U.S. patent application number 09/917081 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-30 for portable sink with internal or optional external water supply.
Invention is credited to Mosis, Joseph K..
Application Number | 20030019031 09/917081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25438318 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030019031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mosis, Joseph K. |
January 30, 2003 |
Portable sink with internal or optional external water supply
Abstract
A portable sink with at least one compartment and one faucet
mounted on a light weight cabinet with wheels having hot and cold
water produced through a faucet from either an internal self
contained fresh water tank or an optional external source of water
which pass from the sink to a self contained used water holding
tank. The cabinet has two doors access the interior thereof. The
cabinet holds one self-contained fresh water holding tank and one
self-contained used water holding tank. Mounted within the cabinet
is an electrical water pump connected to the optional external
power source. The heater heats water coming from either the
internal or optional external water sources, which is then pumped
by the water pump to the faucet and then into the self contained
used water tanks.
Inventors: |
Mosis, Joseph K.;
(Brentwood, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOSEPH MOSIS
c/o LAW OFFICE OF GABRIELLE TETREAULT
1555 RIVERLAKE ROAD, PMB D-126
DISCOVERY BAY
CA
94514
US
|
Family ID: |
25438318 |
Appl. No.: |
09/917081 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/625 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/18 20130101; A47K
1/02 20130101; A47B 2220/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/625 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/00 |
Claims
1. he portable sink with internal or optional external water supply
makes the following claim: the Mosis invention is indoor or
outdoor, compact, light weight, mobile, easy to move portable sink
providing hot and cold water from a self-contained fresh water tank
or from an optional external water supply comprising: a) A sink,
having at least one basin and one faucet, mounted on top of a
light-weight cabinet made of heavy duty plastic and having 4
wheels; b) A electrical pump mounted inside the cabinet connected
to an electrical connection; c) An electrical power plug to connect
to an external source of power; d) A self contained holding tank to
serve as a source for fresh water; e) An optional external fresh
water connector, mounted in the cabinet, to connect to garden hose
or other optional external water supply; f) A second self contained
holding tank to hold used water; g) High pressure water tubes
mounted in the cabinet connecting the pump and the fresh water
source; h) High pressure water tubes mounted in the cabinet between
the pump and the faucet so to pump the fresh water from the fresh
water holding tank source to the faucet; i) A high pressure water
tubes mounted in the cabinet between the pump and the faucet so to
pump the fresh water from the optional external water source to the
faucet; j) An electric heater mounted in the cabinet for providing
hot water between the pump and the faucet. k) A plumbing drain
connection from the sink to the self contained used water holding
tank; l) Wheels mounted to the cabinet for easy movement and
mobility of the sink; m) Two wheels with brakes to securely lock
the sink in place as needed.
2. The portable sink with internal or optional external water
supply makes the following claim: a portable sink comprising: a) A
sink having at least one basin and one faucet; b) A lightweight
cabinet made of heavy duty plastic mounted on 4 wheels; c) Two
sources of fresh water, one self contained fresh water holding tank
within the cabinet, and one optional external connection to a
garden hose or faucet; d) A self contained used water holding tank
within the cabinet; e) An electrical water pump for the purpose of:
pumping fresh water from the fresh water holding tank to the
faucet; pumping fresh water from the optional external water source
to the faucet; f) A plumbing drain connection to conduct water from
the sink to the used water holding tank; g) An electrical water
heater to heat the fresh water from either the self contained
internal fresh water tank or the optional external water source; h)
A GFI outlet with on/off switch to connect the water heater and the
water pump to external electrical power; i) Internal Water
Temperature controller for regulating the heater which heats the
water to the faucet.
3. The portable sink with internal or optional external water
supply makes the following claim: a portable sink comprising: a) A
lightweight cabinet made of heavy duty plastic mounted on 4 wheels
having a sink and hot and cold water outlet connected to at least
one faucet and a used water holding tank to hold the used water
from the sink; b) A cabinet mounted on wheels having a sink having
two doors to access the interior of the cabinet; c) A cabinet
containing two self contained removable storage tanks, one for
fresh water, the other of used water; d) A water pump to provide
water from the optional external source or from the self contained
water sources to the faucet; e) An electrical outlet for connecting
the unit to an external source of power; f) A GFI outlet with
on/off switch to connect the pump to the external source of power
and to provide water from the optional external water source or
from the self contained water tank to the faucet; g) A heater
connected to the pump to provide heated water from the optional
external or self contained water sources to the faucet; h) A flow
check valve to prevent back flow to the fresh water tank while
using an optional external water source; i) A GFI outlet with
on/off switch for the purpose of controlling the unit
electricity.
4. The portable sink with internal or optional external water
supply makes the following claim: the Portable sink is a sanitary
solution to most any situation requiring clean running water. The
Portable Sink is perfect for educational facilities, science labs,
schools and day care centers in providing a mobile water source in
and outside the classroom, lunchroom, auditorium or play
ground.
5. The portable sink with internal or optional external water
supply makes the following claim: because of its unique design (not
demonstrated by any of the prior art), the sink can be operated
without reliance on the internal fresh water storage tank and can
be directly hooked up to an external water source. Thus, the
portable sink, can be used much like any other more permanently
installed sink, either indoors or out.
6. The portable sink with internal or optional external supply
makes the following claim: because he cabinet is made of light
weight plastic, it is lighter than other prior art inventions and
thus is easier to move and maneuver from one place to another.
7. The portable sink with internal or optional external supply
makes the following claim: because he cabinet is mounted on 4
wheels, 2 swivel wheels with breaks, the Mosis invention needs no
special transportation methods. Simply unplug and roll. Although
the portable sink was initially designed for use in an educational
facility, the Mosis invention is suitable to be used for hand
washing, utensil washing, personal hygiene, pet care, camping, or
any office or room which is without running water.
8. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a
consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Much of the portable sink prior art is limited in use to
specific tasks, e.g., hand washing, utensil washing, personal
hygiene, pet care, and camping. The Mosis invention provides an
improved portable sink. The Mosis invention is distinguishable from
ALL the prior art because it allows the user to draw water from a
source other than the self-contained fresh water tank by utilizing
an optional external garden hose hook up. The Mosis invention is
further distinguishable from ALL prior art because of its more
compact design, lighter weight, and ease of mobility.
[0002] Although the intended purpose of the Mosis invention is to
promote general indoor and outdoor sanitation and health primarily
for educational facilities such as: schools, science labs and day
care centers, the Mosis invention can also be used for hand
washing, utensil washing, personal hygiene, pet care, camping. The
Mosis invention significantly expands the limited uses of the prior
art by allowing for an optional external water source, making the
Mosis invention a viable solution for those persons desiring a more
permanent (yet still easily mobile) indoor or outdoor sink.
[0003] The Mosis invention's external water source allows it to be
used as a stand-alone sink on a more permanent basis if necessary.
The supply of fresh water through an optional external connection
such as a garden hose gives the Mosis invention the ability to be
mobile while also allowing it to be supplied with an endless water
supply. Not one of the prior art discussed or researched allows the
portable sink to draw water from an external water source. Only the
Mosis invention allows this level of versatility.
[0004] There have been past attempts at providing a portable sink.
For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,594,830, 3,983,583 and 4,072,157 all
these inventions rolled about on wheels, which include a basin,
faucet, and a tank to store used water. However, the devices
disclosed in these patents are all too heavy and bulky to be
practical for true portable, use, especially uses outdoors, or in
remote locations.
[0005] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,944,862, 4,766,621, and 5,313,676 each are
supported by telescoping and/or folding legs. These devices are
generally more compact, and of lighter weight design, but are still
too bulky, include projections, sharp edges and corners that
prevent these designs from being practical for portable use.
[0006] U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,358,937, 2,594,938, and 5,301,376 are
portable sinks in a carrying case. They have no wheels, and very
limited fresh water reserves from a small internal case water
supply tank.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,173,458, 3,192,537, and 5,813,063 are
similar to the Mosis invention, these prior inventions all contain
a type of portable sink mounted on a cabinet with wheels utilizing
hot and cold water sourced from a fresh water tank with second tank
to contain the used water. However, there are several critical
differences. The prior inventions may be mobile but their bulk and
weight make their mobility impracticable First, the Mosis invention
is lightweight, weighing only 109 lbs., a fraction (less than 1/2)
of what the lightest of the aforementioned inventions weigh. The
Mosis invention's compact size and weight makes for easier mobility
both in and out doors.
[0008] The prior inventions primarily address specific market
segments such as food service, hair washing and nursing. Although
the Mosis invention is primarily intended to service educational
facilities, schools, science labs and day care centers, it is
sufficiently versatile to be used for many of the same uses
encompassed by the prior inventions. The Mosis invention promotes
general indoor and outdoor sanitation and health primarily for
educational facilities, schools, science labs, libraries and other
indoor or outdoor facilities where the need for mobile fresh water
exists.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention (hereinafter referred to as the "Mosis"
invention) relates to a readily portable sink designed to be used
indoors or outdoors providing hot and cold water from either a
self-contained fresh water tank or from an optional external water
source such as a garden hose.
[0010] The Mosis invention comprises of a portable sink, mounted in
a lightweight cabinet with wheels for easy mobility. The sink has
hot and cold running water. Unlike other inventions, the Mosis
invention allows for both an internal (self contained fresh water
tank) and an optional external water source (e.g. a garden hose or
other faucet connection). The sink has an electric pump, an
electric heater, and a high pressure water tubes which control the
flow of hot and cold water from either of the two fresh water
sources, to the faucet and ultimately to the self contained used
water holding tank.
[0011] The sink is mounted on a lightweight cabinet weighing
approximately 109 pounds when water tanks are empty. The cabinet is
made of heavy-duty plastic which is mounted on 4 wheels, 2 swivel
wheels with breaks. The sink has both a hot and cold water tubes
connected to at least one faucet and a used water holding tank to
hold the used water from the sink.
[0012] The hot water is provided via an electrical heater mounted
within the cabinet that is connected to an external power source.
Water that is pumped from either the optional external or the self
contained fresh water tank through a water pump to the heater for
the heating of the water. The pump also provides cold water to the
faucets outside of the circuit of the heater so the sink may
produce hot, cold or warm water. For safety, the water temperature
is controlled through a regulator and a safety valve that
compensates for over pressure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 shows an overall drawing of the cabinet including the
faucet, the towel holder 9 and the 2 swivel wheels.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the cabinet detailing the
sink faucet, the soap dispenser, the electric cord and the 2 swivel
wheels without brakes.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a frontal perspective view of the sink.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a sectioned top plan view of the sink.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the sink and the cabinet with
the doors open detailing the water tanks, water pump and water
heater connections.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows a line diagram of the sink from inside
consisting of water delivery system, drain system and electrical
components. See FIG. 7 for illustration of the water delivery
system and FIG. 11 for the drain system.
[0019] FIG. 7 shows the water delivery system.
[0020] FIG. 8 shows an outside view and a detailed diagram of the
garden hose connection.
[0021] FIG. 9 shows an inside view of the garden hose
connection.
[0022] FIG. 10. shows a detailed diagram of the electrical
components including the water heater and water pump.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows the water drain system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Looking at FIG. 1 it shows a cabinet 1 with a sink. The
cabinet has two doors supported with two hinge points from top and
bottom so the doors can be easily opened and closed. The two doors
can close tightly. Pair of handles is located at the top of the
doors to allow easy access by placing one's hand and pulling the
door open.
[0025] The cabinet 1 is supported by four swivel wheels 14, two of
which are with brakes and the other two are without brakes placed
in a like position on the other side which are not shown. The two
wheels with brakes have a little brake element that can be pressed
downward to hold the sink from moving.
[0026] The cabinet 1 has a stainless steel sink with at least one
bowl. Attached to the sink is a hot and cold faucet 6 connected to
the drain system as shown in FIG. 11 and also connected to the
delivery system as shown in FIG. 7.
[0027] Looking at FIG. 2 and 3 it shows soap dispenser 8 attached
to the front right door of the cabinet. The soap dispenser allows
easy access to soap for hand washing. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 also shows
a paper towel holder on the side of the cabinet allowing easy
source of paper towels.
[0028] Looking at FIG. 5 it can be seen that the cabinet area has a
total of two tanks 10. One for fresh water placed usually on the
left side of the cabinet, the other tank is placed next to it and
is used for gray water disposed out of the sink 5 through the drain
system. These two tanks must be filled or emptied respectively to
allow usage of the sink.
[0029] Looking more specifically at FIG. 5, it shows a water heater
2. The water heater has an electrical water pump 3 attached to it,
which allow cold water to be pushed through the water tubes to the
faucet 6. The hot water is also pumped through the water heater 2
then to the faucet 6. The cabinet also has a GFI outlet with switch
4 for the purpose of controlling the unit electrically. This switch
outlet 4, as shown in FIG. 10, have an electrical cord 17 which
needs to be connected to an electrical wall outlet plug plug for
the sink to operate. This cord 17 provides electric power to the
unit.
[0030] Self Contained delivery system: FIG. 7 shows the water
delivery system when the unit is connected to a source of
electricity allows the water pump to pull water from the fresh
water tank through the check valve 13 passing into the tubes. The
water pump then pushes the water through the tubes--going through
the water heater--then out of the hot water faucet or going outside
directly to the cold water faucet.
[0031] Outside Water Supply System: FIG. 8 & 9 shows sectional
overview diagram of the garden hose connection that can be attached
to the sink from the back. This attachment allows the water to be
taken from a garden hose directly to the delivery system of the
sink instead of using the fresh water tank. The garden connection
11 is connected to a garden hose that allows high-pressure water to
go through the valve 12 and the Tee 16 through the water pump 3
then the water heater 2 to the faucet 6. Opening the Ball valve 12
allows water to move from the garden hose and not from the water
tank. The check valve 13 is a one way only valve, which prevents
water from going back to fresh water tank whenever water is taken
from the garden hose.
[0032] FIG. 11 shows the drain system illustrating how water flows
from the sink to the gray water tank 10 through the tubes 7. The
overflow tube 15 allows excess water to go down outside the
cabinet.
[0033] As it can be seen from the above description, this design
provides a substantial easy source of hot and cold running water
for a lot of schools, day care facilities as well as for a lot of
other business in general.
* * * * *