Sink with removable divide

Abstract

A sink having a removeable divide is disclosed herein. The sink includes an elongated rib that is positioned in the middle of the sink and extends downward along the front wall, across the sink bottom between the left drain and the right drain, and upward along the back wall. The removable divide is provided as a transverse wall that is designed and dimensioned to extend between the front wall and the back wall of the sink, and divide the sink into a left basin and a right basin. The divide includes a groove that is complementary to the elongated rib of the sink.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 751,348, filed Jan. 30, 2025, and to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63 / 756,516, filed Feb. 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to sinks and particularly to multi-basin sinks.BACKGROUND

[0003] Multi-basin sinks are known. These sinks include two or more basins with a drain at the bottom of each basin and one or more divides that separate the sink into individual basins (which basins may also be referred to as “bowls”). Double-basin sinks are typically either molded or formed of a sheet of metal that is bent and press-fit into a shape that includes two bowls and a middle divide. Typical applications for double-basin sinks include commercial and residential kitchen settings.

[0004] Consumers often look for versatility in sinks. For example, double-basin sinks may include a middle divide that is lower than the perimeter of the sink, thus allowing the user to fill one basin or another with water below the top edge of the divide. Alternatively, the user of a double-basin sink may fill the entire sink with water above the divide. While these and other sinks provide advantages with respect to water compartmentalization, it would be advantageous to offer additional benefits to the user. For example, it would be advantageous to provide a sink with additional compartmentalization and adaptable features that allow the sink to be used in different configurations. It would also be advantageous if such sink included a bottom grid that can be used with the sink in any of the different configurations. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the sink and bottom grid were durable and high-quality, while also offering a natural look with an attractive, contemporary style.SUMMARY

[0005] A multi-basin sink with a removable divide is disclosed herein. The sink includes an inwardly projecting middle rib that extends along the bottom and two opposing sides of the sink. The removable divide includes a groove that extends along the bottom and two opposing sides of the divide. The groove is designed and dimensioned such that the middle rib of the sink snugly abuts the groove of the removable divide, forming a tongue-and-groove joint between the sink and the divide. The surface of the groove of the divide is coated with a polymer such that a water-impermeable seal is formed between the rib of the sink and the groove of the divide.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, the sink is accompanied by a multi-part bottom grid. The bottom grid includes a left side, a right side, and a center coupling. The left and right sides of the bottom grid are generally symmetrical. Each of the left side and right side includes a perimeter, a central drain opening, drainage holes, a flat top surface, a flat bottom surface, and support feet. The center coupling is configured to releasably couple the left side of the grid to the right side of the grid. The center coupling includes an elongated center strip, a left attachment strip, a right attachment strip, and a plurality of mounting holes. The plurality of mounting holes are configured to receive the feet on the grid and thereby couple the right side to the left side of the grid. This center coupling, aside from providing a uniform look, is designed such that when attached it creates a level bottom on the sink for items like glasses and cups which could fall over if placed on the edge of one of the grids without the coupling attached.

[0007] The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a molded sink with a removable divide that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may be apparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of any eventually appended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one or more of the advantages or features mentioned herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a top front perspective view of a molded double-basin kitchen sink with a removable divide;

[0009] FIG. 2 bottom front perspective view of the kitchen sink of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 shows a top rear perspective view of the kitchen sink of FIG. 1;

[0011] FIG. 4 shows a bottom rear perspective view of the kitchen sink of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the kitchen sink of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 6 shows a front view of the kitchen sink of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 7 shows a top front perspective view of a divide for use in association with the kitchen sink of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 8 shows a bottom rear perspective view of the divide of FIG. 7;

[0016] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the divide of FIG. 7;

[0017] FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the divide of FIG. 7;

[0018] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the divide of FIG. 7;

[0019] FIG. 12 shows a front perspective view of the divide of FIG. 7 installed in the sink of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 13 shows a top perspective view of a multi-part bottom grid for the sink of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 14 shows a top plan view of the multi-part bottom grid of FIG. 13;

[0022] FIG. 15 shows a left side view of the multi-part bottom grid of FIG. 13;

[0023] FIG. 16 shows a bottom plan view of the multi-part bottom grid of FIG. 13; and

[0024] FIG. 17 shows an enlarged portion of the bottom of the grid of FIG. 13.DESCRIPTION

[0025] With reference now to the figures, a sink 10 is shown, and particularly a kitchen sink 10 having a removeable divide 50. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the sink includes a front wall 20, a left sidewall 22, a right sidewall 24, and a back wall 26. The sink further includes an upper lip 28, a sink bottom 30, a left drain 32, and a right drain 34. An elongated rib 40 is positioned in the middle of the sink and extends downward along the front wall 20, across the sink bottom 30 between the left drain 32 and the right drain 34, and upward along the back wall 26. As shown in FIGS. 7-12, the removable divide 50 is provided as a wall that is designed and dimensioned to extend between the front wall 20 and the back wall 26 of the sink 10, and divide the sink 10 into a left basin 12 and a right basin 14. The removable divide 50 includes a groove 70 that is complementary in form to the elongated rib on the sink 10. The rib 40 provides a track on which the groove 70 of the removable divide rides when the divide 50 is inserted into the sink 10 and removed from the sink 10.Sink With Middle Rib

[0026] With particular reference now to FIGS. 1-6, in at least some embodiments, the sink 10 is formed as a unitary molded piece that is provided in a monolithic in form with all of the components integrally formed during a molding process. In other embodiments, the sink 10 may be formed from multiple components that are welded or otherwise secured together to form the sink.

[0027] The front wall 20 and back wall 26 of the sink 10 define a first pair of opposing walls, and the left sidewall 22 and right sidewall 24 define a second pair of opposing walls. Each of the front wall 20, left sidewall 22, right sidewall 24, and back wall 26 are generally flat and continuous, with no interruptions across the outer surface of the walls between the top and bottom of the walls. Similarly, no interruptions are formed across the inner surface of the walls with the exception of the middle elongated rib 40 that is integrally formed with and extends between the front wall 20 and the back wall 26. The corners between the walls 20, 22, 24, 26 are radiused such that a smooth transition is provided between each wall. In at least some embodiments wherein the sink is comprised of a sheet metal material, each wall 20, 22, 24, 26 typically has a thickness between about 5-10 mm. However, in other embodiments wherein the sink is comprised of a molded material, each wall may have a thickness of greater than 10 mm (e.g., 10-20 mm).

[0028] The upper lip 28 is integrally formed with the walls 20, 22, 24, 26 around the top of the sink 10. The upper lip 28 extends outwardly from the front, left, right, and back walls 20, 22, 24, 26. In at least some embodiments, the upper lip extends between about 20-40 mm away from the walls 20, 22, 24, 26. The thickness of the lip may be the same as or similar to the thickness of the walls 20, 22, 24, 26. The width and thickness of the lip 28 (including the front, left, right, and rear portions of the lip 28) are sufficient to fully support the relatively heavy sink 10 when positioned on kitchen countertops.

[0029] The sink bottom 30 (which may alternatively be referred to as a sink “floor”) is integrally formed with the walls 20, 22, 24, 26 around the bottom of the sink 10. The thickness of the sink bottom 30 is typically between about 6-12 mm. The left drain 32 is positioned at a central back portion on the bottom of the left basin 12, and the right drain 34 is positioned at a central back portion on the bottom of the right basin 14. The sink bottom 30 at the left basin 12 is gradually sloped downward toward the drain (e.g., between about 1° and 5°), the slope going downward from the walls 20, 22, 26 and from the removable divide 50 toward the left drain 32. Similarly, the sink bottom 30 at the right basin 14 is gradually sloped downward from the walls 20, 24, 26 and the removable divide 50 toward the right drain 34. It will be noted that in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, a multi-part grid 80 is illustrated resting in the sink bottom 30. This multi-part grid 80 is dividable into separate components as explained in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 13-17.

[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, the elongated rib 40 is integrally formed within the inner surface of the sink 10 and extends from the front to the back of the sink bottom 30 (positioned between the drains 32, 34) and extends upward along the front wall 20 and the back wall 26. The elongated rib 40 extends upward from the sink bottom 30 along the front wall 20 and then terminates in a front upper crest 42 that is generally positioned on an upper half of the front wall 20 between about 60-100 mm below the top lip 28 of the sink. Similarly, the elongated rib 40 extends upward from the sink bottom 30 along the back wall 26 and terminates in a rear upper crest 44 that is positioned on an upper half of the back wall 26 below the top lip 28 (e.g., between about 60-100 mm below the top lip). Accordingly, the total length of the rib 40 is dependent on the size of the sink. In at least some embodiments, the rib extends a total length between 70-150 cm from the upper crest 42 at the front wall 20, along the sink bottom 30, and to the upper crest 44 at the back wall.

[0031] The elongated rib 40 is convex rib that extends inwardly from the inner surface of the sink 10. The rib 40 is smooth and has a cross-sectional shape that is semi-circular or otherwise arced. Because the arced rib extends inwardly in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the back side of the rib 40 is concave (i.e., extends inwardly along the bottom 30, front wall 20 and back wall 26 of the sink 10). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the arc of the cross-sectional shape may be defined by a radius, r1. In at least some embodiments, the radius is 7-20 mm. Accordingly, the width of the rib may be between 14 mm and 40 mm in these embodiments, as illustrated by dimension w in FIG. 1. When the sink is formed of a pressed sheet metal material, such as that shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, the elongated rib 40 may also be visible from the outer surface of the sink 10 and considered a concave rib that extends inwardly from the outer surface of the sink (i.e., into the basin).

[0032] The two upper crests 42, 44 define the ends of the rib 40. The two upper crests 42, 44 define generally smooth surfaces that taper back to the flat inner surface of the sink surrounding the rib (e.g., see the upper crests 42, 44 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). It will be recognized that the two upper crests 42, 44 are positioned below the upper lip 28 of the sink. Because of this, the rib 40 does not extend entirely up the front wall 20 and back wall 26. In at least some embodiments, the two upper crests may be positioned between 10-20 cm below the upper lip 28. As explained in further detail below, the rib 40 provides a track on which the groove 70 of the removable divide rides when the divide 50 is inserted into the sink 10 and removed from the sink 10.Removable Divide

[0033] As noted previously, a removable divide 50 is configured to engage the elongated rib 40 of the sink 10 in a tongue-and-groove arrangement with the rib 40 providing the tongue and the groove 70 providing the groove of such arrangement. The removable divide 50 is shown in FIGS. 7-11 in isolation from the sink 10. The removable divide 50 is shown in FIG. 12 positioned within the sink 10.

[0034] As best shown in FIGS. 7-11, the removable divide 50 is a flat wall-like structure that includes a left side surface 52, right side surface 54, bottom edge 60, top edge 62, front edge 64 and back edge 66. The left side surface 52 and right side surface 54 of the divide 50 are each flat and relatively smooth with a length dimension that is the same as that of the distance from the front wall 20 to the back wall 26 of the sink 10, within a small tolerance. The height of the left side surface 52 and the right side surface 54 is substantially the same as the distance between the sink bottom 30 and the upper crests 42. The divide 50 has a width defined between the left side surface 52 and the right side surface 54. The width of the divide 50 is slightly greater than the width w of the elongated rib of the sink 10. The bottom corners 68 of the divide 50 are rounded. As explained in further detail below, these rounded corners 68 facilitate coupling of the divide 50 to the sink 10.

[0035] An elongated groove 70 extends along the bottom edge 60, front edge 64 and back edge 66 of the removable divide. The groove 70 defines a smooth concave surface. The groove 70 has a cross-sectional shape that is semi-circular or otherwise arced and is complementary to that of the rib 40. Also, the rounded corners 68 of the divide provide a gradual transition free of sharp edges between the bottom edge 60 and the front edge 64 as well as the bottom edge 60 and the back edge 66. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the arc of the cross-sectional shape may be defined by a radius, r2, which radius is identical or substantially the same as r1. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, the radius r2 is 7-20 mm and the width of the groove is between 14 mm and 40 mm.

[0036] The surface of the groove 70 is coated with or otherwise provided by a polymer material that forms a rubber-like surface which is impervious to water and other liquids. For example, in at least one embodiment, the surface of the groove is provided by a silicone material. The combination of the concave shape of the groove 70 along with the silicone material provided on surface of the groove 70 advantageously forms a water-tight seal with the convex surface of the rib 40. The silicone material also provides a low-friction surface that facilitates sliding between of the groove 70 of the divide 50 and the rib 40 of the sink 10.

[0037] Outside of the groove 70, the remainder of the divide 50 (i.e., other than the surface of the groove 70) may be made of any of various materials. For example, in at least one embodiment, the divide 50 is comprised of the same material as the sink 10 (e.g., stainless steel or other metal). In another embodiment, the divide is comprised of another material. For example, the divide may be comprised of the same material that forms the surface of the groove 70 (e.g., a silicone material), or may be comprised of another material that is different from the groove, such as wood, stone, or a polymer material (e.g., polyethylene plastic).

[0038] As shown in FIG. 12, when the removable divide 50 is inserted into the sink with the groove 70 engaging the elongated rib 40, the divide 50 splits the sink 10 into the left basin 12 and the right basin 14. Advantageously, the unique combination of the convex elongated rib 40 on the surface of the sink 10 and the concave groove 70 on the divide 50 causes the divide 50 to provide a water-tight barrier that blocks liquid from flowing between the left and right basins 12, 14 of the sink 10. This allows the left basin 12 to be completely separate from the right basin 14 along the removable divide 50, and prevents moisture and contamination from creeping into very small crevices formed between the divide 50 and the surface of the sink 10. The position of the removable divide 50 when installed in the sink 10 is also advantageous because the top edge 62 of the divide is positioned significantly below the upper lip 28. This provides the user with some aspects of a single bowl sink and other aspects of a double bowl sink. For example, the low divide allows the user to wash or deal with larger items in the sink above the divide 50 while also having the benefits of a double bowl sink above the divide 50.

[0039] In order to install the removable divide 50 on the sink 10, the user aligns the rounded corners 68 of the groove 70 of the divide with the upper crests 42, 44 of the rib 40, which rib 40 provides a track for the divide 50 to ride on during insertion into the sink 10. Thereafter, the user forces the divide 50 downward such that the divide 50 slides along the rib 40 until the groove 70 on the bottom edge 60 of the divide engages the portion of the rib 40 on the floor / bottom 30 of the basin. Full engagement of the groove 70 with the rib 40 results in a water-tight seal and divides the full basin into a left basin 12 and a right basin 14. The user can then fill one side or the other (or both sides) of the basin with water (or other liquid) without the water leaking into the opposite side. For example, the sink may be used during a dish cleaning procedure wherein the left basin 12 is used for dirty dishes (with dirty water) and the right basin 14 is used for rinsing dishes (with clean water). As another example, the user may allow dishes to soak in the left basin 12 while using the right basin 14 to drain water that flows from a faucet positioned above the sink 10.

[0040] When the user is finished with the split basin arrangement, the user may simply remove the divide 50 by pulling the divide upward such that it slides upward along the rib 40 until the divide is released from the rib. When the removable divide 50 is removed from the sink 10, the left and right basins 12, 14 form one large basin that may be used to receive large kitchen items, such as pots, pans, or other utensils. Moreover, in at least some embodiments, when the removable divide 50 is removed from the sink 10, the divide 50 provides a flat board that may be used as a cutting board. This is especially relevant when the divide 50 is comprised of wood or a plastic material, such as those materials commonly used in association with cutting boards.

[0041] In view of the above, the sink 10 with a removeable divide 50 discloses a product with unique functionality wherein the sink 10 and divide 50 may be used in different configurations and for different purposes. First, the divide 50 may be inserted into the sink 10 with the groove 70 of the divide 50 engaging the elongated rib 40 of the sink 10, thereby splitting the sink 10 into a left basin 12 and a right basin 14. Second, the divide 50 may be removed from the sink 10 such that the sink includes only one large basin. Third, when the divide 50 is removed from the sink 10, the divide 50 may be used for a cutting board within the kitchen. Accordingly, a method of manipulating a removable divide 50 for a sink is disclosed herein wherein one or more of the above steps is included as part of the method.

[0042] While one embodiment of the sink 10 with a removable divide 50 has been disclosed in FIGS. 1-12, it will be recognized that various alternative embodiments are possible. For example, in at least one alternative embodiment, the tongue-and-groove arrangement is provided by a concave groove in the floor, front wall and back wall of the sink 10 (i.e., instead of a rib), and a convex rib extending along the bottom, front and back edges of the divide 50 (i.e., instead of a groove). In yet another alternative embodiment, the walls and the rib in the basin of the sink are differently configured such that the left and right sides of the sink define different volumes. In such embodiments the left and right sides of the sinks may have different shapes and sizes and / or, the rib may not be positioned along a centerline of the sink (i.e., different from the centerline rib shown in FIGS. 1-12).Multi-Part Bottom Grid

[0043] As noted previously, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sink 10 may be further equipped with a removable and dividable bottom grid 80. This bottom grid 80 is shown in further detail with references to FIGS. 13-17. As shown in these figures, the bottom grid 80 includes multiple parts including a left side 82, a right side 83, and a center coupling 90.

[0044] The left and right sides 82, 83 of the bottom grid 80 are generally symmetrical with a substantially rectangular in shape. Each of the left side 82 and right side 83 includes a perimeter 84, a central drain opening 85, drainage holes 86, a flat top surface 87, a flat bottom surface 88, and support feet 89.

[0045] The left side 82 of the grid 80 is configured to closely fit within the bottom / floor of the left basin 12 of the sink 10. Accordingly, when the left side 82 of the grid 80 is positioned in the left basin 12, the perimeter 84 of the left side 82 is close to the walls of the sink 10, but does not necessarily contact each wall (e.g., the perimeter may be an inch or less from the walls of the sink 10). Similarly, the right side 83 of the grid 80 is configured to closely fit within the bottom / floor of the right basin 14 of the sink 10. Accordingly, when the right side 83 of the grid 80 is positioned in the right basin 14, the perimeter 84 of the right side 83 is positioned close to the walls of the sink 10, but does not necessarily contact each wall (e.g., the perimeter 84 may be an inch or less from the walls of the sink 10 when resting on the bottom of the sink).

[0046] The drain openings 85 are arranged on the left side 82 and right side 83 to be in vertical alignment with the drains 32, 34 of the sink 10. The drain openings 85 also have a similar circumference to the drains 32, 34 of the sink 10. This allows complete access to the drains 32, 34 when one or more of the left and right sides 82, 83 of the grid 80 are positioned at the bottom of the sink 10.

[0047] The drainage holes 86 of the grid 80 are provided to allow water to drip / drain from the top surface 87 and into the bottom 30 of the sink 10. The drain holes are positioned between ribs that define the grid 80, the ribs extending lengthwise and widthwise across the grid 80. In the embodiment disclosed herein the shape of each drainage hole 86 is somewhat elongated with circular ends. However, in other embodiments, the drainage holes 86 may have different shapes.

[0048] The top surface 87 of the grid 80 is relatively flat and configured to receive kitchen items that are placed thereon. The bottom surface 88 of the grid is also relatively flat, but the feet 89 protrude outwardly (i.e., downwardly) from the bottom surface 88. The feet 89 are provided by small knobs that are arranged sequentially in columns and rows along the bottom surface 88, including along the perimeter 84 and more interior portions of the left and right sides 82, 83 of the grid 80. In at least some embodiments the feet 89 are provided by small posts that extend between ⅛ to ½ inches from the bottom surface 88. One or more of these feet 89 may include a smaller diameter shaft and a bulbous end.

[0049] The feet 89 positioned along the right perimeter of the left side 82 of the grid and the feet 89 positioned along the left perimeter of the right side 83 of the grid are particularly configured for connection to the center coupling 90, as described in further detail below.

[0050] The center coupling 90 is configured to releasably couple the left side 82 of the grid 80 to the right side 83 of the grid 80. The center coupling 90 includes an elongated center strip 92, a left attachment strip 96, a right attachment strip 98, and a plurality of mounting holes 99.

[0051] The elongated center strip 92 has a curved cross-sectional shape defined by a convex arc (i.e., an arc that is upwardly bowed). The center strip 92 is specifically designed and dimensioned to rest along and engage much of the surface of the elongated rib 40 that extends along the bottom of the sink 10. The ends 94 of the elongated center strip 92 are concave with a curvature that complements / matches that of the elongated rib 40 in the area where to rib 40 extends upwardly and away from the sink bottom 30 along the front wall 20 and back wall 26 of the sink. In this manner the center strip 92 may act as a seal between the rib 40 and the removable divide 50. As well as provide a level surface for glasses or cups placed inside the sink.

[0052] The left attachment strip 96 and right attachment strip 98 are integrally formed with the elongated center strip 92 and arranged respectively along the left and right sides of the center coupling 90. Mounting holes 99 are included on the left attachment strip 96 and the left attachment strip 98. The mounting holes 99 are designed and dimensioned to receive the feet 89 that protrude downwardly from the bottom surface 88 of the grid 80, and securely retain the feet therein. In particular, the mounting holes 99 on the left attachment strip 96 are configured to receive the feet 89 that extend along the right perimeter of the left side 82 of the grid 80, and the mounting holes 99 on the right attachment strip 96 are configured to receive the feet 89 that extend along the left perimeter of the right side 83 of the grid 80.

[0053] In at least one embodiment, the entire bottom grid 80 is provided by a silicone material. However, in other embodiments, the bottom grid 80 may be provided by one or more additional or different materials. For example, the center coupling 90 may be provided by a silicone material, but the left and right sides 82, 83 of the grid 80 may be provided by a different polymer material (e.g., polyethylene plastic). With this arrangement, the center coupling 90 is a flexible material that may be useful as a seal when used in association with the removable divide 50, but the left and right sides 82, 83 are provided by a sturdier material that is better equipped to support dishes, pans and other kitchen utensils and accessories positioned in the basins of the sink. Furthermore, the resilient and flexible silicone material of the center coupling 90 facilitates easier connection and removal of the coupling 90 from the left side 82 and right side 83 of the grid 80, as the mounting holes 99 of the attachment strips 96, 98 may be resiliently pulled and enlarged when engaging and disengaging the feet 89. When the feet 89 include a bulbous end, the resilient mounting holes 99 are even better equipped to hug the feet 89 without accidental release therefrom because the bulbous ends are more difficult to pass through the mounting holes 99 than the shaft portion of the feet 89.

[0054] In operation, the multi-part grid 80 may be used as two separate pieces or as a unit (i.e., one component). The grid 80 is typically used as two separate pieces when the removeable divide 50 is positioned in the middle of the sink between the left basin 12 and right basin 14. In this arrangement, the center coupling is removed from the left side 82 and the right side 83 of the grid 80 such that the left side 82 and the right side 83 are two completely separate and independent components. The left side 82 is then place in the bottom of the left basin 12 and the right side is placed in the bottom of the right basin 14 with the removable divide separating the left side 82 from the right side 83.

[0055] The grid 80 is typically used as a unitary product when the removable divide 50 is not in use to divide the left basin 12 and right basin 14 of the sink. In this configuration, the center coupling 90 connects the left side 82 to the right side 83 of the grid 80. The grid is positioned at the bottom of the sink with the left side 82 in the left basin 12, the right side 83 in the right basin 14, and the center coupling 90 covering the elongated rib 40 that extends from front to back along the bottom of the sink 10. Because the center coupling 90 connects the left side 82 to the right side 83, each side is further stabilized by the other side at the bottom of the sink. While this arrangement is the typical configuration for the grid 80 when the sink 10 is used without the removeable divide 50, it will be recognized that the removeable divide 50 may also be used with the removeable divide 50. Specifically, when the left side 82 and right side 83 of the grid are coupled together at the bottom of the sink 10, the removable divide may still be slid into place along the rib 40 and used to (at least partially) seal the left basin 12 from the right basin 14. This is possible in part because the center coupling 90 is comprised of a flexible material (e.g., silicone) that closely engages the rib 40 at the bottom of the sink 10.

[0056] The grid 80 described herein may also be used as part of the previously described method involving the removable divide 50. In particular, when the removable divide 50 is inserted into the sink 10, the grid 80 may be used with the center coupling 90 connecting both the left side 82 and the right side 83. When the divide 50 is removed from the sink 10, the center coupling 90 may be removed from the left side 82 and the right side 83 of the grid 80, and the left side 82 and right side 83 may be used as desired in either the left basin 12 or the right basin 14.

[0057] In view of the foregoing disclosure, it will be recognized that a sink 10 is disclosed herein that can be transformed from a sink with two smaller basins to one with a single larger basin. The sink effectively retains liquid on both sides of the divide when used as a multi-basin sink. In at least some embodiments, the sink advantageously includes a multi-part bottom grid that can be used in both the single basin and double basin configurations. The sink and bottom grid are comprised of durable and high-quality materials, while also offering a natural look with an attractive, contemporary style.

[0058] Although various embodiments of a sink with a multi-part bottom grid and a removable divide have been provided herein, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Furthermore, aspects of the various embodiments described herein may be combined or substituted with aspects from other features to arrive at different embodiments from those described herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by any eventually appended claims.

Claims

1. A sink comprising:a basin including a first pair of opposing walls, a second pair of opposing walls, and a floor; anda removable divide extending between and coupled to the first pair of opposing walls and the floor in a tongue-and-groove arrangement.

2. The sink of claim 1, wherein a polymer material is included on the removable divide to provide a water-tight seal for the tongue-and-groove arrangement.

3. The sink of claim 2, wherein the polymer material is a silicone material.

4. The sink of claim 2, the basin further including an elongated convex rib extending along the floor between the first pair of opposing walls and upward along the first pair of opposing walls, wherein the rib provides a tongue for the tongue-and-groove arrangement.

5. The sink of claim 4, wherein the removable divide includes a first side, a second side, and an elongated concave groove extending along an edge of the removable divide between the first side and the second side of the removable divide, wherein the concave groove has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the convex rib.

6. The sink of claim 5, wherein the cross-sectional shape is an arced shape defined by a radius.

7. The sink of claim 4, wherein the convex rib extends between a first end of the convex rib and a second end of the convex rib, wherein the first end of the convex rib terminates in a first crest on a first wall of the first pair of opposing walls, and wherein a second end of the convex rib terminates in a second crest on a second wall of the first pair of opposing walls.

8. The sink of claim 7, wherein the first crest and the second crest are positioned on an upper half of the first pair of opposing walls and below an upper perimeter of the first pair of opposing walls.

9. The sink of claim 8 further comprising a multi-part bottom grid arranged on the floor of the sink, the bottom grid including a left side removably coupled to a right side by a center coupling positioned on the convex rib.

10. The sink of claim 9 wherein the left side of the bottom grid includes a plurality of feet extending through mounting holes on a left portion of the center coupling, and wherein the right side of the bottom grid includes a plurality of feet extending through mounting holes on a right portion of the center coupling.

11. A sink comprising:a basin comprising a front wall, a back wall, a left wall, a right wall and a floor with an elongated convex rib extending along the floor between the front wall and the back wall, the rib also extending upward from the floor on both the front wall and the back wall to a position below an upper lip of the basin; anda removable divide engaging the rib, the removable divide including a left side, a right side, a top edge, a front edge, a back edge and a bottom edge, the removable divide further comprising a concave groove extending along the front edge, bottom edge and back edge, the groove engaging the rib such that a water-tight seal is formed between the rib and the removable divide.

12. The sink of claim 11, wherein the rib has an arced cross-sectional shape and the groove has a complementary cross-sectional shape.

13. The sink of claim 12, the groove further comprising a polymer material that extends along the front edge, bottom edge and back edge, wherein engagement of the polymer material with the rib provides the water-tight seal between the rib and the removable divide.

14. The sink of claim 13 wherein a first end of the convex rib terminates in a first crest on a front wall of the basin and a second end of the convex rib terminates in a second crest on a back wall of the basin.

15. The sink of claim 14, wherein the first crest is positioned on an upper half of the front wall and the second crest is positioned on an upper half of the back wall.

16. The sink of claim 15 further comprising a multi-part bottom grid arranged on the floor of the sink, the bottom grid including a left side removably coupled to a right side by a center coupling positioned on the rib.

17. A method of manipulating a removable divide for a kitchen sink comprising:aligning a first bottom corner of the divide with a first crest on a first end of a track of a basin of the kitchen sink and aligning a second bottom corner of the divide with a second crest on a second end of the track on the basin of the kitchen sink;moving the divide downward such that it slides along the track until a bottom edge of the divide engages a portion of the track on a floor of the basin in a water-tight seal and divides the basin into a first side and a second side; andmoving the divide upward such that it slides upward along the track until the divide is released from the track.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising, before moving the divide upward,filling at least one of the first side and the second side of the basin with water such that the water in the first side or the second side of the basin remains separate from an opposing side; anddraining the water from the first side or the second side of the basin.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the track is a convex rib in the basin of the sink and the divide includes a groove that engages the rib in a tongue-and-groove arrangement when the divide is moved upward or downward along the rib.

20. The method of claim 17 further comprising placing the divide on a countertop and using the divide as a cutting board.

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