sink system 300. The countertop 304 may comprise, but is not limited to, granite, laminate, marble, or the like.

[0042] The sink assembly 100 can be positioned within the countertop cutout 302 in a variety of ways. For example, the flange portions 112, 114, 116 may interface with a top surface 306 of the countertop 304. In this example, suitable materials, such as adhesives, gaskets, or the like, are applied over a portion of the countertop surface 306, and the sink assembly 100 is positioned such that the flange portions 112, 114, 116 interface with the materials applied over the countertop surface 306. In another example, a mounting assembly 308 may be secured to the countertop or other surface so that the mounting assembly 308 can receive the flange portions 112, 114, 116. Thus, the sink assembly 100 can be mounted in an over-mounting configuration, an under-mounting configuration, a flush-mounting configuration, or the like. The mounting assembly 308 may include a mounting bracket 310 and one or more fasteners that can be used to attach the mounting bracket 310 to a surface proximate to the countertop cutout 302.

[0043] As shown, a sink assembly 100 can be customized by joining together a plurality of sink modules 102(1 )-102(m), accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n), or a combination thereof. Any number of modules (e.g., two, three, four, or more modules) can be jointed to make various sink configurations offering differing functionalities. For example, the modules may be combinable to make up over a thousand custom sink configurations. For example, the sink assembly 100 may include a plurality of sink basins and accessories (e.g., an accessory coupled to a first sink basin and another accessory (e.g., prep board) coupled to another sink basin).

[0044] To achieve modular design, the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) (e.g., basins) and/or accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) (e.g., prep boards, racks, etc.) can all have interfacing edges 108, 110 (e.g., U-shaped edges) with substantially the same dimensions. For example, the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) can at least have the same edge length at interfacing edges 108, 110. Thus, to facilitate connectivity, the sink module 102(1 )-102(m) and the accessory modules 104(1 )-104(n) may have interfacing edges 108, 110 of substantially the same length. In one or more implementations, a depth DS of the sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) equals a depth DA of the accessory module 104(1 )-104(n) (see FIGS. 2B and 2C). It is understood that the depths DA, DS may be equal when the depth DA is within five percent (5%) of the depth DS.

[0045] The depth DS may be the depth as measured from a top surface of the flange portion 112 to a top surface of the interfacing edge 108, and the depth DA may be the depth as measured from a top surface of the flange portion 114 to a top surface of the interfacing edge 110. When installed, the top surfaces of the interfacing edges 108, 110 are parallel to one another to allow a coupling member to received such that the coupling member is flush when installed between or over the interfacing edges 108, 110. For instance, the coupling member can be flush when a plane defined as parallel with a top surface (e.g., face) of the coupling member is parallel to a plane defined as parallel with a top surface (e.g., face) of the interfacing edges 108, 110.

[0046] The coupling members 106(1 )-106(o) can be configured to fit between or over the interfacing edges 108, 110. In some implementations, a plurality of differently shaped sink modules 102(1 )-102(m) and/or accessory modules 104(1 )- 104(n) can be connected by coupling members 106(1 )-106(o). In this regard, the illustrated implementations are example configurations, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes can be made while staying within scope of the disclosed technology.

[0047] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the sink system 300 according to an example implementation. As shown, the sink assembly 100 is mounted within the countertop cutout 302 of the countertop 304. For example, the sink assembly 100 can be received by the mounting assembly 308 to maintain the sink assembly within the countertop cutout 302. FIG. 6 illustrates that the flange portion 112 and the flange portion 116 may be flush with one another when installed. For example, a top surface of the flange portion 112 may be in the same plane as a top surface of the flange portion 116.

[0048] The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Further, although each of the implementations is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any implementation of the disclosure can be implemented in and/or combined with features of any of the other implementations, even if that combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described implementations are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more implementations with one another remain within the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (for example, between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including“connected,”“engaged,”“coupled,”“adjacent,”“next to,”“on top of,”“above,”“below,” and“disposed.” Unless explicitly described as being“direct,” when a relationship between first and second elements is described in the above disclosure, that relationship can be a direct relationship where no other intervening elements are present between the first and second elements, but can also be an indirect relationship where one or more intervening elements are present (either spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean“at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A modular sink assembly, comprising:

a sink module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange, the sink module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange; and

an accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange, the accessory module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange.

2. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein a length of the interfacing edge of sink module equals a length of the interfacing edge of the accessory module.

3. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one coupling member that connects the sink module and the accessory module, wherein the at least one coupling member is configured to fit between or over the interfacing edges of the sink module and the accessory module.

4. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sink module comprises a sink basin.

5. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the depth of the sink module equals the depth of the accessory module.

6. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outwardly extending flange of the sink module is integral with the sink module.

7. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outwardly extending flange of the assembly module is integral with the assembly module.

8. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sink module comprises at least one of copper, bronze, brass, titanium, and stainless steel.

9. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sink module, the assembly module, and the at least one coupling member are manufactured from the same material.

10. The modular sink assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of another sink module and an accessory module, the at least one of another sink module and the accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange, the at least one of another sink module and an accessory module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange that is equal to the depth of the sink module.

1 1 . A sink system, comprising:

a modular sink assembly comprising:

a sink module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange, the sink module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange;

an accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange, the accessory module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange; and

a countertop defining a countertop cutout, the countertop cutout configured to receive the modular sink assembly.

12. The sink system of claim 1 1 , wherein a length of the interfacing edge of sink module equals a length of the interfacing edge of the accessory module.

13. The sink system of claim 12, wherein the at least one coupling member is configured to fit between or over the interfacing edges of the sink module and the accessory module.

14. The sink system of claim 1 1 , wherein the sink module comprises a sink basin.

15. The sink system of claim 11 further comprising at least one coupling member that connects the sink module and the accessory module, wherein the depth of the sink module equals the depth of the accessory module; and.

16. The sink system of claim 11 , wherein the outwardly extending flange of the sink module is integral with the sink module.

17. The sink system of claim 11 , wherein the outwardly extending flange of the assembly module is integral with the assembly module.

18. The sink system of claim 11 , wherein the sink module comprises at least one of copper, bronze, brass, titanium, and stainless steel.

19. The sink system of claim 11 , wherein the sink module, the assembly module, and the at least one coupling member are manufactured from the same material.

20. The sink system of claim 11 , wherein the modular sink assembly further comprises at least one of another sink module and an accessory module, the at least one of another sink module and the accessory module defining an interfacing edge and an outwardly extending flange, the at least one of another sink module and an accessory module having a depth as defined between the interfacing edge and the outwardly extending flange that is equal to the depth of the sink module.