WO2024137932A1 - Sink systems - Google Patents

Sink systems Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024137932A1
WO2024137932A1 PCT/US2023/085336 US2023085336W WO2024137932A1 WO 2024137932 A1 WO2024137932 A1 WO 2024137932A1 US 2023085336 W US2023085336 W US 2023085336W WO 2024137932 A1 WO2024137932 A1 WO 2024137932A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sink
discharge conduit
basin
sink system
undermount
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/085336
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rod Gibson
Original Assignee
Rod Gibson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rod Gibson filed Critical Rod Gibson
Publication of WO2024137932A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024137932A1/en

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  • This disclosure generally relates to sinks, and more particularly to undermount sinks with enhanced functionality.
  • a conventional undermount sink 10 is illustrated in Figure 1, which shows a basin 12 mounted directly to the underside of a countertop 14 such that no portion of the basin 12 extends to the upper surface of the countertop 14.
  • a conventional faucet 16 with controls for turning on the faucet 16 and adjusting water temperature is also shown mounted to the countertop 14 in a position to discharge water into the basin 12 in a generally downward direction.
  • This type of sink arrangement provides a substantially flat working surface in the area immediately adjacent the sink and eliminates a sink interface that would otherwise be present on the surface of the countertop 14 where food particles or other debris can collect.
  • the presence of the faucet 16 on the surface of the countertop 14, however, can create various shortcomings.
  • the interface between the faucet 16 and the countertop 14 provides areas where debris and grime may collect.
  • the faucet 16 can also serve as an obstruction to various culinary activities. Still further, manipulating the controls of the faucet 12 can lead to unsanitary conditions around the sink 10.
  • the undermount sinks and methods of making and using the same described herein provide for sink arrangements that are particularly well suited for domestic and commercial applications in which cleanliness and unobstructed counter space is of particular concern.
  • the various sink arrangements provide enhanced user functionality.
  • the undermount sinks are mountable to the underside of a countertop or similar structure with all devices for controlling the flow and temperature of water located below the countertop surface.
  • one or more devices for controlling the flow and/or temperature of the water may be located on an upper surface of the countertop or in other locations remote from the sink basin. It is also appreciated that aspects of the embodiments described herein may be incorporated in any type of sink installation including sinks that mount to a top side of a countertop with traditional faucets.
  • At least one embodiment of an undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface may be summarized as including a basin, the basin having a drain hole at a lower end thereof; and a discharge conduit coupled to the basin and positioned to expel fluid into the basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit when a flow of fluid through the discharge conduit is activated, the discharge conduit and basin configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
  • the discharge conduit may be positioned to expel fluid in an initial direction generally parallel to the upper counter surface when the undermount sink is mounted to the countertop.
  • the basin and discharge conduit may be integrally formed.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a supplemental discharge conduit coupled to the basin and positioned to expel fluid into the basin via a supplemental outlet of the supplemental discharge conduit when a flow of fluid through the supplemental discharge conduit is activated.
  • the discharge conduit may be positioned to expel fluid into the basin in an initial direction that is generally perpendicular to an initial direction with which fluid is expelled from the supplemental discharge conduit during operation thereof.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a spacer ring coupleable to an upper end of the basin to space the basin from the countertop when the basin is installed for use.
  • the spacer ring may be configured to receive the discharge conduit and couple the discharge conduit to the basin.
  • the spacer ring may house a plurality of lighting elements to enable selective illumination of an interior cavity of the basin.
  • the undermount sink system may further include at least one motion sensor communicatively coupled to the plurality of lighting elements to illuminate the interior cavity of the basin when motion is sensed in a room containing the undermount sink system.
  • the spacer ring may house one or a plurality of position sensors (e.g., cameras), the one or more position sensors being arranged to sense a position of a hand when the hand is positioned within an interior cavity of the basin.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a control unit communicatively coupled to the plurality of position sensor(s) to receive a position signal therefrom and regulate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit during operation based at least in part on said position signal.
  • the control unit may be communicatively coupled to the position sensor(s) to receive a position signal therefrom and regulate a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit during operation based at least in part on said position signal.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a heater unit coupled to the discharge conduit via a fluid supply line, the heater unit operable to elevate the temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit near boiling when the flow of fluid is initially activated.
  • At least one motion sensor may be communicatively coupled to the heater unit to activate the heater unit to enable the heater unit to supply the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit near boiling when motion is sensed in a room containing the undermount sink system.
  • the system may be prepared to dispense near boiling water on demand when someone is detected within the room, and may be in a standby mode (i.e., the heater unit is deactivated) at other times when no movement is sensed within the room.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a plurality of heater units that are selectively and independently operable to provide enhanced temperature control.
  • the heaters may be activated and deactivated in coordination with a detected position of a user or object (e.g., dish) within the basin. For example, none of the heater units may be activated in a “cold” position within the basin, and all of the heater units may be activated in a “hot” position within the basin. In one or more intermediate positions, only a portion of the heaters may be activated. In this manner, temperature of the discharged water can be changed dynamically as the user or object moves within the basin. The temperature change may be gradual and smooth as the user or object moves within the basin.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a rotating head coupled to the outlet of the discharge conduit, the rotating head including a plurality of apertures having different configurations to enable selective variation of at least one of a shape and a direction of a stream of fluid expelled from the discharge conduit during operation.
  • the undermount sink system may further include a sensor (e.g., motion sensor) coupled to the basin to sense movement of a user and activate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit based on said movement.
  • a sensor e.g., motion sensor
  • One or more position sensors e.g., cameras
  • water may be discharged with a velocity, a shape profile and direction that intercepts with the hand or object at the sensed position. In this manner, the flow of water may track the hand or object as it moves within the basin.
  • certain water discharge characteristics e.g., shape, velocity, temperature
  • the undermount sink system may further include a valve coupled to the discharge conduit, the valve operable to control at least one of a rate and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit.
  • the valve may be operable via a control device coupled directly to the wall of the basin.
  • the valve may be operable via a control display device positioned remotely from the basin, the control display device including controls operable to control at least one of a rate and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit.
  • the valve may be operatively controlled in coordination with a sensed position of a user or object (e.g., dish) within the basin to control at least one of a rate, a profile, and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit based at least in part on the sensed position.
  • a sensed position of a user or object e.g., dish
  • the valve may be operatively controlled in coordination with a sensed position of a user or object (e.g., dish) within the basin to control at least one of a rate, a profile, and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit based at least in part on the sensed position.
  • a wireless communication device may be operatively coupled to the valve to enable remote control of the valve via a handheld device (e.g., smart phone).
  • a handheld device e.g., smart phone
  • Various characteristics of the discharged water e.g., activation of a hot rinse mode
  • the undermount sink system may include a switch to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit, the switch coupled to the wall of the basin.
  • a thermostat may be operatively coupled to the discharge conduit to detect and regulate a temperature of the flow of fluid therethrough, such as, for example, via temperature feedback control.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink system configured for installation on the underside of a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit coupled to the sink basin and positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit below an upper surface of the countertop when a flow of fluid through the discharge conduit is activated; a valve coupled to the discharge conduit, the valve operable to control at least one of a rate and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit; and a control device communicatively coupled to the valve to selectively adjust the valve in response to one or more control signals generated by an interaction of a user with the sink system within an interior region of the sink basin.
  • a sensor may be coupled to the sink basin to sense a movement of the user within the interior region of the sink basin and generate a control signal based on said movement.
  • a sensor may be coupled to the sink basin to sense a position of a hand of the user within the interior region of the sink basin and generate a control signal based on said position.
  • the sink system may further include a switch to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit, the switch coupled directly to the sink basin.
  • the sink system may further include a spacer ring coupleable to an upper end of the sink basin to space the sink basin from the countertop when the sink basin is mounted to the countertop, the spacer ring configured to receive the discharge conduit.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin beneath a countertop may be summarized as including a spacer ring coupleable to the sink basin to space the sink basin from the countertop when the sink basin is mounted thereto; and a discharge conduit provided at least partially within the spacer ring below the upper counter surface and positioned to expel fluid into the basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit when the spacer ring is coupled to the sink basin and a flow of fluid through the discharge conduit is activated.
  • a plurality of lighting elements may be provided within the spacer ring to enable selective illumination of an interior cavity of the sink basin.
  • the sink basin mounting system may further include a plurality of position sensors provided within the spacer ring, the position sensors arranged to sense a position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) when the object is positioned within an interior cavity of the sink basin.
  • Lighting characteristics of the lighting elements may be adjusted or modified in coordination with the movement or position of the object within the basin. For example, a color of the lighting elements may change as the object moves from one position to another within the basin.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a spacer ring between the sink basin and the countertop; a discharge conduit coupled to the spacer ring and positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; and a soap dispenser coupled to the spacer ring, wherein the soap dispenser, the discharge conduit, and the basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
  • the soap dispenser may be activated by movement or the position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) within the basin. For example, soap may be discharged from the soap dispenser as a user’s hands are positioned in a dispensing area aligned with a discharge path of the soap dispenser.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; and a soap dispenser positioned to expel a soap into the sink basin, wherein the soap dispenser, the discharge conduit, and the basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin, a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit and communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the at least one sensor, and the valve are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin; and an adjustable head in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit, the adjustable head communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor tracks the object and sends a position signal to the adjustable head to adjust the adjustable head to direct fluid expelled through the outlet of the discharge conduit towards the object in real time, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the at least one sensor, and the adjustable head are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
  • At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin; a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit and communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the valve, and the at least one sensor are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface, wherein when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount, and wherein when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a second position that is closer to the outlet of the discharge conduit than the first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is different from the first amount.
  • At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including sensing a position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) within an interior region of a basin of a sink; and discharging fluid through a discharge conduit which is coupled to the basin of the sink entirely below an upper surface of a countertop to which the sink is installed.
  • Adjusting at least one of the rate and the temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit in response to the position of the object may include adjusting the temperature of the flow of fluid in accordance with the position of a hand within the interior region of the basin.
  • Sensing the position of the object within the interior region of the basin of the sink may include sensing the position of a hand using a plurality of position sensors positioned around a perimeter of the sink.
  • the method may further include illuminating the interior region of the basin with a plurality of light elements positioned around a perimeter of the sink.
  • the method may further include discharging fluid through a supplemental discharge conduit which is coupled to the basin of the sink entirely below the upper surface of the countertop to which the sink is installed.
  • At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including sensing a position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) within an interior region of a basin of a sink; and discharging a soap through a discharge conduit which is coupled to the basin of the sink entirely below an upper surface of a countertop to which the sink is installed.
  • an object e.g., hand or dish
  • At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including sensing a position of an object within an interior region of a basin of a sink with at least one position sensor; and when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount; when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a second position that is closer to the outlet of the discharge conduit than the first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is less than the first amount; and when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a third position between the first position and the second position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a third distance that is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance by opening the valve by a third amount that is less than the first amount and greater than the second amount.
  • At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including tracking a position of an object within an interior region of a basin of a sink; and rotating and/or actuating an adjustable head in fluid communication with a discharge conduit discharging a stream of fluid through the discharge conduit and the adjustable head tracking the object in real time.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of a conventional undermount sink and faucet.
  • Figure 2 is an isometric view of an undermount sink system according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 3 is a partial detail view of the undermount sink system of Figure 2 taken along the line 3-3.
  • Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the undermount sink system of Figure 2 taken along line 4-4.
  • Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the undermount sink system of Figure 2.
  • Figure 6 is an isometric view of an undermount sink system according to another embodiment.
  • Figure 7 is a top plan schematic diagram of the undermount sink system of Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 a schematic diagram of an integrated sink system including the undermount sink system of Figure 6.
  • Figure 9 is a control display, according to one embodiment, usable with the integrated sink system illustrated in Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is a control display, according to an alternative embodiment, with the integrated sink system illustrated in Figure 8;
  • Figure 11 is an isometric view of an undermount sink system according to another embodiment.
  • Figure 12 is a top plan view of an integrated sink system including the undermount sink system of Figure 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIGS 2 through 5 show an undermount sink system 20 according one embodiment.
  • the undermount sink system 20 includes a sink basin 22 defining a water receptacle.
  • a discharge conduit 24 is coupled to the sink basin 22 to discharge water into the sink basin 22 when the sink system 20 is installed and in operation.
  • the sink basin 22 includes a flange 26 at an upper end thereof for mounting the sink basin 22 to the underside of a countertop 28 or like structure.
  • the flange 26 extends at least partially around the upper perimeter of the sink basin 22 and, in some embodiments, entirely around the upper perimeter.
  • Adhesive 30 and mounting hardware 32 may be used to secure the flange 26 of the sink basin 22 to the countertop 28 or like structure.
  • the flange 26 defines a substantially horizontal mounting plane 34 for interfacing with the countertop 28 or like structure.
  • a drain hole 36 is located in a lower end of the sink basin 22 for connecting the sink system 20 to a suitable drainage or sewer system.
  • the shape of the sink basin 22 is defined by basin walls 38 that collectively span between the drain hole 36 and the flange 26.
  • the general shape of the sink basin 22 may be generally rectangular, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2 through 5, or any other shape including bowl-shaped and irregularly shaped sink basins. Consequently, the walls 38 or portions thereof may be flat, concave or convex or combinations thereof.
  • the walls 38 of the illustrated embodiment are shown as a number of distinct intersecting walls, it is appreciated that the sink basin 22 may have a single continuous wall structure, such as a concave bowl structure.
  • a discharge conduit 24 is coupled to the sink basin 22 to discharge water into the sink basin 22 when the sink system 20 is installed and in operation.
  • the discharge conduit 24 may be coupled to the sink basin 22 at an upper end thereof such that an upper surface of the discharge conduit 24 is substantially flush with the mounting plane 34 defined by the flange 26.
  • the discharge conduit 24 may also be secured to the countertop 28 or like structure with adhesive and/or mounting hardware when installing the sink system 20.
  • the discharge conduit 24 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as an elongated tubular structure 40 having a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile, although it is appreciated that the cross-sectional profile of the tubular structure 40 can be any regular or irregular shape.
  • the discharge conduit 24 may comprise a passageway extending through a nontubular structure.
  • water may be expelled from an outlet 42 of the discharge conduit 24 in a cascading waterfall that projects toward a central portion of the sink basin 22.
  • a ratio of a width of the cross-sectional profile of the outlet to a height of the cross-sectional profile of the outlet is equal to or greater than 5: 1.
  • the water expelled from the outlet 42 may be suitably formed to travel a sufficient distance from the wall 38 of the sink basin 22 to facilitate washing one’s hands, dishes or performing other activities.
  • a supply tube 44 is shown connected to the elongated tubular structure 40 of the discharge conduit 24 in a substantially perpendicular arrangement.
  • the supply tube 44 includes a central cavity 46 to enable a flow of water to enter the elongated tubular structure 40 for subsequent discharge into the sink basin 22.
  • the supply tube 44 may be welded, fused or otherwise permanently affixed to the elongated tubular structure 40.
  • the supply tube 44 may be removably coupled to the elongated tubular structure 40, such as, for example, by threaded connections.
  • the discharge conduit 24 may be welded, fused or otherwise permanently affixed to the wall 38 of the sink basin 22, or alternatively, removably coupled to the sink basin 22.
  • the discharge conduit 24 and the sink basin 22 may be integrally formed.
  • the discharge conduit 24 and the sink basin 22 may be formed as a unitary porcelain component.
  • discharge conduit 24 of the illustrated embodiment is shown in a generally flush arrangement with the flange 26 of the sink basin 22, it is appreciated that the discharge conduit 24 may be positioned in other positions offset from the flange 26.
  • the discharge conduit 24 is shown in a generally horizontal orientation, it is appreciated that in some embodiments the discharge conduit may be oriented in different directions, such as, for example, at a declined angle relative to the horizontal mounting plane 34.
  • a second discharge conduit (not shown) may be provided to operate in unison with or independent of the other discharge conduit 24.
  • two discharged conduits 24 may be provided on opposing or adjacent walls 38 of the sink basin 22.
  • the sink system 20 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a sensor 50 mounted to the wall 38 of the sink basin 22 proximate the outlet 42 of the discharge conduit 24.
  • the sensor 50 may be a proximity or motion sensor.
  • the sensor 50 is positioned to sense the presence of a user’s hand or an object placed in front of the discharge conduit 24 and to activate the flow of water through the discharge conduit 24 in response thereto.
  • the water may continue to flow until the presence of the user’s hand or the object is no longer sensed by the sensor 50 or for a determined period of time or a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, water may continue to flow for a few seconds after the presence of the user’s hand or the object is no longer sensed.
  • a control 52 such as a touch screen, push button or rocker switch, may also be mounted to the wall 38 of the sink basin 22 for enabling a user to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of water through the discharge conduit 24.
  • the control 52 may take priority over the sensor 50, thereby enabling the flow of water into the sink basin 22 when an object or movement of the same is not present, and conversely, disabling the flow of water into the sink basin 22 when the object or motion of the same is present.
  • Further controls 54 either manual or electronic, may be provided for adjusting a temperature and/or flow rate of the water through the discharge conduit 24, as well as for providing other functionality described herein.
  • a touch screen may be provided with selectable temperature controls and/or selectable flow rate controls.
  • the controls 54 may be in the form of a touch screen having a small surface area that is inconspicuously positioned for convenient access by a user near the outlet 42.
  • various buttons, levers, switches and/or touch controls may be included that provide optional features such as, for example, discharging a specific volume of fluid.
  • a user may operate a push button or touch screen control for discharging one liter of fluid through the discharge conduit 24.
  • a volumetric flow sensor (not shown) may be coupled to the discharge conduit 24 for that purpose.
  • the controls 54 are illustrated as being positioned within the sink basin 22, it is appreciated that the controls 54 may alternatively be located on an upper surface 29 of the countertop 28.
  • an optional control lever or dial 56 may be coupled to the upper surface 29 of the countertop 28 to adjust the temperature and/or flow rate of water moving through the discharge conduit 24.
  • the sensor 50 and other controls 52, 54 may be located remote from the sink system 20 or remote from the area immediately around the sink, such as, for example, on a backsplash or other remote structure.
  • the sink system 20 may further include a control system 58 ( Figure 5) for routing water to the discharge conduit 24 during operation and dynamically regulating a temperature of the same.
  • the control system 58 can include one or more valves (not shown) for selectively metering various amounts of hot and cold water from hot and cold water supply lines 60, 62.
  • the control system 28 may also be equipped with a heat sensor (not shown) that can relay temperature information pertaining to the flow of water to allow the control system 58 to regulate the valves, thereby giving the user the ability to adjust the temperature of the water with a thermostat, for example.
  • control system 58 can be coupled to an optional instant hot water supply line 64 which is in fluid communication with a heater unit (not shown) for supplying nearly boiling hot water from the heater unit on demand.
  • the heater may selectively heat water to various temperatures during initial start up of the water flow to have the water temperature at a desired setting immediately, without delay.
  • This instant hot water may be supplied temporarily until hot water from the separate hot water supply line 60 reaches the valve controls of the control system 58 and takes over or supplements the water supplied by instant hot water supply line 64.
  • the control system 58 may interrupt the use of the instant hot water supply line 64 allowing the domestic water source of the hot water supply line 60 to maintain the desired temperature after the initial startup period.
  • the controls 54 may also include a separate control or controls in communication with the control system 58 to operate a supply of the instant hot water supply line 64 independent of the main hot and cold water supply lines 60, 62.
  • the various controls and sensors may be coupled to the sink system 20 and connected to the control system 58 prior to installation of the sink system 20 in an assembled package such that the assembled package may be transported to an installation location and installed with relatively modest effort (e.g., the connection of water supply lines and drain pipes).
  • These various controls and sensors interoperate to control the temperature and flow rate of the water through the discharge conduit 24, as well as provide other functionality described herein, such as by either manually or electronically controlling the one or more valves of the control system 58.
  • operation of the sink system 20 may be performed completely from within an interior region of the sink basin 22.
  • the upper surface 29 of the counter 28 may be completely barren in the immediate proximity of the sink system 20.
  • control system 58 may also be remotely controlled using wireless communication devices, such as, for example, wireless Bluetooth technology.
  • wireless communication devices such as, for example, wireless Bluetooth technology.
  • the rate and/or temperature of flow discharged from the discharge conduit 24 may be selectively controlled by a user via a handheld electronic device, such as a cell phone, thereby providing further operational versatility.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a sink system 100 that is mountable to the underside of a countertop 102 or like structure, according to another example embodiment.
  • the sink system 100 includes a sink basin 104 having a drain 109 and sidewalls 106 that define an internal region or cavity 108 of the sink basin 104.
  • a mounting flange (not visible) is provided at an upper end of the sink basin 104 for mounting the sink basin 104 beneath the countertop 102 or like structure.
  • the mounting flange may extend at least partially around the upper perimeter of the sink basin 104 and, in some embodiments, entirely around the upper perimeter.
  • a spacer ring 110 may be provided and positioned intermediate the sink basin 104 and the countertop 102 to which the sink system 100 is installed.
  • the spacer ring 110 may be sized and shaped to interface with the mounting flange of the sink basin 104 and may be secured to the same with adhesive and/or mounting hardware. Similarly, the spacer ring 110 may be secured with adhesive and/or mounting hardware to the countertop 102. The spacer ring 110 spaces the sink basin 104 below the countertop 102 and provides a structure for mounting various devices described in further detail below.
  • the spacer ring 110 may include one or more apertures for receiving one or more respective discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 therein. More particularly, as shown in the example embodiment of Figure 6, a primary discharge conduit 120 may be received within an aperture of the spacer ring 110 at one side or area of the sink basin 104 and one or more supplemental discharge conduits 122, 124 may be received within corresponding apertures of the spacer ring 110 located at other sides or areas of the sink basin 104.
  • the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 may be of different sizes and configurations to generate streams 126 of different shapes, trajectories and/or velocities.
  • one or more of the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 may include an adjustable head 130 for selectively adjusting a configuration of the stream of water flowing therefrom.
  • an adjustable head 130 having a rotating portion with a plurality of selectable discharge apertures may be positioned at the outlet of one or more of the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124.
  • the adjustable head 130 may be rotated manually or automatically in conjunction with a servomotor and an associated control system to generate different streams 126.
  • the adjustable head may rotate between one discharge aperture for generating a generally flat stream in one position and another discharge aperture for generating a downwardly directed coarse spray in another position, which may be more suitable for cleaning dishes or other activities.
  • An arching flow configuration may be provided in yet another position for filling taller pots or for simulating a drinking fountain. Irrespective of the shape and trajectory of the stream 126, the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 are controlled to selectively discharge water into the basin 104 during operation.
  • the spacer ring 110 may further include a plurality of position sensors 134 mounted around a perimeter thereof, as best shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 7.
  • the position sensors 134 may be arranged, for example, in each of the four corners of a spacer ring 110 having a generally rectangular configuration.
  • the position sensors 134 may be arranged to sense a position of a user’s hand or an object in the user’s hand within the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 using, for example, triangulation principles.
  • the sink system 100 may be configured to provide enhanced functions.
  • the position of the user’s hand may be used to determine which discharge conduits 120, 122, 124, if any, should be activated to produce a corresponding stream 126 of water.
  • the temperature of the discharged water may be controlled in accordance with hand or object position. For instance, positioning one’s hand(s) in front of a left side of the primary discharge conduit 120 may generate a relatively hot stream of water, whereas positioning one’s hand(s) in front of a right side of the primary discharge conduit 120 may generate a relatively cold stream of water.
  • Intermediate positions may feature intermediate temperatures and the temperature may increase incrementally or continuously as a user moves his or her hand(s) left-to-right or right-to-left in front of the discharge conduit 120.
  • This incremental or continuous adjustment of the temperatures of the water may be adjusted by a water heating system that is in electrical communication with sensors that track the movement of the user’s hand or an object (e.g., dish, utensil, etc.) within the sink basin 104.
  • the movement or change of position of one’s hand(s) from a left-to-right or right-to-left may be determined or monitored by the plurality of position sensors 134, which may be communicatively coupled to the water heating system and the discharge conduit 120 to adjust the temperature of the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 utilizing the water heating system.
  • a flow rate or stream trajectory may be controlled based on the distance of one’s hand(s) or an object from an outlet 136 ( Figure 6) of the primary discharge conduit 120. For instance, a water stream may be discharged at a relatively low rate and short trajectory when one’s hands are relatively close to the outlet 136, and may be discharged at a higher rate and far trajectory when one’s hands are relatively far from the outlet 136.
  • a user may place his or her hands or an object in the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 and his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 receives the stream 126 of water, which is adjusted to have sufficient strength to reach his or her hands or the object irrespective of a distance of his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 from the outlet 136.
  • the plurality of position sensors 134 may be communicatively coupled to a valve (not shown), which is in fluid communication with the discharge conduit 120 and the outlet 136.
  • a valve (not shown), which is in fluid communication with the discharge conduit 120 and the outlet 136.
  • the proximity sensor detects the hand’s or the object’s moving towards the outlet 136 and sends a signal to the valve, which may be an electronic valve, to begin closing the valve to limit the stream 126 of the water flowing through the outlet 136.
  • the proximity sensor detects the hand or object moving away from the outlet 136 and sends a signal to the valve to begin opening the valve to increase the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136.
  • the opening and closing of the valve increases or decreases the flow and pressure of the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136.
  • This active adjustment (e.g., opening and closing) of the valve adjusts the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 such that the stream 126 becomes stronger (e.g., when one’s hand is further away from the outlet 136) and becomes weaker (e.g., when one’s hand is closer to the outlet 136) based on the location of the hand relative to the outlet 136.
  • the user may place his or her hands or an object in the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 and his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 receives the stream 126 of water, which is adjusted to have sufficient strength to reach his or her hands or the object irrespective of a distance of his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 from the outlet 136.
  • This adjustment of the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 by the valve reduces the likelihood of water splashing or spilling out of the sink basin 104 onto a countertop surface in which the sink system 100 is integrated.
  • the plurality of position sensors 134 detect the hand of the user in a first position
  • fluid is expelled from the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 by a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount.
  • the plurality of position sensors 134 detect the hand of the user in a second position that is closer to the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 than the first position
  • fluid is expelled from the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 by a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is different (e.g., less than or more than depending on the type of valve) than the first amount.
  • a servomotor may be communicatively coupled to the plurality of position sensors 136, and the servomotor rotates to increase or decrease a temperature of the stream 126 of the water flowing through the outlet 126. For example, if a user’s hand or an object is at the far left side of the sink basin 104, the servomotor will rotate in a first direction and increase the temperature of the stream 126 of water. Alternatively, if the user’s hand or object is at the far right side of the sink basin 104 the servomotor will rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction and decrease the temperature of the stream 126 of water.
  • the servomotor may act in a similar manner as the knob 56, however, unlike the knob, the user does not need to physically touch the servomotor to increase or decrease the temperature of the stream 126 of water being expelled or discharged into the sink basin 104. Furthermore, unlike the knob 56, the servomotor may be mounted underneath the countertop.
  • the spacer ring 110 may further include a plurality of lighting elements mounted around a perimeter thereof, such as, for example, a plurality of LEDs 140, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
  • the LEDs 140 may be operated with a switch mounted directly to the spacer ring 110 or sink basin 104, or alternatively, a switch mounted remotely from the same.
  • the LEDs 140 may be communicatively coupled to a motion sensor (not shown) mounted within the room of the sink system 100 to detect the presence of someone in the room and selectively illuminate the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 in response to the presence of an individual entering the room.
  • the peripheral edge of the sink system 100 may advantageously illuminate when someone enters at night to assist the user in locating and using the sink system 100 under low-level lighting conditions without requiring the user to locate a light switch.
  • the LEDs 140 may be turned off when the individual leaves the room and is no longer sensed within the room.
  • the LEDs 140 may also be communicatively coupled to the position sensors 134 to illuminate in response to a position or motion of a user’s hand or object within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104. In this manner, the LEDs 140 may provide visual feedback to a user.
  • the temperature of water may vary as one moves an object or his or her hand from left-to-right or right-to-left within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104.
  • a series of LEDs 140 may be provided and configured to illuminate in sequence incrementally with increases in temperature or by changing color or other characteristics, thereby providing visual user feedback of the expected water temperature of the discharged water stream. For example, when the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 is at maximum (e.g., hottest) temperature, the LEDs 140 may emit a first color, which may be a deep, dark, red color.
  • the LEDs 140 may emit a second color, which may be a deep, dark, blue color.
  • the LEDs 140 may emit a third color, which may be a combination of red and blue (e.g., purple hues). At intermediate temperatures closer to the maximum temperature the third color may be more red than blue. At intermediate temperatures closer to the minimum temperature, the third color emitted by the LEDs 140 may be more blue than red. In some embodiments, the color emitted by the LEDs 140 may be programmable by the user such that the indications for maximum temperature and minimum temperature are different colors.
  • the programmable nature of the color emitted by the LEDs 140 may assist colorblind users to know the temperature of the water.
  • the programmable nature of the color emitted by the LEDs 140 may allow the user to create strobe effects or interactive effects to be displayed or emitted in conjunction with music being played.
  • the programmable nature of the colors displayed or emitted by the LEDs 140 provides a user to select the colors displayed or emitted as well as provide customization and interactive experiences of the LEDs 140 as selected or programed by the user.
  • the spacer ring 110 may further include a plurality of switches, buttons or other control devices mounted therein to control various functions of the sink system 100.
  • the spacer ring 110 may retain a plurality of micro switches 142 on a face thereof opposite where the spacer ring 110 houses the primary discharge conduit 120.
  • the micro switches 142 may be used to turn the flow of water on or off and to control a flow rate and/or temperature of the discharged water.
  • one of the micro switches 142 may be provided to turn the flow of water on and off, or enable and disable the flow of water in response to position and/or motion sensing within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104.
  • Other micro switches 142 may increase and decrease the temperature of discharged water or increase and decrease the rate of flow of the discharged water, for example.
  • the micro switches 142 or other control devices may be communicatively coupled to a control unit 150, as represented by the arrow labeled 152.
  • the micro switches 142 or other control devices may be coupled to the control unit 150, for example, by electrical conductors in the form of a ribbon cable and appropriate electrical connectors.
  • the control unit 150 may similarly be communicatively coupled to the LEDs 140, as represented by the arrow labeled 154, to provide power to the same for selective illumination of the LEDs 140 in accordance with embodiments of the sink systems 100 described herein.
  • the control unit 150 may be communicatively coupled to the position sensors 134, as represented by the arrow labeled 156, to receive position signals from the same for controlling various functions of the sink systems 100.
  • control unit 150 may also include various electronic flow and temperature control valves and a manifold containing the same to selectively route a supply of water form a water source 157 to each of the one or more discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 of the sink system 100, as represented by the arrow labeled 158.
  • a separate manifold or manifolds and appropriate valves may be provided separate from the control unit 150, but nevertheless communicatively coupled to the same to receive valve control signals during operation.
  • the control unit 150 may receive control signals from the positional sensors 134 based at least in part on the position of an object within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104 and cause a valve or valves to shift in response to the same to initiate the discharge of water and/or to change a temperature and/or a rate of discharged water.
  • the control system 150 will determine which, if any, of the discharged conduits 120, 122, 124 should be utilized based on the control signals received from the position sensors 134. In this manner, the control unit 150 and associated devices combine to create a “smart” sink system 100 with enhanced functions atypical of conventional sinks 10 ( Figure 1).
  • control unit 150 may also be communicatively coupled to various other ancillary features of the sink system 100 when provided.
  • the sink system 100 may include a heater 160 to provide instant hot water near boiling which is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150 to receive control signals therefrom, as represented by the arrow labeled 162.
  • the sink system 100 may include a garbage disposal 164 to breakdown debris passing through the drain 109 which is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150 to receive control signals therefrom, as represented by the arrow labeled 166.
  • the control unit 150 may be powered by a battery or other power supply 170, such as, for example, mains power.
  • a control display 174 may be provided to interface with the control unit 150 to transmit and receive various control signals in accordance with the sink functions described herein, as represented by the double headed arrow labeled 176.
  • Figure 9 shows, for example, one embodiment of a control display 174 which may be provided as a user interface for operating some or all of the functions of the corresponding sink system 100.
  • control display 174 may include an on/off control 177 with an LED indicator for turning the flow of water on and off or for enabling and disabling the flow of water in response to position and/or motion sensing within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104.
  • a flow control 178 may be provided to enable selection between high, medium and low flow conditions.
  • Temperature controls 180, 182 may also be provided to enable temperature adjustment.
  • a series of LEDs 184 and/or a digital temperature indicator 186 may be included to provide visual feedback of the temperature setting. Controls for initiating flow and adjusting temperature and flow rate are primary control features. Ancillary or supplemental control features may also be provided in some embodiments.
  • an auto-fill control 190 may be provided which is configured to provide a signal to initiate an auto-fill function in which a determined volume of water is discharged into the sink basin 104.
  • One, two or more determined fill volumes may be established.
  • an auto disposal button 192 may be provided which is configured to provide a signal to initiate an auto disposal function in which a flow of water is discharged into the sink basin 104 while a garbage disposal 164 ( Figure 8) is activated for a relatively short duration. The discharged water may be controlled to land directly in a drain that opens into the garbage disposal while the disposal function is activated.
  • a drain control button 194 may be provided for initiating a valve to close a shutter of the drain 109 and enable the sink basin 104 to be filled with water for various culinary or other activities.
  • an instant hot water control 196 or “tea” control may be provided to discharge water near boiling to prepare, for example, teas or other hot beverages.
  • the instant hot water control 196 may require a user to press a touch button control twice or otherwise confirm that hot water is desired.
  • the availability of instant hot water from the heater 160 ( Figure 8) may be coordinated with a motion sensor located within the kitchen or other room accommodating the sink system 100 or in some instances adjacent rooms thereof.
  • the heater 160 may remain idle until the presence of someone is detected in the room or the vicinity of the sink system 100 by the motion sensor. In this manner, energy is conserved by avoiding the need to continuously maintain a supply of heated water near boiling. Rather, the heater 160 may be activated to prepare a heated supply of water near boiling during those times when it is more likely that a user will require the same. In a similar manner, a home recirculation pump may remain idle until those times when it is expected that a user may seek to use hot water. As yet another example, a proximity light control 197 may be provided which is configured to activate and deactivate a proximity light feature wherein the sink basin 104 is selectively illuminated when the presence of an individual is sensed within the room or vicinity of the sink system 100.
  • Figure 10 is directed to an alternative embodiment of a control display 274.
  • the control display 274 may include a clean/light mode control 201 in which the sink system 100 will not turn on in the presence of a user’s hand or object entering the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104. This allows the user to access the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 to clean the sink basin 104 without being sprayed with water.
  • the clean/light mode control 201 also provides the user access to programming the colors of the LEDs 140, which was discussed in detail earlier within the present disclosure and will not be reproduced here for simplicity and brevity of the present disclosure.
  • the clean mode and the light programming mode may have separate buttons.
  • FIG 11 is directed to another example embodiment of the sink system 100.
  • a soap dispenser 202 having an outlet 204 of a discharge conduit adjacent to sink basin 104.
  • the soap dispenser 202 is in fluid communication with a soap storage component (not shown) and the outlet 204 may be received by an aperture in the spacer ring 110 at one side or area of the sink basin 104.
  • the soap dispenser 202 may be automated such that when a user’s hand or other object (e.g., dish) is detected in a preselected or preprogrammed position by the plurality of sensors 134, soap is then dispensed into the sink basin 104 and onto the user’s hand or other object.
  • the soap dispenser 202 dispenses soap through the outlet 204 without the user’s hand or the object contacting the outlet 204, the soap dispenser 202, or the sink system 100 altogether. Touchless soap dispensing is thus provided.
  • the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 extends through the spacer ring 110 and is in the spacer ring 110.
  • the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 is positioned at a different location.
  • the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 in some other embodiments may be present in the sink basin 104 such that the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 extends through one of the sidewalls 106 of the sink basin 104.
  • the soap dispenser may be at the left-side of the sink system 100, the right-side of the sink system 100, or a rear side (e.g., side closest to the user when in use) of the sink system 100 based on the orientation of the sink system 100 as shown in Figure 11.
  • the region 206 may be adjusted in size and shape depending on the pressure at which the soap is dispensed through the outlet 204. For example, the region 206 may be larger if the soap is dispensed at a first pressure and the region may be smaller if the soap is dispensed at a second pressure less than the first pressure.
  • the embodiment of the sink system 100 of Figure 11 may further include a proximity sensor 208 in the spacer ring 110 that detects when a user is approaching or is adjacent to the sink system.
  • the peripheral edge of the sink system 100 may advantageously illuminate when the user is detected by the proximity sensor 208 to assist in the user locating and using the sink system 100 under low-level lighting conditions without requiring the user to locate a light switch.
  • the lighting elements e.g., LEDs 140
  • the lighting elements may be turned off when the user leaves or walks away from the sink system 100.
  • the lighting elements, e.g., LEDs 140 may be activated at programmed times, such as in the evening, to provide, for example, a nightlight effect.
  • the proximity sensor 208 may be incorporated in the sink system 100 in a different location or may be positioned somewhere on top of the counter 102 or underneath the counter 102.
  • the proximity sensor 208 may be within the sink basin 104.
  • the soap dispenser 202 may be incorporated in some other alternative embodiments of the sink system 100 in which the side discharge conduits 122, 124 and other components and features are not present.
  • the embodiment of the sink system 100 of Figure 11 may have an adjustable head 210 at the primary discharge conduit 120.
  • the adjustable head 210 may be coupled the plurality of sensors 134 such that as the plurality of sensors track the movement of a user’s hand or other object (e.g., dish) within the sink, the adjustable head 210 will redirect the direction of the water flowing out of the primary discharge conduit 120 to be directed towards to user’s hand or other object.
  • the adjustable head 130 may rotate or pivot left-to-right or right-to-left in real time to redirect the water towards the user’s hand or other object in real time.
  • the adjustable head 210 may rotate upward or downward in real time to redirect the water towards the user’ s hand or other object in real time.
  • a velocity or profile of the discharged water may be modified via one or more associated valves to direct water toward the user’s hand or other object.
  • the plurality of sensors 134 will track this movement and the adjustable head 210 and any associated valving will rotate and/or actuate accordingly to redirect the water flowing out the discharge conduit 120 towards the user’s hand or other object.
  • the rotation of the adjustable head 210 may be a rotation only in a vertical direction, a rotation only in a horizontal direction, or may be in a combination of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction together.
  • the adjustable head 210 may be pivotable in left-right directions to sweep from side to side within the basin and the velocity and/or profile of the discharged water may be adjustable by valving or the like to project different distances from front to back of the basin.
  • Figure 12 is a top plan view of the variant embodiment of the sink system 100 as shown in Figure 11.
  • a plurality of regions 212, 214, 216 may be pre-determined.
  • the plurality of sensors 134 may track a user’s hand or other object to determine if the user’s hand or other object is in one of the regions 212, 214, 216 and, in response, drive specific components of the sink system 100.
  • the side discharge conduit 124 may discharge water.
  • the side discharge conduit 122 may discharge water.
  • the central or main discharge conduit 120 may discharge water.
  • These regions may be preselected or preprogrammed such that the plurality of sensors 134 will provide a signal to a component of the sink system 100 that is actuated depending on the detecting of the hand of the user or other object in one of these preselected or preprogrammed regions.
  • the control display 174 may enable a user to selectively control some or all of the features of the sink system 100 from a common interface.
  • the control display may be mounted on the surface of the counter 102, a counter backsplash or any other convenient location near the sink basin 104.
  • control unit 150 may include a wireless communication module 198 to enable features of the sink system 100 to be remotely controlled using wireless communication technology, such as, for example, wireless Bluetooth technology.
  • wireless communication technology such as, for example, wireless Bluetooth technology.
  • a communication port such as a USB port, may also be provided for diagnostic and other purposes.
  • control unit 150 and control display 174 may be packaged with the sink basin 104, spacer ring 110 and one or more discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 as a sink installation kit.
  • the one or more discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 may be preinstalled on the spacer ring 110 and the spacer ring 100 may be preassembled with the sink basin 104.
  • the spacer ring 110 and associated devices housed therein e.g., discharge conduits 120, 122, 124, LEDs 140, etc.
  • valves, heating elements, a soap dispensing pump, a control board and other electronic components of the sink system may be enclosed or assembled as a functional unit for installation in close proximity to the sink basin for convenience of water line and electrical connections. This can be particularly advantageous to facilitate ease of installation of embodiments of the sink systems disclosed herein.
  • a sink system may be provided having a variety of dedicated discharge ports, which may be assigned different functions.
  • a main discharge port may be provided for many tasks that are typically carried out in a sink, such as washing hands.
  • a side port may be provided for tasks such as washing produce and may be configured to provide discharged water having a velocity and/or profile suitable for such tasks.
  • Another side port may be provided that is configured to discharge water with a steady stream directly into a garbage disposal to be used in connection with a disposal function.
  • one or more of the provided discharged ports may be dynamically adjustable either directly or via associate valving or the like to allow adjustment of characteristics (e.g., velocity, shape, profile, temperature) of the discharged water. In this manner, characteristics of the discharged water can be modified to suit particular needs as desired.
  • a sink system may be provided with lighting functionality (e.g., nightlight functionality) by providing one or more lighting elements within the sink basin itself which may be illuminated, for example, during preprogrammed times (e.g., at night for nightlight functionality) or in response to sensed movement within a room.
  • the lighting may be programmable to illuminate in certain colors such as a favorite sports team to provide illumination to suit a particular event, or to illuminate dynamically in response to a stimulus such as music to provide a strobing effect that is aligned with the beat of said music, for example.
  • object tracking functionality may be provided to enable the flow of discharged water to track in real time a user’s hand or other object within a basin and/or to provide other functionality.
  • one or more positions sensors e.g., hand tracking cameras
  • a primary discharge port main be dynamically controlled directly or indirectly to discharge a stream of water to the location of the user’s hand or other object, such as by manipulating the discharge direction of the port and/or modifying a pressure and velocity of the discharged water through suitable valving or the like
  • a user may, for example, also control a temperature of the water by moving their hands or other object from one location dedicated to hot water (e.g., left side of the sink) to another location for cold water (e.g., right side of the sink).
  • the temperature of the water may be adjusted gradually and smoothly between hot and cold as the user moves between the hot and cold positions. This may be provided, for example, by one or more associated heating units.
  • a plurality of heating units may be provided that can be selectively and individually activated to adjust a temperature of the discharged water in dependence on the position of the user’s hand or other object.
  • Each heating unit may be configured to raise the temperature of the discharged water incrementally, such as, for example, five or ten degrees each, and may be configured to collectively adjust the temperature between room temperature and about 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • lighting elements may be coordinated with such changes in temperature to provide dynamic visual feedback of the temperature of the water.
  • one or more lightings elements within the basin may be illuminated to have a red hue
  • one or more lighting elements within the basin may be illuminated to have a blue hue
  • one or more lighting elements within the basin may be illuminated to have an orange hue.
  • this hand tracking and associated functionality may be selectively activated and deactivated to enable, for example, a clean mode wherein a user can clean their sink without said tracking and associated functionality being active.
  • the sinks systems may be controllable by a handheld device such as a smart phone loaded with an appropriate app to provide various functionality.
  • a handheld device such as a smart phone loaded with an appropriate app to provide various functionality.
  • This can include touch controls as well as voice control via defined voice commands.
  • Functionality can include, for example, a fill function that enables a user to specify the quantity and temperature (e.g., X ounces and Y temperature) of water to be discharged into a pot or other receptacle.
  • the app or other user interface or controls may enable a user to: initiate water flow for various typical reasons: e.g., washing hands, filling a pan or glass, rinsing an object, washing produce or dishes; initiate water flow to interact with the garbage disposal simultaneously; initiate water flow for a hot jet spray that can be used to quickly rinse off dirty utensils, plates, pans, glasses or any other item that can be cleaned with hot water; initiate water flow to fill a cup with water for consumption; initiate soap dispensing for washing your hands or other objects; and initiate lighting features such as night lighting.
  • the app or other user interface or controls may also enable a user to customize the duration of the various sink functions described herein, such as, for example, the length of time for water to flow after one is finished using the sink, the length of time the garbage disposal runs while it functions, and the length of time lighting elements stay illuminated after initiation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, many if not all features of the various embodiments of the sink systems described herein may be conveniently controlled, programmed and/or modified by a user via a handheld device such as a smart phone.
  • sink systems 20, 100 Although various functional aspects of the sink systems 20, 100 described herein have been discussed with reference to undermount sink systems and in particular undermount sink systems with discharge conduits located entirely below a countertop surface, it is appreciated that many aspects (e.g., hand tracking functionality) are suited for use with other sink systems, including sinks with traditional faucet arrangements. Still further, although many functional aspects have been described in connection with the sink systems 20, 100, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these functional aspects.

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  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)

Abstract

A sink system is provided including a sink basin and a discharge conduit coupled to the sink basin, which is positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet thereof. The flow of fluid through the discharge conduit may be activated via a motion sensor or switch. The sink system may be provided with a valve in fluid communication with the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit that may provide fluid at a first flow rate, may provide a fluid at a second flow rate, or at an intermediate flow rate. The sink system may include a soap dispenser with an outlet that discharges soap when an object is detected by a motion sensor or when a switch is toggled. The sink system may include an adjustable head that redirects the flow of fluid expelled out of the discharged conduit tracking an object within the sink basin.

Description

SINK SYSTEMS
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
This disclosure generally relates to sinks, and more particularly to undermount sinks with enhanced functionality.
Description of the Related Art
A conventional undermount sink 10 is illustrated in Figure 1, which shows a basin 12 mounted directly to the underside of a countertop 14 such that no portion of the basin 12 extends to the upper surface of the countertop 14. A conventional faucet 16 with controls for turning on the faucet 16 and adjusting water temperature is also shown mounted to the countertop 14 in a position to discharge water into the basin 12 in a generally downward direction. This type of sink arrangement provides a substantially flat working surface in the area immediately adjacent the sink and eliminates a sink interface that would otherwise be present on the surface of the countertop 14 where food particles or other debris can collect. The presence of the faucet 16 on the surface of the countertop 14, however, can create various shortcomings. For example, the interface between the faucet 16 and the countertop 14 provides areas where debris and grime may collect. The faucet 16 can also serve as an obstruction to various culinary activities. Still further, manipulating the controls of the faucet 12 can lead to unsanitary conditions around the sink 10.
BRIEF SUMMARY
The undermount sinks and methods of making and using the same described herein provide for sink arrangements that are particularly well suited for domestic and commercial applications in which cleanliness and unobstructed counter space is of particular concern. In addition, the various sink arrangements provide enhanced user functionality. In various embodiments, the undermount sinks are mountable to the underside of a countertop or similar structure with all devices for controlling the flow and temperature of water located below the countertop surface. In other embodiments, one or more devices for controlling the flow and/or temperature of the water may be located on an upper surface of the countertop or in other locations remote from the sink basin. It is also appreciated that aspects of the embodiments described herein may be incorporated in any type of sink installation including sinks that mount to a top side of a countertop with traditional faucets.
At least one embodiment of an undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface may be summarized as including a basin, the basin having a drain hole at a lower end thereof; and a discharge conduit coupled to the basin and positioned to expel fluid into the basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit when a flow of fluid through the discharge conduit is activated, the discharge conduit and basin configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface. The discharge conduit may be positioned to expel fluid in an initial direction generally parallel to the upper counter surface when the undermount sink is mounted to the countertop. The basin and discharge conduit may be integrally formed.
The undermount sink system may further include a supplemental discharge conduit coupled to the basin and positioned to expel fluid into the basin via a supplemental outlet of the supplemental discharge conduit when a flow of fluid through the supplemental discharge conduit is activated. The discharge conduit may be positioned to expel fluid into the basin in an initial direction that is generally perpendicular to an initial direction with which fluid is expelled from the supplemental discharge conduit during operation thereof.
The undermount sink system may further include a spacer ring coupleable to an upper end of the basin to space the basin from the countertop when the basin is installed for use. The spacer ring may be configured to receive the discharge conduit and couple the discharge conduit to the basin. The spacer ring may house a plurality of lighting elements to enable selective illumination of an interior cavity of the basin. The undermount sink system may further include at least one motion sensor communicatively coupled to the plurality of lighting elements to illuminate the interior cavity of the basin when motion is sensed in a room containing the undermount sink system. The spacer ring may house one or a plurality of position sensors (e.g., cameras), the one or more position sensors being arranged to sense a position of a hand when the hand is positioned within an interior cavity of the basin. The undermount sink system may further include a control unit communicatively coupled to the plurality of position sensor(s) to receive a position signal therefrom and regulate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit during operation based at least in part on said position signal. The control unit may be communicatively coupled to the position sensor(s) to receive a position signal therefrom and regulate a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit during operation based at least in part on said position signal. The undermount sink system may further include a heater unit coupled to the discharge conduit via a fluid supply line, the heater unit operable to elevate the temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit near boiling when the flow of fluid is initially activated. At least one motion sensor may be communicatively coupled to the heater unit to activate the heater unit to enable the heater unit to supply the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit near boiling when motion is sensed in a room containing the undermount sink system. In this manner, the system may be prepared to dispense near boiling water on demand when someone is detected within the room, and may be in a standby mode (i.e., the heater unit is deactivated) at other times when no movement is sensed within the room.
The undermount sink system may further include a plurality of heater units that are selectively and independently operable to provide enhanced temperature control. The heaters may be activated and deactivated in coordination with a detected position of a user or object (e.g., dish) within the basin. For example, none of the heater units may be activated in a “cold” position within the basin, and all of the heater units may be activated in a “hot” position within the basin. In one or more intermediate positions, only a portion of the heaters may be activated. In this manner, temperature of the discharged water can be changed dynamically as the user or object moves within the basin. The temperature change may be gradual and smooth as the user or object moves within the basin.
The undermount sink system may further include a rotating head coupled to the outlet of the discharge conduit, the rotating head including a plurality of apertures having different configurations to enable selective variation of at least one of a shape and a direction of a stream of fluid expelled from the discharge conduit during operation.
The undermount sink system may further include a sensor (e.g., motion sensor) coupled to the basin to sense movement of a user and activate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit based on said movement. One or more position sensors (e.g., cameras) may be coupled to the basin to sense a hand position or object position and regulate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit based on said hand or object position. For example, water may be discharged with a velocity, a shape profile and direction that intercepts with the hand or object at the sensed position. In this manner, the flow of water may track the hand or object as it moves within the basin. In some instances, certain water discharge characteristics (e.g., shape, velocity, temperature) may be associated with preset or programmed positions within the basin. For example, water having hot jet spray characteristics may be discharged when an object is positioned within a hot rinse location within the basin. The undermount sink system may further include a valve coupled to the discharge conduit, the valve operable to control at least one of a rate and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit. The valve may be operable via a control device coupled directly to the wall of the basin. The valve may be operable via a control display device positioned remotely from the basin, the control display device including controls operable to control at least one of a rate and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit. The valve may be operatively controlled in coordination with a sensed position of a user or object (e.g., dish) within the basin to control at least one of a rate, a profile, and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit based at least in part on the sensed position.
A wireless communication device may be operatively coupled to the valve to enable remote control of the valve via a handheld device (e.g., smart phone). Various characteristics of the discharged water (e.g., activation of a hot rinse mode) may thus be controlled by the handheld device, such as via an app on the device. The undermount sink system may include a switch to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit, the switch coupled to the wall of the basin. A thermostat may be operatively coupled to the discharge conduit to detect and regulate a temperature of the flow of fluid therethrough, such as, for example, via temperature feedback control.
At least one embodiment of a sink system configured for installation on the underside of a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit coupled to the sink basin and positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit below an upper surface of the countertop when a flow of fluid through the discharge conduit is activated; a valve coupled to the discharge conduit, the valve operable to control at least one of a rate and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit; and a control device communicatively coupled to the valve to selectively adjust the valve in response to one or more control signals generated by an interaction of a user with the sink system within an interior region of the sink basin.
A sensor may be coupled to the sink basin to sense a movement of the user within the interior region of the sink basin and generate a control signal based on said movement. A sensor may be coupled to the sink basin to sense a position of a hand of the user within the interior region of the sink basin and generate a control signal based on said position. The sink system may further include a switch to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit, the switch coupled directly to the sink basin. The sink system may further include a spacer ring coupleable to an upper end of the sink basin to space the sink basin from the countertop when the sink basin is mounted to the countertop, the spacer ring configured to receive the discharge conduit.
At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin beneath a countertop may be summarized as including a spacer ring coupleable to the sink basin to space the sink basin from the countertop when the sink basin is mounted thereto; and a discharge conduit provided at least partially within the spacer ring below the upper counter surface and positioned to expel fluid into the basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit when the spacer ring is coupled to the sink basin and a flow of fluid through the discharge conduit is activated. A plurality of lighting elements may be provided within the spacer ring to enable selective illumination of an interior cavity of the sink basin. The sink basin mounting system may further include a plurality of position sensors provided within the spacer ring, the position sensors arranged to sense a position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) when the object is positioned within an interior cavity of the sink basin. Lighting characteristics of the lighting elements may be adjusted or modified in coordination with the movement or position of the object within the basin. For example, a color of the lighting elements may change as the object moves from one position to another within the basin.
At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a spacer ring between the sink basin and the countertop; a discharge conduit coupled to the spacer ring and positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; and a soap dispenser coupled to the spacer ring, wherein the soap dispenser, the discharge conduit, and the basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface. The soap dispenser may be activated by movement or the position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) within the basin. For example, soap may be discharged from the soap dispenser as a user’s hands are positioned in a dispensing area aligned with a discharge path of the soap dispenser.
At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; and a soap dispenser positioned to expel a soap into the sink basin, wherein the soap dispenser, the discharge conduit, and the basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin, a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit and communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the at least one sensor, and the valve are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin; and an adjustable head in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit, the adjustable head communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor tracks the object and sends a position signal to the adjustable head to adjust the adjustable head to direct fluid expelled through the outlet of the discharge conduit towards the object in real time, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the at least one sensor, and the adjustable head are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
At least one embodiment of a sink basin mounting system for coupling a sink basin to a countertop may be summarized as including a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin; a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit and communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the valve, and the at least one sensor are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface, wherein when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount, and wherein when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a second position that is closer to the outlet of the discharge conduit than the first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is different from the first amount.
At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including sensing a position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) within an interior region of a basin of a sink; and discharging fluid through a discharge conduit which is coupled to the basin of the sink entirely below an upper surface of a countertop to which the sink is installed. The method may further include adjusting at least one of a rate, a profile, and a temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit in response to the position of the object. Adjusting at least one of the rate, the profile, and the temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit in response to the position of the object may include increasing the rate of the flow of fluid in accordance with increasing distance of the object from a sidewall of the basin. Adjusting at least one of the rate and the temperature of the flow of fluid through the discharge conduit in response to the position of the object may include adjusting the temperature of the flow of fluid in accordance with the position of a hand within the interior region of the basin. Sensing the position of the object within the interior region of the basin of the sink may include sensing the position of a hand using a plurality of position sensors positioned around a perimeter of the sink. The method may further include illuminating the interior region of the basin with a plurality of light elements positioned around a perimeter of the sink. The method may further include discharging fluid through a supplemental discharge conduit which is coupled to the basin of the sink entirely below the upper surface of the countertop to which the sink is installed.
At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including sensing a position of an object (e.g., hand or dish) within an interior region of a basin of a sink; and discharging a soap through a discharge conduit which is coupled to the basin of the sink entirely below an upper surface of a countertop to which the sink is installed.
At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including sensing a position of an object within an interior region of a basin of a sink with at least one position sensor; and when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount; when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a second position that is closer to the outlet of the discharge conduit than the first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is less than the first amount; and when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a third position between the first position and the second position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a third distance that is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance by opening the valve by a third amount that is less than the first amount and greater than the second amount.
At least one embodiment of a method of sink operation may be summarized as including tracking a position of an object within an interior region of a basin of a sink; and rotating and/or actuating an adjustable head in fluid communication with a discharge conduit discharging a stream of fluid through the discharge conduit and the adjustable head tracking the object in real time. Aspects of the various embodiments described above and elsewhere herein can be combined to provide still further embodiments. In addition, various aspects disclosed herein can be incorporated into any type of sink installation and are not limited to undermount sinks.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles may not be drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility.
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a conventional undermount sink and faucet.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of an undermount sink system according to one embodiment.
Figure 3 is a partial detail view of the undermount sink system of Figure 2 taken along the line 3-3.
Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the undermount sink system of Figure 2 taken along line 4-4.
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the undermount sink system of Figure 2.
Figure 6 is an isometric view of an undermount sink system according to another embodiment.
Figure 7 is a top plan schematic diagram of the undermount sink system of Figure 6.
Figure 8 a schematic diagram of an integrated sink system including the undermount sink system of Figure 6.
Figure 9 is a control display, according to one embodiment, usable with the integrated sink system illustrated in Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a control display, according to an alternative embodiment, with the integrated sink system illustrated in Figure 8;
Figure 11 is an isometric view of an undermount sink system according to another embodiment.
Figure 12 is a top plan view of an integrated sink system including the undermount sink system of Figure 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and manufacturing techniques associated with domestic and commercial sinks and faucets as well as methods of making and installing the same may not be shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
Figures 2 through 5 show an undermount sink system 20 according one embodiment. The undermount sink system 20 includes a sink basin 22 defining a water receptacle. A discharge conduit 24 is coupled to the sink basin 22 to discharge water into the sink basin 22 when the sink system 20 is installed and in operation. The sink basin 22 includes a flange 26 at an upper end thereof for mounting the sink basin 22 to the underside of a countertop 28 or like structure. The flange 26 extends at least partially around the upper perimeter of the sink basin 22 and, in some embodiments, entirely around the upper perimeter. Adhesive 30 and mounting hardware 32 may be used to secure the flange 26 of the sink basin 22 to the countertop 28 or like structure. In this manner, the flange 26 defines a substantially horizontal mounting plane 34 for interfacing with the countertop 28 or like structure. A drain hole 36 is located in a lower end of the sink basin 22 for connecting the sink system 20 to a suitable drainage or sewer system. The shape of the sink basin 22 is defined by basin walls 38 that collectively span between the drain hole 36 and the flange 26. The general shape of the sink basin 22 may be generally rectangular, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of Figures 2 through 5, or any other shape including bowl-shaped and irregularly shaped sink basins. Consequently, the walls 38 or portions thereof may be flat, concave or convex or combinations thereof. Although the walls 38 of the illustrated embodiment are shown as a number of distinct intersecting walls, it is appreciated that the sink basin 22 may have a single continuous wall structure, such as a concave bowl structure.
As previously described, a discharge conduit 24 is coupled to the sink basin 22 to discharge water into the sink basin 22 when the sink system 20 is installed and in operation. As shown in Figures 2 through 5, the discharge conduit 24 may be coupled to the sink basin 22 at an upper end thereof such that an upper surface of the discharge conduit 24 is substantially flush with the mounting plane 34 defined by the flange 26. As such, the discharge conduit 24 may also be secured to the countertop 28 or like structure with adhesive and/or mounting hardware when installing the sink system 20.
The discharge conduit 24 is shown in the illustrated embodiment as an elongated tubular structure 40 having a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile, although it is appreciated that the cross-sectional profile of the tubular structure 40 can be any regular or irregular shape. Alternatively, the discharge conduit 24 may comprise a passageway extending through a nontubular structure.
According to the illustrated embodiment in which the cross-sectional profile of the discharge conduit 24 is generally rectangular, water may be expelled from an outlet 42 of the discharge conduit 24 in a cascading waterfall that projects toward a central portion of the sink basin 22. In some embodiments, a ratio of a width of the cross-sectional profile of the outlet to a height of the cross-sectional profile of the outlet is equal to or greater than 5: 1. In such embodiments, the water expelled from the outlet 42 may be suitably formed to travel a sufficient distance from the wall 38 of the sink basin 22 to facilitate washing one’s hands, dishes or performing other activities.
A supply tube 44 is shown connected to the elongated tubular structure 40 of the discharge conduit 24 in a substantially perpendicular arrangement. The supply tube 44 includes a central cavity 46 to enable a flow of water to enter the elongated tubular structure 40 for subsequent discharge into the sink basin 22. In some embodiments, the supply tube 44 may be welded, fused or otherwise permanently affixed to the elongated tubular structure 40. Alternatively, the supply tube 44 may be removably coupled to the elongated tubular structure 40, such as, for example, by threaded connections. Similarly, in some embodiments, the discharge conduit 24 may be welded, fused or otherwise permanently affixed to the wall 38 of the sink basin 22, or alternatively, removably coupled to the sink basin 22. In still further embodiments, the discharge conduit 24 and the sink basin 22 may be integrally formed. For example, the discharge conduit 24 and the sink basin 22 may be formed as a unitary porcelain component.
Although the discharge conduit 24 of the illustrated embodiment is shown in a generally flush arrangement with the flange 26 of the sink basin 22, it is appreciated that the discharge conduit 24 may be positioned in other positions offset from the flange 26. In addition, although the discharge conduit 24 is shown in a generally horizontal orientation, it is appreciated that in some embodiments the discharge conduit may be oriented in different directions, such as, for example, at a declined angle relative to the horizontal mounting plane 34. Also, in some embodiments, a second discharge conduit (not shown) may be provided to operate in unison with or independent of the other discharge conduit 24. For example, two discharged conduits 24 may be provided on opposing or adjacent walls 38 of the sink basin 22.
With continued reference to Figures 2 through 5, the sink system 20 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a sensor 50 mounted to the wall 38 of the sink basin 22 proximate the outlet 42 of the discharge conduit 24. The sensor 50 may be a proximity or motion sensor. The sensor 50 is positioned to sense the presence of a user’s hand or an object placed in front of the discharge conduit 24 and to activate the flow of water through the discharge conduit 24 in response thereto. In operation, the water may continue to flow until the presence of the user’s hand or the object is no longer sensed by the sensor 50 or for a determined period of time or a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, water may continue to flow for a few seconds after the presence of the user’s hand or the object is no longer sensed.
A control 52, such as a touch screen, push button or rocker switch, may also be mounted to the wall 38 of the sink basin 22 for enabling a user to selectively activate and deactivate the flow of water through the discharge conduit 24. The control 52 may take priority over the sensor 50, thereby enabling the flow of water into the sink basin 22 when an object or movement of the same is not present, and conversely, disabling the flow of water into the sink basin 22 when the object or motion of the same is present. Further controls 54, either manual or electronic, may be provided for adjusting a temperature and/or flow rate of the water through the discharge conduit 24, as well as for providing other functionality described herein. For example, a touch screen may be provided with selectable temperature controls and/or selectable flow rate controls. In one embodiment, the controls 54 may be in the form of a touch screen having a small surface area that is inconspicuously positioned for convenient access by a user near the outlet 42. In some embodiments, various buttons, levers, switches and/or touch controls may be included that provide optional features such as, for example, discharging a specific volume of fluid. For instance, a user may operate a push button or touch screen control for discharging one liter of fluid through the discharge conduit 24. In such an embodiment, a volumetric flow sensor (not shown) may be coupled to the discharge conduit 24 for that purpose. Although the controls 54 are illustrated as being positioned within the sink basin 22, it is appreciated that the controls 54 may alternatively be located on an upper surface 29 of the countertop 28. For example, an optional control lever or dial 56 may be coupled to the upper surface 29 of the countertop 28 to adjust the temperature and/or flow rate of water moving through the discharge conduit 24. Further, in some embodiments, the sensor 50 and other controls 52, 54 may be located remote from the sink system 20 or remote from the area immediately around the sink, such as, for example, on a backsplash or other remote structure.
The sink system 20 may further include a control system 58 (Figure 5) for routing water to the discharge conduit 24 during operation and dynamically regulating a temperature of the same. The control system 58 can include one or more valves (not shown) for selectively metering various amounts of hot and cold water from hot and cold water supply lines 60, 62. The control system 28 may also be equipped with a heat sensor (not shown) that can relay temperature information pertaining to the flow of water to allow the control system 58 to regulate the valves, thereby giving the user the ability to adjust the temperature of the water with a thermostat, for example.
Additionally, the control system 58 can be coupled to an optional instant hot water supply line 64 which is in fluid communication with a heater unit (not shown) for supplying nearly boiling hot water from the heater unit on demand. In this manner, the heater may selectively heat water to various temperatures during initial start up of the water flow to have the water temperature at a desired setting immediately, without delay. This instant hot water may be supplied temporarily until hot water from the separate hot water supply line 60 reaches the valve controls of the control system 58 and takes over or supplements the water supplied by instant hot water supply line 64. In other words, the control system 58 may interrupt the use of the instant hot water supply line 64 allowing the domestic water source of the hot water supply line 60 to maintain the desired temperature after the initial startup period. The controls 54 may also include a separate control or controls in communication with the control system 58 to operate a supply of the instant hot water supply line 64 independent of the main hot and cold water supply lines 60, 62.
In some embodiments, the various controls and sensors (e.g., motion sensor 50) described above may be coupled to the sink system 20 and connected to the control system 58 prior to installation of the sink system 20 in an assembled package such that the assembled package may be transported to an installation location and installed with relatively modest effort (e.g., the connection of water supply lines and drain pipes). These various controls and sensors interoperate to control the temperature and flow rate of the water through the discharge conduit 24, as well as provide other functionality described herein, such as by either manually or electronically controlling the one or more valves of the control system 58. In this manner, operation of the sink system 20 may be performed completely from within an interior region of the sink basin 22. In such embodiments, the upper surface 29 of the counter 28 may be completely barren in the immediate proximity of the sink system 20.
Further, in one embodiment, the control system 58 may also be remotely controlled using wireless communication devices, such as, for example, wireless Bluetooth technology. In this manner, the rate and/or temperature of flow discharged from the discharge conduit 24 may be selectively controlled by a user via a handheld electronic device, such as a cell phone, thereby providing further operational versatility.
Figure 6 illustrates a sink system 100 that is mountable to the underside of a countertop 102 or like structure, according to another example embodiment. The sink system 100 includes a sink basin 104 having a drain 109 and sidewalls 106 that define an internal region or cavity 108 of the sink basin 104. A mounting flange (not visible) is provided at an upper end of the sink basin 104 for mounting the sink basin 104 beneath the countertop 102 or like structure. The mounting flange may extend at least partially around the upper perimeter of the sink basin 104 and, in some embodiments, entirely around the upper perimeter. A spacer ring 110 may be provided and positioned intermediate the sink basin 104 and the countertop 102 to which the sink system 100 is installed. The spacer ring 110 may be sized and shaped to interface with the mounting flange of the sink basin 104 and may be secured to the same with adhesive and/or mounting hardware. Similarly, the spacer ring 110 may be secured with adhesive and/or mounting hardware to the countertop 102. The spacer ring 110 spaces the sink basin 104 below the countertop 102 and provides a structure for mounting various devices described in further detail below.
For example, the spacer ring 110 may include one or more apertures for receiving one or more respective discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 therein. More particularly, as shown in the example embodiment of Figure 6, a primary discharge conduit 120 may be received within an aperture of the spacer ring 110 at one side or area of the sink basin 104 and one or more supplemental discharge conduits 122, 124 may be received within corresponding apertures of the spacer ring 110 located at other sides or areas of the sink basin 104. The discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 may be of different sizes and configurations to generate streams 126 of different shapes, trajectories and/or velocities. In addition, one or more of the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 may include an adjustable head 130 for selectively adjusting a configuration of the stream of water flowing therefrom. For instance, an adjustable head 130 having a rotating portion with a plurality of selectable discharge apertures may be positioned at the outlet of one or more of the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124. The adjustable head 130 may be rotated manually or automatically in conjunction with a servomotor and an associated control system to generate different streams 126. For instance, the adjustable head may rotate between one discharge aperture for generating a generally flat stream in one position and another discharge aperture for generating a downwardly directed coarse spray in another position, which may be more suitable for cleaning dishes or other activities. An arching flow configuration may be provided in yet another position for filling taller pots or for simulating a drinking fountain. Irrespective of the shape and trajectory of the stream 126, the discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 are controlled to selectively discharge water into the basin 104 during operation.
The spacer ring 110 may further include a plurality of position sensors 134 mounted around a perimeter thereof, as best shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 7. The position sensors 134 may be arranged, for example, in each of the four corners of a spacer ring 110 having a generally rectangular configuration. The position sensors 134 may be arranged to sense a position of a user’s hand or an object in the user’s hand within the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 using, for example, triangulation principles. With this information, the sink system 100 may be configured to provide enhanced functions. For example, in some embodiments, the position of the user’s hand may be used to determine which discharge conduits 120, 122, 124, if any, should be activated to produce a corresponding stream 126 of water. In addition, the temperature of the discharged water may be controlled in accordance with hand or object position. For instance, positioning one’s hand(s) in front of a left side of the primary discharge conduit 120 may generate a relatively hot stream of water, whereas positioning one’s hand(s) in front of a right side of the primary discharge conduit 120 may generate a relatively cold stream of water. Intermediate positions may feature intermediate temperatures and the temperature may increase incrementally or continuously as a user moves his or her hand(s) left-to-right or right-to-left in front of the discharge conduit 120. This incremental or continuous adjustment of the temperatures of the water may be adjusted by a water heating system that is in electrical communication with sensors that track the movement of the user’s hand or an object (e.g., dish, utensil, etc.) within the sink basin 104. For example, the movement or change of position of one’s hand(s) from a left-to-right or right-to-left may be determined or monitored by the plurality of position sensors 134, which may be communicatively coupled to the water heating system and the discharge conduit 120 to adjust the temperature of the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 utilizing the water heating system.
Still further, a flow rate or stream trajectory may be controlled based on the distance of one’s hand(s) or an object from an outlet 136 (Figure 6) of the primary discharge conduit 120. For instance, a water stream may be discharged at a relatively low rate and short trajectory when one’s hands are relatively close to the outlet 136, and may be discharged at a higher rate and far trajectory when one’s hands are relatively far from the outlet 136. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user may place his or her hands or an object in the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 and his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 receives the stream 126 of water, which is adjusted to have sufficient strength to reach his or her hands or the object irrespective of a distance of his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 from the outlet 136.
As another example, the plurality of position sensors 134 may be communicatively coupled to a valve (not shown), which is in fluid communication with the discharge conduit 120 and the outlet 136. As one’s hand or object moves towards the outlet 136, the proximity sensor detects the hand’s or the object’s moving towards the outlet 136 and sends a signal to the valve, which may be an electronic valve, to begin closing the valve to limit the stream 126 of the water flowing through the outlet 136. As one’s hand or the object moves away from the outlet 136, the proximity sensor detects the hand or object moving away from the outlet 136 and sends a signal to the valve to begin opening the valve to increase the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136. In other words, the opening and closing of the valve increases or decreases the flow and pressure of the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136. This active adjustment (e.g., opening and closing) of the valve adjusts the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 such that the stream 126 becomes stronger (e.g., when one’s hand is further away from the outlet 136) and becomes weaker (e.g., when one’s hand is closer to the outlet 136) based on the location of the hand relative to the outlet 136. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the user may place his or her hands or an object in the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 and his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 receives the stream 126 of water, which is adjusted to have sufficient strength to reach his or her hands or the object irrespective of a distance of his or her hands or the object in the internal region 108 from the outlet 136. This adjustment of the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 by the valve reduces the likelihood of water splashing or spilling out of the sink basin 104 onto a countertop surface in which the sink system 100 is integrated.
For example, when the plurality of position sensors 134 detect the hand of the user in a first position, fluid is expelled from the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 by a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount. When the plurality of position sensors 134 detect the hand of the user in a second position that is closer to the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 than the first position, fluid is expelled from the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 by a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is different (e.g., less than or more than depending on the type of valve) than the first amount. When the plurality of position sensors 134 detect the hand of the user in a third position between the first position and the second position, fluid is expelled from the outlet 136 of the discharge conduit 120 a third distance that is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance by opening the valve by a third amount that is less than the first amount and greater than the second amount.
A servomotor (not shown) may be communicatively coupled to the plurality of position sensors 136, and the servomotor rotates to increase or decrease a temperature of the stream 126 of the water flowing through the outlet 126. For example, if a user’s hand or an object is at the far left side of the sink basin 104, the servomotor will rotate in a first direction and increase the temperature of the stream 126 of water. Alternatively, if the user’s hand or object is at the far right side of the sink basin 104 the servomotor will rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction and decrease the temperature of the stream 126 of water. The servomotor may act in a similar manner as the knob 56, however, unlike the knob, the user does not need to physically touch the servomotor to increase or decrease the temperature of the stream 126 of water being expelled or discharged into the sink basin 104. Furthermore, unlike the knob 56, the servomotor may be mounted underneath the countertop.
The spacer ring 110 may further include a plurality of lighting elements mounted around a perimeter thereof, such as, for example, a plurality of LEDs 140, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The LEDs 140 may be operated with a switch mounted directly to the spacer ring 110 or sink basin 104, or alternatively, a switch mounted remotely from the same. In some embodiments, the LEDs 140 may be communicatively coupled to a motion sensor (not shown) mounted within the room of the sink system 100 to detect the presence of someone in the room and selectively illuminate the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 in response to the presence of an individual entering the room. Accordingly, the peripheral edge of the sink system 100 may advantageously illuminate when someone enters at night to assist the user in locating and using the sink system 100 under low-level lighting conditions without requiring the user to locate a light switch. Conversely, the LEDs 140 may be turned off when the individual leaves the room and is no longer sensed within the room. The LEDs 140 may also be communicatively coupled to the position sensors 134 to illuminate in response to a position or motion of a user’s hand or object within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104. In this manner, the LEDs 140 may provide visual feedback to a user. For example, as described above, the temperature of water may vary as one moves an object or his or her hand from left-to-right or right-to-left within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104. A series of LEDs 140 may be provided and configured to illuminate in sequence incrementally with increases in temperature or by changing color or other characteristics, thereby providing visual user feedback of the expected water temperature of the discharged water stream. For example, when the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet 136 is at maximum (e.g., hottest) temperature, the LEDs 140 may emit a first color, which may be a deep, dark, red color. When the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet is at a minimum (e.g., coldest) temperature, the LEDs 140 may emit a second color, which may be a deep, dark, blue color. When the stream 126 of water flowing through the outlet is at an intermediate temperature between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature, the LEDs 140 may emit a third color, which may be a combination of red and blue (e.g., purple hues). At intermediate temperatures closer to the maximum temperature the third color may be more red than blue. At intermediate temperatures closer to the minimum temperature, the third color emitted by the LEDs 140 may be more blue than red. In some embodiments, the color emitted by the LEDs 140 may be programmable by the user such that the indications for maximum temperature and minimum temperature are different colors. The programmable nature of the color emitted by the LEDs 140 may assist colorblind users to know the temperature of the water. The programmable nature of the color emitted by the LEDs 140 may allow the user to create strobe effects or interactive effects to be displayed or emitted in conjunction with music being played. In other words, the programmable nature of the colors displayed or emitted by the LEDs 140 provides a user to select the colors displayed or emitted as well as provide customization and interactive experiences of the LEDs 140 as selected or programed by the user.
The spacer ring 110 may further include a plurality of switches, buttons or other control devices mounted therein to control various functions of the sink system 100. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the spacer ring 110 may retain a plurality of micro switches 142 on a face thereof opposite where the spacer ring 110 houses the primary discharge conduit 120. The micro switches 142 may be used to turn the flow of water on or off and to control a flow rate and/or temperature of the discharged water. For instance, one of the micro switches 142 may be provided to turn the flow of water on and off, or enable and disable the flow of water in response to position and/or motion sensing within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104. Other micro switches 142 may increase and decrease the temperature of discharged water or increase and decrease the rate of flow of the discharged water, for example.
With reference to Figure 8, the micro switches 142 or other control devices may be communicatively coupled to a control unit 150, as represented by the arrow labeled 152. The micro switches 142 or other control devices may be coupled to the control unit 150, for example, by electrical conductors in the form of a ribbon cable and appropriate electrical connectors. The control unit 150 may similarly be communicatively coupled to the LEDs 140, as represented by the arrow labeled 154, to provide power to the same for selective illumination of the LEDs 140 in accordance with embodiments of the sink systems 100 described herein. Still further, the control unit 150 may be communicatively coupled to the position sensors 134, as represented by the arrow labeled 156, to receive position signals from the same for controlling various functions of the sink systems 100.
Moreover, the control unit 150 may also include various electronic flow and temperature control valves and a manifold containing the same to selectively route a supply of water form a water source 157 to each of the one or more discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 of the sink system 100, as represented by the arrow labeled 158. Alternatively, a separate manifold or manifolds and appropriate valves may be provided separate from the control unit 150, but nevertheless communicatively coupled to the same to receive valve control signals during operation. For example, during operation, the control unit 150 may receive control signals from the positional sensors 134 based at least in part on the position of an object within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104 and cause a valve or valves to shift in response to the same to initiate the discharge of water and/or to change a temperature and/or a rate of discharged water. In some embodiments, the control system 150 will determine which, if any, of the discharged conduits 120, 122, 124 should be utilized based on the control signals received from the position sensors 134. In this manner, the control unit 150 and associated devices combine to create a “smart” sink system 100 with enhanced functions atypical of conventional sinks 10 (Figure 1).
With continued reference to Figure 8, the control unit 150 may also be communicatively coupled to various other ancillary features of the sink system 100 when provided. For instance, the sink system 100 may include a heater 160 to provide instant hot water near boiling which is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150 to receive control signals therefrom, as represented by the arrow labeled 162. As another example, the sink system 100 may include a garbage disposal 164 to breakdown debris passing through the drain 109 which is communicatively coupled to the control unit 150 to receive control signals therefrom, as represented by the arrow labeled 166. The control unit 150 may be powered by a battery or other power supply 170, such as, for example, mains power.
A control display 174 may be provided to interface with the control unit 150 to transmit and receive various control signals in accordance with the sink functions described herein, as represented by the double headed arrow labeled 176. Figure 9 shows, for example, one embodiment of a control display 174 which may be provided as a user interface for operating some or all of the functions of the corresponding sink system 100.
As shown in Figure 9, the control display 174 may include an on/off control 177 with an LED indicator for turning the flow of water on and off or for enabling and disabling the flow of water in response to position and/or motion sensing within the interior region 108 of the sink basin 104. In addition, a flow control 178 may be provided to enable selection between high, medium and low flow conditions. Temperature controls 180, 182 may also be provided to enable temperature adjustment. A series of LEDs 184 and/or a digital temperature indicator 186 may be included to provide visual feedback of the temperature setting. Controls for initiating flow and adjusting temperature and flow rate are primary control features. Ancillary or supplemental control features may also be provided in some embodiments. For example, an auto-fill control 190 may be provided which is configured to provide a signal to initiate an auto-fill function in which a determined volume of water is discharged into the sink basin 104. One, two or more determined fill volumes may be established. As another example, an auto disposal button 192 may be provided which is configured to provide a signal to initiate an auto disposal function in which a flow of water is discharged into the sink basin 104 while a garbage disposal 164 (Figure 8) is activated for a relatively short duration. The discharged water may be controlled to land directly in a drain that opens into the garbage disposal while the disposal function is activated. As yet another example, a drain control button 194 may be provided for initiating a valve to close a shutter of the drain 109 and enable the sink basin 104 to be filled with water for various culinary or other activities. Still further, an instant hot water control 196 or “tea” control may be provided to discharge water near boiling to prepare, for example, teas or other hot beverages. As a safety precaution, the instant hot water control 196 may require a user to press a touch button control twice or otherwise confirm that hot water is desired. In addition, the availability of instant hot water from the heater 160 (Figure 8) may be coordinated with a motion sensor located within the kitchen or other room accommodating the sink system 100 or in some instances adjacent rooms thereof. More particularly, the heater 160 may remain idle until the presence of someone is detected in the room or the vicinity of the sink system 100 by the motion sensor. In this manner, energy is conserved by avoiding the need to continuously maintain a supply of heated water near boiling. Rather, the heater 160 may be activated to prepare a heated supply of water near boiling during those times when it is more likely that a user will require the same. In a similar manner, a home recirculation pump may remain idle until those times when it is expected that a user may seek to use hot water. As yet another example, a proximity light control 197 may be provided which is configured to activate and deactivate a proximity light feature wherein the sink basin 104 is selectively illuminated when the presence of an individual is sensed within the room or vicinity of the sink system 100.
Figure 10 is directed to an alternative embodiment of a control display 274. As shown in Figure 10, unlike the control display 174 as shown in Figure 9, the control display 274 may include a clean/light mode control 201 in which the sink system 100 will not turn on in the presence of a user’s hand or object entering the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104. This allows the user to access the internal region 108 of the sink basin 104 to clean the sink basin 104 without being sprayed with water. The clean/light mode control 201 also provides the user access to programming the colors of the LEDs 140, which was discussed in detail earlier within the present disclosure and will not be reproduced here for simplicity and brevity of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the clean mode and the light programming mode may have separate buttons.
Figure 11 is directed to another example embodiment of the sink system 100. In this alternative embodiment of the sink system 100, a soap dispenser 202 having an outlet 204 of a discharge conduit adjacent to sink basin 104. The soap dispenser 202 is in fluid communication with a soap storage component (not shown) and the outlet 204 may be received by an aperture in the spacer ring 110 at one side or area of the sink basin 104. The soap dispenser 202 may be automated such that when a user’s hand or other object (e.g., dish) is detected in a preselected or preprogrammed position by the plurality of sensors 134, soap is then dispensed into the sink basin 104 and onto the user’s hand or other object. For example, when the plurality of sensors 134 detect a user’s hand or other object in a region 206 near or adjacent to the outlet 204 for a selected period of time, the soap dispenser 202 dispenses soap through the outlet 204 without the user’s hand or the object contacting the outlet 204, the soap dispenser 202, or the sink system 100 altogether. Touchless soap dispensing is thus provided.
In this embodiment, the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 extends through the spacer ring 110 and is in the spacer ring 110. However, in some other alternative embodiments, the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 is positioned at a different location. For example, the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 in some other embodiments may be present in the sink basin 104 such that the outlet 204 of the soap dispenser 202 extends through one of the sidewalls 106 of the sink basin 104. Alternatively, in some other embodiments the soap dispenser may be at the left-side of the sink system 100, the right-side of the sink system 100, or a rear side (e.g., side closest to the user when in use) of the sink system 100 based on the orientation of the sink system 100 as shown in Figure 11.
The region 206 may be adjusted in size and shape depending on the pressure at which the soap is dispensed through the outlet 204. For example, the region 206 may be larger if the soap is dispensed at a first pressure and the region may be smaller if the soap is dispensed at a second pressure less than the first pressure.
The embodiment of the sink system 100 of Figure 11 may further include a proximity sensor 208 in the spacer ring 110 that detects when a user is approaching or is adjacent to the sink system. The peripheral edge of the sink system 100 may advantageously illuminate when the user is detected by the proximity sensor 208 to assist in the user locating and using the sink system 100 under low-level lighting conditions without requiring the user to locate a light switch. Conversely, the lighting elements, e.g., LEDs 140, may be turned off when the user leaves or walks away from the sink system 100. In some instances, the lighting elements, e.g., LEDs 140, may be activated at programmed times, such as in the evening, to provide, for example, a nightlight effect.
In some other alternative embodiments of the sink system 100, the proximity sensor 208 may be incorporated in the sink system 100 in a different location or may be positioned somewhere on top of the counter 102 or underneath the counter 102. For example, in at least one alternative embodiment, the proximity sensor 208 may be within the sink basin 104.
While not shown, the soap dispenser 202 may be incorporated in some other alternative embodiments of the sink system 100 in which the side discharge conduits 122, 124 and other components and features are not present.
The embodiment of the sink system 100 of Figure 11 may have an adjustable head 210 at the primary discharge conduit 120. The adjustable head 210 may be coupled the plurality of sensors 134 such that as the plurality of sensors track the movement of a user’s hand or other object (e.g., dish) within the sink, the adjustable head 210 will redirect the direction of the water flowing out of the primary discharge conduit 120 to be directed towards to user’s hand or other object. For example, as the plurality of sensors 134 track the user’s hand or other object moving from left-to-right or right-to-left within the sink basin 104, the adjustable head 130 may rotate or pivot left-to-right or right-to-left in real time to redirect the water towards the user’s hand or other object in real time. Similarly, as the plurality of sensors track the user’s hand or other object moving upward and downward within the sink basin 104, the adjustable head 210 may rotate upward or downward in real time to redirect the water towards the user’ s hand or other object in real time. In other instances, a velocity or profile of the discharged water may be modified via one or more associated valves to direct water toward the user’s hand or other object. In other words, if there is a combination of movement of a user’s hand or other object in a left, right, up, and down direction within the sink basin 104, the plurality of sensors 134 will track this movement and the adjustable head 210 and any associated valving will rotate and/or actuate accordingly to redirect the water flowing out the discharge conduit 120 towards the user’s hand or other object. For example, in a non-limiting example, the rotation of the adjustable head 210 may be a rotation only in a vertical direction, a rotation only in a horizontal direction, or may be in a combination of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction together. In some embodiments, the adjustable head 210 may be pivotable in left-right directions to sweep from side to side within the basin and the velocity and/or profile of the discharged water may be adjustable by valving or the like to project different distances from front to back of the basin.
Figure 12 is a top plan view of the variant embodiment of the sink system 100 as shown in Figure 11. In some embodiments, a plurality of regions 212, 214, 216 may be pre-determined. The plurality of sensors 134 may track a user’s hand or other object to determine if the user’s hand or other object is in one of the regions 212, 214, 216 and, in response, drive specific components of the sink system 100.
When the user’s hand or the object is in the first region 212 at the left-hand side of the sink basin 104 for a selected period of time, the side discharge conduit 124 may discharge water. When the user’s hand or other object is in the second region 214 on the left-hand side of the sink basin 104 for a selected period of time, the side discharge conduit 122 may discharge water. When the user’s hand or other object is in the third region 216 positioned between the first region 212 and the second region 214 for a selected period of time, the central or main discharge conduit 120 may discharge water. These regions may be preselected or preprogrammed such that the plurality of sensors 134 will provide a signal to a component of the sink system 100 that is actuated depending on the detecting of the hand of the user or other object in one of these preselected or preprogrammed regions.
As can be appreciated from the above, many convenient features may be integrated into the sink system 100 to provide a particularly handy or “smart” sink apparatus for residential and commercial applications. The control display 174 may enable a user to selectively control some or all of the features of the sink system 100 from a common interface. The control display may be mounted on the surface of the counter 102, a counter backsplash or any other convenient location near the sink basin 104.
Still further, as shown in Figure 8, the control unit 150 may include a wireless communication module 198 to enable features of the sink system 100 to be remotely controlled using wireless communication technology, such as, for example, wireless Bluetooth technology. In this manner, the rate and/or temperature of flow discharged into the sink basin 104 may be selectively controlled by a handheld electronic device 200 (e.g., smart phone) thereby providing further operational versatility. A communication port, such as a USB port, may also be provided for diagnostic and other purposes.
According to some embodiments, the control unit 150 and control display 174 may be packaged with the sink basin 104, spacer ring 110 and one or more discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 as a sink installation kit. The one or more discharge conduits 120, 122, 124 may be preinstalled on the spacer ring 110 and the spacer ring 100 may be preassembled with the sink basin 104. In other embodiments, the spacer ring 110 and associated devices housed therein (e.g., discharge conduits 120, 122, 124, LEDs 140, etc.) may be packaged together as a kit to be installed with various conventional sink basins sold separately.
According to some embodiments, valves, heating elements, a soap dispensing pump, a control board and other electronic components of the sink system may be enclosed or assembled as a functional unit for installation in close proximity to the sink basin for convenience of water line and electrical connections. This can be particularly advantageous to facilitate ease of installation of embodiments of the sink systems disclosed herein.
In view of the above, it is appreciated that embodiments of the sink systems described herein may provide various advantageous features.
For example, a sink system may be provided having a variety of dedicated discharge ports, which may be assigned different functions. For instance, a main discharge port may be provided for many tasks that are typically carried out in a sink, such as washing hands. A side port may be provided for tasks such as washing produce and may be configured to provide discharged water having a velocity and/or profile suitable for such tasks. Another side port may be provided that is configured to discharge water with a steady stream directly into a garbage disposal to be used in connection with a disposal function. Notably, one or more of the provided discharged ports may be dynamically adjustable either directly or via associate valving or the like to allow adjustment of characteristics (e.g., velocity, shape, profile, temperature) of the discharged water. In this manner, characteristics of the discharged water can be modified to suit particular needs as desired.
As another example, a sink system may be provided with lighting functionality (e.g., nightlight functionality) by providing one or more lighting elements within the sink basin itself which may be illuminated, for example, during preprogrammed times (e.g., at night for nightlight functionality) or in response to sensed movement within a room. In some instances, the lighting may be programmable to illuminate in certain colors such as a favorite sports team to provide illumination to suit a particular event, or to illuminate dynamically in response to a stimulus such as music to provide a strobing effect that is aligned with the beat of said music, for example.
As yet another example, object tracking functionality may be provided to enable the flow of discharged water to track in real time a user’s hand or other object within a basin and/or to provide other functionality. For instance, one or more positions sensors (e.g., hand tracking cameras) are provided to provide tracking or location detection to locate a user’s hand or object with reasonable accuracy and, in response, discharge water with desired characteristics for certain tasks or activities associated with the location of the user’s hand or other object. As an example, a primary discharge port main be dynamically controlled directly or indirectly to discharge a stream of water to the location of the user’s hand or other object, such as by manipulating the discharge direction of the port and/or modifying a pressure and velocity of the discharged water through suitable valving or the like, Advantageously, a user may, for example, also control a temperature of the water by moving their hands or other object from one location dedicated to hot water (e.g., left side of the sink) to another location for cold water (e.g., right side of the sink). The temperature of the water may be adjusted gradually and smoothly between hot and cold as the user moves between the hot and cold positions. This may be provided, for example, by one or more associated heating units. In some instances, a plurality of heating units (e.g., three, four, five or more) may be provided that can be selectively and individually activated to adjust a temperature of the discharged water in dependence on the position of the user’s hand or other object. Each heating unit may be configured to raise the temperature of the discharged water incrementally, such as, for example, five or ten degrees each, and may be configured to collectively adjust the temperature between room temperature and about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. In some instances, lighting elements may be coordinated with such changes in temperature to provide dynamic visual feedback of the temperature of the water. For example, when hot water is being discharged, one or more lightings elements within the basin may be illuminated to have a red hue, and when cold water is being discharged, one or more lighting elements within the basin may be illuminated to have a blue hue. In intermediate positions where the water is warm, one or more lighting elements within the basin may be illuminated to have an orange hue. Notably, this hand tracking and associated functionality may be selectively activated and deactivated to enable, for example, a clean mode wherein a user can clean their sink without said tracking and associated functionality being active.
As still yet another example, the sinks systems may be controllable by a handheld device such as a smart phone loaded with an appropriate app to provide various functionality. This can include touch controls as well as voice control via defined voice commands. Functionality can include, for example, a fill function that enables a user to specify the quantity and temperature (e.g., X ounces and Y temperature) of water to be discharged into a pot or other receptacle. As non-limiting examples, the app or other user interface or controls may enable a user to: initiate water flow for various typical reasons: e.g., washing hands, filling a pan or glass, rinsing an object, washing produce or dishes; initiate water flow to interact with the garbage disposal simultaneously; initiate water flow for a hot jet spray that can be used to quickly rinse off dirty utensils, plates, pans, glasses or any other item that can be cleaned with hot water; initiate water flow to fill a cup with water for consumption; initiate soap dispensing for washing your hands or other objects; and initiate lighting features such as night lighting. The app or other user interface or controls may also enable a user to customize the duration of the various sink functions described herein, such as, for example, the length of time for water to flow after one is finished using the sink, the length of time the garbage disposal runs while it functions, and the length of time lighting elements stay illuminated after initiation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, many if not all features of the various embodiments of the sink systems described herein may be conveniently controlled, programmed and/or modified by a user via a handheld device such as a smart phone.
Although various functional aspects of the sink systems 20, 100 described herein have been discussed with reference to undermount sink systems and in particular undermount sink systems with discharge conduits located entirely below a countertop surface, it is appreciated that many aspects (e.g., hand tracking functionality) are suited for use with other sink systems, including sinks with traditional faucet arrangements. Still further, although many functional aspects have been described in connection with the sink systems 20, 100, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these functional aspects.
Moreover, aspects of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide still further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/476,572 filed December 21, 2022 is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

Claims

1. A sink system comprising: a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel water into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit, wherein a discharge direction of the outlet is adjustable to at least sweep side to side; and at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of a user’s hand or other object within the sink basin, and wherein the sink system is configured to dynamically track a position of the user’s hand or other object within the sink basin and modify the discharge direction of the discharge conduit in coordination with the tracked position.
2. The sink system of claim 1, wherein the sink system is further configured to modify a pressure or velocity of the expelled water in coordination with the tracked position of the user’s hand or other object to generate a stream of water that dynamically tracks and intersects with the user’s hand or other object in real time as the user’s hand or other object moves within the sink basin.
3. The sink system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sink system is an undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface.
4. An undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface, the undermount sink system comprising: a sink basin; a spacer ring between the sink basin and the countertop; a discharge conduit coupled to the spacer ring and positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; and a soap dispenser coupled to the spacer ring, wherein the soap dispenser, the discharge conduit, and the basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
5. The undermount sink system of claim 4, further comprising at least one sensor in in electrical communication with the soap dispenser.
6. The undermount sink system of claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor is in the spacer ring.
7. The undermount sink system of claims 5 or 6, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect an object within the sink basin.
8. The undermount sink system of claims 5, 6 or 7, wherein the soap dispenser dispenses a soap when the at least one sensor detects the object in a preselected position.
9. The undermount sink system of claim 8, wherein the soap dispenser dispenses the soap when the at least one sensor detects the object in the preselected position for a preselected period of time.
10. An undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface, the undermount sink system comprising: a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; and a soap dispenser positioned to expel a soap into the sink basin, wherein the soap dispenser, the discharge conduit, and the basin are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
11. The undermount sink system of claim 10, further comprising at least one sensor in in electrical communication with the soap dispenser.
12. The undermount sink system of claim 11, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface.
13. The undermount sink system of claims 11 or 12, wherein the soap dispenser dispenses a soap when the at least one sensor detects the object in a preselected position.
14. The undermount sink system of claims 13, wherein the soap dispenser dispenses the soap when the at least one sensor detects the object in the preselected position for a preselected period of time.
15. The undermount sink system of one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising an adjustable head in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit, the adjustable head communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor tracks the object and sends a position signal to the adjustable head to adjust the adjustable head to direct fluid expelled through the outlet of the discharge conduit towards the object in real time.
16. An undermount sink system for mounting beneath a countertop having an upper counter surface, the undermount sink system comprising: a sink basin; a discharge conduit positioned to expel fluid into the sink basin via an outlet of the discharge conduit; at least one position sensor positioned and configured to sense a position of an object within the sink basin; a valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit and communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the sink basin, the discharge conduit, the valve, and the at least one sensor are configured to mount to the countertop entirely below the upper counter surface, wherein when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a first distance by opening the valve by a first amount, and wherein when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a second position that is closer to the outlet of the discharge conduit than the first position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a second distance that is less than the first distance by opening the valve by a second amount that is different from the first amount.
17. The undermount sink system of claim 16, further comprising a soap dispenser positioned to expel a soap into the sink basin.
18. The undermount sink system of claim 17, wherein the at least one position sensor is one of a plurality of position sensor arranged to sense a position of the object, and, when the object is in a preselected position, the soap dispenser expels the soap.
19. The undermount sink system of claims 16, 17 or 18, wherein the at least one position sensor is one of a plurality of position sensors arranged to sense a position of the object and, when the object is in a preselected position, the valve receives an actuation signal to open and the discharge conduit expels the fluid.
20. The undermount sink system of one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: when the at least one position sensor detects the object in a third position between the first position and the second position, fluid is expelled from the discharge conduit a third distance that is greater than the second distance and less than the first distance by opening the valve by a third amount that is less than the first amount and greater than the second amount.
21. The undermount sink system of one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising an adjustable head in fluid communication with the outlet of the discharge conduit, the adjustable head communicatively coupled to the at least one position sensor, wherein the position sensor tracks the object and sends a position signal to the adjustable head to adjust the adjustable head to direct fluid expelled through the outlet of the discharge conduit towards the object in real time.
PCT/US2023/085336 2022-12-21 2023-12-21 Sink systems WO2024137932A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US202263476572P 2022-12-21 2022-12-21
US63/476,572 2022-12-21

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