Refractory clay front apron sink with integrated ledge and self-edging features

Abstract

The invention relates to a refractory clay front apron sink with integrated ledge and self-edging features, in particular to a lower mount front apron sink, comprising: a sink having a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall; a rim disposed at a top portion of the pool and extending outwardly in a substantially horizontal orientation to form a continuous flat surface for mounting against an underside of the horizontal table top; an apron coupled to the pool, comprising: a right end portion extending on the right side of the rim and a left end portion extending on the left side of the rim such that the apron is wider than the pool; a front face extending vertically below the rim; and a rear face opposite thereto, the rear face configured to engage a vertical surface of the cupboard when the rim is mounted to abut the horizontal worktop, the apron board being hollow and defining an apron board cavity located between the front face and the rear face of the apron board.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with Chinese application number "202110445946.9", application date "April 25, 2021", and applicant "Kohler Company" and the invention name of the invention "Refractory clay front skirt sink with integrated ledge and self-edging features".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 015,174, filed on April 24, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of sinks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of front apron sinks. Background Art

[0005] A sink is a container that is generally configured to receive water. Typically, a faucet or other water source is located near the sink, and a drain is connected to the sink to remove unwanted water. Sinks are typically mounted on or into a cabinet, bracket, or base. Sinks can be mounted so that the edge of the sink rests on the countertop of the cabinet. This is generally referred to as self-edging. Alternatively, sinks can be mounted so that the edge of the sink is located below the countertop. This is generally referred to as undermount or undermount.

[0006] Front apron sinks, including farmhouse sinks, have an exposed panel that extends laterally across a front portion of the sink located in front of the basin. An ongoing challenge in the field of front apron sinks involves fitting the sink into a cabinet. Installation of front apron sinks typically requires precise and repeated cutting to fit the sink to the front of the cabinet without leaving an unsightly gap between the apron and the cabinet. This custom fitting method takes time and requires the installer to repeatedly lift the heavy sink to check the fit.

[0007] Another ongoing challenge in the apron front sink area involves compatibility with sink accessories such as cutting boards, drying racks, and the like.

[0008] Another ongoing challenge in the apron front sink space involves retrofits. Often, apron front sinks will not fit into standard, stock or off-the-shelf non-apron front cabinets due to the width of the sink and the height of the cabinet lower door. Instead, such retrofits require extensive cabinet modifications or the installation of an undersized sink. Summary of the invention

[0009] At least one embodiment relates to a front apron sink mounted below. The sink includes a sink, a ledge, a rim coupled to the sink, an upper portion, and a skirt. The sink includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall. The ledge is supported at and extends outwardly from the upper end of one of the front and rear walls of the sink. The rim is supported at the sink and extends outwardly from the sink in a substantially horizontal orientation to form a continuous flat surface that is configured to be mounted against the underside of a horizontal countertop. The upper portion extends between the ledge and the rim. The skirt is coupled to the sink, and the skirt includes a right end portion, a left end portion, a front face, and a rear face. The right end portion extends to the right of the rim, and the left end portion extends to the left of the rim, such that the skirt is wider than the sink. The front face extends vertically below the rim, and the rear face is opposite to the front face. The rear face is configured to engage the vertical surface of the cabinet when the rim is mounted against the horizontal countertop.

[0010] Another embodiment relates to an undermount front apron sink. The sink includes a pool having a first sidewall, an opposing second sidewall, a front wall, and a rear wall. A first ledge is supported at an upper end of the front wall of the pool and extends outwardly from the upper end of the front wall of the pool. A second ledge similar to the first ledge is supported at an upper end of the rear wall of the pool and extends outwardly from the upper end of the rear wall of the pool. The pool also includes a rim that deviates from the first ledge and the second ledge, and the rim extends outwardly from the pool in a substantially horizontal orientation to form a continuous flat surface that is configured to be mounted against the underside of a horizontal work surface. A first upper portion extends between the rim and the first ledge and extends in a direction substantially parallel to the front wall. Similarly, a second upper portion extends between the rim and the second ledge in a direction substantially parallel to the rear wall. The sink also includes a skirt coupled to the pool, the skirt including a portion of the rim.

[0011] Another embodiment is directed to an undermount front apron sink. The sink includes a basin and a ledge, the basin including at least one basin wall, the ledge supported at an upper end of the at least one basin wall and extending outwardly from the upper end of the at least one basin wall. The apron is coupled to the basin, and the apron includes a top flange, a front face, a rear face, and a cavity positioned between the front face and the rear face. The sink also includes a rim that couples the apron to the at least one basin wall, the rim being continuous and coplanar with the top flange. An upper portion extends between the rim and the ledge and in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one basin wall. The rim is configured to be mounted against an underside of a horizontal countertop.

[0012] This summary is illustrative only and should not be considered limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] 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:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sink shown according to an example embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A top plan view of the sink;

[0016] Figure 3 According to an example implementation, Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the water tank taken at section AA;

[0017] Figure 4 According to an example implementation, Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the water tank taken through section BB;

[0018] Figure 5 According to an example implementation Figure 1 Rear plan view of the sink;

[0019] Figure 6 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A top view of the sink;

[0020] Figure 7 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A front plan view of the sink;

[0021] Figure 8 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A side plan view of a sink;

[0022] Fig. 9 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the sink;

[0023] Fig.10 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A front plan view of the sink; and

[0024] Fig.11 According to an example implementation Figure 1 A top view of the sink. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Before turning to the drawings showing 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 shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0026] Referring generally to the drawings, sinks and components thereof are shown according to various exemplary embodiments. The sinks may be installed in a variety of environments including a kitchen or bathroom. The sinks are designed to replace conventional sinks and / or are installed in place of conventional sinks to provide users with the appearance of a traditional apron front sink or farmhouse sink without requiring significant modifications to cabinets or other supporting structures that may otherwise be required for traditional apron front sinks and farmhouse sinks.

[0027] The sink typically includes one or more pools and a front skirt connected to the one or more pools. The one or more pools are defined by a base plate and one or more side walls extending upward from the base plate. The sink can have any number of pools. For example, the sink can have one, two or more pools. Alternatively, the sink can have a single pool divided into two or more reservoirs. The pools or reservoirs can be separated by one or more dividers (e.g., separators, structural members, ridges, ridges, etc.), such as saddles. The saddles can have any height, but are preferably kept below the rim plane of the sink. The saddles can divide the sink into a plurality of pools or reservoirs of equal or unequal size.

[0028] The sink also includes a flange or rim extending outwardly from a top edge or top portion of the side wall. A skirt panel, coupled or integrally formed with the front wall of the sink by the same or similar rim, extends downwardly from the rim and laterally between the first and second ends to define a front portion of the sink. The first and second ends of the skirt panel extend laterally beyond an outer perimeter of the rim associated with each corresponding side wall. Extending the ends of the skirt panel beyond the outer perimeter of the rim can allow the ends of the skirt panel to at least partially overlap with a surface of the cabinet to conceal possible cut lines and / or openings in the surface of the cabinet.

[0029] The sink also includes one or more ledges positioned below the above-mentioned flange or edge. The ledge can extend from the top edge or top portion of the side wall and be inserted between the aforementioned flange or edge and the side wall. Advantageously, the ledge can provide a support surface for partially supporting various sink accessories in the sink under the lower installation state, such as cutting boards, drying racks, towel bars and similar sink accessories. In some embodiments, the sink is a top-mounted sink and rests on the top surface of the work surface. In such an embodiment, the ledge can be positioned below the work surface, or between the top surface and the bottom surface of the work surface. One or more ledges can extend around all or part of the periphery of the side wall. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink can include a first ledge and a second ledge extending along two opposite and parallel side walls, such as along the front and rear of the sink, wherein the first ledge and the second ledge are separated from each other (e.g., not adjacent to each other). The ledge may define a support surface oriented at an angle to direct water from sink accessories supported by the ledge into a basin of the sink. According to an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed sink including the front skirt and the ledge may be integrally formed from a refractory clay material.

[0030] Before discussing further details of the sink and / or its components, it should be noted that references to "front," "back," "rear," "up," "down," "right," and "left" in this specification are used only to identify various elements as they are oriented in the drawings, where "right," "left," "front," "back," and "rear" are relative to a user facing the sink, and where "lateral" is left and right as viewed by the user. These terms are not meant to limit the elements they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0031] It should also be noted that, for the purpose of this disclosure, the term "connection" means that two members are directly or indirectly connected to each other. This connection can be essentially static or essentially movable, and / or this connection can allow the flow of fluid, electricity, electrical signals or other types of signals or allow communication between two members. This connection can be achieved by making two members or two members and any additional intermediate members integrally formed into a single integral body, or by making two members or two members and any additional intermediate members attached to each other. This connection can be essentially permanent, or alternatively can be essentially removable or releasable.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 6, a sink 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The sink 100 includes at least one container (e.g., a reservoir, a wash basin, a basin, etc.) for receiving and / or holding water, which is shown as a pool 101. The pool 101 can have various shapes, such as a circular, oval, polygonal, or a cross-section of a shape thereof (e.g., a circular sector).

[0033] According to the illustrated embodiment, the pool 101 is substantially rectangular, with a lateral width dimension (eg, side to side) being greater than a depth dimension (eg, front to back).

[0034] Pool 101 is shown to include a base plate 110. Base plate 110 can have various shapes and textures. Base plate 110 defines one or more apertures, which are shown as drains 112 and allow water to be removed from pool 101. As shown, drain 112 is substantially circular and located at the middle portion of base plate 110. According to various alternative embodiments, drain 112 can be non-circular and can be located elsewhere in base plate 110 (e.g., in the front portion, left portion, rear portion, right portion, center, or some combination thereof, etc.). Drain 112 is shown to be defined by lip 114. Drain 112 can be coupled to a drain pipe and / or a garbage disposal mechanism, which in turn is coupled to a municipal drainage system or a septic system. According to an exemplary embodiment, base plate 110 is tilted toward drain 112 so that the water in pool 101 flows toward drain 112 by gravity. According to various alternative embodiments, the side walls of the pool 101 may be continuously curved such that no discernible floor is formed.

[0035] The pool 101 is also shown to include a plurality of side walls (generally collectively referred to as side walls 120) extending generally upward from the base 110. According to the illustrated embodiment, the pool 101 includes a front side wall 121 (e.g., a side wall of a front portion), a left side wall 122, a right side wall 123, and a rear side wall 124. The front side wall 121 extends laterally across the front portion of the pool 101, the rear side wall 124 extends laterally across the rear portion of the pool 101, the left side wall extends front-to-back along a first side portion (e.g., a left side portion) of the pool 101 between the front side wall 121 and the rear side wall 124, and the right side wall 123 extends front-to-back along a second side portion (e.g., a right side portion, etc.) of the pool 101 between the front side wall 121 and the rear side wall 124.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sidewall 120 is coupled to the floor 110 at a generally rounded corner that provides a continuous surface transition. For example, the rear sidewall 124 is coupled to the floor 110 at the bottom pool corner 126. The bottom pool corner 126 is shown as a continuous curve. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the transition between the sidewall 120 and the bottom plate 110 is generally concave. According to various alternative embodiments, the transition area can be angled and / or have a discontinuous curved surface transition from the bottom plate 110 to the sidewall 120. The fillets in the corners of each of the bottom plate 110 to the front sidewall 121, the bottom plate 110 to the left sidewall 122, the bottom plate 110 to the right sidewall 123, and the bottom plate 110 to the rear sidewall 124 can have the same or different radii of curvature.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the side walls 120 are joined to each other at generally rounded corners that provide a continuous surface transition. For example, the right side wall 123 is shown joining the rear side wall 124 at the side sump corner 128. The side sump corner 128 is shown as a continuous curve. Figure 2 As shown, the transition between adjacent sidewalls 120 is generally concave. According to various alternative embodiments, the transition area can be angled and / or have a discontinuous curved surface transition between adjacent sidewalls 120. The fillets in the corners of each of the front sidewall 121 to the left sidewall 122, the left sidewall 122 to the rear sidewall 124, the rear sidewall 124 to the right sidewall 123, and the right sidewall 123 to the front sidewall 121 can have the same or different radii of curvature.

[0038] The sink 101 is also shown to include one or more ledges, which are shown as a first ledge 200 and a second ledge 220. The first ledge 200 is shown to be disposed at a top edge or top portion of the front side wall 121 and extends generally outward (i.e., in a direction opposite to the center of the sink) from the top edge or top portion of the front side wall 121. The first ledge 200 can extend along the left and right widths of the front side wall 121, such that the front side wall 121 terminates at the first ledge 200 and no portion of the front side wall 121 extends above the first ledge 200. In some embodiments, the first ledge 200 is adjacent to the front side wall 121, the left side wall 122, and the right side wall 123. Figure 2 As shown, the first ledge 200 can extend laterally from the front side wall 121 and extend into the front portion of the right side wall 123 and the left side wall 122, thereby slightly wrapping around the rounded transition between the front side wall 121 and the right side wall 123 and between the front side wall 121 and the left side wall 122.

[0039] The first ledge 200 may be planar and may define a plane parallel to a horizontal work surface when the sink 101 is installed adjacent the underside of the work surface, the plane being shown as Figure 3In some embodiments, the ledge plane 210 can intersect the horizontal countertop, such as embodiments where the sink 100 is a top mounted sink and a portion of the sink 100 rests on the top surface of the horizontal countertop. In some embodiments, the first ledge 200 is positioned at an angle (e.g., tapered) such that the first ledge 200 biases water into the sink 101 when the sink 101 is mounted adjacent to the underside of the horizontal countertop. The first ledge 200 can define a support surface configured to receive sink accessories, such as cutting boards, drying racks, and other similar sink accessories. In some embodiments, the first ledge 200 is integrally formed with the sink 100.

[0040] The first ledge 200 defines a front edge, shown as a first ledge edge 202, and a rear edge, shown as a second ledge edge 204. The first ledge 200 meets the front sidewall 121 near the first ledge edge 202, such that the first ledge 200 is adjacent to the front sidewall 121. The second ledge edge 204 is adjacent to the first ledge 200, and the second ledge edge 204 is located within a ledge plane 210. In some embodiments, the first ledge edge 202 is angled such that the transition between the first ledge 200 and the front sidewall 121 is continuous and indistinguishable. In some embodiments, the first ledge edge 202 forms a smooth and distinguishable transition between the first ledge 200 and the front sidewall 121. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the first ledge 200 is parallel to a horizontal work surface, both the first ledge edge 202 and the second ledge edge 204 are located within the ledge plane 210. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the first ledge 200 is configured to bias water into the pool 101, the first ledge edge 202 can be positioned below the ledge plane 210 (e.g., positioned between the floor 110 and the ledge plane 210). The first ledge 200 can extend generally outward from the first ledge edge 202 at an angle such that the second ledge edge 204 is positioned above the first ledge edge 202 relative to the floor 110, and such that the second ledge edge 204 is positioned farther from the center of the pool 101 than the first ledge edge 202.

[0041] The first upper portion 206 can be adjacent to the first ledge 200 and the opposing front sidewall 121. The first upper portion 206 can extend away from the second ledge edge 204 in a direction generally away from the front sidewall 121 and parallel to a portion of the front sidewall 121 proximate the first ledge edge 202. The first upper portion 206 can be adjacent to the right sidewall 123 and the left sidewall 122. Generally speaking, the first ledge 200 interrupts the front sidewall 121, thereby separating the front sidewall 121 from the first upper portion 206. For example, the first ledge 200 can extend parallel to the front sidewall 121 between the first ledge edge 202 and the second ledge edge 204, such that the front sidewall 121 is effectively extended to include the first ledge 200 and the first upper portion 206.

[0042] The second ledge 220 is shown disposed at a top edge or top portion of the rear sidewall 124 and extends generally outward (i.e., in a direction opposite to the center of the sink) from the top edge or top portion of the rear sidewall 124. The second ledge 220 can extend along the left-right width of the rear sidewall 124 such that the rear sidewall 124 terminates at the second ledge 220 and no portion of the rear sidewall 124 extends above the second ledge 220.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second ledge 220 is adjacent to the rear side wall 124, the left side wall 122, and the right side wall 123. Figure 2 As shown, the second ledge 220 can extend laterally from the rear side wall 124 and extend into the rear portion of the right side wall 123 and the rear portion of the left side wall 122, thereby slightly wrapping around the rounded transition between the rear side wall 124 and the right side wall 123 and between the rear side wall 124 and the left side wall 122.

[0044] The second ledge 220 can be planar and located within the ledge plane 210, the second ledge 220 being in the same plane as the first ledge 200, and the second ledge 220 being parallel to the work surface when the sink 101 is installed adjacent to the underside of the horizontal work surface. In some embodiments, the second ledge 220 is positioned at an angle (e.g., a tapered angle) such that the second ledge 220 biases water into the sink 101 when the sink 101 is installed adjacent to the underside of the horizontal work surface. The second ledge 220 and the first ledge 200 can be discontinuous such that the second ledge 220 is separated from the first ledge 200 and is separated by the right side wall 123 and the left side wall 122.

[0045] The second ledge 220 defines a front edge, shown as a first ledge edge 222, and a rear edge, shown as a second ledge edge 224. The second ledge 220 meets the rear sidewall 124 near the first ledge edge 222, such that the second ledge 220 is adjacent to the rear sidewall 124. The second ledge edge 224 is adjacent to the second ledge 220, and the second ledge edge 224 is located within the ledge plane 210. In some embodiments, the first ledge edge 222 is angled such that the transition between the second ledge 220 and the rear sidewall 124 is continuous and indistinguishable. In some embodiments, the first ledge edge 222 forms a smooth and distinguishable transition between the second ledge 220 and the rear sidewall 124. In some embodiments, such as embodiments where the second ledge 220 is parallel to a horizontal work surface, both the first ledge edge 222 and the second ledge edge 224 are located within the ledge plane 210. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which the second ledge 220 is configured to bias water into the pool 101, the first ledge edge 222 can be positioned below the ledge plane 210 (e.g., positioned between the floor 110 and the ledge plane 210). The second ledge 220 can extend generally outward from the first ledge edge 222 at an angle such that the second ledge edge 224 is positioned above the first ledge edge 222 relative to the floor 110, and such that the second ledge edge 224 is positioned farther from the center of the pool 101 than the first ledge edge 222.

[0046] The second upper portion 226 can be adjacent to the second ledge 220 and the opposing rear sidewall 124. The second upper portion 226 can extend away from the second ledge edge 224 in a direction generally away from the rear sidewall 124 and parallel to a portion of the rear sidewall 124 proximate the first ledge edge 222. The second upper portion 226 can be adjacent to the right sidewall 123 and the left sidewall 122. Generally speaking, the second ledge 220 interrupts the rear sidewall 124, thereby separating the rear sidewall 124 from the second upper portion 226. For example, the second ledge 220 can extend parallel to the rear sidewall 124 between the first ledge edge 222 and the second ledge edge 224, such that the rear sidewall 124 is effectively extended to include the second ledge 220 and the second upper portion 226.

[0047] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to position the first ledge 200 opposite (e.g., across from) the second ledge 220. For example, if the first ledge 200 is positioned proximate to the front sidewall 121 and abuts the front sidewall 121 and the first upper portion 206, the second ledge 220 may be positioned proximate to the rear sidewall 124 and abuts the rear sidewall 124 and the second upper portion 226. In another example, if the first ledge 200 is positioned proximate to the right sidewall 123, the second ledge 220 may be positioned proximate to the left sidewall 122 so that an auxiliary component may interface with both the first ledge 200 and the second ledge 220 when positioned above the base plate 110.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first ledge 200 can define a distance, which is shown as a first ledge length 208. The first ledge length 208 is defined as the distance between the first ledge edge 202 and the second ledge edge 204. The second ledge 220 can define a distance, which is shown as a second ledge length 228. The second ledge length 228 is defined as the distance between the first ledge edge 222 and the second ledge edge 224. In some embodiments, the first ledge length 208 is equal to the second ledge length 228. Although the values ​​of the first ledge length 208 and the second ledge length 228 can vary from side to side, for a given side cross-section of the pool 101, the first ledge length 208 and the second ledge length 228 can be equal.

[0049] In some embodiments, Figure 4 As shown, the first ledge 200 is positioned at a first angle, shown as angle α, relative to the ledge plane 210. Similarly, the second ledge 220 can be positioned at a second angle, shown as angle β, relative to the ledge plane 210. For a given cross-section of the pool 101, angle α and angle β can be equal. In some embodiments, angle α and angle β are between 20 degrees and 50 degrees. In some embodiments, angle α and angle β are between 30 degrees and 40 degrees. In some embodiments, angle α and angle β are 35 degrees. In some embodiments, angle α and angle β are between 0 degrees and 5 degrees.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first ledge 200 and the second ledge 200 may be configured to define a support surface configured to receive a sink accessory, such as sink accessory 300 .

[0051] The sink attachment 300 can define an inclined edge matching the angle α and the angle β such that the top surface of the sink attachment 300 is parallel to the edge plane 191. In some embodiments, the first ledge 200, the second ledge 220, the first upper portion 206, and the second upper portion 226 all cooperate to receive the sink attachment 300 such that the sink attachment 300 is prevented from moving away from the sink 101 when a force is applied to the sink attachment 300 in a direction generally toward the bottom plate 110 or toward the side wall 120.

[0052] The pool 101 is also shown to include one or more flanges or rims (collectively referred to as rims 130) that at least partially define the outer perimeter and / or upper perimeter of the pool 101. The rim 130 is shown to be disposed at the top edge or top portion of the pool 101 and extends generally outwardly (i.e., in a direction opposite to the center of the sink) from the top edge or top portion of the pool 101. According to the illustrated embodiment, the pool 101 includes a front rim 131, a left rim 132, a right rim 133, and a rear rim 134. The front rim 131 extends outwardly from the top edge or top portion of the first upper portion 206, the left rim 132 extends outwardly from the top edge or top portion of the left side wall 122, the right rim 133 extends outwardly from the top edge or top portion of the right side wall 123, and the rear rim 134 extends outwardly from the top edge or top portion of the second upper portion 226. The thickness of the rim 130 may be the same or different than the thickness of the side wall 120. In addition, the respective thickness of each of the front edge 131, the left edge 132, the right edge 133 and / or the rear edge 134 can be the same or different. The respective width of each of the front edge 131, the left edge 132, the right edge 133 and / or the rear edge 134 can also be the same or different. According to the embodiment shown, the left edge 132 and the right edge 133 have substantially similar widths, which are greater than the width of the rear edge 134. The narrower rear edge 134 is provided to provide additional clearance for faucets, soap dispensers, etc. that may be installed behind the sink. The wider left edge 132 and the right edge 133 are provided to provide additional surface areas for mounting the sink to the lower side of the countertop, as described in detail below. In some embodiments, the sink 100 is a top-mounted sink and docks with the top surface of a horizontal countertop. In such an embodiment, the edge 130 can be placed on the countertop, and the edge 130 supports the pool 101. The front edge 131, the left edge 132, the right edge 133 and the rear edge 134 are shown as forming a continuous edge surface. According to an alternative embodiment, the edge 130 may be formed by discontinuous edge sections.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink 100 is configured to be supported by the rim 130. For example, the sink 100 can be supported by the underside surface of the rim 130, such as by resting the rim 130 on top of a countertop or any other suitable support surface. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink 100 is configured to be supported by having a bottom portion of the rim 130 directly engage a support structure. According to another embodiment, the rim 130 can be supported against the bottom surface of the countertop. For example, the top surface of the rim 130 can be coupled to the bottom surface of the countertop or support structure via one or more mechanical fasteners and / or adhesives.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, rim 130 is coupled to left side wall 122, right side wall 123, first upper portion 206, and second upper portion 226 at generally rounded corners that provide a continuous surface transition. For example, rear rim 134 is shown coupled to second upper portion 226 at top pool corner 129, which is shown as a continuous curve. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the transition between the edge 130 and the corresponding surface (e.g., the left side wall 122, the right side wall 123, the first upper portion 206, the second upper portion 226) is generally convex. According to alternative embodiments, the transition area can be angled and / or have a discontinuous curved surface transition from the edge 130 to the corresponding surface. The fillets in the corners of each of the front edge 131 to the first upper portion 206, the left edge 132 to the left side wall 122, the right edge 133 to the right side wall 123, and the rear edge 134 to the second upper portion 226 can have the same or different radii of curvature.

[0055] Edge 130 defines a first plane (eg, a top plane) shown as edge plane 191 (see FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). According to the embodiment shown, the front edge 131, the left edge 132, the right edge 133 and / or the rear edge 134 cooperate to define an edge plane 191. According to an exemplary embodiment, the edge plane 191 is a generally horizontal plane. The edge 130 can be slightly inclined inwardly so that any fluid collected on the edge will be directed toward the pool 101 and ultimately toward the drain 112.

[0056] For example, a portion of the edge 130 proximate to the sidewall 121 may be lower than a portion of the edge 130 distal from the sidewall 121. According to the illustrated embodiment, the front edge 131 is supported at an angle of approximately 2 degrees relative to the edge plane 191, but according to various alternative embodiments, the front edge 131 may be supported at an angle greater or less than the example provided.

[0057] The distance between the edge plane 191 and the ledge plane 210 is shown as a plane distance 199. The plane distance 199 is equal to the vertical height of each of the first upper portion 206 and the second upper portion 226. Similarly, the right side wall 123 and the left side wall 122 extend above the ledge plane 210 and terminate near the edge plane 191, and the right side wall 123 and the left side wall 122 extend a vertical distance approximately equal to the plane distance 199. In some embodiments, the plane distance 199 is equal to the first ledge length 208 and the second ledge length 228.

[0058] Return to reference Figure 2 , left edge 132 has a first edge, shown as left edge edge 136, and right edge 133 has a second edge, shown as right edge edge 138. Left edge edge 136 and / or right edge edge 138 may at least partially define the outer perimeter of pool 101. According to an exemplary embodiment, the distance from left edge edge 136 to right edge edge 138 is approximately 34 inches, and the distance from left side wall 122 to right side wall 123 is approximately 31 inches. According to another exemplary embodiment, for a reservoir having a width of approximately 28 inches, left edge edge 136 and right edge edge 138 are separated by approximately 31 inches. According to the embodiment shown, for a reservoir having a width of approximately 25 inches, left edge edge 136 and right edge edge 138 are separated by approximately 28 inches. According to various alternative embodiments, the edges may be sized to be larger or smaller than the above dimensions.

[0059] Return to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , skirt 140 extends laterally across the front portion of sink 101 to define a front portion of the sink that is configured to be visible to a user when installed. As shown, skirt 140 is connected to sink 101 and supported in a generally vertical orientation. According to an exemplary embodiment, skirt 140 includes a first surface (e.g., structure, component, etc.) shown as top flange 141, a second surface (e.g., structure, component, etc.) shown as front face 142, a first end surface shown as left end portion 150, and a second end surface shown as right end portion 160. Left end portion 150 is shown as being positioned laterally opposite to right end portion 160.

[0060] The top flange 141 extends outwardly from the front sidewall 121 and the front edge 131 in a forward direction. According to various embodiments, the top surface of the skirt 140 can be substantially defined by the top flange 141, the edge 130, or any combination thereof. According to the illustrated embodiment, the transition from the top flange 141 to the front edge 131 is substantially continuous. Similarly, the transition from the top flange 141 to the left edge 132 and the transition from the top flange 141 to the right edge 133 are also substantially continuous. According to an exemplary embodiment, the front face 142 extends generally downwardly from the top flange 141 in a vertical direction.

[0061] The top flange 141 is shown extending laterally to a left end portion 150 and a right end portion 160. The left end portion 150 and the right end portion 160 form an extension or wing portion that is configured to at least partially overlap or cover a portion of the cabinet or other structure on which the sink is supported. The left end portion 150 includes an end surface, which is shown as a left end surface that extends generally rearward. The left end surface 152 has a rear edge 154 that is configured to abut the front face of the cabinet supporting the sink 100 or is positioned adjacent to the front face of the cabinet supporting the sink 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, the left end surface 152 and / or the rear edge 154 define the lateral end of the skirt 140 and the rear end of the left end portion 150. Similarly, the right end portion 160 includes an end surface, which is shown as a right end surface 162 that extends generally rearward. The right end surface 162 has a rear edge 164 that is configured to abut or be positioned adjacent to the front face of the cabinet support sink 100. According to the illustrated embodiment, the right end surface 162 and / or rear edge 164 define the lateral extremities of the skirt 140 and the rearward extremity of the right end portion 160.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the top flange 141 joins each of the front face 142, the left end surface 152, and the right end surface 162 at a generally rounded corner that provides a continuous surface transition. For example, the top flange 141 is shown joining the front face 142 at the top skirt corner 144. The top skirt corner 144 is shown as a continuous curve. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the transition area between the top flange 141 and the front face 142 is generally convex. According to various alternative embodiments, the transition area is angled and / or has a discontinuous curved surface transition from the top flange 141 to the front face 142.

[0063] The fillets in the corners of each of the top flange 141 to the front face 142 , the top flange 141 to the left end surface 152 , and the top flange 141 to the right end surface 162 may have the same or different radii of curvature.

[0064] In some embodiments, the transition area between the top flange 141 and the front face 142 includes a flange, shown as a front lip 182. The front lip 182 can extend laterally away from the front face 142 and abut the top flange 141.

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment, the front face 142 joins each of the left end surface 152 and the right end surface 162 at a generally rounded corner that provides a continuous surface transition. For example, the front face 142 is shown joining the left end surface 152 at the side skirt corner 145. The side skirt corner 145 is shown as being continuously curved. Figure 2 , the transition area between the front face 142 and the left end surface 152 is generally convex. According to various alternative embodiments, the transition area can be angled and / or have a discontinuous curved surface transition from the front face 142 to the left end surface 152. The fillets in the corners of each of the front face 142 to the left end surface 152, and the front face 142 to the right end surface 162 can have the same or different radii of curvature.

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, skirt 140 extends laterally beyond rim 130. Specifically, left end portion 150 extends to the left of left rim 132, and right end portion 160 extends to the right of right rim 133. In this manner, left end portion 150 and right end portion 160 extend laterally beyond the outer perimeter defined by rim 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, skirt 140 is also wider than pool 101.

[0067] In some applications, extending the skirt 140 beyond the width of the sink rim 130 can allow a customer or installer to cut an opening in the cabinet face and set the sink in the cabinet with minor cabinet modifications and / or without having to worry about making precise cuts in the cabinet that will be visible to the user after the sink is installed. In such applications, the left end surface 152 and the right end surface 162 extend beyond an area where a cutout is made in the cabinet to install the sink 100. Thus, the skirt 140 overlaps the front face of the cabinet and can extend nearly the width of the cabinet. Conventional sinks with equal skirt widths require the installer to cut into the wall of the cabinet all the way to the end of the skirt.

[0068] Additionally, positioning left and right end surfaces 152, 162 further outward facilitates alignment of the lateral ends of the skirt with the lateral edges of a door beneath an installed sink.

[0069] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, the back side of the skirt 140 defines a second plane, which is shown as the rear skirt plane 192. The rear skirt plane 192 is shown as being substantially vertical. According to the illustrated embodiment, the rear skirt plane 192 is substantially perpendicular to the edge plane 191 and substantially parallel to the front face 142. Having a substantially vertical rear skirt plane provides the skirt with a substantially flat back side. The rear skirt plane 192 can be configured to abut the front surface of the cabinet when the sink 100 is in the installed position. In this way, when the sink 100 is installed, the skirt can be installed flush against the front of the cabinet, rather than falling into a cutout or opening. This can save the installer from repeated cutting and fitting, which requires repeatedly lifting the sink.

[0070] The skirt 140 is also shown as including a third end portion shown as the bottom end portion 170. The bottom end portion 170 includes a third end surface, shown as the bottom end surface 172. According to one embodiment, the bottom end surface 172 extends generally rearwardly from the front face 142. The bottom end surface 172 has a rear edge 174 that is coplanar with the rear skirt plane 192. According to the embodiment shown, the rear skirt plane 192 is defined by the rear edge 154, the rear edge 164, and the rear edge 174.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the bottom end surface 172 is connected to each of the front face 142, the left end surface 152, and the right end surface 162 at a generally rounded corner that provides a continuous surface transition. According to the embodiment shown, the transition area is continuously curved and generally convex. According to various alternative embodiments, the transition area can be angled and / or have a discontinuous curved surface transition from the bottom end surface to the adjacent surface. The fillets in the corners of the bottom end surface 172 to each of the front face 142, the bottom end surface 172 to the left end surface 152, and the bottom end surface 172 to the right end surface 162 can have the same or different radii of curvature. According to the example embodiment shown, the radius of curvature of the corner adjacent to the bottom end surface 172 is greater than the radius of curvature of the corner adjacent to the top flange 141, such as the top skirt corner 144.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, skirt 140 is shown defining a cavity 180 (eg, a recess, depression, cutout, hollow, etc.). Cavity 180 may be formed by a variety of methods.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink 100 is formed of fire clay, and the cavity 180 is formed by placing an insert into a mold before casting the sink 100. The cavity 180 can reduce the amount of material in the sink 100, which can reduce the overall weight of the sink 100. The cavity 180 can improve the consistency and quality of the skirt 140 when the fire clay is cured. When the fire clay is cured (e.g., fired in a kiln, baked, etc.), the raw fire clay may shrink and expand. The cavity 180 provides space for the fire clay to expand and shrink during curing and normal use, so that the fire clay, especially the skirt 140, will not crack. When the sink 100 is in the installed position, the cavity 180 can also reduce the weight of the skirt suspended from the sink 101, thereby reducing the load on the top flange 141. Reducing the weight of the skirt suspended from the sink 101 is conducive to positioning the front face 142 more forward. Positioning front face 142 further forward enables positioning the top portion of front sidewall 121 further forward, which facilitates user access to the reservoir. Positioning front face 142 further forward can define a drip line from skirt 140 further forward than the front surface of the door located below skirt 140 when sink 100 is in the installed position. Cavity 180 removes material from the rear portion of skirt 140, which allows rear skirt plane 192 to be defined by edge 154, edge 164, and edge 174, thereby facilitating tighter control of tolerances.

[0074] The skirt 140 has a rear surface 149 disposed on the back of the front face 142. The rear surface 149 can at least partially define a cavity 180. According to one embodiment, the rear surface 149 is generally planar. According to the embodiment shown, the cross-section of the skirt 140 is substantially rectangular in the vertical direction. The cavity 180 is positioned between the front face 142 and the rear surface 149.

[0075] Return to reference Figures 2 to 4, and with reference to the configuration of the sidewall 120 of the pool 101, the first upper portion 206 is shown as being disposed at an angle relative to the edge plane 191. The front sidewall 121 can be disposed at an angle similar to or exactly equal to the angle provided by the first upper portion 206. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are supported at an angle between about 80 degrees and 89 degrees relative to the edge plane 191. Preferably, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are supported at an angle between about 82 degrees and 87 degrees relative to the edge plane 191. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are supported at an angle of about 85 degrees relative to the edge plane 191. According to various alternative embodiments, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 can be disposed at any angle relative to the edge plane 191 (e.g., between 90 degrees and 0 degrees). In some embodiments, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are disposed at different angles relative to the edge plane 191 .

[0076] Taking into account different reference points, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are supported at an angle between about 1 degree and 10 degrees relative to the rear skirt plane 192. Preferably, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are supported at an angle between about 3 degrees and 7 degrees relative to the rear skirt plane 192. According to the illustrated embodiment, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are supported at an angle of about 5 degrees relative to the rear skirt plane 192. According to various alternative embodiments, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 can be disposed at any angle relative to the rear skirt plane 192 that tilts the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 toward the center of the pool 101. In some embodiments, the first upper portion 206 and the front sidewall 121 are disposed at different angles relative to the rear skirt plane 192.

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom end portion 170, the bottom end surface 172 and the rear edge 174 are offset from the front side wall 121 or spaced apart from the front side wall 121. According to an exemplary embodiment, no support (e.g., structural member, member, spar, flange, web, etc.) extends between the front side wall 121 and the skirt panel 140, except for the edge 130. Disconnecting the bottom of the skirt panel 140 from the front side wall 121 allows a portion of the cabinet to be fitted between the skirt panel and the sink portion. This allows the skirt panel 140 to be installed flush with the front face of the cabinet. In addition, this requires the installer to make less precise cuts because the cut edges of the cabinet will be hidden and not visible.

[0078] The sink 100 can be formed by any suitable rigid material. The sink 101 and the skirt 140 can be the same or different materials. The sink 101 and the skirt 140 can be one component, or can be composed of several components that are connected together (e.g., welding, stir welding, soldering, hot melting, connecting, fastening, bonding, etc.). The sink 101 and the skirt 140 can be formed by any suitable means (e.g., stamping, casting, forging, bending, hammering, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink 100 is a single-piece cast iron. Forming the sink by cast iron can allow the sink to have a tighter tolerance than the sink formed by refractory clay. Tighter tolerances can facilitate the rear edge 154 and the rear edge 164 to be configured to align with the standard door width, and the rear edge 174 to be configured to align with the standard door and / or drawer height. Tighter tolerances can also enable the installer to cut the cabinet from the measurement or template, rather than repeatedly cutting the sink and fitting the sink to the cabinet. The tighter tolerances may further ensure that sink 100 will fit into a standard cabinet, as opposed to modifying a standard cabinet or ordering a custom cabinet as is often required for conventional apron front sinks.

[0079] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms used herein with respect to numerical ranges generally refer to + / - 10% of the disclosed values. As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., descriptions of 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, a manufacturing process or an assembly process, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

[0080] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that such terms are not intended to mean that such embodiments are necessarily specific or superlative examples).

[0081] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variations mean that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection can be achieved by directly connecting two components to each other, by connecting two components to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members connected to each other, or by connecting two components to each other using an intermediate member that is integrally formed into a single integral body with one of the two components. If "connection" or its variations are modified by additional items (e.g., direct connection), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the ordinary language meaning of the additional items (e.g., "direct connection" means the connection of two components without any separate intermediate member), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. Such connection can be mechanical, electrical or fluid.

[0082] References to the positions of elements herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may be different, and these variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0083] Although the drawings and description may show a specific order of method steps, unless otherwise specified above, the order of these steps may be different from that depicted and described. In addition, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously.

Claims

1. A bottom-mounted front skirt type sink (100), comprising: A water pool (101), the water pool (101) having a first side wall (122), an opposite second side wall (123), a front wall (121) and a rear wall (124); a rim (130) disposed at a top portion of the sink (101) and extending outwardly from the top portion in a substantially horizontal orientation to form a continuous planar surface configured to be mounted against an underside of a horizontal work surface; as well as A skirt board (140), the skirt board (140) is connected to the pool (101), and the skirt board (140) comprises: a right end portion (160) and a left end portion (150), wherein the right end portion (160) extends to the right side of the edge (130) and the left end portion (150) extends to the left side of the edge (130), so that the skirt (140) is wider than the pool (101); a front face (142) extending vertically below the rim (130); as well as a rear face (149) opposite the front face (142), the rear face (149) being configured to engage a vertical surface of a cabinet when the rim (130) is mounted against the horizontal countertop, The skirt panel (140) is hollow and defines a skirt panel cavity (180) located between the front face (142) and the rear face (149) of the skirt panel (140).

2. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The water tank (100) further comprises: a ledge (200, 220) supported at an upper end of one of the front wall (121) and the rear wall (124) and extending outwardly from the upper end; An upper portion (206, 226) extends upward from an outer edge of the ledge (200, 220), and the rim (130) extends outward from a top edge of the upper portion (206, 226).

3. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The right end portion (160) and the left end portion (150) are configured to at least partially overlap a front face of the cabinet on which the sink (100) is supported.

4. The water tank (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The front face (142) is substantially parallel to the rear face (149).

5. The water tank (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The rim (130) is configured to be supported by right and left side supports of the cabinet when the sink (100) is installed in the cabinet.

6. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The skirt (140) is offset from the pool (101) to form a gap below the rim (130) and between the front wall (121) of the pool (101) and the rear face (149) of the skirt (140).

7. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The skirt (140) further includes a top flange (141) coupling the skirt (140) to the rim (130), and wherein the front wall (121) of the pool (101) slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the rim (130) to the floor (110) of the pool (101).

8. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The skirt (140) also includes a front lip (182) extending laterally away from the front face (142) and proximate to the rim (130).

9. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The skirt cavity (180) is substantially completely enclosed and extends between the right end portion (160) and the left end portion (150).

10. The water tank (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The skirt panel (140) is formed of refractory clay.

11. The water tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The right end portion (160) includes a right corner that is continuously bent to a right end surface (162); and The left end portion (150) includes a left corner that is continuously bent to a left end surface (152).

12. A bottom-mounted front skirt type sink (100), comprising: A water pool (101), the water pool (101) having a first side wall (122), an opposite second side wall (123), a front wall (121) and a rear wall (124); a first ledge (200) supported at an upper end of the front wall (121) and extending outward from the upper end of the front wall (121); a second ledge (220) supported at an upper end of the rear wall (124) and extending outwardly from the upper end of the rear wall (124); a rim (130) offset from the first ledge (200) and the second ledge (220), the rim (130) extending outwardly from the sink (101) in a substantially horizontal orientation to form a continuous planar surface configured to be mounted against the underside of a horizontal work surface; a first upper portion (206), the first upper portion (206) extending between the edge (130) and the first ledge (200), the first upper portion (206) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the front wall (121); a second upper portion (226), the second upper portion (226) extending between the edge (130) and the second ledge (220), the second upper portion (226) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the rear wall (124); as well as A skirt (140) is coupled to the pool (101) and forms a portion of the rim (130), the skirt (140) being hollow and defining a skirt cavity (180) located between a front face (142) and a rear face (149) of the skirt (140).

13. The water tank (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The skirt cavity (180) is configured to allow contraction and expansion of the skirt (140) to prevent rupture.

14. The water tank (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The first ledge (200) and the second ledge (220) are substantially parallel to the edge (130) and define a ledge plane (210) that is offset a first distance from an edge plane (191) defined by the edge (130).

15. The water tank (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The first ledge (200) is positioned at a first angle (α) relative to an edge plane (191) defined by the edge (130), the first ledge (200) being configured to bias water into the sink (101) when the sink (101) is mounted against the underside of the horizontal work surface; and wherein the second ledge (220) is positioned at a second angle (β) relative to the edge plane (191), the second ledge (220) being configured to bias water into the sink (101) when the sink (101) is mounted against the underside of the horizontal work surface.

16. The water tank (100) according to claim 15, wherein: The first angle (α) is between about 25 degrees and 50 degrees, inclusive, and wherein the second angle (β) is between about 25 degrees and 50 degrees, inclusive.

17. A bottom-mounted front skirt type sink (100), comprising: A water pool (101), the water pool (101) comprising at least one water pool wall (121, 122, 123, 124); a ledge (200, 220) supported at an upper end of the at least one pool wall (121, 122, 123, 124) and extending outwardly from the upper end; a skirt (140) coupled to the pool (101), the skirt (140) being hollow and including a top flange (141), a front face (142), a rear face (149), and a cavity (180) positioned between the front face (142) and the rear face (149); a rim (130) coupling the skirt (140) to the at least one pool wall (121, 122, 123, 124), the rim (130) being continuous and coplanar with the top flange (141); and an upper portion (206, 226), the upper portion (206, 226) extending between the rim (130) and the ledge (200, 220), the upper portion (206, 226) extending in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one pool wall (121, 122, 123, 124); Wherein, the edge (130) is configured to be mounted against the underside of a horizontal work surface.

18. The water tank (100) according to claim 17, wherein: The skirt (140) further comprises a right end portion (160) and a left end portion (150), wherein the right end portion (160) extends on the right side of the edge (130) and the left end portion (150) extends on the left side of the edge (130), so that the skirt (140) is wider than the pool (101).

19. The water tank (100) according to claim 17, wherein: The ledges (200, 220) are substantially parallel to the edge (130) and define a ledge plane (210) that is offset a first distance from an edge plane (191) defined by the edge (130).

20. The water tank (100) according to claim 17, wherein: The ledges (200, 220) are oriented at a non-zero angle relative to an edge plane (191) defined by the edge (130), the ledges (200, 220) being configured to bias water into the sink (101) when the sink (101) is mounted against the underside of the horizontal work surface, the non-zero angle being between about 25 degrees and 50 degrees, inclusive.

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