Apparatus for controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink

Abstract

Apparatus for use in controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink (including a bathtub and / or other type of sink) for a reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of adding additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself, to offset the loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down over time. The invention also applies to the ability to maintain the water in a sink at a cool temperature, as opposed to a warm temperature. The preferred form of the invention provides a temperature controlling apparatus for a kitchen sink that can be integrally incorporated into the design of newly manufactured sink(s), and when activated by the user, automatically maintains the temperature of the water in the basin of a sink at an temperature level determined by the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 498,459, filed Aug. 28, 2003. [0003] The present invention relates generally to a kitchen sink and more specifically it relates to an apparatus to be used for controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink (including a bath tub and / or other types of sinks) for some reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of adding additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself to offset the loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down over time. It can be appreciated that the invention also applies to the ability to maintain the water in a sink at a cool temperature, as opposed to a warm temperature. [0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0005] Typically, kitchen sinks are comprised of one or more stationary basins, each connected to a drain, and usually a hot and cold water supply for washing food items and co...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a new temperature controlling apparatus for a kitchen sink that can maintain the water in the sink at a desired temperature for an extended period of time without the need for additional hot water. The apparatus can be used in various types of sink and can be portable. It includes a liquid sensor to detect the presence of water in the sink and a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the water. The apparatus can also be controlled using a user interface. The technical effects of the invention include improved energy efficiency, improved water temperature control, and the ability to maintain the water temperature for extended periods of time without the need for additional hot water."

Problems solved by technology

The main problem is that none of the existing kitchen sink products available in the marketplace and / or currently in use today are known to have the ability to change or maintain the temperature (warm or cold) of the water in the sink.

Another problem is that no “aftermarket” or “retro-fit” system, apparatus or device is known to exist which a person skilled in the practice might incorporate into an existing, installed sink, which could be used to maintain the temperature of water in the sink at a temperature level predetermined by the user.

Another problem is that no self-contained system, apparatus and / or appliance is known to exist which could be readily employed by the average home user to maintain the temperature of water in an existing sink at a temperature level predetermined by the user, and for a selected time interval.

Images