Kitchen Sink with Interchangeable Modular Components

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/631,272, filed Apr. 8, 2024, titled “KITCHEN WORKSTATION WITH MODULAR COMPONENTS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to kitchen sinks. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to modular kitchen sinks configured to receive and use functional modules for various utilitarian purposes.

Sinks are vessels configured for receiving fluids. Usually, a faucet or other fluid source is located proximate to the sink, and a drainpipe is coupled to the sink to remove unwanted fluids. Sinks may include one or more proximally located modules such as a soap dispenser or a removable spray hose. Challenges exist when attempting to include multiple modules configured to perform different utilitarian functions all within or near the limited sink area. For example, each module may require different connections to utilities such as soap and fluid reservoirs and power sources. Each utility connection may need a separate transport line to supply and/or power the various modules included with the sink. Managing the various utility connections within the limited space may be difficult and presents issues with maintaining an aesthetically pleasing sink design while enabling full functionality of the included modules.

The present disclosure addresses these issues through description of various modular kitchen sinks configured to receive a variety of functional modules in a suitable manner. Examples of the present disclosure satisfy the functional and aesthetic requirements necessary for modern sinks, among other advantageous qualities. Moreover, examples of the present disclosure enable users to customize the functionality and design of a modular kitchen sink to fit their preferences.

Examples of the present disclosure relate to modular kitchen sinks that improve the kitchen experience by providing a sink workplace configured to receive and use a variety of functional modules such as a glass rinser, a soap dispenser, and a side fluid sprayer, for example. Examples disclosed herein enable users to perform several distinct functions simultaneously all within the sink area (e.g., rinsing glasses, dispensing soap, and spraying dishes from the side). Moreover, in addition to being functionally versatile, examples disclosed herein provide aesthetically pleasing sink designs that incorporate functional sink modules in a compact manner. Other advantages of the present disclosure over conventional designs will become apparent in subsequent sections.

In examples, a modular kitchen sink may include a faucet, a basin, a sink chassis configured to partially receive one or more functional modules, and a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis, such that the one or more functional modules are partially sealed within the sink chassis and partially positioned above the cover plate proximate the faucet. Each of the one or more functional modules may may be configured to perform a kitchen sink utilitarian function such as heating or cooling fluids, or dispensing soap, for example.

In examples, a modular sink may include a basin, a sink chassis configured to partially receive one or more functional modules, and a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis. The cover plate may be configured to partially seal one or more functional modules within the sink chassis, and wherein the cover plate may be configured to enable one or more functional modules to partially extend above the cover plate.

In examples, a modular sink may include a basin, and a sink chassis defining a first plurality of openings extending between a top surface and a bottom surface. The sink chassis may be configured to receive a functional module through the top surface of each of the first plurality of openings. The sink chassis may be further configured to receive at least one utility tube through the bottom surface of each of the first plurality of openings. The modular sink may further include at least one support structure positioned within each of the first plurality of openings. The at least one support structure may be configured to interface with a functional module when received by the sink chassis, to removably couple a functional module to the sink chassis. The modular sink may further include a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis. The cover plate may define a second plurality of openings aligned with the first plurality of openings of the sink chassis, such that the cover plate is configured to enable at least one functional module to extend partially above the cover plate when received by the sink chassis.

In examples, a modular sink may include a basin, a plurality of functional modules each configured to perform a unique utilitarian function, and a sink chassis defining a first plurality of openings extending between a top surface and a bottom surface. The plurality of functional modules may be received through the top surface of the first plurality of openings. The sink chassis may be configured to receive at least one utility tube through the bottom surface of the first plurality of openings. The modular sink may further include at least one support structure positioned within each of the first plurality of openings. The at least one support structure may be configured to interface with a functional module to removably couple the functional module to the sink chassis. The modular sink may further include a cover plate positioned over the sink chassis. The cover plate may define a second plurality of openings aligned with the first plurality of openings of the sink chassis. The cover plate may be configured to separate each of the plurality of the functional modules between a sealed portion within the sink chassis and an external portion positioned above the cover plate.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated example or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various examples.

While various examples are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative examples and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

Referring to, a modular kitchen sinkmay include a basin, a faucetproximal to the basin, a sink chassisconfigured to partially receive one or more functional modules, and a cover platepositioned over the sink chassis. The cover plateacts as a barrier separating utility connection structures of the faucetand the functional modules(e.g., fluid and electrical connections) positioned within the sink chassis, from external features of these components located outside and above the sink chassis(e.g., faucet sprayer, soap dispenser). Cover plateadvantageously seals sink chassisfrom exposure to the outside environment while also minimizing debris build-up along a top surface of cover plate. Moreover, the functional modulesmay be couplable to cover platein any suitable manner (e.g., modulesextending through openings defined in cover plate). Modular kitchen sinkmay optionally include one or more sink accessoriespositioned inside basinas illustrated in, or positioned proximal to the basinor other sinkcomponents.

As depicted particularly in later figures, sink chassis(and its equivalents) generally comprise an internal cavity configured to receive one or more support structures and to partially receive one or more functional modules. For example, sink chassismay have a cuboid geometry with support structures positioned against opposing walls (illustrated in, for example). In addition to the space defined by sink chassis, the support structures may be configured to receive the one or more functional modulesand contain the module(s)within chassis. Sink chassismay define one or more openings on a bottom surface thereof that utility tubes/hoses/cables (collectively, “tubes”) may extend through to connect to corresponding utility connection structures on the module(s). Sink chassismay be internally sealed using cover platewhich separates the utility tubes and connection structures from the usable features of the module(s)located above cover plate. Cover platemay have a length and width that is substantially similar to the length and width of sink chassis, in order to cover the entirety of chassis.

In operation, modular kitchen sinkmay be used in conjunction with one or more functional modulesto achieve benefits other than mere fluid dispersal through faucet. For example, sinkmay include a glass rinser module for rinsing vessels and other items, and a soap dispenser module for dispensing soap and other cleaning products. The glass rinser and soap dispenser modules will generally include utility connection structures which connect to utility tubes inside sink chassis. The utility tubes provide for the transport of fluid, soap, electrical power, etc. to the modules as needed to enable their operation. The glass rinser and soap dispenser modules may be disposed on opposite sides of faucetalong cover plate, or on the same side. The module utility connections are generally located within sink chassiswhile the functional features of the modules (i.e., fluid dispersal for vessel rinsing, soap dispensing) are provided above the cover plateproximate to the faucet. Accordingly, modular kitchen sinkmay perform several different functions simultaneously all within the sink area.

In examples of the present disclosure, modular kitchen sinkmay include or otherwise incorporate one or more of the following functional modules(not specifically depicted in the figures): a glass rinser for rinsing vessels and other similarly shaped objects (e.g., bar-style glass rinser); a soap dispenser for dispensing soap or other cleaning products (e.g., manual or electronic soap dispenser); a side sprayer for spraying fluids horizontally rather than vertically (e.g., may include soap or ozone in addition to fluid); a clean zone module (i.e., smooth area on cover plateif no other feature is desired); an instant hot module configured to provide boiling water from a faucet; a filtered water module configured to provide filtered water from a faucet; an air gap module for features such as a waterfall rinser; a waterfall rinser for washing objects using a waterfall fluid pattern; and a debris disposal button for starting a garbage disposal (e.g., air or electronic button).

In examples of the present disclosure, modular kitchen sinkmay further include or otherwise incorporate one or more of the following functional modules(not specifically depicted in the figures): a drying stone configured to absorb water (e.g., passive drying stone); a heating/cooling module which acts as a heated or cooled surface along cover plate; a utensil holder/washer module for cleaning, drying, and holding utensils such as knives; an accessory holder for storing various accessories and items along cover plate(e.g., bottle holder, phone holder); an acoustic speaker (e.g., Bluetooth® speaker); a lighting module to provide light to sinkand surrounding areas (e.g., may be an individual functional moduleor a feature on every other module); an aroma therapy module configured to release aromas (e.g., aroma release after kitchen and sink are cleaned); an ultraviolet (UV)/air sanitizer module for sanitizing kitchen utensils; a compost/grease catch module for removing compost and grease before they enter basin; and a moving faucet module configured to enable faucetto slide horizontally along a sink deck (i.e., countertop that sinkis formed within).

Several of these example functional modulesrequire one or more utility connection structures to operate (e.g., several modules need a fluid connection and/or a soap connection). For example, the following example modulesmay require a hot fluid connection: the glass rinser; the side sprayer; the waterfall module; the moving faucet module; and the utensil holder/washer module. The following example modulesmay require a cold fluid connection: the glass rinser; the side sprayer; the instant hot module; the filtered water module; and the moving faucet module.

The following example modulesmay require a soap or other cleaning product connection: the glass rinser; the soap dispenser; the side sprayer; the waterfall module; and the utensil holder/washer module. The following example modulesmay require a drain connection: the glass rinser; the clean zone module; the air gap module; the utensil holder/washer module; and the UV/air sanitizer module. The following example modulesmay require an electrical connection: the soap dispenser; the clean zone module; the debris disposal button; the heating/cooling module; the acoustic speaker; the lighting module; the aroma therapy module; and the UV/air sanitizer module. The debris disposal button may require an air connection. The following example modulesmay require a sink chassisthat defines a through hole for receiving utility connection structures: the air gap module; the moving faucet module; and the compost/grease catch module.

The hot fluid, cold fluid, and through hole utility connection structures may be used with various faucet types including a pulldown faucet, a “semipro” faucet, a bridge faucet, and a remote valve faucet, for example.

Referring now to, modular kitchen sinkmay comprise a sink chassisconfigured to receive any number of functional modules, including nine individual functional modules, three individual functional modules, two individual functional modules, and one functional module. The functional modulesmay be positioned substantially equidistant along sink chassisor may be positioned in any suitable pattern (e.g., more than half of the functional modulesmay be positioned on a leftward side of sink chassisrather than rightward side). Modular kitchen sinkhas many similarities to modular kitchen sink, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

Referring now generally to, a modular kitchen sinkhaving a sink chassisconfigured to partially receive multiple functional modulesis illustrated. Modular kitchen sinkhas many similarities to modular kitchen sinks,, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

Sink chassismay define a through-hole openingin a bottom surface thereof where utility tubes may extend through. Sink chassismay have a geometry sufficient to receive three functional modulesas illustrated, or any number of functional modulesdepending on the size of the area occupied by sink. Sink chassismay include a pair of support structuresfor receiving and containing the functional moduleswithin the space defined by chassis. Each functional modulemay include one or more utility connection structuresconfigured to receive the utility tubes. Utility tubes enable the transport of fluids, soap, power, etc. to functional modulesthrough the utility connection structures, to enable the modulesto be operated in conjunction with other components of modular kitchen sink.

In examples of the present disclosure, sink chassismay be designed to receive three functional modules, two functional modules, or one functional module, for example. Sink chassismay include a through-hole openingin a bottom surface thereof, may include multiple through-hole openingsin the bottom surface, or may include no openings in the bottom surface. In examples, various utilities may connect to the functional modulesvia utility tubes (e.g., hoses, cables, cords) extending through sink, or may connect in a different manner (e.g., utility tubes extending through a wall proximate the sink, rather than through the sink). In examples, a bottom portion of the functional modulesmay be thinner (i.e., smaller, skinnier) than a top portion of the module to form a T-shaped geometry (as illustrated in, for example). Said another way, functional modulesmay have a tapered geometry to ensure a tight fit when placed inside sink chassis. In examples, sinkmay include one or more “standard” functional modulesconfigured to perform specific features (e.g., heating/cooling fluids, dispensing filtered water). Standard functional modulesmay have unique geometries suitable to the specific functions they perform.

Functional modulesmay be attached to the sink chassisand/or the support structuresin several ways. For example, the functional modulesmay be attached using fastenersinserted from the side, the bottom, or the top of sink chassis, as partially illustrated in(showing side and bottom fastenerattachment). Functional modulesmay also be attached to sink chassisvia a bottom snap-in feature, as illustrated in(e.g., snap structure connected to functional module, snap structure is placed in direct contact with a bottom surface of sink chassisto secure functional moduletherein).

Similarly, functional modulesmay be attached to sink chassisvia a side snap-in featurereceived within side snap-in openingsdefined within opposing walls of chassis(illustrated inwith functional modulebeing inserted into sink chassisand side snap-in featuresbeing received by side snap-in openings). Alternatively, functional modulesmay be attached to sink chassisusing an expanding sealwrapped around an outer functional module surface, as illustrated in(showing functional modulewith expanding seal, expanding sealmay be placed in direct contact with the walls of sink chassisto secure functional moduletherein).

In examples of the present disclosure, the various module utilities may connect to the sink chassisat a single point or position. In examples, fluids, electricity, and other utilities may be distributed to the functional modulesthrough the sink chassisas described previously. In examples, each functional modulemay have a temperature control feature. Alternatively, or additionally, sink chassismay be configured to control the temperature of each functional modulefrom a single point or position within chassis. In examples, each functional modulemay be sealed around the outside. In examples, functional modulespositioned on the ends of sink chassismay have a different geometry (e.g., edge structure) than functional modulespositioned between the ends, to hide seals/seams potentially present in cover plate.

Referring now to, a sink chassisand a cover plateare illustrated. Sink chassisis depicted as having three separate pockets (i.e., cavities, openings) each configured to receive a functional module (not depicted). As discussed previously, cover platemay seal sink chassisto separate the utility connections of the functional modules from the functional features located above cover plate. Cover plateis generally configured to cover all or substantially all seams along the sink deck (i.e., countertop) to eliminate or minimize debris build-up therein.

Referring now generally to, a modular kitchen sinkmay include two or more functional modulesconfigured to interlock with one another. Modular kitchen sinkhas many similarities to previously described modular kitchen sinks, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

Interlocking functional modulesmay include one or more receiving cavitiesand one or more connecting portionsas illustrated in the figures. Receiving cavitymay be configured to receive connecting portionto secure two functional modulestogether without the need for fasteners or snap-in features. Functional modulemay include two receiving cavitiesand two connecting portionscorresponding to receiving cavitiesand connecting portionson a second functional module. Interlocking two or more functional modulesin this manner advantageously seals the modulesto the sink deck while eliminating or minimizing the presence of seams in the cover plate (not depicted). In examples of the present disclosure, receiving cavitiesand connecting portionshave small edge radii to eliminate stress points while maintaining tight connections when functional modulesare interlocked. In examples, functional modulespositioned on the ends of sink chassis (not depicted) have a different geometry than functional modulespositioned between the ends, to hide seals/seams not covered by the interlocked module configuration.

illustrates overhang of the modular kitchen sinkdeck over a functional module. This is one example of how the present disclosure accounts for tolerances between the sink chassis and the functional modules. In other examples, tolerances are reduced by using expanding functional modulesor functional moduleshaving expanding seals (e.g., inflatable seals) attached thereto.

Referring now to, a modular kitchen sinkmay include a basin, a faucetproximal to the basin, a sink chassisconfigured to partially receive one or more functional modules, a cover platepositioned over the sink chassis, and an accessory chassispositioned on a side of the basin(e.g., front or back sides, leftward or rightward sides). Accessory chassismay be configured to receive one or more sink accessories (e.g., scrub brush, soap bar, rag, etc.) on a top surface thereof. Modular kitchen sinkhas many similarities to previously described modular kitchen sinks, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous.

Modular kitchen sinkincludes an accessory chassisfor receiving various sink and kitchen accessories. Accessory chassismay have a generally rectangular geometry and may be positioned on a side of basinsuch that chassisis geometrically even with the sink deck (i.e., countertop), or such that chassisis sunken below the sink deck to function like a wet area. Accessory chassismay be removably couplable to the sink deck or to basinin any suitable manner (e.g., tight tolerances, fasteners, snap-in features). In examples of the present disclosure, accessory chassismay be received along a ledge defined within basis(i.e., an indented portion of the basinwalls). In examples, accessory chassismay include one or more openings so that fluids may seep through chassis into basin, for example when chassisis used for drying vessels or cleaning items.

In examples, additional accessories for use within the sink may be contemplated and may include one or more of a strainer basket, a drain cover that may function as a heat-resistant platform for holding pots and pans, a drying rack, such as a roll-up sink rack, for use within the sink basin, an in-sink caddy for holding sponges, brushes, utensils and the like, and may attach, for example, to a side of the sink basin, a colander that may be mounted within the sink basin, a cutting board that may fit along the ledge of the sink such that it is flush with the sink deck, and other accessories.

Referring now to, a modular kitchen sinkmay include a basin, a faucet (not depicted) proximal to the basin, and a sink chassisconfigured to partially receive one or more functional modules (not depicted). Sink chassismay include a pair of module portionsseparated by a faucet portionThe pair of module portionsmay each define a plurality of module openingsfor example three through-hole openings, for partially receiving functional modules therein. The faucet portionmay define a plurality of faucet openingsfor example three through-hole openings, for receiving the faucet and, for example, a pair of handles for activating fluid flow through the faucet. Openingsmay be evenly spaced along a length of sink chassisor may be spaced non-evenly.

Modular kitchen sinkhas many similarities to previously described modular kitchen sinks, and for simplicity the description of common components is not repeated entirely herein. Like reference numerals and feature names may designate like features names throughout that are corresponding or analogous. Moreover, it should be understood that features and characteristics of any of the previously described modular kitchen sinks, including those to be described for modular kitchen sink, may be combined in any suitable manner to achieve the user customization benefits described herein.

In an example, the sink chassismay include at least one cover plate (not depicted) positioned over the chassis, for example separate cover plates positioned over the module portionsSink chassisis generally fixedly or removably received within a recess defined in a top surface of a sink deck as shown in. Sink chassismay be dimensioned such that an outer perimeter surface of chassisis in direct contact with an inner perimeter surface of the recess (i.e., the chassisand the recess are coincident). Direct contact between sink chassisand the recess prevents or reduces water and debris ingress into the recess during use of modular kitchen sink. In other examples, the recess may be defined in a flat deck mounted configuration, or may be characterized as being partially formed in the sink deck (i.e., a partial recess not spanning the entire length of a sink deck; this could be an open front pocket configuration, for example).

Although sink chassisis illustrated as having six module openingsand three faucet openingsin, it should be understood that chassismay have any number of openingsso long as sufficient space is available in the sink deck. For example, sink chassismay have four module openingsdefined in a first module portionand two module openingsdefined in a second module portionwith two faucet openingsdefined in faucet portion(i.e., the faucet is operated with a single handle rather than dual handles). Sink chassisis generally made from a plastic or polymer material to advantageously accommodate all sink materials, for example stainless steel, cast iron, and Neoroc® from Kohler Co., which require different material tolerances because of their respective manufacturing processes. Other materials for sink chassissuch as metals, ceramics, and composites, are contemplated herein.

As illustrated and described, modular kitchen sinkincludes six module openingsand three faucet openingsto enable users to choose which functional modules and faucets they want to use with sink, and where they want the functional modules and faucet placed. This advantageously allows functional modules to be placed in any arrangement within module portionsas desired by the user. For example, a filtered water module may be placed in any one of the module openingsother functional modules such as a glass rinser and a soap dispenser may be placed in any of the remaining openingsModular kitchen sinkthus provides maximum user flexibility in choosing which functional modules and faucet types to use. Variability in where the functional modules and the faucet may be positioned allows a user to customize the functionality and design of modular kitchen sinkto fit their unique preferences.

The disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes. Therefore, the illustrated examples should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Any claims provided herein are to ensure adequacy of the present application for establishing foreign priority and for no other purpose.

Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given only be way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosures. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the examples that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional examples. Moreover, while various material, dimensions, shapes, configurations, locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed examples, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed disclosures.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual example described above. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples may comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as understood be persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one example may be implemented in other examples even when not described in such examples unless otherwise noted.

Any incorporation of reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.