Moisture resistant cabinets and vanities

Abstract

A fixture and method for making the same. The fixture may be a bathroom vanity comprising a base cabinet constructed from a plurality of boards formed from plastic material comprising a base plastic component, a calcium-zinc based stabilizer, a foaming agent, and calcium carbonate. The plastic material is formed into sheets that may be substantially flat or curved and that may be of varying thickness or of uniform thickness. The formed sheets are then cut into boards for assembly using traditional joinery methods. A top may be attached to the base cabinet, and the top may comprise a countertop with one or more sinks.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates improved moisture resistant cabinets and vanities, including cabinets used to support plumbing fixtures, particularly in residential or high-end environments.BACKGROUND[0002]Residential communities such as houses, townhomes, and / or apartment complexes often face the need for fixture repair or replacement, especially in high moisture areas such as bathrooms. Additionally, in some communities such as vacation rental homes or apartments, where guests may stay in their leased residences for relatively short periods of time, fixtures such as cabinets and vanities can be subject to wear and tear, again especially in high moisture areas. Owners or maintenance personnel may be required to repair and replace damaged or worn cabinets, bathroom vanities, etc. to ensure that the residences may be rented and / or sold after the current occupants leave.[0003]These problems can be especially noticeable when liquids such as water come into frequent c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved plastic material for use in vanities, which overcomes the limitations and problems of prior wood-based structures. This vanity is water-resistant, mold-proof, and stronger than typical wood-based ones, while also being lighter and easier to assemble and move. It can be finished in a variety of ways and provides a similar appearance to high-end wood cabinets.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, in some communities such as vacation rental homes or apartments, where guests may stay in their leased residences for relatively short periods of time, fixtures such as cabinets and vanities can be subject to wear and tear, again especially in high moisture areas.

These problems can be especially noticeable when liquids such as water come into frequent contact with the surfaces of bathroom vanities and other cabinets near water sources, which can lead to water stains, mold, mildew, and other damage.

Since such cabinets like bathroom vanities are typically constructed from wood or wood-based products such as particle board, plywood, fiberboard (e.g. MDF), etc., the damaging effects from water can greatly shorten the useful life of the cabinet.

Previous attempts to use plastic, such as plastic furniture, to avoid the above issues have been lacking.

Plastic presents a cheap appearance unsuitable for vacation rental homes or high-end apartments and residences and is generally not suited to accommodate granite or other high-end solid surface countertops, sinks, and / or basins that are increasingly common in houses, townhouses, and nicer apartments.

Additionally, plastic can be difficult to manufacture and install, as plastic vanities cannot generally be assembled using typical joinery used in woodworking / cabinetmaking.

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