Sink Accessories System

Abstract

A sink accessory configured to provide a functional space within a sink includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a workspace defined between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are configured to engage with first and second walls of the sink, respectively, to wedge the sink accessory between the first and second walls. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sink accessory system including a sink having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and at least one sink accessory wedged within the sink.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 160,274, filed on March 12, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to sink accessories and, more particularly, to sink accessories configured to be wedged into opposing sink walls to permit positioning within the basin of a sink while being elevated above the lower surface of such a sink. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a sink accessory configured to be positioned within a sink includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a working space defined between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are configured to engage with first and second walls of the sink, respectively, to wedge the sink accessory between the first and second walls of the sink.

[0005] In various embodiments, the first end has a first draft angle and the second end has a second draft angle. In some embodiments, the first wall and the second wall are inclined at a third draft angle and a fourth draft angle, respectively. In other embodiments, the first draft angle and the second draft angle are within a predetermined tolerance of the third draft angle and the fourth draft angle. In various embodiments, the sink accessory is configured as at least one of a washing box, a filter, a filter pan, or a storage box. In some embodiments, the sink accessory has a first width defined between the first end and the second end, and wherein the sink has a second width defined between the first wall and the second wall. In other embodiments, the first width is within a predetermined tolerance of the second width. In yet other embodiments, at least one of the first end and the second end comprises an elastic material to facilitate a flexible wedge fit within the sink.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sink accessory system comprising at least one sink having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and a sink accessory wedged into the sink. The sink accessory comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a functional area defined between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are configured to engage the first and second walls, respectively, to wedge the sink accessory into the sink.

[0007] In various embodiments, a sink accessory system includes a first sink accessory and a second sink accessory. In some embodiments, the first and second ends of the first sink accessory have first and second draft angles, respectively, and wherein the first and second ends of the second sink accessory have third and fourth draft angles, respectively. In other embodiments, the first and second draft angles are less than the third and fourth draft angles. In still other embodiments, the first sink accessory has a first function and the second sink accessory has a second function, and wherein the first function is different from the second function. In various embodiments, the first sink accessory is positioned within the sink at a first height and the second sink accessory is positioned within the sink at a second height, and wherein the first height is less than the second height. In some embodiments, at least one sink accessory has a first width defined between the first and second ends, and wherein the sink has a second width defined between the first and second walls. In other embodiments, the first width is within a predetermined tolerance of the second width. In still other embodiments, at least one of the first and second ends of the at least one sink accessory comprises an elastic material to facilitate a flexible wedge-like fit within the sink. In some embodiments, at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one sink accessory includes a coating to increase a coefficient of friction with at least one of the first wall or the second wall. In other embodiments, the first end of the at least one sink accessory has a greater draft angle than the second end. In still other embodiments, at least one of the first end or the second end of the at least one sink accessory includes at least one of a stripe or ridge configured to create a friction fit between the at least one sink accessory and the sink.

[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the following drawings and detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sink accessory system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the sink accessory system.

[0012] Figure 3 is a top view of a sink accessory disposed within a sink according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 side view of the sink.

[0014] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, the Figure 3 The first sink accessories inside the sink are along Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5.

[0015] Figure 6 According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 The second sink accessories inside the sink are along Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before turning to the drawings that illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0017] Reference Figures 1 to 2 , shows a sink accessory system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The sink accessory system 10 includes a sink 13 having a sink area defined by at least a first wall 15 and an opposing second wall 20. The sink 13 can be top mounted (e.g., self-rimmed or built-in), bottom mounted, flush mounted, bar or prep type, skirt type, or any other sink type known in the art. The first wall 15 and the second wall 20 can each be positioned adjacent to one or more additional sink walls, rims, edges, or any other sink features known in the art. The sink accessory system 10 includes at least one sink accessory 100. The sink accessory 100 is configured to be wedged into the sink 13 to create an additional functional layer available to the user without requiring features or geometry (e.g., brackets, fasteners, etc.) within the sink 13. A functional layer can be considered a spatial layer or space within the sink area where a user can access one or more functions.

[0018] As shown, the sink accessory 100 includes a first end 105 and a second end 110 disposed opposite the first end 105. Each of the first end 105 and the second end 110 can define a wall or side that defines a functional area or workspace 113 disposed therebetween. The first end 105 of the first sink accessory 100 is configured to engage with the first wall 15 of the sink 13, and the second end 110 of the first sink accessory 100 is configured to engage with the second wall 20 of the sink 13. In various embodiments, the sink accessory 100 is configured to facilitate one or more functional tasks within the sink area. In various embodiments, the functional area or workspace 113 can include at least one of a cutting board, a colander, a strainer, a tool rack, a basket, a storage container, a washing bin, a drying rack, and the like.

[0019] Figure 3 A top view of a sink accessory 100 is shown wedged within a sink 13. As shown, the sink 13 has a width W1 defined between opposing first and second walls 15, 20. Similarly, the sink accessory 100 has a width W2 defined between a first end 105 and a second end 110, wherein W2 is less than W1. The sink accessory 100 is configured such that the first and second ends 105, 110 engage the first and second walls 15, 20, respectively, of the sink 13 to wedge the accessory 100 between the first and second walls 15, 20. In various embodiments, the sink accessory 100 can be made of a flexible or resilient material including, but not limited to, one or more polymers, plastics, metals, composite materials, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Figure 4 A side view of a sink 13 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, the first wall 15 and the second wall 20 of the sink 13 are inclined at angles 25 and 30 (i.e., draft angles), respectively. As a result, the width W1 of the sink 13 can be smaller proximate the bottom surface 35 of the sink 13 and largest proximate the upper edge or rim 37 of the sink 13. As a result, the sink accessory 100 can be placed in the sink 13 such that the first end 105 and the second end 110 can be wedged between the inclined first wall 15 and the second wall 20, without requiring mounting features within the sink, such as, but not limited to, ledges, ridges, lips, brackets, bevels, etc. Because the sink accessory 100 is wedged between the opposing walls 15, 20 of the sink 13, the sink accessory 100 can be positioned at a height above the bottom surface 35 of the sink 13 to provide additional functional space for the user.

[0021] Because the sink accessory 100 is held in place within the sink 13 by a wedge-shaped fit between the ends 105, 110 and the walls 15, 20, the angles 25 and 30 of the sink walls 15, 20 determine the vertical position of the sink accessory 100 within the sink 13. To facilitate a secure wedge-shaped fit within the sink 13, each of the first end 105 and the second end 110 of the sink accessory 100 can be drafted (i.e., can be beveled or angled) such that the first end 105 has a draft angle 125 and the second end has a second draft angle 130. Thus, if the angles 25, 30 are greater than the angles 125, 130, the sink accessory 100 can be wedged in a vertical position such that the sink accessory 100 is closer to the upper edge or rim 37 of the sink 13 than to the bottom surface 35 of the sink 13. Similarly, if angles 25, 30 are less than angles 125, 130, the sink accessory 100 can be wedged in a vertical position such that the sink accessory 100 is closer to the upper edge or rim 37 of the sink 13 than to the bottom surface 35 of the sink 13. Furthermore, the sink accessory 100 can be sized such that the width W2 enables the sink accessory 100 to be wedged within the sink 13. The height of the sink accessory 100 when wedged within the sink 13 is based on the width W2 of the sink accessory 100 relative to the width W1 of the sink 13, and based on the angles 125, 130 of the sink accessory 100 relative to the angles 25, 30. In various embodiments, depending on the angles 125, 130 and the width W2, the sink accessory 100 can be positioned within the sink 13 such that the upper edge of the sink accessory 100 is substantially parallel to or lower than the upper edge 37 of the sink 13. In other embodiments, depending on the angles 125, 130 and the width W2, the sink accessory 100 can be positioned within the sink 13 such that the upper edge of the sink accessory 100 is vertically higher than the upper edge 37 of the sink 13. Thus, the sink accessory 100 can be adapted for various types of sinks 13 having various widths W1 and angles 25, 30 associated with the sidewalls 15, 20, respectively. In various embodiments, the angles 125, 130 associated with the ends 105, 110 of the sink accessory 100 and / or the angles 25, 30 associated with the walls 15, 20 of the sink 13 can range from about 3 degrees to about 5 degrees.

[0022] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Sink accessory 100 wedged into sink 13 is shown along the Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. Figure 5As shown, when the width W2 and angles 125, 130 of the ends 105, 110 are such that the sink accessory 100 is positioned closer to the upper edge 37 than to the bottom surface 35 of the sink 13, the sink accessory 100 can be wedged into the sink 13 at a distance D1 from the bottom surface 35 of the sink 13. In another embodiment, as shown Figure 6 As shown, width W2 and angles 125 , 130 of ends 105 , 110 may enable sink accessory 100 to be positioned a distance D2 from bottom surface 35 , wherein sink accessory 100 is spaced a distance from upper edge 37 and therefore closer to bottom surface 35 .

[0023] In various embodiments, the sink accessory 100 may include one or more features disposed at either or both of the first end 105 and the second end 110 to increase the coefficient of friction between the sink accessory 100 and the walls 15, 20 of the sink 13 (i.e., to prevent slipping, lateral movement, etc. within the sink). These features may include, but are not limited to, a high-friction coating that can engage with the walls 15, 20 to facilitate a friction fit of the sink accessory 100 within the sink 13, or a portion having one or more strips or ridges made of a high-friction material (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.). In various embodiments, the thickness T1 defined between the bottom surface and the upper edge of the sink accessory 100 may be based on the desired function of the sink accessory 100. In other embodiments, the thickness T1 may be adjustable (e.g., to suit a particular function, to fit the sink 13, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of the width W2 and angles 125, 130 associated with the ends 105, 110 of the sink accessory may be based on the desired function of the sink accessory 100. In other embodiments, at least one of the width W2 and angles 125 , 130 associated with the ends 105 , 110 of the sink accessory 100 may be adjustable (eg, to suit a particular function, to fit the sink 13 , etc.).

[0024] As previously described, the sink accessory can be made of or include one or more metals, non-metals, polymers, composite materials, and / or other suitable materials. In various embodiments, the sink accessory 100 can be configured such that the ends 105, 110 are flexible and can elastically form a wedge shape between the walls 15, 20 of the sink 13. In various embodiments, the draft angle 125 of the first end 105 of the sink accessory 100 can be the same as the draft angle 130 of the second end 110 of the sink accessory 100. In other embodiments, the draft angle 125 can be greater than or less than the draft angle 130 (i.e., such that the sink accessory 100 can be positioned at a slope between the walls 15, 20). In various embodiments, at least one of the draft angles 125 and 130 can be within a predetermined range or tolerance of the angles 25, 30 associated with the walls 15, 20 of the sink 13. In some embodiments, the sink accessory 100 can be configured such that the first end 105 having the first draft angle 125 can have a first amount of flexibility, and the second end 110 having the second draft angle 130 can have a second amount of flexibility. Thus, the sink accessory 100 can be flexibly adjusted to accommodate a range of widths W1 and / or draft angles 25, 30 associated with the sink 13.

[0025] During use, the sink accessory 100 can be used to provide additional functional space in the sink area by wedging the sink accessory 100 between the opposing walls 15, 20 of the sink 13. In various embodiments, the sink accessory 100 can be used with one or more additional sink accessories or tools such as the sink accessory 17, as shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, sink accessory 100 can be configured to be wedged into sink 13 at a distance below the upper edge of sink 13, allowing sink accessory 17 to be placed at a height above sink accessory 100. Thus, sink accessory 100 can enable a user to create multiple functional layers or spaces within the sink area. For example, sink accessory 100 can be a washing or storage bin wedged at a distance below sink accessory 17, which can be a cutting board or drying rack.

[0026] In various embodiments, multiple sink accessories 100 can be wedged into the sink 13 to create multiple functional layers or spaces within the sink 13. For example, the sink accessory system 10 can include a first sink accessory having a first width that can be wedged into the sink 13 near the bottom surface 35 (e.g., at a distance D2), and a second accessory having a second width greater than the first width that can be wedged into the sink 13 near the upper edge 37 (e.g., at a distance D1). In various embodiments, the first sink accessory and the second sink accessory can be wedged into the sink 13 at the same height, such that the first sink accessory and the second sink accessory can be positioned adjacent to each other within the sink 13. In other embodiments, the first sink accessory and the second sink accessory can be wedged into the sink 13, wherein the first sink accessory has a first thickness and the second sink accessory has a second thickness that is different from the first thickness. In yet other embodiments, a first sink accessory and a second sink accessory can be wedged into the sink 13, wherein the first sink accessory has a first draft angle and a second draft angle associated with its respective first and second ends, and the second sink accessory has a third draft angle and a fourth draft angle associated with its respective first and second ends, wherein the first draft angle and the second draft angle are greater than or less than the third draft angle and the fourth draft angle. In various embodiments, a sink accessory system can include a first sink accessory configured to have a first function (e.g., a colander, strainer, tool rack, drying rack, washing bin, storage bin, cutting board, etc.) and a second sink accessory having a second function, which can be the same as or different from the first function. For example, the sink accessory system 10 can include a first sink accessory configured as a washing bin and a second sink accessory configured as a drying rack.

[0027] Despite the above description and Figures 1 to 6 However, various modifications and inclusions of these embodiments are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] As used herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms generally mean + / - 10% of the disclosed value, unless otherwise indicated. As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, manufacturing or assembly processes, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common usage and usage accepted by persons of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure belongs. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0029] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0030] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variants refer to two components being directly or indirectly connected to each other. This connection can be fixed (e.g., permanent or fixed) or removable (e.g., removable or releasable). This connection can be achieved by directly connecting two components to each other, using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members connected to each other to connect the two components to each other, or using an intermediate member that is integrally formed into a single integral body with one of the two components to connect the two components to each other. If "connection" or its variants are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly connected), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the plain meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "directly connected" means connecting the two components without any separate intermediate member), thereby resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. This connection can be mechanical, electrical or fluid.

[0031] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are intended only to describe the orientation of the respective elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the respective elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0032] Although the drawings and description may illustrate a particular order of method steps, unless otherwise noted above, the order of these steps may be different from the order depicted and described. In addition, unless otherwise noted above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously.

[0033] It is important to note that any element disclosed in one embodiment can be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the plurality of sink accessories of at least the exemplary embodiment described in the last paragraph of page 6 of the specification can be combined with the sink 13 of at least the exemplary embodiment described in the last paragraph of page 3 of the specification. Although only one example of how elements from one embodiment can be combined or used in another embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that other elements of various embodiments can be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A sink accessory configured to be positioned within a sink, the sink accessory comprising: a first end portion having a first draft angle; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second draft angle; as well as a workspace defined between the first end and the second end; The first end and the second end are configured to engage with a first wall and a second wall of the sink, respectively, to wedge the sink accessory between the first wall and the second wall of the sink, thereby creating a functional space within the sink without requiring mounting features within the sink.

2. The sink accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall and the second wall are inclined at a third draft angle and a fourth draft angle, respectively.

3. The sink accessory according to claim 2, wherein: The first draft angle and the second draft angle are within a predetermined tolerance of the third draft angle and the fourth draft angle.

4. The sink accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The sink accessory is configured as at least one of a washing tank, a filter, a colander, or a storage tank.

5. The sink accessory according to claim 1, wherein: The sink accessory has a first width defined between the first end and the second end, and wherein the sink has a second width defined between the first wall and the second wall.

6. The sink accessory according to claim 5, wherein: The first width is within a predetermined tolerance of the second width.

7. The sink accessory according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first end and the second end includes a resilient material to facilitate a flexible wedge-shaped fit within the sink.

8. A sink accessory system comprising: a water trough having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall; as well as At least one sink accessory wedged into the sink, the sink accessory comprising: a first end portion having a first draft angle; a second end opposite the first end, the second end having a second draft angle; and A functional area is defined between the first end and the second end; wherein the first end and the second end are configured to engage with the first wall and the second wall, respectively, to wedge the sink accessory into the sink, thereby establishing a functional space within the sink without requiring mounting features within the sink.

9. The sink accessory system of claim 8, wherein: The sink accessory system includes a first sink accessory and a second sink accessory.

10. The sink accessory system of claim 9, wherein: The first end and the second end of the first sink accessory have a first demolding angle and a second demolding angle, respectively, and the first end and the second end of the second sink accessory have a third demolding angle and a fourth demolding angle, respectively.

11. The sink accessory system of claim 10, wherein: The first draft angle and the second draft angle are smaller than the third draft angle and the fourth draft angle.

12. The sink accessory system of claim 9, wherein: The first sink accessory has a first function and the second sink accessory has a second function, and wherein the first function is different from the second function.

13. The sink accessory system of claim 9, wherein: The first sink accessory is disposed within the sink at a first height, and the second sink accessory is disposed within the sink at a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

14. The sink accessory system of claim 8, wherein: The at least one sink accessory has a first width defined between the first end and the second end, and wherein the sink has a second width defined between the first wall and the second wall.

15. The sink accessory system of claim 14, wherein: The first width is within a predetermined tolerance of the second width.

16. The sink accessory system of claim 8, wherein: At least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one sink accessory includes a resilient material to facilitate a flexible wedge fit within the sink.

17. The sink accessory system of claim 8, wherein: At least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one sink accessory includes a coating to increase a coefficient of friction with at least one of the first wall or the second wall.

18. The sink accessory system of claim 8, wherein: The draft angle of the first end portion of the at least one sink accessory is greater than the draft angle of the second end portion.

19. The sink accessory system of claim 8, wherein: At least one of the first end or the second end of the at least one sink accessory includes at least one of a strip or a ridge configured to form a friction fit between the at least one sink accessory and the sink.

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