GB2558737A

GB2558737A - Sink or bath apparatus and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: GB2558737A
Application number: GB1718574.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Bolton Robert
Original assignee: BRONTE WHIRLPOOLS Ltd
Current assignee: BRONTE WHIRLPOOLS Ltd
Priority date: 2016-11-14
Filing date: 2017-11-10
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: GB201718574D0; GB2558738A; GB201718575D0

Abstract

Sink or bath apparatus 2 is provided having a sink or bath body portion 4 with at least one sink or bath recess 18 defined therein. An opening of said at least one recess is defined in a first wall or surface 6 of said sink or bath body portion 4. The sink or bath body portion has at least one further aperture 32, recess and/or channel defined in or adjacent the first wall or surface 6 and/or a further wall or surface 14 of the sink or bath body portion for the location of tap means 34 therewith in use. The at least one further aperture 32, recess and/or channel is arranged such that at least a body portion of the tap means 34 is partially or wholly located or recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use. A body portion of the tap means may be slideably inserted in and removed from the at least one further aperture 32.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Bronte Whirlpools Ltd (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Unit 2B Acre Park, Dalton Lane, Keighley, Yorkshire, BD21 4JH, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2438164 A CN 002270755 Y US 20030088913 A1 AU2016201007 A1

WO 2004/109020 A1 US 20070186341 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47K, E03C

Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC (72) Inventor(s):

Robert Paul Bolton (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Bailey Walsh & Co LLP

York Place, Leeds, LS1 2DR, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Sink or bath apparatus and method of use thereof Abstract Title: Sink or bath apparatus and method of use (57) Sink or bath apparatus 2 is provided having a sink or bath body portion 4 with at least one sink or bath recess 18 defined therein. An opening of said at least one recess is defined in a first wall or surface 6 of said sink or bath body portion 4. The sink or bath body portion has at least one further aperture 32, recess and/or channel defined in or adjacent the first wall or surface 6 and/or a further wall or surface 14 of the sink or bath body portion for the location of tap means 34 therewith in use. The at least one further aperture 32, recess and/or channel is arranged such that at least a body portion of the tap means 34 is partially or wholly located or recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use. A body portion of the tap means may be slideably inserted in and removed from the at least one further aperture 32.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Sink or Bath Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof

This invention relates to sink or bath apparatus and to a method of use thereof.

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to sink apparatus, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the apparatus could also be provided as a bath, faucet, bowl, basin and/or the like.

Conventionally, sinks can be attached to a wall surface along a rear surface thereof and/or along one or more side walls of the same. It is also known to provide sink apparatus that is attached to a support surface, such as a pedestal or bathroom cabinet via a base of the same. In any of these sink arrangements, it is conventional for one or more taps that supply water to the sink to be provided at a rear of the sink apparatus, either fitted directly to the sink itself or located on a rear wall above the sink. A user typically stands adjacent a front of the sink apparatus to use the sink and/or taps provided at the rear of the sink.

Problems associated with the conventional sink arrangements are that the user has to reach across the sink recess in order to actuate the taps at the rear of the sink, which can be difficult to do, particularly if the user is a small child, is disabled or elderly. In addition, a user is also required to reach across the sink recess in order to clean around the taps, to fit and/or repair the taps and/or the like, which can be difficult. Once the taps have been actuated, the water typically flows from the taps in a direction towards the sink recess, but also in a direction towards the user. This can result in the user being splashed by the water in a frontal region of their body, which can be frustrating for the user and could lead to embarrassment for the user. The situation is made worse if the tap spout is raised above the top surface of the sink, which is often the case, as the risk of splashing is increased. Furthermore, if a user leans over the sink in order to wash their face, it is often the case that the user may hit their head against the tap which protrudes outwardly from a rear of the sink. The protrusion of the tap body upwardly from the sink can cause a user difficulty in cleaning the area around the tap body where it joins with the sink.

Furthermore, protrusion of the tap body upwardly from the sink can detract from the aesthetic appearance of the sink arrangement.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide sink or bath apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using sink or bath apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided sink or bath apparatus, said apparatus having a sink or bath body portion with at least one sink or bath recess defined therein, an opening of said at least one sink or bath recess defined in a first wall or surface of said sink or bath body portion, and wherein the sink or bath body portion has at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel defined in or adjacent the first wall or surface and/or a further wall or surface of the sink or bath body portion for the location of tap means therewith in use, the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel arranged such that at least a body portion of the tap means is partially or wholly located or recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

Thus, the present invention provides sink or bath apparatus wherein one or more taps provided with or associated with the apparatus are at least partially recessed or located within the sink or bath body portion. This makes it easier to clean the tap means in use. In addition, it improves the aesthetic appearance of the sink or bath apparatus and provides a greater number of possible options available to a user for the design of their sink or bath apparatus. Furthermore, since at least part of the tap means is recessed within the sink or bath body portion, the fluid outiet means for the tap means is also likely to be closer to the sink or bath recess, thereby reducing the risk of a user accidentally splashing their self in use.

Preferably the shape, dimensions and/or design of the tap means and/or the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel is arranged such that at least the body portion of the tap means is partially, wholly or substantially wholly recessed or located within the same in use.

Preferably the shape and/or dimensions of the body portion of the tap means, or at least the shape and/or dimensions of the portion of the body portion of the tap means that is partially or wholly recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel, is complementary or substantially complementary to the interior shape and/or dimensions of the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel so as to allow a snug fit between the tap means and the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

Preferably the body portion of the tap means engages in or with the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel via any or any combination of friction fit, adhesive, welding, one or more screw threads, inter-engaging members, clips, screws, nuts and bolts and/or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the body portion of the tap means is simply slidably insertable in and removable from the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

Preferably the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel can be defined in any one or more walls of the sink or bath body portion in use. For example, the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel can be defined in the first or top wall of the sink or bath body portion, in a second or front wall of the sink or bath body portion, in a third or rear wall of the sink or bath body portion and/or in a side or further wall of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the sink or bath body portion has a second or front wall and at least a third or rear wall which define, at least in part, a depth of the at least one sink or bath recess.

Preferably the second wall is arranged to be at the front of the apparatus and relatively closer to a user in use compared to the at least one third or rear wall of the apparatus.

Preferably the tap means are joined to, attached to or detachably attached to the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel.

In one embodiment the first wall or top surface, the second or front wall and at least the third or rear wall are external walls of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the at least one sink or bath recess has one or more walls defining the same and these walls are considered to be internal walls of the sink or bath body portion. Preferably the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel is at least partially defined in or associated with an internal wall of the sink or bath recess at or adjacent the front or second wall, the side or further wall, or the third or rear wall of the apparatus.

Preferably the second or front wall is partially opposite, opposite or substantially opposite to the third or rear wall.

Preferably the second and/or at least third walls are arranged to be transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first wall or surface of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the depth of the at least one sink or bath recess is the distance between the opening of the at least one sink or bath recess and its opposite or base surface.

Preferably the second or front wall includes or consists of at least one curved, angled or non-planar wall.

Preferably the at least third or rear wall includes or consists of at least one planar, substantially planar, flat, substantially flat, linear, substantially linear, straight or substantially straight wall.

Preferably the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel defined in the sink or bath body portion for the tap means is defined in, provided with, provided adjacent to or associated with the at least one curved, angled or non-planar wall.

Preferably the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel is defined in, provided with, provided adjacent to or associated with the at least one planar, substantially planar, flat, substantially flat, linear, substantially linear, straight or substantially straight wall.

Preferably the at least one planar, substantially planar, flat, substantially flat, linear, substantially linear, straight or substantially straight wall is the rear wall and/or one or more side walls of the apparatus.

Preferably the at least one planar, substantially planar, flat, substantially flat, linear, substantially linear, straight or substantially straight wall is the wall used to attach or abut the sink or bath body portion to a supporting surface in use.

In one embodiment the sink or bath body portion includes a pedestal or support member and the sink or bath body portion is supported on the pedestal or support member in use.

Preferably a fourth or base wall of the sink or bath body portion, typically opposite to the opening of the at least one sink or bath recess, contacts the pedestal or support member in use.

Preferably the at least one curved, angled or non-planar wall is partially opposite, opposite or substantially opposite to the at least one planar, flat, substantially flat, linear or straight wall of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the first or top wall or surface of the sink or bath body portion in which the at least one sink or bath recess is defined is opposite to the fourth or base wall of the sink or bath body portion through which one or more drain apertures and/or plug holes are defined.

In one embodiment the sink or bath body portion is, in top plan view, semicircular, substantially semi-circular, “D” shaped or substantially “D” shaped. The linear wall of the “D” typically forms the rear or third wall of the apparatus and the curved wall of the “D” typically forms the second or front wall of the apparatus.

Preferably the sink or bath body portion is provided with an overflow aperture defined in the at least one sink or bath recess to allow water or fluid contained within the sink or bath recess to flow out of the same once it reaches the overflow aperture and into drain means in use.

Preferably the overflow aperture is defined in or adjacent the third or rear wall of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the overflow aperture is located in a wall partially opposite, opposite or substantially opposite to the front or second wall of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the sink or bath body portion comprises a first or top surface or wall in which the opening to the at least one sink or bath recess is defined; at least a second or front wall and a third or rear wall which define, at least in part, the depth of the at least one sink recess (i.e. the distance from the opening of the sink or bath recess to a base of the sink or bath recess (typically opposite to the opening of the sink or bath recess). The sink or bath body portion can optionally include one or more further or side walls depending on the shape of the second or front wall and the third or rear wall. The sink or bath body portion comprises a fourth or base wall that is opposite to the surface in which the opening to the at least one sink or bath recess is defined.

Preferably the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion is shaped, fitted and/or arranged in use such that a user accesses the sink or bath apparatus from the second or front wall of the same in use. Thus, in one example, the user accesses the sink or bath apparatus from the same side as the location of the tap means and/or one or more further apertures, channels and/or recesses for the tap means in use. In an alternative example, the user accesses the sink or bath from the

Ί side of the sink body portion opposite, substantially opposite or partially opposite to the side of the sink or bath body portion with the tap means and/or one or more further apertures, channels and/or recesses for the tap means in use.

In one embodiment the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion can be fitted to a support surface and/or wall surface via the third or rear wall, one or more side or further walls, a base or fourth wall and/or the like.

In one embodiment the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion is provided with attachment means to allow the sink or bath body portion to be fitted to, attached or detachably attached to a support surface, support member, pedestal and/or wall surface in use.

In one embodiment the attachment means can include any or any combination of one or more apertures, channels, recesses, brackets, protruding members, interengaging members, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, welding, adhesive and/or the like.

In one embodiment the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel is defined in the first or top wall of the sink or bath body portion, in, at or adjacent the second or front wall of the sink or bath body portion, third or rear wall of the sink or bath body portion and/or side or further wall of the sink or bath body portion.

In one example at least part of the tap means protrudes upwardly and/or outwardly from the top or first wall or surface the second or front wall, the third or rear wall and/or the further or side wall of the sink or bath body portion.

In one embodiment at least part of the tap means, such as for example user actuation means or a handle portion of the tap means, protrudes below or extends beyond the second or front wall, the third or rear wall and/or the further or side wall of the sink or bath body portion and/or an external wall of the sink or bath body portion. In one embodiment the at least one further aperture, and/or channel is located in at least one further recess in which the tap means are located in use.

In one embodiment the tap means recess is different to, separate to and/or distinct from the at least one sink or bath recess defined in the first or top surface or wall of the sink or bath body portion.

Preferably the at least one sink or bath recess is where the water or fluid from the tap means flows into in use.

In one embodiment the tap means recess, channel and/or aperture has an opening in a first or top wall or surface of the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion, has an opening in an internal wall of the sink or bath apparatus defining the at least one sink or bath recess and/or has an opening in an external wall facing away from the at least one sink or bath recess.

Preferably tap means are provided in or associated with the tap means recess, aperture and/or channel in use. The tap means can be integrated into the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion during manufacture or can be fitted to the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion during and/or after fitting of the sink or bath apparatus.

In one embodiment at least part of the tap means are movable between an “on” condition, wherein fluid can be caused to flow from the tap means in use, to an “off’ condition, wherein fluid is prevented or substantially prevented from flowing from the tap means in use.

Preferably the tap means recess, aperture and/or channel and/or the tap means are of such a size, shape, design and/or dimensions that a top or uppermost surface of the tap means or body portion of the tap means is flush with, substantially flush with, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to the first or top wall of the sink or bath body portion when the tap means is located within the tap means recess, aperture and/or channel in use. This helps the tap means and the area around the tap means to be kept clean in use. It also helps to prevent a user from knocking into the tap means if they lean over the sink or bath body portion and/or sink or bath apparatus to wash their face and/or hands for example when the tap means is located at a front or adjacent the second wall of the apparatus in use.

Preferably the tap means includes fluid outlet means to allow water or fluid to flow out of or be dispensed from the tap means in use when the tap means is in the “on” condition.

Preferably the fluid outlet means includes or consists of one or more spouts, channels, nozzles, tray portions and/or apertures for allowing water or fluid to flow out of the same in use.

Preferably the fluid outlet means is provided on or associated with the tap body portion.

Preferably the fluid outlet means is provided on or associated with a top or upper part of the tap body portion (i.e. a part of the tap body portion nearest to the first or top surface of the sink or bath body portion when fitted in use).

Preferably at least part of the fluid outlet means protrudes outwardly of an opening of the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel when the tap means is fitted to the sink or bath body portion in use.

Preferably at least part of the at least further aperture, recess and/or channel is complementary or substantially complementary in shape and/or dimensions to at least a part of the fluid oudet means, thereby allowing said fluid outlet means part to fit snugly with the part of the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

Preferably at least part of the fluid oudet means protrudes outwardly of the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel defined in an internal wall of the at least one sink or bath recess. As such, any fluid or water being dispensed therefrom will flow into the at least one sink or bath recess in use.

In one embodiment the fluid outlet means is integrally formed with the tap body portion.

In one embodiment the fluid outlet means is attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion. This allows, in one example, the fluid outlet means and/or spout of the tap means to be inter-changeable, replaceable and/or modular in form.

Preferably the fluid outlet means is attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion via attachment means, one or more screw threads, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, bayonet fitting, friction fit, adhesive, welding and/or the like.

Preferably the tap means is, consists of or includes one or more taps, valves, spouts, mixer taps, and/or the like. Preferably the fluid outlet means are arranged and/or orientated such that fluid flows out of the fluid outlet means in a direction towards the at least one sink or bath recess, away from a user using the sink or bath apparatus, towards a user using the sink or bath apparatus and/or towards one or more further or side waEs, the second or front waU and/or third or rear waU of the sink or bath body portion or sink or bath apparatus.

In one embodiment the tap means can include user actuation means provided on or associated therewith to aUow actuation of the tap means in use between the “on” and “off’ conditions.

Preferably the user actuation means include one or more handle members or portions, rotatable, pivotal and/or shdably mounted handle members, gripping means, gripping portions, electronic actuated means or sensors and/or the Eke.

In one embodiment the user actuation means includes one or more sensors, such as for example an electronic sensor, which detect movement or the presence of a user relative to the same in order to aEow actuation of the tap means between the on and off conditions in use. The one or more sensors can be provided on the sink or bath body portion or tap means, or the sensors could be provided remote to the sink or bath body portion or tap means.

In one embodiment the user actuation means or a top or upper surface of the user actuation means are flush with, substantially flush with, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to the first or top wall or surface of the sink or bath body portion with the tap means fitted to the sink or bath body portion in use.

In one embodiment at least part of the user actuation means protrudes outwardly, upwardly and/or downwardly from the first or top wall or surface, the second or front wall, the further or side wall and/or the third or rear wall of the sink or bath body portion in use.

Preferably the user actuation means are attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion in use.

Preferably the user actuation means are attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion via any or any combination of attachment means, one or more pivots, hinges, screw threads, clips, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts, ball and socket joints and/or the like.

Preferably the user actuation means are replaceable and/or modular in form to allow the aesthetic appearance of the tap means to be changed in use.

In one embodiment one or more drain apertures and/or plug holes are defined in the at least one sink or bath recess for allowing water or fluid entering the sink or bath recess to be drained therefrom in use.

Preferably the one or more drain aperture and/or plug holes are located in a base surface of the sink or bath recess opposite to the opening of the at least one sink or bath recess.

Preferably the one or more drain apertures or plug holes are located centrally of the at least one sink or bath recess, substantially centrally of the at least one sink or bath recess, offset from the centre of the at least one sink or bath recess and/or the like.

In one embodiment the one or more drain apertures are located in a base of the sink or bath recess and/or sink or bath apparatus adjacent or closer to a side or further wall, the rear or third wall or wall of the sink or bath recess and/or sink or bath apparatus opposite to, substantially opposite to, furthest away from the second or front wall of the sink or bath body portion.

In one embodiment two or more further recesses, aperture and/or channels are provided in or adjacent a wall of the sink or bath body portion for the location of two or more tap means in use.

In one embodiment two or more tap means or tap members are provided in or associated with the sink or bath apparatus and/or sink or bath body portion. For example, one of the tap means or tap members could be for dispensing hot or warm fluid or water therefrom and one of the tap means or tap members could be for dispensing cold fluid or water therefrom.

In one example, there is provided sink apparatus in the form of a trough arrangement wherein a number of tap means or members are arranged according to the present invention a spaced distance apart along one or more surfaces of the apparatus to provide a plurahty of user stations, such as you may find at a service station, in a commercial setting and/or the like.

In one embodiment the tap means includes a mixer tap which can dispense hot or warm fluid or water and/or cold water therefrom in use.

The tap means can be arranged to dispense any fluid or fluids therefrom, such as water, soap, cleaning solution and/or the like.

One or more fluid flow means, such as for example one or more pipes, conduits, channels, tubing and/or the like, can be provided with or associated with the at least one recess, aperture and/or channel defined in the sink or bath body portion in which the tap means is provided on or associated with in use. The fluid flow means allows fluid to flow from a fluid source, such as a mains water supply, to the sink or bath body portion tap body portion and/or tap means in use. For example cold and/or hot water supply pipes can be connected to the sink, bathor tap body portion.

Preferably the tap body portion includes one or more apertures and/or channels for the location of fluid flow means therewith in use and/or to allow water or fluid to flow through the tap body portion in use to the fluid outlet means.

Preferably the one or more apertures and/or channel defined in the tap body portion are in fluid communication with the fluid outlet means provided on or associated with the tap body portion.

Preferably the fluid flow means are provided on or associated with a base of the tap body portion and/or base of the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel. The base is preferably opposite to the surface of the tap body portion on which the user actuation means are provided or associated with and/or opposite to the opening of the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel in the first or top wall of the sink or bath body portion. Preferably the base of the tap body portion typically abuts with or is adjacent a base of the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel in which at least part of the tap body portion is located in use.

Preferably the body portion of the tap means consists of the part of the tap means excluding the fluid outlet means and the user actuation means.

Preferably the body portion of the tap means sits within the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel and the fluid outlet means and/or user actuation means are provided on or associated with the tap body portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using, fitting and/or constructing sink or bath apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fitting sink or bath apparatus, said apparatus having a sink or bath body portion with at least one sink or bath recess defined therein, an opening of said at least one sink or bath recess defined in a first wall or surface of said sink or bath body portion, and wherein the sink or bath body portion has at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel defined in or adjacent the first wall or surface or a further wall or surface of the sink or bath body portion, said method including the step of locating tap means with the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel such that at least a body portion of the tap means is partially or wholly recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of sink apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of sink apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 3a and 3b show cross sectional views taken through part of sink apparatus according to two different embodiments respectively;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of sink apparatus according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of sink apparatus provided on a pedestal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 6a and 6b show a perspective view and an exploded view respectively of the sink apparatus in figure 5 without the pedestal;

Figures 7a and 7b show a top plan view and a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 7a respectively of the sink apparatus shown in figures 6a-6b;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of sink apparatus according to a further embodiment;

Figure 9 is a yet further perspective view of sink apparatus according to a yet further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 10a and 10b show a perspective view of part of tap means, and a perspective view of the tap means recessed in sink apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 11a and lib show a perspective view of sink apparatus with the tap removed from the sink apparatus and at least partially recessed within the sink apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 12a and 12b shows an exploded view and an attached view of a modular tap according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively; and

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of sink apparatus according to a further embodiment.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is illustrated sink apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sink apparatus 2 includes a sink body portion 4 having a top surface 6, a base surface 8 opposite to said top surface 8, opposing side walls 10, 12, a front wall 14 and a rear wall 16 opposite to said front wall.

The side walls 10, 12, front wall 14 and rear wall 16 in this illustrated embodiment are transverse or perpendicular to the top surface 6. The side walls 10, 12, front wall 14, and rear wall 16 also define a depth or distance between the top surface 6 and the base surface 8.

In the illustration, the rear wall is planar or flat and the front wall is angled or nonplanar. However, it will be appreciated that the front wall could be planar or flat if required.

The sink apparatus 2 can be fitted to a support surface, such as for example a pedestal or a bathroom work surface or cabinet, via the base surface 8.

Alternatively, the sink apparatus 2 can be fitted to a wall surface via rear wall 16 and/or one or more of side walls 10,12.

A sink recess 18 is defined in sink body portion 4 and an opening of the sink recess 18 is defined by top surface 6. The sink recess 18 has a sink recess base 20, a sink recess rear wall 22, a sink recess front wall 24, and sink recess side walls 26, 28. The depth of the sink recess 18 between the opening and the recess base 20 opposite the opening is at least partially defined by the side walls 10, 12, front wall 14 and rear wall 16.

A drain aperture or plug hole 30 is defined in sink recess base 20 adjacent sink recess rear wall 22. The drain aperture or plug hole 30 is opposite the opening of the sink recess.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a tap recess 32 is defined in the top surface 6 and the front wall 14 of the sink body portion 4. Tap means in the form of a mixer tap 34 is located in the tap recess 32. Mixer tap allows both hot and/or cold water to be dispensed therefrom in use.

The tap recess 32 can be of such size, shape and design so as to have an opening 36 defined by the top surface 6, an opening 38 defined by sink recess front wall 24, and an opening 40 defined by the outwardly facing surface of front wall 24. The tap 34 located in the tap recess 32 is of such size, shape and design so that a top surface 42 of the tap or a top surface of a body portion of the tap is flush or substantially flush with top surface 6 of the sink body portion 6. This prevents the user from knocking into the tap 34 if they lean over the sink recess 18 in use.

The tap 34 has fluid outlet means in the form of a spout 44 for dispensing water therefrom in use and which protrudes into the sink recess 18 to allow the water to flow into the sink recess. More particularly, the spout typically protrudes from or is located at the tap recess opening 38.

At least part of the top surface of the spout is flush or substantially flush with the top surface 6 of the sink body portion.

The tap 34 also has user actuation means in the form of a handle 46 to allow a user to grip the same and move the tap 34 between an “on” condition, wherein water can flow out of the tap in use, to an “off’ condition, wherein water is prevented from flowing out of the tap in use. The handle 46 is provided on a rear surface 48 of the tap body portion 34. The rear surface 48 of the tap body portion 34 is flush or substantially flush with the outwardly facing surface of front wall 14. The handle 46 is typically pivotally mounted to rear surface 48 to allow the tap to be moved between the “on” and “off’ conditions. Handle 46 also typically protrudes outwardly and downwardly of front wall 14 to allow a user to easily gain access to the tap 34 from the front of the sink apparatus without having to reach across the sink recess, as is the case with conventional sink arrangements.

In use, a user typically stand adjacent the front wall 14 of the sink apparatus 2 in order to use the same. In this position, the user is closest to front wall 14 in which the tap is located and furthest from rear wall 16.

Referring to figure 2, there is illustrated a further embodiment of sink apparatus 102 according to the present invention. The same reference numerals have been used to refer to the same features as in the previously described embodiment.

The sink apparatus 102 is similar to that shown and described in figure 1. However, the tap arrangement 34 has two separate user actuation means in the form tap handles 104, 106 for allowing the dispensing of hot water and cold water respectively from spout 38. An upper surface of each of tap handles 104, 106 is flush or substantially flush with top surface 6 of the sink body portion 4. Each tap handle 104, 106 is pivotably mounted on the body portion of tap 34 to allow the handles to be moved between “on” and “off’ conditions. Thus, in this example, all or substantially all of the outermost surfaces of the tap are flush or substantially flush with the outermost surfaces of the front wall 14 of the sink body portion and/or sink recess front wall 24, such that the tap does not obstruct a user of the sink apparatus. The user uses the sink apparatus by standing adjacent the front wall 14 of the same as per the previously described embodiment.

Referring to figures 3a and 3b, there is illustrated a cross sectional view taken through a part of the sink body portion 4 according to further embodiments of the present invention.

In figure 3a, the tap recess 32 has an opening 36 defined by the top surface 6 and an opening 38 defined by sink recess front wall 24. There is no opening to the outwardly facing surface of front wall 24. The handle element 202 of the tap 34 protrudes above the top surface 6 of the sink body portion 4 to allow user access to the same in use. More particularly, the tap recess 32 has a base wall 208 on which the base of the tap body portion 34 sits in use, and a rear wall 210 against which the rear surface of the tap body portion sits in use. An aperture 206 is defined in base wall 208 of the tap recess for the location of or to allow connection of the tap body portion to one or more water pipes in use. In particularly, in this example, the one or more water pipes could connect to or with an aperture defined in a base of the tap body portion.

In figure 3b, the tap recess 32 has an opening 36 defined by the top surface 6, an opening 38 defined by sink recess internal front wall 24, and an opening 38 defined in the outwardly facing external surface of front wall 14. The handle element 204 of the tap body portion 34 protrudes above the top surface 6 of the sink body portion 4 and outwardly of front wall 14, so as to allow user access to the same in use. An aperture 206 is defined in the base wall 208 of the tap recess for the location of or connection to one or more water pipes in use in a similar manner to that described in figure 3a.

It can be seen from figures 3a and 3b that the sink can have a moulded, non-planar and/or shaped base surface. It will be appreciated that the base of the sink could be planar if required.

Referring to figure 4, there is illustrated a yet further embodiment of the present invention in which the sink 202 is substantially oval in shape and is arranged for location on a work surface, unit or cabinet in use. The top surfaces of the tap body portion and the spout of the tap body portion are flush or substantially flush with the top surface of the sink 202. The handle element of the tap body portion protrudes outwardly and downwardly with respect to the tap body portion recess.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in which the sink 302 is provided on a pedestal 304, which in turn is located on a floor surface 306. The pedestal 304 is joined to a base surface 8 of the sink. The sink 302 is “D” shaped or semi-circular in shape and has a planar rear wall 16 which abuts with upright wall 308, and a curved front wall 14 which protrudes outwardly from rear wall 16.

An overflow drainage aperture 310 is defined in rear sink recess wall 22 and is opposite to tap 312 located in top surface 6 direcdy adjacent front wall 14. The spout 44 of the tap protrudes into the sink recess 18.

Figures 6a and 6b show a similar sink arrangement to that shown in figure 5 but without the pedestal. The sink 302 can be rear mounted via rear wall 16 or can be mounted via base surface 8, such as for example to a horizontal bathroom work surface. It can be seen that the handle element of tap 312 protrudes upwardly and outwardly from the top surface 6 of sink 302 to allow user access to the same.

The tap 312 shown in figures 5-7b is recessed within an aperture 314 (blind end aperture) defined in top surface 6 adjacent front surface 14. The aperture 314 has an opening 318 in front sink recess wall 316 and an opening in top surface 6.

The tap 312 includes a tap body portion 320 which is complementary in shape to aperture 314 and therefore forms a snug fit in aperture 314 when located therewith. In order to fit the tap 312 in aperture 314, the base of the tap body portion 320 is located through the opening to aperture 314 and the tap body portion remains in place due to gravity and friction fit between the tap body portion and the walls of the sink defining aperture 314. A spout element 322 protrudes outwardly from an upper part of the body portion 320 such that, when body portion 320 is located in aperture 314, spout element 322 protrudes through opening 318 defined in front sink recess wall 316. A top surface of spout element 322 and body portion 320 is flush or substantially flush with the top surface 6 of the sink. A rotatable handle element 324 is located on top of body portion 320 and protrudes upwardly from top surface 6. Rotation of the handle element 324 allows the tap to be moved between an “on” condition, wherein water is dispensed from spout element 322, and an “off” condition, wherein water is not dispensed from spout element 322.

Figure 8 is similar in form to the embodiment shown in figures 6a and 6b but rather than the handle element 324 being planar in form as in figures 6a-6b, the handle element 324 in figure 8 has a transverse portion 326 that protrudes downwardly from an end of handle element 324 and adjacent front surface 14 of the sink.

A further embodiment of sink apparatus 402 is shown in figure 9. In this embodiment the sink is in the shape of a quadrant of a circle in top plan view. It is typically for use in fitting in the corner of a room attached to two perpendicular vertical walls. Thus, in this embodiment the rear wall is replaced by two rear side walls 404. 406, each of which is at least partially opposite to front wall 14. The two rear side walls 404, 406 are planar in form and the front wall 14 is curved and extends between the ends of side walls 404, 406. The opposing ends of side walls 404, 406 are joined together at an edge 408. The tap 312 is provided at the front of the sink apparatus and is recessed within a tap recess as per the other described embodiments.

Figures 10a and 10b show a body portion 500 of a tap that can be fitted into a recess of a sink shown in any of the previously described embodiments. The body portion 500 comprises a first neck part 502 that is located in a tap recess of a sink.

The tap recess is typically defined in a top surface of the sink adjacent the front, rear or side walls of the sink. The neck part 502 is of complementary shape to the tap sink recess in which the neck part is located with in use so as to provide a snug fit. The body portion 500 is retained in place by gravity and by friction fit between the body portion and the walls of the sink defining the tap recess.

A second head part 504 protrudes outwardly from a top of neck part 502. The handle element of the tap is joined to or located with the head part 504 of body portion 500. The spout element 506 in the form of a channel is defined in a top surface of head part 504 to allow water flowing up through neck part 502 to be dispensed along spout element 506.

When the neck part 502 of the body portion 500 is located in the tap sink recess in use, the head part 504 protrudes upwardly beyond the top surface 6 of the sink.

The head part can be integrally formed with the neck part. Alternatively, the head part can be attached or detachably attached to the neck part, thereby allowing the head part to be modular or inter-changeable in design. The handle element of the tap body part can also be attached or detachably attached to allow the handle element to be modular or inter-changeable in design.

Thus, in one embodiment, the tap can be modular in design such that the spout and/or the handle element of the tap can be inter-changed to allow a change in the aesthetic appearance of the tap and/or for replacement and/or repair. An example of this is shown in figures 12a-12b, wherein a tap body portion 550 is cuboid in shape having a front surface 552, a rear surface 554, two opposing side walls 556, 558, a top surface 560, and a base surface 562. An aperture 564 is defined in top surface 560 and the internal walls of body portion 550 that define aperture 564 are provided with a screw threaded portion 566. A user actuation handle 568 is rotatably mounted on top surface 560 via intermediate portions 570, 572 that have complementary screw threads to allow engagement with screw threaded portion 566 in use. The user actuation handle 568 can be unscrewed to allow removal and/or replacement as required. In addition, a spout element 574 is attached to front surface 552 via location of a protruding member (not shown) on the spout element locating in an aperture 576 defined in front surface 552. A securing screw can be provided if required.

Preferably the tap body portion can be universally sized, shaped and/or dimensioned.

An advantage of having the tap means at least partially recessed within the bath apparatus, particularly if the recessed tap means are provided at or adjacent a front of the bath apparatus, is that a user can step over the same more easily as they enter the bath in use.

Figures 11a and lib show a further embodiment of the present in which the sink apparatus 600 has a tap body portion 602 mounted in a tap recess 604 defined in a top wall 606 of the sink 600 and adjacent a side wall 608 of the sink. The sink 600 also includes an opposite side wall 610, a front wall 612 and a rear wall 614.

Figure 13 shows sink apparatus 650 in the form of an elongate trough which comprises a plurality of taps 652 located a spaced distance apart in top wall 655 adjacent front wall 654. Each tap provides a separate user wash station, as may be useful at a service station, in a commercial setting and/or the like.

Claims

1. Sink or bath apparatus, said apparatus having a sink or bath body portion with at least one sink or bath recess defined therein, an opening of said at least one recess defined in a first wall or surface of said sink or bath body portion, and wherein the sink or bath body portion has at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel defined in or adjacent the first wall or surface and/or a further wall or surface of the sink or bath body portion for the location of tap means therewith in use, the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel arranged such that at least a body portion of the tap means is partially or wholly located or recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the shape, dimensions and/or design of the tap means and/or the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel is arranged such that a part, whole or substantially the whole of the body portion of the tap means is located therein or recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the shape and dimensions of the body portion of the tap means, or at least the shape and dimensions of the part of the body portion of the tap means that is wholly or partially located or recessed within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel is complementary or substantial^ complementary in shape and dimensions to the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the body portion of the tap means engages in or with the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel via any or any combination of friction fit, adhesive, welding, one or more screw threads, inter-engaging members, clips, screws or nuts and bolts.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the body portion of the tap means is slidably insertable in and removable from the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel in use.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel is provided in or adjacent a second or front wall of the sink or bath body portion.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel is provided in or adjacent a third or rear wall of the sink or bath body portion.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel is provided in or adjacent a further or side wall of the sink or bath body portion.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the tap means protrudes upwardly and/or outwardly of the top or first wall, a second or front waE, a third or rear waU, or a further or side waU of the sink or bath body portion in use.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least part of the tap means protrudes below or extends beyond a waU of the sink or bath body portion.

il.Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one further aperture and/or channel is located in at least one recess in which the tap means is to be located in use.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel has an opening in a first or top wall of the sink or bath body portion, an opening in an internal wall defining the at least one sink or bath recess and/or an opening in an external wall of the sink or bath body portion.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein tap means are provided in or associated with the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel and form part of the sink or bath apparatus.

14. Apparatus according to claim i wherein at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel and/or the tap means are of such a size, shape, design and/or dimensions that a top or uppermost surface of the tap means or body portion of the tap means is flush with, substantially flush with, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to the first or top surface of the sink or bath body portion in use.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel and/or the tap means are of such a size, shape, design and/or dimensions that one or more side walls of the tap means or body portion of the tap means are flush with, substantially flush with, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to the second or front wall, an internal wall defining the sink or bath recess, the third or rear wall and/or a further or side wall of the sink or bath body portion.

16. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the tap means includes fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to flow out of or be dispensed from the tap means in use.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the fluid outiet means includes or consists of one or more spouts, channels, nozzles, tray portions and/or apertures.

18. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the fluid outlet means is provided on or associated with a top or upper part of the tap body portion.

19. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the fluid outlet means protrudes outwardly of an opening of the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel when the tap means is fitted to the sink or bath body portion in use.

20. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein at least part of the at least on further aperture, recess and/or channel is complementary or substantially complementary in shape and/or dimensions to at least a part of the fluid outlet means.

21. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the opening is defined in an internal wall defining the at least one sink or bath recess.

22. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the fluid outiet means is integral with the tap body portion.

23. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the fluid outlet means is attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the fluid outlet means are attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion via attachment means, one or more screw threads, inter-engaging members, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, bayonet fitting, friction fit, adhesive and/or welding.

25. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the tap means is, consists of or includes one or more taps, valves, spouts or mixer taps.

26. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the tap means includes user actuation means provided on or associated with the same for allowing actuation of the tap means in use between “on” and “off” conditions.

27. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the user actuation means includes one or more handle members, rotatable, pivotal and/or slidably mounted handle members, gripping means, gripping portions and/or electronic actuated means or sensors.

28. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein a surface or top surface of the user actuation means are flush with, substantially flush with, recessed or substantially recessed with respect to the first or top wall, the second or front wall, the third or rear wall and/or the further or side wall of the sink or bath body portion when the tap means is fitted to the sink or bath body portion in use.

29. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein at least part of the user actuation means protrudes outwardly, upwardly and/or downwardly with respect to the first or top wall, the second or rear wall, the further or side wall and/or the third or rear wall of the sink or bath body portion in use.

30. Apparatus according to claim 26 wherein the user actuation means are attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion in use.

31. Apparatus according to claim 30 wherein the user actuation means are attached or detachably attached to the tap body portion in use via attachment means, one or more pivots, hinges, screw threads, clips, interengaging members, screws, nuts and bolts and/or ball and socket joints.

32. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein two or more further recesses, apertures and/or channels are provided in or adjacent a wall of the sink or bath body portion for the location of two or more tap means in use.

33. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein fluid flow means are provided or associated with the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel and/or the body portion of the tap means to allow fluid to flow from a fluid source to the tap means in use.

34. Apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the fluid flow means are provided on or associated with a base of the tap body portion and/or a base of the at least one further recess, aperture and/or channel.

35. A method of fitting sink or bath apparatus, said apparatus having a sink or bath body portion with at least one sink or bath recess defined therein, an opening of said at least one sink or bath recess defined in a first or top wall of the sink or bath body portion, and wherein the sink or bath body portion has at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel defined in or adjacent the first wall or surface and/or a further wall of the sink or bath body portion, said method including the step of locating tap means with the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel such that at least a body portion of the tap means is partially or wholly recessed or located within the at least one further aperture, recess and/or channel.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1718574.5 Examiner: Mrs Judith Peake