Portable Sink Assembly

Abstract

A portable sink assembly for maintaining personal hygiene and other cleaning purposes includes a basin, a reservoir, and a faucet module. The basin is mountable to a supporting structure so that the basin is substantially horizontal. A drain is positioned in the basin and drains water from the basin. The reservoir is mountable to a supporting element so that the reservoir is positioned above the basin. The faucet module is engaged to the basin and is selectively operationally engageable to the reservoir. The faucet module selectively dispenses water from the reservoir into the basin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to sink assembly and more particularly pertains to a new sink assembly for maintaining personal hygiene and other cleaning purposes. The present invention discloses a sink assembly comprising a basin and a reservoir, which are configured for mounting to a supporting structure, and wherein the basin can be supported upon a drainpipe extending between the basin and a receptacle the receives drain water from the basin. The reservoir also can supply water to a portable shower enclosure.

(2) Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

The prior art relates to sink assemblies, and in particular portable sink assemblies. Prior art sink assemblies generally comprise sinks on stands, which may be foldable. What is lacking in the prior art is a sink assembly comprising a basin and a reservoir, which are configured for mounting to a supporting structure, and wherein the basin can be supported upon a drainpipe extending between the basin and a receptacle the receives drain water from the basin.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a basin, a reservoir, and a faucet module. The basin is configured to be mountable to a supporting structure so that the basin is substantially horizontal. A drain is positioned in the basin and is configured to drain water from the basin. The reservoir is configured to be mountable to a supporting element so that the reservoir is positioned above the basin. The faucet module is engaged to the basin and is selectively operationally engageable to the reservoir. The faucet module is configured to selectively dispense water from the reservoir into the basin.

An embodiment of the disclosure also meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a shell, which can be used for showing. The shell comprises a top piece, a bottom piece, and a panel, which is engaged to and extends between a perimeter of the top piece and a circumference of the bottom piece. The panel is pleated and thus is selectively positionable in a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the top piece is positioned distally from the bottom piece. In the stowed configuration, the top piece is positioned proximate to the bottom piece. An opening is positioned in the panel. The opening is configured for entry of a user. A flap is engaged to the shell and is positioned to selectively close the opening. A closure is engaged to the shell and is positioned to selectively engage the flap to retain the flap over the opening.

A spray head is positioned in the shell and is engaged to the top piece. A coupler is engaged to the top piece. The coupler is operationally engaged to the spray head and is positioned to selectively engage the hose so that the spray head is fluidically engaged to the reservoir and is configured to spray a user positioned in the shell. A tube is engaged to the bottom piece and is configured to drain water from the shell.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of a portable sink assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a back view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an isometric perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new sink assembly embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the portable sink assembly 10 generally comprises a basin 12, a reservoir 14, and a faucet module 16. The basin 12 is configured to be mountable to a supporting structure, such as a post or tree, so that the basin 12 is substantially horizontal. A drain 18 is positioned in the basin 12 and is configured to drain water from the basin 12. A fastener 20 is engaged to a back 22 of the basin 12 and is configured to selectively engage the supporting structure so that the basin 12 is removably mounted to the supporting structure. The fastener 20 may comprise a strap 24, or other fastening means, such as, but not limited to, clamps, brackets, and the like. The strap 24 has opposed ends 26, which are engaged to the back 22 of the basin 12. The strap 24 is configured to be positioned around the supporting structure and tightened to mount the basin 12 to the supporting structure. The present invention anticipates the strap 24 being tightened by means of a ratchet (not shown), or other tightening means. The strap 24 also is configured to be positioned over a shoulder of a user, allowing the user to transport the basin 12.

The reservoir 14 is configured to be mountable to a supporting element, such as a post, a tree, or a branch of the tree, so that the reservoir 14 is positioned above the basin 12. The present invention also anticipates a dedicated support structure (not shown), which is designed specifically to support the basin 12 and the reservoir 14. The faucet module 16 is engaged to the basin 12 and is selectively operationally engageable to the reservoir 14. The faucet module 16 is configured to selectively dispense water from the reservoir 14 into the basin 12 for use in washing hands, food, and the like, as well as for other cleaning and rinsing purposes. The reservoir 14 has a top 28, which is open. A lid 30 is selectively engageable to the reservoir 14 to sealably close the top 28.

A connector 32 is engaged to the reservoir 14 and is configured to selectively engage the supporting element so that the reservoir 14 is removably mounted to the supporting element. The connector 32 may comprise a hook 34, or other connecting means, such as, but not limited to, straps, brackets, and the like.

A power module 36 may be engaged to and positioned in the reservoir 14. The power module 36 may comprise a battery 38, although the present invention also anticipates the power module 36 comprising a power cord (not shown) connectable to a source of alternating current. A pump 40 is engaged to and positioned in the reservoir 14. The pump 40 is operationally engaged to the power module 36 and is configured to pressurize the reservoir 14. A switch 42 is engaged to the reservoir 14 and is operationally engaged to the power module 36 and the pump 40. The switch 42 is configured to be selectively actuated to operationally engage the pump 40 to the power module 36 to pressurize the reservoir 14. The pump 40 enables delivery of water under pressure to the faucet module 16.

The faucet module 16 comprises a spigot 44, a valve 46, and a handle 48. The spigot 44 is engaged to the basin 12. The valve 46 is engaged to and positioned between the reservoir 14 and the spigot 44. The valve 46 is positioned to control a flow of water from the reservoir 14 to the spigot 44. The handle 48 is engaged to the valve 46 and is configured to be manipulated to adjust the valve 46 to control the flow of water from the reservoir 14 to the spigot 44. Other variations of the faucet module 16, known to those 50 skilled in the art of faucets, also are anticipated by the present invention.

A hose 50 is engaged to and extends from the reservoir 14. The hose 50 is selectively engageable to the faucet module 16 so that the faucet module 16 is in fluidic communication with the reservoir 14. The hose 50 is configured to deliver water from the reservoir 14 to the faucet module 16.

A pipe 52 is engaged to the basin 12 and extends from the drain 18. The pipe 52 is configured to direct water from the drain. A receptacle 54 is engaged to the pipe 52 distal from the basin 12 so that the receptacle 54 is fluidically engaged to the basin 12. The receptacle 54 is configured to receive water draining from the basin 12 through the drain 18 and the pipe 52. The pipe 52 is rigid so that the pipe 52 and the receptacle 54 are positioned to support the basin 12, potentially without use of the fastener 20. An S-bend 56 may be positioned in the pipe 52 so that a segment 58 of the S-bend 56 is configured to fill with water to prevent escape of gasses from the receptacle 54 through the pipe 52.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the portable sink assembly 10 also may comprise a shell 60, which can be used for showering. The shell 60 comprises a top piece 62, a bottom piece 64, and a panel 66. The panel 66 is engaged to and extends between a perimeter 68 of the top piece 62 and a circumference 70 of the bottom piece 64. The panel 66 is pleated and thus is selectively positionable in a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the top piece 62 is positioned distally from the bottom piece 64. In the stowed configuration, the top piece 62 is positioned proximate to the bottom piece 64. The bottom piece and the top piece may be rectangularly cup shaped, as shown in FIG. 5, or alternatively shaped, such as circularly cup shaped, ovally cup shaped, and the like.

An opening 72 is positioned in the panel 66 and is configured for entry of a user. A flap 74 is engaged to the shell 60 and is positioned to selectively close the opening 72. A closure 76 is engaged to the shell 60 and is positioned to selectively engage the flap 74 to retain the flap 74 over the opening 72. The closure 76 may comprise a zipper 78, or other closing means, such as, but not limited to, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, and the like.

A spray head 80 is positioned in the shell 60 and is engaged to the top piece 62. A coupler 82 is engaged to the top piece 62. The coupler 82 is operationally engaged to the spray head 80 and is positioned to selectively engage the hose 50 so that the spray head 80 is fluidically engaged to the reservoir 14 and is configured to spray a user positioned in the shell 60. A tube 84 is engaged to the bottom piece 64 and is configured to drain water from the shell 60.

In use, the portable sink assembly 10 is transported to a location lacking water and where water is required for handwashing, food preparation, and the like. The basin 12 and the reservoir 14 are mounted so that the reservoir 14 is positioned above the basin 12. The pipe 52 is connected to the basin 12 and the receptacle 54. A user can rely on gravity for flow of water from the reservoir 14, or the user can actuate the pump 40 using the switch 42 to obtain water under pressure. Used water flows through the drain 18 and the pipe 52 and is collected in the receptacle 54.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be only one of the elements.

Claims

1. A portable sink assembly comprising:

a basin configured to be mountable to a supporting structure, such that the basin is substantially horizontal;

a drain positioned in the basin, wherein the drain is configured for draining water from the basin;

a reservoir configured to be mountable to a supporting element, such that the reservoir is positioned above the basin; and

a faucet module engaged to the basin and being selectively operationally engageable to the reservoir, wherein the faucet module is configured for selectively dispensing water from the reservoir into the basin.

2. The portable sink assembly of claim 1, further including a fastener engaged to a back of the basin and being configured for selectively engaging the supporting structure, such that the basin is removably mounted to the supporting structure.

3. The portable sink assembly of claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises a strap having opposed ends engaged to the back of the basin, wherein the strap is configured for positioning around the supporting structure and tightening for mounting the basin to the supporting structure, and wherein the strap is configured for positioning over a shoulder of a user for transporting the basin.

4. The portable sink assembly of claim 1, further including:

the reservoir having a top, the top being open; and

a lid selectively engageable to the reservoir for sealably closing the top.

5. The portable sink assembly of claim 1, further including a connector engaged to the reservoir and being configured for selectively engaging the supporting element, such that the reservoir is removably mounted to the supporting element.

6. The portable sink assembly of claim 5, wherein the connector comprises a hook.

7. The portable sink assembly of claim 4, further including:

a power module engaged to and positioned in the reservoir;

a pump engaged to and positioned in the reservoir, the pump being operationally engaged to the power module, wherein the pump is configured for pressuring the reservoir; and

a switch engaged to the reservoir and being operationally engaged to the power module and the pump, wherein the switch is configured for being selectively actuated for operationally engaging the pump to the power module for pressurizing the reservoir.

8. The portable sink assembly of claim 7, wherein the power module comprises a battery.

9. The portable sink assembly of claim 1, wherein the faucet module comprises:

a spigot engaged to the basin;

a valve engaged to and positioned between the reservoir and the spigot, such that the valve is positioned for controlling flow of water from the reservoir to the spigot; and

a handle engaged to the valve, wherein the handle is configured for being manipulated for adjusting the valve for controlling the flow of water from the reservoir to the spigot.

10. The portable sink assembly of claim 1, further including a hose engaged to and extending from the reservoir, the hose being selectively engageable to the faucet module, such that the faucet module is in fluidic communication with the reservoir, wherein the hose is configured for delivering water from the reservoir to the faucet module.

11. The portable sink assembly of claim 1, further including a pipe engaged to the basin and extending from the drain, wherein the pipe is configured for directing water from the drain.

12. The portable sink assembly of claim 11, further including a receptacle engaged to the pipe distal from the basin, such that the receptacle is fluidically engaged to the basin, wherein the receptacle is configured for receiving water draining from the basin through the drain and the pipe.

13. The portable sink assembly of claim 12, wherein the pipe is rigid, such that the pipe and the receptacle are positioned for supporting the basin.

14. The portable sink assembly of claim 13, further including an S-bend positioned in the pipe, wherein a segment of the S-bend is configured for filling with water for preventing gasses from the receptacle from escaping through the pipe.

15. The portable sink assembly of claim 10, further including:

a shell comprising: a top piece, a bottom piece, a panel engaged to and extending between a perimeter of the top piece and a circumference of the bottom piece, the panel being pleated such that the shell is selectively positionable in a deployed configuration, wherein the top piece is positioned distally from the bottom piece, and a stowed configuration, wherein the top piece is positioned proximate to the bottom piece, an opening positioned in the panel, wherein the opening is configured for entry of a user, and a flap engaged to the shell and being positioned for selectively closing the opening;

a spray head positioned in the shell and being engaged to the top piece;

a coupler engaged to the top piece, the coupler being operationally engaged to the spray head and being positioned for selectively engaging the hose, such that the spray head is fluidically engaged to the reservoir, wherein the spray head is configured for spraying a user positioned in the shell; and

a tube engaged to the bottom piece, wherein the tube is configured for draining water from the shell.

16. The portable sink assembly of claim 15, further including a closure engaged to the shell and being positioned for selectively engaging the flap for retaining the flap over the opening.

17. The portable sink assembly of claim 15, wherein the bottom piece and the top piece are rectangularly cup shaped.

18. A portable sink assembly comprising:

a basin configured to be mountable to a supporting structure, such that the basin is substantially horizontal;

a drain positioned in the basin, wherein the drain is configured for draining water from the basin;

a fastener engaged to a back of the basin and being configured for selectively engaging the supporting structure, such that the basin is removably mounted to the supporting structure, the fastener comprising a strap having opposed ends engaged to the back of the basin, wherein the strap is configured for positioning around the supporting structure and tightening for mounting the basin to the supporting structure, and wherein the strap is configured for positioning over a shoulder of a user for transporting the basin;

a reservoir configured to be mountable to a supporting element, such that the reservoir is positioned above the basin, the reservoir having a top, the top being open;

a lid selectively engageable to the reservoir for sealably closing the top;

a connector engaged to the reservoir and being configured for selectively engaging the supporting element, such that the reservoir is removably mounted to the supporting element, the connector comprising a hook;

a power module engaged to and positioned in the reservoir, the power module comprising a battery;

a pump engaged to and positioned in the reservoir, the pump being operationally engaged to the power module, wherein the pump is configured for pressuring the reservoir;

a switch engaged to the reservoir and being operationally engaged to the power module and the pump, wherein the switch is configured for being selectively actuated for operationally engaging the pump to the power module for pressurizing the reservoir;

a faucet module engaged to the basin and being selectively operationally engageable to the reservoir, wherein the faucet module is configured for selectively dispensing water from the reservoir into the basin, the faucet module comprising:

a spigot engaged to the basin,

a valve engaged to and positioned between the reservoir and the spigot, such that the valve is positioned for controlling flow of water from the reservoir to the spigot, and a handle engaged to the valve, wherein the handle is configured for being manipulated for adjusting the valve for controlling the flow of water from the reservoir to the spigot;

a hose engaged to and extending from the reservoir, the hose being selectively engageable to the faucet module, such that the faucet module is in fluidic communication with the reservoir, wherein the hose is configured for delivering water from the reservoir to the faucet module;

a pipe engaged to the basin and extending from the drain, wherein the pipe is configured for directing water from the drain;

a receptacle engaged to the pipe distal from the basin, such that the receptacle is fluidically engaged to the basin, wherein the receptacle is configured for receiving water draining from the basin through the drain and the pipe, the pipe being rigid, such that the pipe and the receptacle are positioned for supporting the basin; and

an S-bend positioned in the pipe, wherein a segment of the S-bend is configured for filling with water for preventing gasses from the receptacle from escaping through the pipe.

19. The portable sink assembly of claim 18, further including:

a shell comprising: a top piece, a bottom piece, a panel engaged to and extending between a perimeter of the top piece and a circumference of the bottom piece, the panel being pleated such that the shell is selectively positionable in a deployed configuration, wherein the top piece is positioned distally from the bottom piece, and a stowed configuration, wherein the top piece is positioned proximate to the bottom piece, an opening positioned in the panel, wherein the opening is configured for entry of a user, and a flap engaged to the shell and being positioned for selectively closing the opening, a closure engaged to the shell and being positioned for selectively engaging the flap for retaining the flap over the opening;

a spray head positioned in the shell and being engaged to the top piece;

a coupler engaged to the top piece, the coupler being operationally engaged to the spray head and being positioned for selectively engaging the hose, such that the spray head is fluidically engaged to the reservoir, wherein the spray head is configured for spraying a user positioned in the shell; and

a tube engaged to the bottom piece, wherein the tube is configured for draining water from the shell.