Portable Sink with Stowable Faucet

This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/637,786, filed Apr. 23, 2024, titled PORTABLE SINK WITH STOWABLE FAUCET, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to the field of sinks and water systems for outdoor use in activities like biking, surfing, camping, and the like.

Outdoor activities such as biking, surfing, camping, and the like may require portable access to water for cleaning, drinking, etc. People engaging in these activities may not have access to water nor the necessary components such as a sink, faucet, and handheld spray nozzle to use this water efficiently and cleanly. Moreover, other groups such as homeowners and tradesmen may find use in the ability to clean, spray, and drink on the go with a portable system.

Prior attempts have been made to address the need for portable sinks suitable for outdoor use. For instance, Cawthon's U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,259 discloses a portable sink comprising a basin with legs, a faucet, and a lid. However, this system is characterized by its large size, heavy construction, lack of self-contained water containment, and limited functionality.

An aspect of the present disclosure involves a portable sink system that includes a main container body, a sink supported at least partially within the main container body, a lid pivotally affixed to the main container body and, a faucet spout affixed to the lid. The lid can be rotatable between an open position, presenting the faucet spout for use, and a closed position, in which at least a portion of the faucet spout is positioned within the sink.

In some configurations the portable sink system can also include a latch mechanism configured to hold the lid in the closed position.

In some configurations the main container body of the portable sink system can be internally divided into a gray water volume and a freshwater volume.

In some configurations the sink of the portable sink system can be positioned above the gray water volume.

In some configurations the gray water volume of the portable sink system can be larger in capacity than the freshwater volume.

In some configurations the sink of the portable sink system can be removable for cleaning of the gray water volume.

In some configurations the faucet spout of the portable sink system can be in fluid communication with the freshwater volume.

In some configurations the portable sink system can also include a tubing system for directing water flow from the freshwater volume through the faucet spout, passing through the sink, and into the gray water volume.

In some configurations a bottom of the sink of the portable sink system can be lower in elevation than a top of the freshwater volume.

In some configurations the lid of the portable sink system can cover only a portion of the main container body defined by the sink.

In some configurations the portable sink system can also include a funneled area within the main container body and a cap for filling a freshwater volume positioned within the funneled area.

In some configurations the funneled area of the portable sink system can have a concave shape directed towards a bottom of the funneled area to aid in filling.

In some configurations the portable sink system can also include a connector for attaching a hose to deliver water to the faucet spout or an accessory nozzle.

In some configurations the portable sink system can also include a control panel configured to control a pump.

An aspect of the present disclosure involves a portable sink system including a main container body and a sink supported at least partially within the main container body. The portable sink system can also include a lid having a first position and a second position wherein the lid covers the sink in the first position and a faucet spout configured to affix to the lid. The second position of the lid can present the faucet spout to dispense water into the sink when the faucet spout is affixed to the lid.

In some configurations the portable sink system can also include a gray water volume and a freshwater volume held within the main container body.

An aspect of the present disclosure involves a portable sink system including a main container body and a sink supported at least partially within the main container body. The portable sink system can also include a freshwater volume supported within the main container body and a gray water volume supported within the main container body and in liquid communication with the sink. The portable sink system can also include a pump configured to dispense liquid from the freshwater volume and a fill passage configured to provide liquid to the freshwater volume. The fill passage can be accessible exteriorly of the main container body.

In some configurations the gray water volume of the portable sink system can also include a drain passage accessible exteriorly of the main container body.

In some configurations the main container body of the portable sink system can include a funnel shape to direct liquid into the fill passage.

In some configurations the pump of the portable sink system can be powered by electricity.

Embodiments of systems, components and methods of assembly and manufacture will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the components or elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the components or elements under discussion. Moreover, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on may be used to describe separate components. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

There remains a demand for a portable sink solution capable of providing the necessary functionality, preferably along with one or more of the following characteristics: occupying a relatively small space, being easy to transport, containing its own fresh and gray water, and stowing itself into a durable and easy to use form.

As shown in, the illustrated arrangement of the portable sink systemhas a sinkand lid. The lidcan carry a faucet, which includes a spout. The lidcan be positioned relative to a main container bodyin various positions. In some embodiments, the positions can include an open positionand a closed position. The lidcan move towards the main container bodyto reach a closed position, as shown in. In some embodiments, a portion or an entirety of the spoutis located within a space defined by the sinkin the closed positionto facilitate the systemin providing the desired functionality of a sink within a relatively small space. In some configurations, at least an outlet of the spoutis positioned within the sinkin the closed position. In some configurations, at least about one-half or at least about three-quarters of a length of the spoutis positioned within the sinkin the closed position. As used herein, “positioned within the sink” can mean that the spoutor a portion of the spoutis positioned below a notional plane that defines the uppermost extent of the holding space defined by the sinkthat is configured to hold a liquid, or a space that is contiguous with the holding space. The lidcan cover the sinkin the closed position, as shown in. The lidcan be held in the closed positionby a latching mechanism, as shown in.

In some embodiments, as shown in, the lidcan pivot on one or more hingesaffixed to the main container body. Furthermore, the hingescan provide approximately 90° of allowable rotation of the lidrelative to the main container body. In the illustrated arrangement of, the lidincludes a stopto limit rotation of the lidrelative to the main container body.

With reference to, in the illustrated arrangement, the sinkoccupies a portion or an entirety of a region of the main container bodyabove a gray water volume. In the illustrated arrangement, a footprint of the gray water volume(as seen from a top view of the main container body) is bigger than a footprint of a freshwater volumeof the portable sink system. In the illustrated arrangement, the sinkoccupies some or all of the space of the main container bodyabove the gray water volume. The freshwater volumecan extend above an uppermost extent of the gray water volume. In such an arrangement, a portion of the freshwater volumeis located adjacent the sinkin a horizontal direction. The sinkcollects and empties water into the gray water volumevia a drain. Water can be released from the gray water volumeby a drain plug. The drainhas a plug, as shown in, to inhibit or prevent gray water from emerging from the gray water volumeinto the sinkduring transport. The plugcan be a separate component from or can be integrated into the drain.

With reference to, the portable sink systemcomprises a general shape in which a width of the portable sink systemis larger than a depth of the portable sink system. The general cuboid structure of the portable sink systemprovides a convenient shape such that a user of the portable sink systemdoes not need to reach excessively far to access the sinkor a control panelof the portable sink systemwhile in use. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, various other shapes of the main container bodyand/or the lidof the portable sink systemcan be utilized. Such shapes can include different proportioned cuboids or cylinders or various other shapes. The illustrated embodiment ofis particularly advantageous when using a portable sink systemat the edge of a table or vehicle.

With continued reference to, the portable sink systemcan be sized similarly to popular high end 40 L-50 L outdoor coolers having a loaded weight of about 60 lbs. This is a relatively common shape that is often moved and transported in and around camp environment with relative ease aiding in the portable nature of the portable sink system. In other embodiments, the portable sink system can be of a smaller or large size such as that of common 20 L-40 L or 50 L-80 L coolers. The sink systemcan have an unloaded weight of about 30 lbs. and a loaded weight of about 60 lbs. In other configurations, the portable sink system can have an unloaded weight of about 15 lbs.-30 lbs. or about 30 lbs.-60 lbs. and a loaded weight of about 20 lbs.-60 lbs. or about 60 lbs.-100 lbs. While some embodiments may exceed a loaded weight of about 100 lbs. based on particular needs, it can be desirable to have a loaded weight of about 60 lbs. for ease of lifting and carrying.

The gray water volumeand the freshwater volumecan be defined in whole or in part by independent internal tank(s) which are stored within the main container body. Such an embodiment is illustrated in, with the fresh water tankand the graywater tank. In other embodiments, the gray water volumeand the freshwater volumecan be integrally formed by walls of the main container body, which can include one or more internal walls that separate the gray water volumeand the freshwater volume.

In the illustrated arrangement of, the sinkis located above the gray water volumesuch that water that enters the sinkcan pass through the drainby gravity and enter the gray water volume. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in other embodiments the sinkmay be in liquid communication with the gray water volumedirectly or by means of a hose or pipe.

With continued reference to, in the illustrated arrangement, the freshwater volumeis located generally beside or lateral to the sink, which is located above the gray water volume. The freshwater volumehas a height that is generally the height of the main container body, such as at least about 75%, 80%, or 90% of the height of the main container body. The top of the freshwater volumeis generally located at or near the top of the sink. The bottom of the sinkis generally located below the upper extent of the freshwater volume.

With continued reference to, in the illustrated embodiment the gray water volumeand the freshwater volumeare of similar capacities. In other embodiments the capacities of the gray water volumeand the freshwater volumecan be different. In some embodiments, the gray water volumecan be larger than that of the freshwater volumewhich could be advantageous because a user may pour other liquids into the sinkduring use. A larger gray water capacity can also be advantageous in that a user may need to empty the gray water volumeless frequently while refilling the fresh water volume during use. In some embodiments, the capacity of the gray water volumeand the capacity of the freshwater volumeare within 10% of one another. In other embodiments the capacity of the gray water volumecan be about 120%—about 150% of the capacity of the freshwater volume. In other embodiments, the capacity of the gray water volumecan be about 150%—about 200% of the freshwater volume. In yet other embodiments, the capacity of the gray water volumecan be about 200%—about 300% of the freshwater volume.

In the illustrated embodiment of, the sinkcan comprise an inner shape such that the bottom surface of the sinkis generally sloped towards the drain. The sloping is particularly advantageous such that when the water flows from the spoutinto the sinkthe water will be directed to the drainto reduce or eliminate the accumulation of standing water in the sink.

With reference toand, the gray water volumedefined by the gray water tankcan be removably inserted into the main container bodyand generally located underneath the sink. The gray water tankcan include a handle. The handlecan be integrally formed with or attached to the gray water tankto aid a user in removal and installation of the gray water tank. The gray water tankfurther comprises an inlet or entry portand an outlet or exit port. The entry portis configured to receive liquid from the drainof the sink. The exit portis configured to drain the gray water from the gray water tank. When the gray water tankis installed in the main container body, the drainof the sinkengages the entry portof the gray water tank. In particular, the drainincludes a downwardly-extending annular projection or boss that axially overlaps with the entry portof the gray water tankto inhibit or prevent leakage into the interior of the main container bodyof liquid moving from the sinkto the gray water tank. When the gray water tankis installed in the main container body, the exit portis aligned with a passagein the wall of the main container body. This alignment allows for draining of the gray water tankwithout removal of the gray water tankfrom the main container body. This may be particularly advantageous in that disassembly of the portable sink systemis not required for draining of the gray water from the gray water tank. Removability of the gray water tankis also particularly advantageous in that it can allow removal for cleaning.

With continued reference to, the sink, when installed, can be secured by the plug. In the illustrated arrangement, the plugis threaded and can pass through the drainof the sinkand be attached by the threads of the plugto the threaded entry portof the gray water tank. When the plugis tightened the sink and the gray water tankcan be securely attached together. A head portion of the plugcan press against the drainof the sinkto provide a sealing force to the above-described engagement of the drainportion of the sinkwith the entry portportion of the gray water tank. Furthermore, the sinkcan be further secured to the main container bodyby magnets. The sinkcan alternatively be secured to the main container bodyby other means such as threaded fasteners, latches, hook and loop, or other types of fasteners. In some configurations, the sinkcould be secured with a clip that is the same as or similar to the clipsor leaf springs. The fastener(s) can be selected based on desired characteristics, such as cost, ease of use, or the level of security that is desired. The magnetsor other attachment methods can be particularly advantageous such that when the plugis removed for the passage of liquid from the sinkto the gray water tank, the sinkwill still be secured to the main container body. Such an arrangement advantageously provides leak proof or leak resistant cooperation of the sinkand the gray water tankwith a reduced number of parts in comparison to a design having a connection and seal that is separate from and in addition to the plug.

With reference to, when installed, the gray water tankcan also be secured to the bottom of the main container bodyby clip mechanism or clips. In the illustrated arrangement, the clipsare constructed of a bent strip of sheet metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the clipscan be attached to the main container bodyby rivets. In other embodiments, the clipscan be attached by a screw, adhesive, co molded with the main container bodyor other attachment means. Furthermore, the clipscan be constructed by other methods and materials, such as injection molded plastic, formed plastic, cast metal, or other suitable constructions to provide a resistive force. The clipscould be integrally formed with the main container body. The clipsengage in detents integrally formed into the gray water tank. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art the gray water tankcan be secured to the bottom of the main container bodyby one or more of a variety of suitable attachment methods, including magnets, hook and loop fastener, or any other type of fastener.

In the illustrated embodiment shown inand, the portable sink systemcan include various components on the upper portion of the main container body. The components can include the sink, a control panel, a filler area, and a connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the sinkoccupies the majority of the upper portion of the main container body. In some configurations, at least one-half of an area of the upper portion of the main container bodyis occupied by the sink. In some configurations, between about 50% and about 70% of the area of the upper portion of the main container bodyis occupied by the sink. The size and the shape of the sink can be relatively large within the available area of the upper portion of the main container bodyto allow a usable workspace for washing hands or dishes for example. The remaining area can be occupied by a control panel. The control panelcan be located in a front accessible location for easy use and access. The filler areacan include a cover. The covercan be advantageous so as to provide some working space along side the sinkwhen the coveris in place.

In the illustrated arrangement, the lidis sized to cover the entire upper portion of the main container bodywhen in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lidmay be sized to only cover the sinkand leave the other components accessible when the lidis in the closed position. In other embodiments, the lidmay cover only a portion of the sink.

In the illustrated arrangement of, the filler areacan include geometry and shape which comprises a funnel, which directs liquid into the freshwater volume. The funnelgenerally forms a concave shape to direct liquids to the freshwater volumethrough a filler portdefined within the funnel. This can be particularly advantageous as it may be difficult to pour water directly into the filler port. The filler areacan also include a capfor closing off the filler port. The capcan be the same as the plugand/or the drain plug. In some embodiments, all three of the cap, plug, and drain plugare the same, which adds convenience for the user and reduces the number of component parts. As described above, the filler areacan also include the coverto cover the filler areawhen not in service of filling liquid. The covercan create a greater work area and keep contaminants from accumulating in the funneland, thereafter, potentially entering the freshwater volume.

With continued reference to, in the illustrated arrangement, the freshwater volumeis exteriorly accessible through the filler port. The filler portpasses through the main container bodyand into the freshwater volume. This may be particularly advantageous in that a user can fill the freshwater volumewithout removing the freshwater tank.

With continued reference to, the upper portion of the main container bodycan include a control panelto control a pump, which is configured to pump fluid from the freshwater volume. The control panelcan be configured to control an optional heaterconfigured to heat the fluid in the freshwater volumeprior to delivery to the spout. The pumpcan be located adjacent the freshwater volumeand the optional heatercan be located within the freshwater volume. In some configurations, the pumpand the optional heatercan be secured to the freshwater tank, as seen in. Furthermore, the optional heatercan be positioned to pass through a wall of the freshwater tankto directly heat the water in the freshwater volume. In some configurations, it can be preferable to locate the optional heaternear the bottom of the fresh water tankin order to heat the water when the freshwater tankis near an empty condition. In the illustrated arrangement, the control panelis placed in the lower right quadrant on top of the main container bodyfor easy access. An upper surface of the control panelis slightly angled with a forward tilt as seen into allow easy access. Beneath the control panelis a battery (not shown) that can be charged via the charge port.

With continued reference to, in some embodiments the optional heatercan comprise a heating pad style heater. In such an embodiment the heating pad (not shown) can be attached to an outside wall of the freshwater tankto heat the water through the wall of the freshwater tank. Such an embodiment can be advantageous by reducing the number of holes needed to be made and sealed in the freshwater tank.

With reference to, the illustrated embodiment includes the pumpfor dispensing fluid from the freshwater volume. In a preferred embodiment, the pumpis powered by electricity and in some embodiments powered by the internal battery (not shown). In other embodiments, the pumpmay be powered by an external power source which can be connected via a cable to the charge port. Furthermore, the portable sink systemmay also include the heater. The heatercan be powered in a similar configuration to the pump. That is, the heatercan be powered by an internal battery or by an external power source which can be connected via a cable to the charge port. In some other embodiments, the heatermay be omitted and the pumpmay be powered by other methods such as that of a hand, manual, or pneumatic pump.

With reference to, when the portable sink systemis in the open positionand dispensing water, water is pumped from the freshwater volumevia the pumpthrough tubingand a connectorto be dispensed from the spout. The connectorallows the tubingto be connected and disconnected depending on the position of the lid. The connectoralso allows for connection of accessories such as an accessory nozzle, shown in. The tubingincludes the exposed portion that can be coupled to the connectorand also includes a portion that is captured within an interior space of the lidand connects to the spout. Such an arrangement protects a portion of the tubingwhile providing a clean aesthetic and allowing for the use of the accessory nozzle, as discussed above. Such an arrangement is also cost-effective. However, if desired, an entirety of a tube from the pumpto the spoutcould be routed internally, with the possible exception of a small exposed portion in the space between the main container bodyand the lid. However, in such an arrangement, the hingescould be designed to receive a portion of such a tube. In some configurations, it is necessary to remove the connectorto permit the lidto move fully to the closed position.

With reference to, the illustrated arrangement shows a detent mechanismconfigured to secure the lidin the open positionrelative to the main container body. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent mechanismcan be attached to the main container bodyby rivets. In other embodiments, the detent mechanismcan be attached by a screw, adhesive, co molded with the main container bodyor other attachment means. The detent mechanismcan comprise a leaf spring, which defines a detent receptacle. The detent receptacleis configured to receive a raised bumpthat is formed into or otherwise provided on the lid. When the lidmoves to the open position, the raised bumpwill flex the leaf springand allow opening movement of the liduntil the raised bumpis aligned with the detent receptacle, at which point the leaf springmoves back towards its unflexed orientation and the raised bumpis received within the detent receptacle. The resilient force of the leaf springresists movement of the lidfrom the open positionand, thus, assists in retaining the lidin the operational open position. The leaf springcan be configured to provide a desirable resistance force to movement of the lidfrom the open positionto inhibit or prevent undesired closing, while not unduly inhibiting desired movement of the lidfrom the open positionto the closed position. This detent mechanismprovides a relatively low-cost mechanism for securing the lidin the open position. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a similar detented open position can be achieved by a variety of other mechanisms including a ball detent, a torsional spring mechanism or a magnet mechanism configured to hold the lidin an open position. Furthermore, in some configurations, mechanisms can be provided to secure the lidin the open positionin addition to the detent mechanism. It should further be noted that in some embodiments the leaf springis the same as or can share similar geometry to the clip mechanismsof. In such an arrangement, the components can be shared for multiple locations and purposes, which lowers manufacturing costs compared to having unique solutions for each purpose.

With reference to, in the illustrated arrangement, the spoutcan be attached to a cover platewhich is attached to the lid. The cover platecan include a multitude of passages including a spout passagesuch that the spoutmay pass through the cover plateand be secured to the cover plateusing a spout flange. In other embodiments, the spoutcan be attached to the cover plateby other means that may not require the passing of the spoutthrough the cover plate. The cover platecan be attached to the lidby rivets, screws, adhesives or other attachment methods. The lidcan further comprise a recessthat receives a spout connectorand allows the connectorto reside within a thickness of the lid. The lidcan also include a hose channelthat allows the tubingto reside within a thickness of the lid. When assembled, an exposed surface of the cover platecan be substantially flush to an inner surfaceof the lid, such as with a perimeter portion of the inner surfaceof the lid. The cover platemay further comprise a cover plate passageand cover plate vents. When installed, the cover platecan partially close off a recessformed in the lidsuch that items may be stored in the recessby inserting them through the cover plate passage. If the item was, for example, a wet cloth or sponge, it may be allowed to dry via the cover plate vents. The illustrated arrangement is particularly advantageous in that the cover plateprovides a secure and flush mounting configuration for the spoutto the lidwhile also providing a storage space defined by the recess.