HAND DRYING ASSEMBLY FOR SINK UNITS

Abstract

A sink unit with hand drying assembly including a casement having a top element, a front and a back, a basin having a rim, carried by the casement with the rim adjacent the top element. A faucet is carried by the casement intermediate the basin and the back. a nozzle fixture is carried by the top proximate the rim and includes a housing having a nozzle, and a base with an aperture formed therethrough. An anchor post extends downwardly from the base to a position below the top element. The anchor post defines an air passage therethrough, the air passage aligned with and coupled in communication with the aperture. A fastener engages the anchor post, securing the nozzle fixture to the top element adjacent the basin. A channel element defines a channel coupling the aperture to the nozzle.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to lavatory fixtures.

More particularly, the present invention relates to hand drying devices used in association with sinks bathroom vanities and facilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field bathroom fixtures, there have been numerous attempts to provide devices for drying hands after washing. These devices conventionally included towel dispensers and the like, which result in large amounts of waste and must be replaced frequently. Additionally, if positioned on a wall away from the basin, trails of dripping water are left to cause an untidy appearance if not dangerously slippery conditions on the flooring. To overcome these problems, air blowers were introduced which use forced air to strip water off the hands presented to be dried. While somewhat effective in eliminating waste, and requiring replacement of towels, these devices still require movement of the user from the basin to the drying device, resulting in dripping and dispersion of water. Attempts at solving this last problem include mounting an air blower next to the faucet so the hands can be dried after washing without moving. While somewhat successful, no dripping on the floor, the blowers simply expel the water off the hands and onto the person. Additionally, these devices are aesthetically displeasing, awkward, and clutter counter space. It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air blowing hand dryer in association with a sink basin.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a non-obtrusive hand dryer.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hand dryer which expels water away from the individual using the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, to achieve the desired objects and advantages of the instant invention, provided is a nozzle fixture for use in association with a sink unit having a basin carried by a top element. The nozzle fixture includes a housing having a nozzle, and a base with an aperture formed therethrough. An anchor post extends downwardly from the base and is aligned with the aperture. The anchor post defines an air passage therethrough coupled in communication with the aperture formed through the base. A fastener engages the anchor post for securing the nozzle fixture to the top element adjacent the basin. A channel element is carried by the base and defines a channel coupling the aperture to the nozzle. The fastener can also include a bracket captured on the anchor post between a nut threaded onto the anchor post and the housing.

The nozzle fixture can also include a sensor switch carried by the base for activating a pressurized air source to supply pressurized air to the nozzle through the anchor post. The sensor switch is activated by detecting an object in a predetermine drying region.

In another aspect of the present invention, provided is a sink unit with hand drying assembly including a casement having a top element, a front and a back. A basin having a rim is carried by the casement with the rim adjacent the top element. A faucet is carried by the casement intermediate the basin and the back. A nozzle fixture is carried by the top proximate the rim of the basin toward the front of the casement. The nozzle fixture includes a housing having a nozzle, and a base with an aperture formed therethrough. An anchor post extends downwardly from the base to a position below the top element. The anchor post defines an air passage therethrough, the air passage aligned with and coupled in communication with the aperture formed through the base. A fastener engages the anchor post and secures the nozzle fixture to the top element adjacent the basin. A channel element is carried by the base and defines a channel coupling the aperture to the nozzle. An air conduit couples a pressurized air source to the anchor post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional side view of a sink unit with hand drying Assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of a nozzle fixture according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the nozzle fixture according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the nozzle fixture;

FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of the nozzle fixture;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the nozzle fixture with the cover removed for viewing the interior;

FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of a sink unit with hand drying Assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the installed nozzle fixture of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hand drying assembly of the present invention as it appears being mounted to a sink unit;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the hand drying assembly mounted to a sink unit;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional side view of the sink unit with hand drying Assembly according to the present invention illustrating the position of an optimal drying region;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional side view of the sink unit with hand drying Assembly illustrating the position of an optimal drying region of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sink unit with another embodiment of a hand drying Assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a nozzle fixture according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the nozzle fixture according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective view of the nozzle fixture of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the nozzle fixture of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the nozzle assembly from FIG. 13 as it appears being mounted to a sink unit;

FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of a sink unit with the hand drying assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is an upwardly directed partial perspective view of the sink unit of FIGS. 13 and 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a nozzle fixture for use on a round sink unit;

FIG. 22 is a back perspective view of the nozzle fixture of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the nozzle fixture of FIG. 21; and

FIG. 24 is a top view of a sink with a nozzle fixture, illustrating the airpath of two nozzles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now to the drawings in which like reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is directed to FIG. 1 which illustrate a sink unit generally designate 10. Sink unit 10 includes a casement 12, a sink basin 14, a faucet 16, and a hand drying assembly 20. In this description, casement 12 is intended to include the structures of a vanity unit, counter top or pedestal that support a sink basin. These structures can vary greatly. In this embodiment, casement 12 is not shown in full or in detail as casement 12 is well known in the art and takes many forms. The relevant feature of casement 12 is a top element 22 having a front edge 23, and a back edge 24. While casement 12 can be a conventional vanity casement, including a top and cabinetry, for purposes of this invention, casement 12 can also be a simple arrangement wherein top element 22 is supported in some manner without accompanying cabinetry, such as the arrangements found in public restrooms and the like. Furthermore, top element 22 can include substantially any kind of counter top such as tile, metal, solid surface, natural stone, engineered stone, and the like. It will also be understood that in some circumstances, such as pedestal sinks and some trough sinks, and the like, the expanded surfaces around the basin of the sink are considered top element 22 of casement 12, and front edge 23 and back edge 24 are sometimes integrally formed with sink basin 14.

In this embodiment, basin 14 is carried by top element 22 of casement 12 intermediate front edge 23 and back edge 24. Faucet 16 is carried by top element 22 (which can be part of sink basin 14) intermediate sink basin 14 and back edge 24. It will be understood that for purposes of orientation the terms “front” and “back” are used to designate the position relative a user 25, depicted in broken lines. The “front” designates the side of the casement user 25 stands at for use, and the term “back” is the side opposite the user, where faucet 16 is positioned. Depending on the basin type employed, top element 22 can underlie or be integrally formed with a rim 28 of sink basin 14. In the embodiment illustrated, basin 14 includes rim 28 underlying top element 22. The placement of sink basin 14 within casement 12 is variable, and can be adjusted to the depth of substantially any vanity casement as with any conventional basin.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, front and back perspective views of a nozzle fixture 30 of hand drying assembly 20 of the present invention are illustrated. Nozzle fixture 30 includes a housing 32 having a top surface 33, a bottom surface 34, a front surface 35, a back surface 36, and opposing end surfaces 38 and 39. An attachment assembly including anchor posts 40 and nuts 42 extend from bottom surface 34 of housing 32. Anchor posts 40 are threaded to receive nuts 42, and define an interior air passage 44 extending therethrough for purposes which will be described presently. Nuts 42 are received by anchor posts 40 and include a washer 43, which can be formed integral to nuts 42 or as separate elements, for engagement with top element 22 as will be described presently.

With additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, illustrated are top and bottom exploded perspective views of nozzle fixture 30 of hand drying assembly 20 of the present invention. Housing 32, including a cover 46 and a base 47. Base 47 forms bottom surface 34 of housing 32, from which anchor posts 40 extend. Apertures 48 are formed through base 47 in communication with air passage 44 of anchor posts 40. In this specific embodiment, two anchor posts 40 extend from base 47, thus, two apertures 48 are employed, one formed proximate opposing end surfaces 38 and 39 of housing 32. Cover 46 includes a pair of spaced apart nozzles 50 formed in back surface 36. A channel element 52 is carried by housing 32 to couple air passage 44 to nozzles 50. In this embodiment, channels element 52 is molded of plastic, forming channels 53. Channel element 52 is coupled to base 47 with channels 53 overlying and in communication apertures 48. Gaskets 54 are captured between base 47 and channel element 52 to prevent leakage of air moving from air passages 44 to nozzles 50. Nozzles 50 direct pressurized air toward the back of the sink and preferably angled slightly upwardly as will be described presently. Channel element 52 also facilitates the positioning and retention of a motion sensor switch 55 (FIG. 6) carried within housing 32 and accessible through an opening 56 formed in back surface 36. Opening 56 is closed by a window 57 to protect sensor switch 55 and prevent moisture from entering housing 32.

With additional referring to FIG. 6, a top view of nozzle fixture 30, through cover 46, allows channel element 52 to be seen. Channel element 52 defines channels 53 directing air to nozzles 50. Channel element 52 also retains and secures sensor switch 55 within housing 32, and aligned with window 57. Wires 58 extend from sensor switch 55 through channel element 52 and out base 47 to couple to a controller controlling the operation of an air supply as will be described presently.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, in this preferred embodiment, sink basin 14 is under-mounted to top element 22. Top element 22 includes a basin cut-out 60 defined by a perimeter edge 62. Sink basin 14 is positioned under top element 22 centered under cut-out 60 with rim 28 of basin 14 engaging the underside of top element 22 adjacent perimeter edge 62. Hand drying assembly 20 can be installed on already existing sink units or during installation of the sink unit. To install, nozzle fixture 30 of hand drying assembly 20 is carried on a top surface 64 of top element 22 adjacent perimeter edge 62 proximate front edge 23. Apertures 65 are formed in top element 22, and anchor posts 40 are inserted therethrough until housing 32 engages top surface 64 of top element 22. A centering feature can be provided at the junction of posts 40 and base 47 for centering nozzle fixture 30 on top element 22. In the present embodiment, the centering feature is a conical element 66 extending from base 47 surrounding post 40. A counter bore 67 is formed in top element 22 formed adjacent top surface 64 and in communication with aperture 65. Counter bore 67 is conical shaped to receive conical element 66, effectively centering nozzle fixture 30 and preventing lateral movement thereof. Washers 43 and nuts 42 are threaded onto anchor posts 40 and tightened against lower surface 68 of top element 22.

Hand drying assembly 20 further includes couplers 70 coupling a pressurized air conduit 72 to anchor posts 40, supplying pressurized air (or other gasses) through air passage 44 to nozzles 50 of nozzle fixture 30. In the preferred embodiment, while couplers 70 are quick release couplers allowing for ease of installation, other couplers requiring more labor intensive attachment such as solder, threads, adhesive and the like, can be employed. Referring specifically to FIGS. 9 and 10, pressurized air is provided to conduit 72 from an air supply 75 through a regulator valve 77. Regulator valve 77 can be opened and closed by sensor switch 55 coupled thereto and can include a timer. Alternatively, sensor switch 55 can be coupled to a controller (not shown) which can activate valve 77 and include a timer and the like to close the valve after a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, air supply 75 is a reservoir containing pressurized air. It will be understood that a compressor and the like, can also be employed to supply pressurized air or any other pressurized air supply either heated or unheated. A heating unit 78 can also be carried by conduit 72 through which released air is passed to heat the air.

With attention directed to FIGS. 11 and 12, a location or drying region is indicated by broken line W in which a user 25 can optimally dry their hands. While this location can be adjusted to substantially overlie any portion of basin 14, a specific position is generally optimum. In the preferred embodiment, the optimum drying region for the best air flow rate, ideally, is between 2 to 4 inches away from, and approximately a half inch higher than nozzle fixture 30 as shown by broken lines Z and Y respectively. This gives an approximate 5 degree angle from nozzle fixture 30 as indicated by reference X. It will be understood that while 5 degrees is preferred in this surface mounted embodiment, other angles can be used depending on the position of the nozzles relative the sink. For example, a flush mounted nozzle fixture would preferably be 10 degrees+/− and an undermount nozzle fixture would preferably be 15%+/−. The angle is determined by what is needed to have the air stream intersect the optimum drying spot behind the sink edge and above the countertop surface. Sensor switch 55, which is preferably an infrared motion detector, is positioned such that it is actuated when a user's hands are positioned in drying region w. If a user's hands are too close to nozzle fixture 30, sensor switch 55 is not activated and the same if the user's hands are positioned too far away. If the user's hands are too close, liquid can be sprayed from the hands and ejected outside the sink area. If the user's hands are too far away, optimal drying cannot occur, and the users hands can possibly turn on a faucet if sensor are used for that. In this manner, the user is helped to position their hands in the proper position.

It should be noted that the air stream provided by this invention for drying hands, has a low volume but a very high velocity. High velocity and low volume are achieved through the use of compressed air, regulated by a regulator to provide the desired volume and velocity. By employing high velocity low volume air, and adjusting the direction thereof, optimum air velocity and volume are achieved at drying region W. Since the air volume is low, outside area W, the air dissipates and quickly disappears. This prevents air movements from causing issues outside area W. Conventional air dryers employ high volume, low velocity air. This is opposite to the resent invention. This air will not dissipate quickly due to the large volume, and can cause issues outside of the drying area.

Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a sink unit generally designate 110 is illustrated. Sink unit 110 is substantially identical to sink unit 10, and includes a casement 112, a sink basin 114, a faucet (not shown), and a hand drying assembly 120. As with the previous embodiment, casement 112 is intended to include the structures of a vanity unit, counter top or pedestal that support a sink basin. The relevant feature of casement 112 for purposes of this description is a top element 122 having a front edge 123, and a back edge 124. While casement 112 can be a conventional vanity casement, including a top and cabinetry, for purposes of this invention, casement 112 can also be a simple arrangement wherein top element 122 is supported in some manner without accompanying cabinetry, such as the arrangements found in public restrooms and the like. Furthermore, top element 122 can include substantially any kind of counter top such as tile, metal, solid surface, natural stone, engineered stone, and the like. It will also be understood that in some circumstances, such as pedestal sinks and some trough sinks, and the like, the expanded surfaces around the basin of the sink are considered top element 122 of casement 112, and front edge 123 and back edge 124 are sometimes integrally formed with sink basin 114.

Basin 114 is carried by top element 122 of casement 112 intermediate front edge 123 and back edge 124. It will be understood that for purposes of orientation the terms “front” and “back” are used to designate the position relative a user as in the description of sink unit 10. The “front” designates the side of the casement a user stands at for use, and the term “back” is the side opposite the user. Depending on the basin type employed, top element 122 can underlie or be integrally formed with a rim 125 of sink basin 14. In the embodiment illustrated, basin 114 includes rim 125 underlying top element 122. The placement of sink basin 114 within casement 112 is variable, and can be adjusted to the depth of substantially any vanity casement as with any conventional basin.

Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, front and back perspective views of a nozzle fixture 130 of hand drying assembly 120 of the present invention is illustrated. Nozzle fixture 130 includes a housing 132 having a top surface 133, a bottom surface 134, a front surface 135, a back surface 136, and opposing end surfaces 138 and 139. An attachment assembly including anchor posts 140 and nuts 142 extend from bottom surface 134 of housing 132. Anchor posts 140 are threaded to receive nuts 142, and define an interior air passage 144 extending therethrough for purposes which will be described presently. Nuts 142 are received by anchor posts 140 and capture a bracket element 143 between nut 142 and bottom surface 134. Posts 140 preferably slant forwardly in this embodiment for purposes which will be described presently.

With additional reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, illustrated are top and bottom exploded perspective views of nozzle fixture 130 of hand drying assembly 120 of the present invention. Housing 132, including a cover 146 and a base 147. Base 147 forms bottom surface 134 of housing 132, from which anchor posts 140 extend. Apertures 148 are formed through base 147 in communication with air passage 144 of anchor posts 140. In this specific embodiment, two anchor posts 140 extend from base 147, thus, two apertures 148 are employed, one formed proximate opposing end surfaces 138 and 139 of housing 132. Cover 146 includes a pair of spaced apart nozzles 150 formed in back surface 136. A channel element 152 is carried by housing 132 to couple air passage 144 to nozzles 150. In this embodiment, channels element 152 is molded of plastic, forming channels 153. Channel element 152 is coupled to base 147 with channels 153 overlying and in communication apertures 148. Nozzles 150 direct pressurized air toward the back of the sink and preferably angled slightly upwardly as described previously. Channel element 152 also facilitates the positioning and retention of a motion sensor switch (not shown) carried within housing 132 and accessible through an opening 156 formed in back surface 136. Opening 156 is closed by a window 157 to protect the sensor switch and prevent moisture from entering housing 132.

With additional reference to FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, in this embodiment, sink basin 114 is under-mounted to top element 122. Top element 122 includes a basin cut-out 126 defined by a perimeter edge 127. Sink basin 114 is positioned under top element 122 centered under cut-out 126 with rim 125 of basin 114 engaging the underside of top element 122 adjacent perimeter edge 127. Hand drying assembly 120 can be installed on already existing sink units or during installation of the sink unit. Nozzle fixture 130 of hand drying assembly 120 is seated in a notch 131 formed in top element 122 at perimeter edge 127 in communication with cut-out 126. Nozzle fixture 130 is seated in notch 131 flush with a top surface of top element 122. To install, nozzle fixture 30 is seated in notch 131 with back surface 136 facing toward basin 114. Anchor posts 140 are inserted through notch 131 and extend downwardly, forward of rim 125 of basin 114. Referring specifically to FIGS. 19 and 20, it can be seen that the forward slant to posts 140 increases spacing between posts 140 and basin 114 to facilitate access to posts 140. This spacing allows fasteners such as nuts 142 to be threaded onto posts and tightened against brackets 143. Brackets 143 have a sloped portion 168 received around post 140 and angled to counter the slope of posts 140. A flange 169 extends from sloped portion 168 and is level, to engage lower surface 167 of top element 22. Brackets 143 are attached to bottom surface 167 of top element 122 securely and rigidly. Nozzle fixture 130 is then inserted into notch 131 with posts 140 extending down through sloped portion 168 of brackets 143. Nuts 142 are then tightened, forcing brackets 143 against bottom surface 134 of housing 132, securing nozzle fixture 130 in notch 131.

Hand drying assembly 120 further includes couplers 170 coupling a pressurized air conduit 172 to anchor posts 140, supplying pressurized air (or other gasses) through air passage 144 to nozzles 150 of nozzle fixture 130. In the preferred embodiment, while couplers 170 are quick release couplers allowing for ease of installation, other couplers requiring more labor intensive attachment such as solder, threads, adhesive and the like, can be employed. A regulator valve 177 can be opened and closed by the sensor switch coupled thereto and can include a timer.

Turning now to FIG. 21, a sink unit generally designate 210 is illustrated. Sink unit 210 includes a casement 212, a sink basin 214, and a hand drying assembly 220. In this description, casement 212 is intended to include the structures of a vanity unit, counter top or pedestal that support a sink basin. These structures can vary greatly. In this embodiment, casement 212 is not shown in full or in detail as casement 212 is well known in the art and takes many forms. The relevant feature of casement 212 is a top element 222 having a front edge 223, and a back edge 224. This embodiment is similar to the previously described embodiments with the exception that a round sink basin 214 is employed. The intention is to show that various types and shapes of sinks can use the hand drying assembly of the present invention.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a nozzle fixture 230 of hand drying assembly 220 of FIG. 21. Nozzle fixture 230 is substantially the same as nozzle fixture 30, and includes a housing 232. In this embodiment, housing 232 is curved to match the curved rim of a round basin 214. As can also be seen, the top of housing 232 can include indicia for purposes of identification or advertising.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a top view of a sink with nozzle fixture 30 is illustrated. In this embodiment, nozzle fixture 30 includes two separated nozzles 50 separated by a distance D, each producing parallel air streams to produce two separated drying regions W, one for each hand of a user instead of a single overlapping region for both hands.

It will be understood that, that while nozzle fixture such as nozzle fixture 30 is preferably used in combination with a sink basin, nozzle assemblies can also be mounted to the counter top adjacent to or spaced from a basin. As an example, nozzle fixtures can be mounted between sink basins in public facilities, or on completely separate vanities. Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within the scope thereof, which is assessed only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.

Claims

1. A nozzle fixture for use in association with a sink unit having a basin with a front edge and a back edge, the basin carried by a top element, and a faucet positioned adjacent the back edge of the basin, the nozzle fixture comprising:

a housing having a nozzle, and a base with an aperture formed therethrough;

an anchor post extending downwardly from the base and aligned with the aperture, the anchor post defining an air passage therethrough coupled in communication with the aperture formed through the base;

a fastener engaging the anchor post for securing the nozzle fixture to the top element adjacent the front edge of the basin;

a channel element carried by the base, the channel element defining a channel coupling the aperture to the nozzle;

a pressurized air source supplying pressurized air to the nozzle through the anchor post; and

a regulator regulating the flow of pressurized air to the nozzle to provide high velocity, low volume air;

wherein by employing high velocity, low volume air, and adjusting the direction thereof rearwardly toward the faucet, optimum air velocity and volume are achieved at a drying region positioned above the nozzle and intermediate the nozzle and the faucet, forward of and separate from a hand washing area under the faucet, the pressurized air is at a sufficiently high velocity and low volume to dissipate outside the drying region.

2. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastener is a nut threaded onto the anchor post to capture the top element between the housing and the nut.

3. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a sensor switch carried by the base for activating the pressurized air source to supply pressurized air to the nozzle through the anchor post.

4. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein the sensor switch is activated by detecting an object in the drying region.

5. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fastener is a bracket captured on the anchor post between a nut threaded onto the anchor post and the housing.

6. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein the anchor post is slanted forwardly.

7. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

the housing having a second nozzle;

a second anchor post extending downwardly from the base, the anchor post defining a second air passage therethrough, the air passage aligned with and coupled in communication with a second aperture formed through the base; and

the channel element carried by the base defining a second channel coupling the second aperture to the second nozzle.

8. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second anchor post is slanted forwardly.

9. A sink unit with hand drying assembly comprising:

a casement having a top element, a front and a back;

a basin having a rim, the basin carried by the casement with the rim adjacent the top element;

a faucet carried by the casement intermediate the basin and the back;

a nozzle fixture carried by the top proximate the rim of the basin toward the front of the casement, the nozzle fixture including: a housing having a nozzle, and a base with an aperture formed therethrough; an anchor post extending downwardly from the base to a position below the top element, the anchor post defining an air passage therethrough, the air passage aligned with and coupled in communication with the aperture formed through the base; a fastener engaging the anchor post and securing the nozzle fixture to the top element adjacent the basin; and a channel element carried by the base, the channel element defining a channel coupling the aperture to the nozzle;

an air conduit coupling a pressurized air source to the anchor post supplying pressurized air thereto;

a regulator regulating the flow of pressurized air to the nozzle to provide high velocity, low volume air; and

wherein by employing high velocity, low volume air, and adjusting the direction thereof rearwardly toward the faucet, optimum air velocity and volume are achieved at a drying region positioned above the nozzle and intermediate the nozzle and the faucet, forward of and separate from a hand washing area under the faucet, the pressurized air is at a sufficiently high velocity and low volume to dissipate outside the drying region.

10. (canceled)

11. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the fastener is a nut threaded onto the anchor post to capture the top element between the housing and the nut.

12. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the top element includes an aperture formed therethrough adjacent the basin, the aperture receiving the post therethrough.

13. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the fastener is a bracket captured on the anchor post between a nut threaded onto the anchor post and the housing, the bracket fastened to the bottom surface of the top element.

14. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the top element includes a notch formed therethrough adjacent the basin, the notch receiving the nozzle fixture therein, with the post extending below the top element.

15. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the anchor post is slanted forwardly.

16. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a sensor switch carried by the base for activating the pressurized air source to supply pressurized air to the nozzle through the anchor post.

17. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 16 wherein the sensor switch is activated by detecting an object in the drying region.

18. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 9 further comprising:

the housing having a second nozzle;

a second anchor post extending downwardly from the base, the anchor post defining a second air passage therethrough, the air passage aligned with and coupled in communication with a second aperture formed through the base; and

the channel element carried by the base defining a second channel coupling the second aperture to the second nozzle.

19. The sink unit with hand drying assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the second anchor post is slanted forwardly.

20. A nozzle fixture for use in association with a top element, the nozzle fixture comprising:

a housing having a first nozzle and a second nozzle spaced apart from the first nozzle, and a base with first aperture and a second aperture formed therethrough;

a first anchor post and a second anchor post extending downwardly from the base and aligned with the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively, the first anchor post and the second anchor post each defining an air passage therethrough coupled in communication with the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively, formed through the base;

a first fastener engaging the first anchor post for securing the nozzle fixture to the top element;

a second fastener engaging the second anchor post for securing the nozzle fixture to the top element;

a first channel element carried by the base, the first channel element defining a first channel coupling the first aperture to the first nozzle; and

a second channel element carried by the base, the second channel element defining a second channel coupling the second aperture to the second nozzle.

21. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 20 wherein the first fastener is a first nut threaded onto the first anchor post to capture the top element between the housing and the first nut, and the second fastener is a second nut threaded onto the second anchor post to capture the top element between the housing and the second nut.

22. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 20 further comprising:

a sensor switch carried by the base for activating a pressurized air source to supply pressurized air to the first nozzle through the first anchor post and the second nozzle through the second anchor post, and

a regulator regulating the flow of pressurized air to the nozzle to provide high velocity, low volume air;

wherein by employing high velocity, low volume air, and adjusting the direction thereof rearwardly toward the faucet, optimum air velocity and volume are achieved at a drying region positioned above the nozzle and intermediate the nozzle and the faucet, forward of and separate from a hand washing area under the faucet, the pressurized air is at a sufficiently high velocity and low volume to dissipate outside the drying region.

23. The nozzle fixture as claimed in claim 22 wherein the sensor switch is activated by detecting an object in the drying region.

24. (canceled)