U.S. patent application number 13/092614 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-25 for rack system for a sink.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kohler Co.. Invention is credited to Niels J. Eilmus.
Application Number | 20120266377 13/092614 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47020118 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120266377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eilmus; Niels J. |
October 25, 2012 |
RACK SYSTEM FOR A SINK
Abstract
A rack system for use with a kitchen sink is disclosed. The rack
system comprises a support structure configured to span between
opposite sides of the sink, a soaker receptacle provided at a first
portion of the support structure and a substantially horizontal
support surface provided at a second portion of the support
structure. The soaker receptacle is configured to retain a liquid
used for soaking at least one utensil. The support structure is
configured to support the soaker receptacle such that a bottom
portion of the soaker receptacle is offset from a bottom wall of
the sink.
Inventors: |
Eilmus; Niels J.;
(Sheboygan, WI) |
Assignee: |
Kohler Co.
|
Family ID: |
47020118 |
Appl. No.: |
13/092614 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/638 ; 211/41.2;
211/70.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/186 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/638 ; 211/70.7;
211/41.2 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/18 20060101
E03C001/18; A47G 29/00 20060101 A47G029/00; A47L 17/00 20060101
A47L017/00 |
Claims
1. A rack system for use with a kitchen sink, the rack system
comprising: a support structure configured to span between opposite
sides of the sink; a soaker receptacle provided at a first portion
of the support structure, the soaker receptacle being configured to
retain a liquid used for soaking at least one utensil; and a
substantially horizontal support surface provided at a second
portion of the support structure, wherein the support structure is
configured to support the soaker receptacle such that a bottom
portion of the soaker receptacle is offset from a bottom wall of
the sink.
2. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the soaker receptacle is
removably coupled to the support structure.
3. The rack system of claim 2, wherein the soaker receptacle is
configured to be selectively inserted and removed from above the
support structure by a user.
4. The rack system of claim 3, wherein the soaker receptacle
comprises a peripheral rim that engages the support structure when
the soaker receptacle is inserted into an aperture defined by the
first portion, the rim being sized so that a user can grasp the rim
for removing the soaker receptacle from the support structure.
5. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises a first frame rail extending substantially parallel and
spaced apart with a second frame rail, and wherein the support
structure further comprises at least one linking member extending
laterally between the first frame rail and the second frame
rail.
6. The rack system of claim 5, wherein the first frame rail and the
second frame rail are formed together as a one-piece unitary
member.
7. The rack system of claim 5, wherein the at least one linking
member at least partially defines an upper surface of the
substantially horizontal support structure.
8. The rack system of claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the
substantially horizontal support structure is a shelf configured to
support at least one of a glass, a pot, a dish and a pan.
9. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the soaker receptacle is
formed of a first material and the support structure is formed of a
second material that is different than the first material.
10. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the first portion defines
an aperture having a shape that substantially corresponds to a
cross sectional shape of the soaker receptacle.
11. The rack system of claim 1, wherein the support structure
extends between a first end and an opposite second end, the first
and second ends each extending upwardly and outwardly relative to a
central portion of the support structure to define a contour that
is configured to substantially correspond to a contour of an inner
edge of the sink.
12. The rack system of claim 11, wherein the first end is
configured to rest directly on the inner edge of a first side of
the sink and the second end is configured to rest directly on the
inner edge of a second side of the sink for retaining the rack
system over a basin defined by the sink.
13. The rack system of claim 11, wherein the soaker receptacle is
provided adjacent to the first end of the support structure and the
substantially horizontal support surface is provided adjacent to
the second end of the support structure.
14. The rack system of claim 11, wherein the first and second ends
are handles that may be grasped by a user to selectively remove the
rack system from the sink.
15. A kitchen sink comprising: a bottom wall; a side wall extending
from the bottom wall to define at least one basin; and a rack
system removably coupled to the side wall, the rack system
comprising: a support structure configured to span between opposite
portions of the side wall; a soaker receptacle provided at a first
portion of the support structure, the soaker receptacle being
configured to retain a liquid; and a substantially horizontal
support surface provided at a second portion of the support
structure, wherein the support structure supports the soaker
receptacle such that a bottom portion of the soaker receptacle is
offset from the bottom wall.
16. The sink of claim 15, wherein the side wall comprises a front
wall, a rear wall, a right side wall and a left side wall.
17. The sink of claim 16, wherein the support structure spans
between the front wall and the rear wall.
18. The sink of claim 15, wherein the soaker receptacle is
removably coupled to the support structure and is configured to be
selectively inserted and removed from an aperture defined by the
support structure.
19. The sink of claim 18, wherein the soaker receptacle comprises a
peripheral rim at an upper end that engages the support structure
when the soaker receptacle is inserted into the aperture.
20. The sink of claim 15, wherein the support structure extends
between a first end and an opposite second end, the first and
second ends each define a contour that is configured to
substantially correspond to a contour of an upper inner edge of the
side wall, and wherein engagement between the first and second ends
of the support structure and the upper inner edge of the side wall
retain the rack system above the at least one basin.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
attachments or accessories for wash receptacles. More specifically,
the present disclosure relates to a support rack or rack system for
a sink.
[0002] Sinks are vessels generally configured for receiving water.
Usually, a faucet or other water source is located proximate to the
sink, and a drain pipe is coupled to the sink to remove unwanted
water. A sink is often mounted on or into a countertop of a
cabinet, stand, or pedestal. When washing articles such as eating
or cooking utensils, it is sometimes preferable to allow the
articles to soak in a water/detergent mixture. In order to save
water and free the sink for other uses, it is sometimes further
preferable to soak these articles in a receptacle smaller than the
sink. Standing the articles up right in a relatively narrow
receptacle provides the greatest soaking depth with the least
amount of water. One continuing challenge, however, is that
standing these articles up right in a relatively narrow receptacle
creates high center of gravity, which creates a tendency to tip
over.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One embodiment relates to a rack system for use with a
kitchen sink. The rack system comprises a support structure
configured to span between opposite sides of the sink, a soaker
receptacle provided at a first portion of the support structure and
a substantially horizontal support surface provided at a second
portion of the support structure. The soaker receptacle is
configured to retain a liquid used for soaking at least one
utensil. The support structure is configured to support the soaker
receptacle such that a bottom portion of the soaker receptacle is
offset from a bottom wall of the sink.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to a kitchen sink. The kitchen
sink comprises a bottom wall, a side wall extending from the bottom
wall to define at least one basin and a rack system removably
coupled to the side wall. The rack system comprises a support
structure configured to span between opposite portions of the side
wall, a soaker receptacle provided at a first portion of the
support structure and a substantially horizontal support surface
provided at a second portion of the support structure. The soaker
receptacle being configured to retain a liquid. The support
structure supports the soaker receptacle such that a bottom portion
of the soaker receptacle is offset from the bottom wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sink, rack, and removable
component, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 1, shown
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a rack, shown according to
an alternate embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the removable component of
FIG. 1, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the sink, rack, and removable
component of FIG. 1, shown according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the sink, rack, and removable
component of FIG. 1, shown according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Referring generally to the FIGURES, a rack system for use
with a sink and components thereof are shown according to exemplary
embodiments. The rack system may be suitable for use with sinks
installed in various environments including a kitchen or bathroom.
Such sinks may include a bottom or floor and one or more sidewalls
extending upwardly from the floor. The floor and sidewalls at least
partially define a basin. A rim may extend from a top portion of
the sidewalls. The interface between the rim and the sidewalls may
be chamfered.
[0012] The rack system may include a first end portion, a second
end portion, a spanning portion, and a receiving portion. As shown,
the rack may be configured to be supported across the basin of the
sink by the first end portion and the second end portion. The
receiving portion is configured to receive and stably support a
removable component. According to an exemplary embodiment, the is a
soaker receptacle that defines a reservoir which may be used to
soak soiled utensils in a water/detergent mixture.
[0013] Before discussing further details of the rack system, it
should be noted that references to "front," "back," "rear,"
"upper," "lower," "right," and "left" in this description are
merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented
in the FIGURES, with "right," "left," "front," "back," and "rear"
being relative to a specific direction. These terms are not meant
to limit the element which they describe, as the various elements
may be oriented differently in various applications.
[0014] It should further be noted that for purposes of this
disclosure, the term coupled means the joining of two members
directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be
stationary in nature or moveable in nature and/or such joining may
allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or
other types of signals or communication between the two members.
Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two
members and any additional intermediate members being integrally
formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two
members or the two members and any additional intermediate members
being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in
nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in
nature.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a rack system 100
is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Rack system 100 is
shown supported in a sink 10. Rack system 100 includes a rack 20
and one or more accessories or components, shown as a removable cup
50.
[0016] Rack system 100 may be suitable for use with any of a number
of sinks. According to an exemplary embodiment, sink 10 includes a
bottom portion, a middle portion located generally above the bottom
portion, and a top portion located generally above the middle
portion. Sink 10 may include a floor 12 located proximate the
bottom portion. Floor 12 may define a drain 13. A sidewall 14 is
shown to extend upwardly from floor 12. According to an alternate
embodiment, sidewall 14 may be continuously curved such that no
discernible floor is formed. According to the embodiment shown,
sidewall 14 comprises first through fourth sidewalls, shown as
front sidewall 14a, rear sidewall 14b, left sidewall 14c, and right
sidewall 14d. Sidewall 14 and floor 12 may at least partially
define a basin of sink 10. Sink 10 is further shown to include a
rim 16 extending outwardly from a top portion of sidewall 14.
According to the embodiment shown rim 16 comprises first through
fourth rims, shown as front rim 16a, rear rim 16b, left rim 16c,
and right rim 16d. As shown, rim 16 is substantially
horizontal.
[0017] Sidewall 14 couples to rim 16 at an interface (e.g., corner,
inner edge, transition, etc.), shown as edge 18. For example,
according to the embodiment shown, front sidewall 14a couples front
rim 16a at front edge 18a; rear sidewall 14b couples rear rim 16b
at rear edge 18b; left sidewall 14c couples left rim 16c at left
edge 18c; and right sidewall 14d couples right rim 16d at right
edge 18d. Edge 18 may have a variety of shapes (e.g., beveled,
chamfered, rounded, substantially right angled, etc.). According to
the embodiment shown, front edge 18a and rear edge 18b are
chamfered, and left edge 18c and right edge 18d are rounded.
According to one embodiment, front edge 18a and rear edge 18b are
chamfered at an angle between approximately 30 degrees and
approximately 60 degrees relative to rim 16. According to the
embodiment shown, front edge 18a and rear edge 18b are chamfered at
an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to rim 16. According
to the various alternate embodiments, front edge 18a and rear edge
18b may be chamfered at any of a number of different angles,
including angles greater than or less than those provided
above.
[0018] Sink 10 may have any number of basins. For example, sink 10
may have one, two, or more basins. Alternatively, sink 10 may have
a single basin divided into two or more reservoirs. The basins or
reservoirs may be separated by one or more saddles (e.g., divider,
separator, structure, hump, ridge, etc.). The saddle may be of any
height. Usually a top of the saddle remains below the top of the
sink. The saddle may divide the sink into multiple equal or unequal
sized basins or reservoirs.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of rack 20 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. Rack 20 is an elongated
member that extends between a first end portion 21 and a second end
portion 22 located opposite the first end portion 21. Located
between first end portion 21 and second end portion 22 is a
receiving portion 40 and a spanning portion 30.
[0020] According to the embodiment shown, spanning portion 30
includes a first rail or segment 31 and a second rail or segment
32. As shown, first segment 31 and second segment 32 are spaced
apart, substantially parallel, and substantially horizontal
relative to each other. According to alternate embodiments,
spanning portion 30 may include any number of segments or other
support members which may or may not be spaced apart, parallel, or
horizontal.
[0021] Spanning portion 30 further includes a linking structure 34.
Structure 34 extends laterally across first segment 31 and second
segment 32. Structure 34 is supported by first segment 31 and
second segment 32. As shown, structure 34 includes one or more
regions, shown as region 35a and region 35b, extending outwardly
beyond second segment 32. Similar regions may extend outwardly
beyond first segment 31. According to various embodiments,
structure 34 may not include regions extending beyond first segment
31 or second segment 32. According to one alternate embodiment,
structure 34 extends between first segment 31 and second segment
32. As shown, spanning portion 30 includes a plurality of
structures 34 spaced longitudinally along first segment 31 and
second segment 32. Regions of adjacent structures may be configured
to cooperatively support an element (e.g., elongated element,
utensil, wine glass, bottle brush, dishes, pots, pans, etc.). For
example, the space between region 35a and region 35b may receive
the stem of a wine glass, thereby allowing the wine glass to hang
therefrom to dry. According to one alternate embodiment, structure
34 may extend back and forth (e.g., weave, zigzag, etc.) among
first segment 31 and second segment 32 to form a serpentine
pattern, shown as structure 34' in FIG. 3. According to other
alternate embodiments, structure 34 may form a grid or mesh, or
spanning portion 30 may not include a structure 34. A smaller mesh,
for example, may be better for drying small items. According to yet
another alternate embodiment, structure 34 may comprise a solid
surface, for example, a cutting board.
[0022] Spanning portion 30 may be located anywhere between first
end portion 21 and second end portion 22. According to one
embodiment, spanning portion 30 is located proximate second end
portion 22. According to another embodiment, spanning portion 30 is
located approximately halfway between first end portion 21 and
second end portion 22. According to the embodiment shown, spanning
portion 30 is located proximate first end portion 21. Rack 20 may
include any number of spanning portions 30.
[0023] According to the embodiment shown, receiving portion 40
includes a first segment 41 and second segment 42. As shown, first
segment 41 and second segment 42 are spaced apart and substantially
horizontal relative to each other. Portions of first segment 41 and
second segment 42 are shown to be parallel and spaced outwardly of
first segment 31 and second segment 32 of spanning portion 30.
According to one embodiment, first segment 41 and second segment 42
are shown to extend laterally outward from lines defined by first
segment 31 and second segment 32 of spanning portion 30. According
to alternate embodiments, receiving portion 40 may include any
number of segments which may or may not be parallel or
horizontal.
[0024] First segment 41 and second segment 42 at least partially
define an area 45 configured to receive cup 50. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the shape of area 45 corresponds to the shape
of cup 50. As shown, area 45 is generally rectangular. First
segment 41 and the second segment 42 are shown to include a
plurality of rounded corners (e.g., filets), shown for example as
corner 43. According to alternate embodiments, the area 45
generally formed by first segment 41 and second segment 42 may be
of a variety of shapes (e.g., square, circle, oval, polygon, etc.),
and corners 43 may have any radius of curvature. According to
another alternate embodiment, first segment 41 continues as a
generally straight extension from first segment 31, and second
segment 42 continues as a generally straight extension from second
segment 32.
[0025] Receiving portion 40 may be located anywhere between first
end portion 21 and second end portion 22. According to one
embodiment, receiving portion 40 may be located proximate first end
portion 21. According to another embodiment, receiving portion 40
may be located approximately halfway between first end portion 21
and second end portion 22. For example, receiving portion 40 may be
located between a plurality of spanning portions 30. According to
the embodiment shown, receiving portion 40 is located proximate
second end portion 22. According to other embodiments, rack 20 may
include any number of receiving portions 40. For example, a
plurality receiving portions 40 may be located longitudinally
opposite a spanning portion 30, or rack 20 may include a plurality
of receiving portions 40 and no spanning portion 30.
[0026] According to the embodiment shown, first segment 31 of
spanning portion 30 and first segment 41 of receiving portion 40
couple to at least partially form first member 47. Similarly,
second segment 32 spanning portion 30 and second segment 42 of
receiving portion 40 are shown to couple and to at least partially
form second member 48. First member 47 and second member 48 extend
longitudinally between first end portion 21 and second end portion
22. As shown, first member 47 and second member 48 are
substantially mirror images and substantially horizontal. According
to alternate embodiments, first member 47 and second member 48 may
or may not be symmetric or horizontal.
[0027] First member 47 has a first end 23 and a second end 24.
Second member 48 has a first end 25 and a second end 26. First end
23 of first member 47 couples first end 25 of second member 48
proximate first end portion 21. Second end 24 of first member 47
couples second end 26 of second member 48 proximate second end
portion 22. According to various alternate embodiments, first ended
23 and first end 25 remain spaced apart and/or second end 24 and
second end 26 remain spaced apart.
[0028] Second end portion 22 may include one or more regions. As
shown, second end portion 22 includes a first region shown as lower
region 27, and a second region shown as upper region 28. Lower
region 27 includes segments of first member 47 and second member
48. Similarly, upper region 28 includes segments of first member 47
and second member 48. As shown, second end portion 22 extends
generally upwardly from receiving portion 40. Lower region 47 may
extend substantially vertically upward from a plane defined by
first segment 41 and second segment 42 of receiving portion 40.
Upper region 48 extends from lower region 47.
[0029] As shown, upper region 28 is supported at an angle relative
to lower region 27 and is configured to be supported at an angle
relative to horizontal substantially equal to that of edge 18.
According to one embodiment, upper region 28 is supported at an
angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 60 degrees
relative to a plane defined by first member 47 and second member
48. According to the embodiment shown upper region 28 is supported
at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to horizontal when
rack 20 is in an installed position. According to the various
alternate embodiments, upper region 28 may be supported at any of a
number of angles relative to a plane defined by first member 47 and
second member 48, including angles greater than or less than those
provided above including substantially horizontal. According to
further alternate embodiments, upper region 48 and/or lower region
47 may form continuously or discontinuously curved surfaces.
[0030] According to the embodiment shown, second end portion 22 is
configured to correspond to the contour of edge 18, for example, by
substantially matching the profile of edge 18. Matching the angle
between upper region 28 of rack 20 and edge 18 of sink 10 has
several benefits. For example, if upper region 28 is shallower than
edge 18, second end portion 22 will be supported solely by the end
of rack 20. This may allow rotation of rack 20 from the ends of
rack 20, thereby allowing rack 22 bounce. However, if upper region
28 is steeper than edge 18, second end portion 22 may be supported
at the interface between edge 18b and sidewall 14b. As described
above, this localized support of second end portion 22 may allow
for unwanted rotation or flexure. In these configurations, the
localized support may increase stresses and susceptibility to
damaging (e.g., scuffing, marring, scratching, gouging, etc.) of
sink 10. Matching the angle between upper region 28 and edge 18
increases the contact area between upper region 28 and edge 18
thereby limiting rotational movement. Further, increased contact
area increases the friction between rack 20 in sink 10. Limiting
the rotational movement and increasing the friction between rack 20
and sink 10 increases the stability of rack 20.
[0031] While the exemplary embodiment describes end portions 21 and
22 being supported by edges 18, it is contemplated that rack 20 may
be supported in any number of suitable fashions. For example, upper
region 28 may extend horizontally from lower region 27 and be
supported by rim 16; first segment 31 and second segment 32 of
spanning portion 30 may rest directly on rim 16; first end portion
21 and second end portion 22 may be otherwise supported by edges,
ledges, curved, otherwise angled, or flat surfaces; etc. According
to an alternate embodiment in which sink 10 is an under-counter
mounted sink, first end portion 21 and second end portion 22 may be
supported by a countertop.
[0032] First end portion 21 and second end portion 22 may have a
protective coating 29. Protective coating 29 may be an elastomer or
plastic. Protective coating 29 is configured to protect first end
portion 21 and second end portion 22 and configured to prevent
damage to sink 10. Protective coating 29 may also increase the
coefficient of friction between rack 20 and sink 10, thereby
reducing slippage or other unwanted relative motion between rack 20
and sink 10.
[0033] The description of second end portion 22, including the
description of lower region 27 and upper region 28 may be
transferred to first end portion 21. Rack 20 may be formed of any
suitable material or combination of materials (e.g., metal,
plastic, stainless steel, etc.). Rack 20 may receive a coating
(e.g., polymer, paint, porcelain, etc.) to protect rack 20 from
corrosion or damage. Rack 20 may be formed by any suitable process
(e.g., forging, casting, welding, extrusion, injection molding,
etc.).
[0034] Referring to FIG. 4, an enlarged view of a removable
component, shown as cup 50, is shown according to an exemplary
embodiment. Cup 50 includes a bottom 52. A sidewall 54 extends
upwardly from bottom 52 and may include a lower portion 55 and an
upper portion 56. According to the exemplary embodiment, bottom 52
and sidewall 54 may at least partially define a receptacle (e.g.,
reservoir). According to an alternate embodiment, sidewall 54 may
be continuously curved such that no discernible bottom 52 is
formed. Cup 50 may include a rim 59 extending from upper portion
56. According to an alternate embodiment, rim 59 may include a
handle configured to facilitate lifting cup 50 from rack 20 or to
facilitate placing cup 50 into rack 20.
[0035] According to one embodiment, upper portion 56 has a greater
cross-sectional area than lower portion 55. According to another
embodiment, a portion of upper portion 56 is located outward of a
portion of lower portion 55. According to yet another embodiment,
the distance between laterally opposite portions of upper portion
56 is greater than the distance between laterally opposite portions
of lower portion 55. According to the embodiment shown, the
distance between laterally opposite portions of upper portion 56 is
greater than the lateral distance between first segment 41 and
second segment 42 of receiving portion 40 of rack 20, which in turn
is greater than the distance between laterally opposite portions of
lower portion 55.
[0036] Cup 50 further includes a projection (e.g., protrusion,
ledge, ridge, etc.), shown as lip 58. The lateral distance between
opposite portions of lip 58 is at least as great as the lateral
distance between first segment 41 and second segment 42 of
receiving portion 40. As shown, lip 58 extends outwardly between
lower portion 55 and upper portion 56 of sidewall 54. That is,
lower portion 55 may extend downwardly from an inner portion of lip
58, and upper portion 56 extends upwardly from an outer portion of
lip 58. According to alternate embodiments, lower portion 55 and
upper portion 56 may be substantially continuous with lip 58
protruding from an outer surface of sidewall 54.
[0037] According to the embodiment shown, cup 50 has a generally
rectangular shape. Cup 50 includes a plurality of rounded corners
(e.g., filets), shown as corners 53. Corners 53 have radii of
curvature approximately that of corners 43 of receiving portion 40
of rack 20. According to one embodiment, the radius of curvature of
a corner of lower portion 55 is less than the radius of curvature
of corner 43 of receiving portion 40, which in turn is less than
the radius of curvature of a corner of upper portion 56. According
to the exemplary embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of cup 50 is
substantially similar to the area defined by segment 41 and segment
42 of rack 20. As shown in FIG. 1, lower portion 55 is configured
to fit within area 45 defined by first segment 41 and second
segment 42 of receiving portion 40 of rack 20; whereas, upper
portion 56 is configured to exceed the area defined by segment 41
and segment 42. According to alternate embodiments, the
cross-sectional area formed by sidewall 54 may be of a variety of
shapes (e.g., square, circle, oval, polygon, etc.), and corners 53
may have any radius of curvature.
[0038] Accordingly, receiving portion 40 of rack 20 supports cup 50
by lip 58. Supporting cup 50 by lip 58 allows lower portion 55 and
bottom 52 of cup 50 to depend (e.g., hang, suspend, etc.) below
rack 20. As such, cup 50 may be stably retained by rack 20.
According to the embodiment shown, lip 58 is located above the
center of gravity of cup 50. Thus, the center of gravity of cup 50
depends below rack 21 when cup 50 is in an installed position,
thereby increasing the stability of cup 50. According to an
alternate embodiment, cup 50 does not include a lip 58, and rack 20
supports cup 50 by an outwardly extending rim 59.
[0039] The rounded corners 53 of cup 50 facilitate cleaning of cup
50, thereby preventing the accumulation of debris or growth of
microorganisms in the corners. Cup 50 may be formed of any suitable
material by any suitable process. For example, cup 50 may be formed
of drawn stainless steel or molded polypropylene.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded view of sink 10, rack 20,
and cup 50, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Rack 20
may be selectively removable from sink 10. As shown, receiving
portion 40 is oriented towards a rear portion of sink 10. Rack 20
may be reoriented such that receiving portion 40 is oriented
towards a front portion of sink 10. Rack 20 is configured to be
installed across the basin of sink 10 in a fore-aft direction. For
example, rack 20 may be configured that first end portion 21 is
supported by edge 18a and second end portion 22 is supported by
edge 18b when rack 20 is in an installed position. According to one
alternative embodiment, rack 20 is configured to be installed
laterally across sink 10. For example, rack 20 may be configured
such that first end portion 21 is supported by left edge 18c and
second end portion 22 is supported by right edge 18d when rack 20
is in an installed position. According to alternative embodiments,
rack 20 is configured to extend between adjacent sidewalls 14, rims
16, and/or edges 18 of sink 10. According to one embodiment, rack
20 is configured to be supported by a plurality of sidewalls 14,
rims 16, or edges 18 of sink 10.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, an enlarged view of rack 20 and cup 50
are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, bottom 52
and sidewall 54 of cup 50 at least partially define a reservoir. In
use, the reservoir of cup 50 may be filled with a fluid (e.g.,
water, soapy water, solvent, etc.). Elements (cooking utensils,
eating utensils, etc.), shown as utensils 60, may be placed into
cup 50 and allowed to soak. Soaking provides time for debris to
loosen and/or separate from utensils 60 (e.g., using heat,
detergent, solvent, etc.).
[0042] The bottoms of sinks are usually not level. For example,
floor 12 of sink 10 slopes towards drain 13. Furthermore, utensils
60 extending outward from cup 50 create a high center of gravity.
As such, the high center of gravity, particularly in combination
with a non-level sink floor, tends to lead to the tipping over of
soaking receptacles. Supporting cup 50 by rack 20, particularly
supporting cup 50 proximate an upper portion of cup 50 inhibits
this tipping motion. Allowing the combination of cup 50 and
utensils 60 to depend from rack 20 lowers the center of gravity of
the combination relative to rack 20, thereby increasing the
stability of the combination.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, cup 50 is selectively removable from
receiving portion 40 of rack 20. Cup 50 may be removed to
facilitate the washing of cup 50. Cup 50 may be replaced or
exchanged with another cup having a different style, color, or
emblem (e.g., team logo, monogram, etc.). Cup 50 may be replaced
with other removable components. For example, other alternate
removable components may include a soap/detergent holder or
dispenser, a knife block, a cutting board, a compost receptacle,
etc.
[0044] Another alternative removable component may have holes in
bottom 52 which allow fluid to drain from the removable component.
This configuration may be useful for drying utensils 60. Similarly
to cup 50, supporting this removable component by rack 20 will
inhibit the tipping tendency created by the high center of gravity
of utensils 60. This configuration may also be useful for a small
garden. For example, this removable component may be filled with a
potting medium and herbs, flowers, or other plants may be grown.
Because sinks are often located in front of windows and proximate a
source of water, placing a removable garden component in rack 20
installed in a sink would provide the contained plants with access
to sunlight and would facilitate watering. Furthermore, as the
plants grow, the center of gravity rises, increasing the tipping
tendency. As described above, supporting this removable component
by rack 20 will inhibit the tipping tendency created by the high
center of gravity of the plants.
[0045] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the sink, rack, or removable
component as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative
only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure
have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review
this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the enclosure may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Additionally,
in the subject description, the word "exemplary" is used to mean
serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any embodiment or
design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or
designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present
concepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of the present
inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments
without departing from the spirit of the appended claims.
[0046] The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be
varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Any
means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in
the design, operating configuration, and arrangement of the
preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from
the spirit of the appended claims.
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