U.S. patent application number 13/199485 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for portable sink container with modified drain.
Invention is credited to David Cain, Richard J. Macor, Philip Tuosto.
Application Number | 20110314599 13/199485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45351118 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20110314599 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tuosto; Philip ; et
al. |
December 29, 2011 |
Portable sink container with modified drain
Abstract
In one example embodiment, the present invention is a portable
container for use in a sink. The sink has predetermined inner
dimensions and a sink drain. The sink drain has an inlet with
predetermined inner dimensions. The container comprises a bottom,
sides, and a top opening. The container bottom has a drain. The
container bottom and sides are formed with outer dimensions less
than the predetermined inner dimensions of the sink such that the
container may substantially fit in the sink. The container drain
protrudes outwardly from the container bottom with an outlet. The
outlet has outer dimensions substantially equal to or less than the
predetermined inner dimensions of the sink drain inlet such that
the container drain outlet may substantially fit in the sink drain
inlet. And, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention,
the container drain comprises a means for temporarily sealing the
container drain with the sink drain so as to minimize possible
leakage between the container drain and the sink drain.
Inventors: |
Tuosto; Philip;
(Stewartsville, NJ) ; Cain; David; (Stewartsville,
NJ) ; Macor; Richard J.; (Asbury, NJ) |
Family ID: |
45351118 |
Appl. No.: |
13/199485 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12799901 |
May 4, 2010 |
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13199485 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/641 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/186 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/641 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/01 20060101
E03C001/01 |
Claims
1. A portable container for use in a sink, said sink having
predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain, said sink drain
having an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions, said container
comprising a bottom, sides, and a top opening, said bottom
comprising a drain, said container bottom and sides being formed
with outer dimensions substantially equal to or less than the
predetermined inner dimensions of said kitchen sink such that said
container may substantially fit in said kitchen sink, said
container drain protruding outwardly from said container bottom
with an outlet, said outlet having outer dimensions substantially
equal to or less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said
sink drain inlet such that said container drain outlet may
substantially fit in said sink drain inlet, and, said container
drain comprising a means for temporarily sealing said container
drain with said sink drain so as to minimize any possible leakage
between said container drain and said sink drain while said
container is utilized in said sink.
2. The portable container of claim 1, wherein said container drain
outlet has at least one outer across-width dimension substantially
equal to or less than four (4) inches.
3. The portable container of claim 1, wherein said container has at
least one inner across-width dimension substantially equal to or
greater than nine (9) inches.
4. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the container has at
least one outer across-width dimension substantially equal to or
less than sixteen (16) inches.
5. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the container has at
least one outer across-width dimension substantially equal to or
less than sixteen (16) inches; and, at least one inner across-width
dimension substantially equal to or greater than nine (9)
inches.
6. The portable container of claim 1, wherein said container drain
is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the
container thereof.
7. The portable container of claim 1, wherein said container is
molded with said drain molded therein.
8. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the container is
provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said
drain.
9. The portable container of claim 1, wherein the sealing means for
temporarily sealing said container drain with said sink drain is at
least one elastic ring attached to the container drain.
10. A portable container for use in a sink, said sink having
predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain, said sink drain
having an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions, said container
comprising a bottom, sides, and a top opening, said bottom
comprising a drain, said container bottom and sides being formed
with outer dimensions substantially equal to or less than the
predetermined inner dimensions of said kitchen sink such that said
container may substantially fit in said kitchen sink, said
container drain protruding outwardly from said container bottom
with an outlet, said outlet having outer dimensions substantially
equal to or less than the predetermined inner dimensions of said
sink drain inlet such that said container drain outlet may
substantially fit in said sink drain inlet, and, said container
drain comprising a means for temporarily sealing said container
drain with said sink drain so as to minimize any possible leakage
between said container drain and said sink drain while said
container is utilized in said sink, said container having at least
one outer across-width dimension substantially equal to or less
than sixteen (16) inches, said container having at least one inner
across-width dimension substantially equal to or greater than nine
(9) inches, and, said container drain outlet having at least one
outer across-width dimension substantially equal to or less than
four (4) inches.
11. The portable container of claim 10, wherein said container
drain is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the
container thereof.
12. The portable container of claim 10, wherein said container is
molded with said drain molded therein.
13. The portable container of claim 10, wherein the container is
provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said
drain.
14. The portable container of claim 10, wherein the sealing means
for temporarily sealing said container drain with said sink drain
is at least one elastic ring attached to the container drain.
15. A portable container comprising a bottom, sides, and at least
one outer across-width dimension substantially equal to or less
than sixteen (16) inches and at least one inner across-width
dimension substantially equal to or greater than nine (9) inches,
said bottom comprising a drain formed protruding outwardly with an
outlet having at least one outer across-width dimension
substantially equal to or less than four (4) inches, and, said
container drain having at least one elastic ring attached
thereto.
16. The portable container of claim 15, wherein said container
drain is provided means for straining solid matter from exiting the
container thereof.
17. The portable container of claim 15, wherein said container is
molded with said drain molded therein.
18. The portable container of claim 15, wherein the container is
provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said
drain.
19. The portable container of claim 16, wherein said container is
molded with said drain molded therein.
20. The portable container of claim 16, wherein the container is
provided means for temporarily stopping drainage from said drain.
Description
REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application relates to, and is a continuation-in-part
of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/799,901 filed on
May 4, 2010 entitled PORTABLE SINK CONTAINER.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to open top portable
containers such as pots, pans and small tubs etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Portable open top containers such as pots, pans and small
tubs have been around for thousands of years, and used for various
purposes including carrying and or containment of items in solid
and/or liquid forms, and for washing or cleaning something in
containment. The latter being contemplated herein whereby one may
be able to wash or clean something with a washing agent such as
water in a container and thus contain the washing agent and any
washing residue in the container. For example, if one was painting
with latex paint using rollers and a brush and wanted to clean the
rollers and brush, it's common to wash paint rollers and brushes in
a household sink with water. This usually makes a big mess leaving
paint and washing residue in the sink, thus requiring the sink to
be thoroughly cleaned after the rollers and brushes are cleaned.
Now, If one were to use a small open top container placed in the
sink, this could minimize the mess and reduce paint and washing
residue in the sink, but the paint and washing residue would still
end up in the sink if the container were overfilled and/or emptied
into the sink when done. Also, the container would still have to be
washed out with a cleaning agent that would still require the
cleaning of the sink if the container was washed in the sink.
Accordingly, there need for a container that may be used for
carrying and/or containment of items in solid and/or liquid forms
and for washing or cleaning item(s) in containment, with the added
provision(s) to control overfill, disposal of washing agent(s) and
residue, and cleaning of the container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one example embodiment, the present invention is a
portable container for use in a kitchen sink. The kitchen sink has
predetermined inner dimensions and a sink drain. The sink drain has
an inlet with predetermined inner dimensions. The container
comprises a bottom, sides, and a top opening. The bottom has a
drain. The container bottom and sides are formed with outer
dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the sink
such that the container may substantially fit in the sink. The
container drain protrudes outwardly from the container bottom with
an outlet. The outlet has outer dimensions substantially equal to
or less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the sink drain
inlet such that the container drain outlet may substantially fit in
the sink drain inlet. And, in some preferred embodiments of the
present invention, the container drain comprises a means for
temporarily sealing the container drain with the sink drain so as
to minimize possible leakage between the container drain and the
sink drain.
[0005] Considering the present invention above, Applicant considers
the following objectives.
[0006] It is an important objective of the present invention that
it be structured for carrying items in solid and/or liquid
forms.
[0007] It is another important objective of the present invention
that it be structured for containment (at least temporarily) of
items in solid and/or liquid forms.
[0008] It is another important objective of the present invention
that it be structured for washing and cleaning items therein.
[0009] It is another important objective of the present invention
that some preferred embodiments be structured small enough to
substantially fit in a sink; and, be structured large enough for
cleaning standard size paint rollers therein.
[0010] It is another important objective of the present invention
that the container drain comprises a means for temporarily sealing
the container drain with the sink drain so as to minimize possible
leakage between the container drain and the sink drain.
[0011] It is yet another objective of the present invention that it
be cost-efficient to manufacture and commercially viable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention is more fully understood when the
specification herein is taken in conjunction with the drawings
appended hereto, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a front cross-section view of a sink.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the sink shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows a front cross-section view of a present
invention portable, sink container.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention portable,
sink container shown in FIG. 3.
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the present invention portable sink
container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, positioned in the sink shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively.
[0018] FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 each show a different, example of a
present invention portable, sink container.
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a front cross-section view of a present
invention portable sink container with modified drain.
[0020] FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the present invention
portable sink container shown in FIG. 11.
[0021] FIG. 13 shows a front cross-section view of the present
invention portable sink container with modified drain shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12 positioned in the sink shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The various drawings provided herein are for the purpose of
illustrating possible embodiments of the present invention and not
for the purpose of limiting same. Therefore, the drawings herein
represent only a few of the many possible embodiments, variations
and/or applications of the present invention.
[0023] Referring now to both FIGS. 1 and 2 together, FIG. 1 shows a
front cross-section view of a sink, and, FIG. 2 shows a top view of
the sink shown in FIG. 1. Sink 1 is rectangular with inner length
dimension D2, and inner width dimension D1. As will be seen in
FIGS. 5 and 6, these D1 and D2 dimensions are important and will
influence certain dimensions of the present invention portable sink
container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Sink 1 has a drain 3 with an
inlet 5. Inlet 5 is round and has a width dimension D3. As will be
seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, this D3 dimension is also important and will
influence certain dimensions of present invention portable sink
container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 together, FIG. 3 shows a
front cross-section view of a present invention portable sink
container; and, FIG. 4 shows a top view of the present invention
portable sink container shown in FIG. 3. Portable sink container 21
has a bottom 23 and four sides 25, 27, 29 and 31. In this
embodiment of the present invention, portable sink container 21 is
rectangular with length dimension D5 and width dimension D6.
Container 21 also has a drain 35 with an outlet 37 which has an
outer dimension D7 as shown. In this embodiment of the present
invention, drain 35 is provided means for straining solid matter
from exiting the container thereof with straining holes such as
straining hole 39. Container 21 may be used for carrying or
containment of items in solid and/or liquid forms; and or, may be
used for washing and cleaning something therein. In this
embodiment, container 21 is molded from a plastic material with an
upper lip 33 for rigidity to be cost-efficient and commercially
viable. Nonetheless, this is simply one example embodiment and
there are many other materials and/or manufacturing methods that
could also be used.
[0025] FIGS. 5 and 6 together show the present invention portable
sink container shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, positioned in the sink shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively. Some of the reference numbers shown
in the earlier views are intentionally omitted so as not to crowd
the drawings. Container 21 has its bottom and sides formed with
outer dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of
sink 1 so that container 21 may substantially fit in kitchen sink
1. Therefore, when looking back at FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 together,
dimension D5 of container 21 is less than dimension D2 of sink 1;
and, dimension D6 of container 21 is less than dimension D1 of sink
1 so that container 21 may substantially fit in sink 1. This is an
important feature of the present invention portable sink container
that it's bottom and sides are formed with outer dimensions less
than the predetermined inner dimensions of the kitchen sink(s) it
is intended to substantially fit in. Although preferred embodiments
of the present invention container are structured to substantially
fit within a kitchen sink, it's not necessary for the entire
container to fit within the sink. For example, a container may have
an enlarged upper end, a rolled outer edge or lip that may extend
outside the inner dimensions of a sink and over the top surface of
a sink while the bottom and sides of the container substantially
fit in the sink. Such an embodiment does not depart from the scope
of the present invention. Also, the height of the present invention
portable sink container need not fit totally within the sink but
may be taller (or shorter) than the sink, provided that the
container does not obstruct use of a faucet attached to the sink.
Many household kitchen sinks have a standard top opening with at
least one across width dimension of about 16 inches. Accordingly,
if the present invention portable sink container is to
substantially fit in a common kitchen sink with a standard top
opening, the container would have at least one outer width
dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches.
[0026] Also, in FIG. 5 it can be seen that the outlet 37 of drain
35 of container 21 fits within the inlet of drain 3 of sink 1.
Accordingly, if a container is structured to substantially fit in a
common sink, and, the container has a drain outlet structured to
substantially fit in the drain inlet of the sink, then one can wash
something in the container using a sink faucet (not shown) and the
water and washing residue would effectively drain out the container
drain and right into the sink drain. Such a container device would
keep a sink clean and eliminate the need to clean the sink after
something is cleaned in the container. Since many kitchen sinks
have a standard size drain with an inlet of about 3.5 inches
across, the outlet of the present invention portable sink container
should be less than 4 inches across, and more preferably equal to
or less than 3.5 inches across so that the drain outlet of the
container can substantially fit within the inlet of a common
sink.
[0027] Applicant contemplates many uses for the present invention
portable sink container including the washing and cleaning of
various items including for example paint brushes and rollers. It's
common for people to wash their paint brushes and rollers in a
kitchen sink, which makes a big mess in the kitchen sink requiring
a thorough cleaning of the kitchen sink after the brushes and
rollers are cleaned. The present invention portable sink container
eliminates this requirement. Since cleaning of paint rollers and
brushes is considered, some embodiments of the present invention
container should be large enough for a 9 inch standard paint roller
to be cleaned lying down therein. Accordingly, in some preferred
embodiments of the present invention portable sink container, the
container has at least one inner across width dimension equal to or
greater than 9 inches to facilitate the cleaning of a standard 9
inch paint roller lying down. And as mentioned before, many common
kitchen sinks have a standard top opening with at least one across
width dimension of about 16 inches. So, if the present invention
portable sink container is to substantially fit in a kitchen sink,
and, the container be large enough to facilitate the cleaning of a
standard 9 inch paint roller laying down, such an embodiment of the
present invention container would have to be structured having at
least one inner width dimension equal to or greater than nine (9)
inches; and, at least one outer width dimension equal to or less
than sixteen (16) inches.
[0028] Applicant further contemplates some embodiments of the
present invention having special features such as cavities and
protrusions to facilitate drainage and drying of a roller or
rollers in an upright position. Applicant further contemplates some
embodiments of the present invention having special features such
as hooks or devices on the sidewalls (not shown) to temporarily
hold a brush in an upright position for drainage and drying.
Applicant further contemplates some preferred embodiments of the
present invention having means for temporarily stopping drainage
from the container by means of a drain plug that could be
physically connected to the container as shown in FIG. 10, or a
valve type device built into or a separate component of the
container drain, etc.
[0029] FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 each show a different, example of a
present invention portable, sink container. FIG. 7 shows a round
container with molded built in drain and straining slots. FIG. 8
shows an oval shaped container with drain and straining holes. FIG.
9 shows a rectangular container with side handles to facilitate
usage at a work site, and a drain with straining holes and
structural provisions to temporarily hold two paint rollers upright
for drying after cleaning. And, FIG. 10 shows a square container
with a non-centered drain with straining holes. The container also
has a drain plug attached to a plastic chain for stopping drainage
from the container as desired by a user.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 together, FIG. 11 shows a
front cross-section view of a another embodiment of the present
invention portable sink container; and, FIG. 12 shows a bottom view
of the present invention portable sink container shown in FIG. 11.
Portable sink container 121 has a bottom 123 and four sides 125,
127, 129 and 131. In this embodiment of the present invention,
portable sink container 121 is rectangular with length dimension D9
and width dimension D13. Container 121 also has a drain 135 with an
outlet 137 which has an outer across-width dimension D11 as shown.
In this embodiment of the present invention, drain 135 is provided
means for straining solid matter from exiting the container thereof
with straining holes such as straining hole 139. A sealing means
141 is used for temporarily sealing container drain 135 with a sink
drain such as sink drain 3 of sink 1 (shown best in FIG. 13) to
minimize possible leakage between the container drain 135 and a
sink drain while the container is utilized in a sink.
[0031] FIG. 13 shows the present invention portable sink container
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, positioned in the sink shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. Some of the reference numbers shown in the earlier views are
intentionally omitted so as to not crowd the drawings. Container
121 has its bottom and sides formed with outer dimensions less than
the predetermined inner dimensions of kitchen sink 1 so that
container 121 may substantially fit in kitchen sink 1. Therefore,
when looking back at FIGS. 1, 2, 11 and 12 together, dimension D9
of container 121 is less than dimension D2 of sink 1; and,
dimension D13 of container 121 is less than dimension D1 of sink 1
so that container 121 may substantially fit in kitchen sink 1. This
is an important feature of the present invention portable sink
container that it's bottom and sides are formed with outer
dimensions less than the predetermined inner dimensions of the
kitchen sink(s) it is intended to substantially fit in. Although
preferred embodiments of the present invention container are
structured to substantially fit within a kitchen sink, it's not
necessary for the entire container to fit within the sink. For
example, a container may have an enlarged upper end, a rolled outer
edge or lip that may extend outside the inner dimensions of a sink
and over the top surface of a sink while the bottom and sides of
the container substantially fit in the sink. Also, the height of
the present invention portable sink container need not fit totally
within the sink but may be taller (or shorter) than the sink,
provided that the container does not obstruct use of a faucet
attached to the sink. Such an embodiment does not depart from the
scope of the present invention. It can also be seen in FIG. 13 that
the outlet 137 of drain 135 of container 121 fits within the inlet
of drain 3 of sink 1. Accordingly, if a container is structured to
substantially fit in a common sink, and, the container has a drain
outlet structured to substantially fit in the drain inlet of the
sink, then one can wash something in the container using a sink
faucet and water (not shown) and the water and any washing residue
would effectively run out the container drain and right into the
sink drain. Such a container device would keep a sink clean and
eliminate the need to clean the sink after something is cleaned in
the container. Since many kitchen sinks in the U.S.A. for example
have a standard size drain with an inlet of about 3.5 inches
across, the drain outlet of the present invention portable sink
container for distribution in the U.S.A. should have an
across-width dimension that is preferably less than 4 inches
across, and more preferably less than 3.5 inches across so that the
drain outlet of the container drain can substantially fit within
the inlet of a common kitchen sink in the U.S.A. In this embodiment
of the present invention, drain 135 of container 121 comprises a
sealing means 141 for temporarily sealing container drain 135 with
sink drain 3 of sink 1 so as to minimize the potential of leakage,
backsplash, etc. between the container drain 135 and sink drain 3
while container 121 is utilized in sink 1. In this embodiment,
sealing means 141 is simply an elastic rubber ring with an
across-width diameter slightly greater than the across-width
diameter of the sink drain (D3 in FIG. 1) so that sealing means 141
may conform to and temporarily seal with sink drain 3 of a sink 1.
Nonetheless, in other embodiments the sealing means could include
more than one rubber ring, and/or be made of materials other than
rubber, etc. The drain of the present invention sink container
protrudes out from the bottom of the container so it will protrude
into a sink drain such as sink drain 3 of sink 1 shown in this FIG.
13. In this embodiment of the present invention, drain 135 is
molded as part of container 121, however, in other embodiments the
drain could be a separate component attached and sealed to the
container. It's also possible to have the drain made form a thin
elastic material whereby the drain may pop down and protrude from
the bottom when utilized, and pop back up so the bottom of the
container is flat when not in use. This would be similar to the
spout on a five gallon can which is pulled out when utilized for
pouring, and then pushed back in when not in use so the top of the
can is flat for stacking with other cans. In addition, the drain of
the present invention portable sink container may be provided means
for temporarily stopping drainage from the container. That means
could simply be a drain plug or a valve type device that is part of
or attached to container drain, etc.
[0032] Applicant contemplates many uses for the present invention
portable sink container including the washing and cleaning of
various items including for example paint brushes and rollers. It's
common for people to wash their paint brushes and rollers in a
kitchen sink, which makes a big mess in the kitchen sink requiring
a thorough cleaning of the kitchen sink after the brushes and
rollers are cleaned. The present invention portable sink container
eliminates this requirement. Since the cleaning of paint rollers
and brushes is considered, some embodiments of the present
invention container should be large enough for a 9 inch standard
roller to be cleaned lying down therein. Accordingly, in some
preferred embodiments of the present invention portable sink
container, the container has at least one inner across width
dimension equal to or greater than 9 inches to facilitate the
cleaning of a standard 9 inch paint roller lying down. And as
mentioned before, many kitchen sinks have a standard top opening
with at least one across width dimension of about 16 inches. So, if
the present invention portable sink container is to substantially
fit in a kitchen sink, and, the container be large enough to
facilitate the cleaning of a standard 9 inch paint roller laying
down, such an embodiment of the present invention container would
have to be structured having at least one inner width dimension
equal to or greater than nine (9) inches; and, at least one outer
width dimension equal to or less than sixteen (16) inches.
[0033] When considering the present invention, simplicity and
obviousness should not be confused or considered the same.
Accordingly, the novelty and complexity of the present invention
must be measured by the combination of structure and function
resulting from the many interrelated objectives set forth
herein.
[0034] Upon reading and understanding the specification of the
present invention described above, modifications and alterations
will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is intended
that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as
they come within the scope of the patent as claimed or the
equivalence thereof.
* * * * *