SELF CLEANING SINK BASINS

Abstract

A sink that has a self-cleaning basin generally includes a sink basin that is defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface, a sink basin inner surface, and a plurality of ramped channels recessed in the inner surface located within one inch from the sink rim. Each of the ramped channels is defined by a deep end that essentially evenly ramps to the inner surface at a ramp terminating end. Each of the ramped channels is angled essentially between 0° and 90° with the ramp terminating end further away from the sink rim than a back-channel side that is located at the deep end, so that the channels are hidden in an under-mounted sink. Each channel has an aperture located at the back-channel side of each of the ramped channels. Each of the apertures is configured to connect with a water line dispenses water through the aperture along the ramped channel and into the sink basin inner surface where the water moves over the inner surface to clean the sink basin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/874,615 entitled Self Cleaning Sink filed on May 14, 2020, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/848,549 entitled: Smarter Sink, filed on May 15, 2019.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments are directed to a self-cleaning sink that produces a stream of water that cleans a sink bowl.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Present day sinks typically rest on or under a countertop and are fed by hot and cold running water that exits the sink through a drain in the bottom of the sink basin. Sinks are used for washing hands, spitting toothpaste, washing shaving debris from a razor, and general dispensing of water carried debris down the drain. Often, a sink basin is filled with water for face washing. In this instance, a person cups water from the filled sink basin in their hands and pours it on their face with the used water dribbling back into the sink basin. It takes some effort to clean the sink basin from all the other uses prior to filling water in the sink basin for washing one's face. It is to innovations related to solving at least this problem that the claimed invention is generally directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiments are directed to a self-cleaning sink that produces a swirling stream of water to clean a sink basin.

Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate a self-cleaning sink basin generally comprising a sink basin that is defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface, and an angular-shaped sink basin inner surface. The self-cleaning sink basin further comprises a plurality of ramped channels recessed in the inner surface located within one inch from the sink rim. Each of the ramped channels is defined by a deep end that essentially evenly ramps to the inner surface at a ramp terminating end. Each of the ramped channels is angled essentially between 0° and 90° with the ramp terminating end further away from the sink rim than the deep end. A rinse water dispensing aperture is located at the deep end of each of the ramped channels. Each of the rinse water dispensing apertures is configured to connect with a water line that provides rinse water adapted to flow through each of the rinse water dispensing apertures along the ramped channel and into the sink basin inner surface wherein the rinse water coats at least 90% of the sink basin inner surface.

Yet other certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate contemplates an operational self-cleaning sink method to be used in view of a sink, the method includes steps for providing a sink basin that is generally defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface, a basin inner surface, and a plurality of ramped channels located at the basin inner surface within 1.25 inches from the sink rim. The method further includes supplying a stream of rinse water to the plurality of ramped channels via a water outlet aperture in each of the ramped channels. An elongated ramped portion extends from the water outlet aperture where the ramped channel is deepest to a terminating end that ramps into the basin inner surface. It is envisioned that the stream of rinse water from the water outlet aperture is made to flow along the elongated ramped portion and into the basin inner surface to the sink base drain. The stream of rinse water is envisioned to circulate over at least 90% of the sink basin inner surface below the plurality of ramped channels.

While other certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate a self-cleaning sink comprising a sink basin that is generally defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface and a sink basin inner surface. This can further include a means for supplying rinse water to the sink basin from a plurality of outlet apertures within 1.5 inches from the sink rim. This can also include a means for channeling the rinse water from the outlet apertures to the sink basin inner surface and a means for substantially coating the sink basin inner surface with the rinse water from the plurality of outlet apertures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a line drawing a perspective view of a self-cleaning sink embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustratively depicts water flowing into the sink basin inner surface of a self-cleaning sink embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3D show line drawings of optional cross-sectional shapes of a sink basin inner surface consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are different line drawing views of a ramped channel embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-5E are line drawings of optional shaped ramped channels consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a line drawing of yet a different embodiment of a ramped channel consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a line drawing of the position of a ramped channel embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustratively depicts a textured sink basin inner surface consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustratively depicts a side view of an under mounted self-cleaning sink embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a method to operate a self-cleaning sink consistent with embodiments of the present invention; and

FIGS. 11A-11C are various rectangular self-cleaning sink embodiments depicting rinse water flow in their respective basins consistent with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Initially, this disclosure is by way of example only, not by limitation. Thus, although the instrumentalities described herein are for the convenience of explanation, shown and described with respect to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that the principles herein may be applied equally in other similar configurations involving similar uses of a self cleaning sink. The phrases “in one embodiment”, “according to one embodiment”, and the like, generally mean the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase, is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. Importantly, such phases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic. As used herein, the terms “having”, “have”, “including” and “include” are considered open language and are synonymous with the term “comprising”. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “essentially” is meant to stress that a characteristic of something is to be interpreted within acceptable tolerance margins known to those skilled in the art in keeping with typical normal world tolerance, which is analogous with “more or less.” For example, essentially flat, essentially straight, essentially on time, etc. all indicate that these characteristics are not capable of being perfect within the sense of their limits. Accordingly, if there is no specific +/−value assigned to “essentially”, then assume essentially means to be within +/−2.5% of exact. The term “connected to” as used herein is to be interpreted as a first element physically linked or attached to a second element and not as a “means for attaching” as in a “means plus function”. In fact, unless a term expressly uses “means for” followed by the gerund form of a verb, that term shall not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). In what follows, similar or identical structures may be identified using identical callouts.

With respect to the drawings, it is noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and are diagrammatic in nature to illustrate features of interest. Descriptive terminology such as, for example, upper/lower, top/bottom, horizontal/vertical, left/right and the like, may be adopted with respect to the various views provided in the figures for purposes of enhancing the reader's understanding and is in no way intended to be limiting. All embodiments described herein are submitted to be applicable to one another irrespective of any overall physical orientation.

Certain embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a self-cleaning sink basin that includes a sink basin that is defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface, a sink basin inner surface, and a plurality of ramped channels recessed in the inner surface located within 1.5 inches from the sink rim. Each of the ramped channels is defined by a deep end that essentially evenly ramps to the inner surface at a ramp terminating end. In one embodiment, each of the ramped channels is angled essentially between 0° and 90° with the ramp terminating end further away from the sink rim than a back channel side that is located at the deep end, so that the channels are hidden in a under-mounted sink. Each channel has an aperture located at the back channel side. Each of the apertures is configured to connect with a water line that dispenses water through the aperture along the ramped channel and into the sink basin inner surface where the water agitates the surface of the sink basin, which cleans the sink basin.

FIG. 1 is a line drawing of a perspective view of a self-cleaning sink embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. Some of the general components of the self-cleaning sink embodiment 100 shown for reference include a sink basin 102 that is generally defined by a bowl having a sink rim 104 along the top of the bowl/basin 102 and a sink base drain 106 at the bottom of the bowl/basin 102. The sink base drain 106 is essentially a port that leads to a drainpipe 174 through which water and debris is carried from the sink basin 102 in the direction of the arrow 178. A cold water line 176 supplies cold water 171 to a faucet (not shown). Similarly, a hot water line 172 supplies hot water 170 to the faucet. A water channel supply line 154 is connected to the hot water line 172 via a hot water diverter 152, which in this case is a “T” junction. In this embodiment, an on/off switch 156 controls a water channel supply line valve 158 to be either opened or closed. When opened, the channel supply line valve 158 provides water flow 140 into channel inlet ports 131 located at the exterior surface of the sink basin 108 (also referred to as the “outer surface”). Obviously, when closed, the channel supply line valve 158 blocks all water 170 from moving through the water channel supply line 154. The on/off switch 156 can be an optically actuated electrical switch that actuates ‘on’ when a person waives their hand in front of an optical sensor (toggling the on/off switch 156 in an on position). Optionally, when toggled ‘on’, the channel supply line valve 158 can be held open for a predetermined amount of time considered sufficient to clean the sink basin inner surface 110, such as thirty seconds or a minute for example, before shutting off. The predetermined amount of time can be set by a manufacture or optionally by an end user and can be accomplished by way of a software valve-closing-delay algorithm running on a microprocessor, a mechanical closing-delay, or an electrical closing-delay, just to name a few examples. Other embodiments of actuating an on/off switch 156 includes, but is not limited to, a manually operated button, a knob, a voice command switch, utility control hub switch (such as, and Amazon Alexa), and timer actuated switch that may go off one or more times every day at a preset time.

Recessed in the bowl-shaped sink basin inner surface 110 are a plurality of ramped channels 120. Each ramped channel 120 has a channel outlet port 130 located to the far left of the visibly displayed ramp shape channels 120. Each channel outlet port 130 is in communication with a channel inlet port 131. Accordingly, the channel outlet ports 130 dispense water 140 that is received from the channel inlet ports 131 into the sink basin inner surface 110.

FIG. 2 illustratively depicts water flowing into the sink basin inner surface of a self-cleaning sink embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. When the on/off valve 158 is ‘opened’, hot water 170 flows through the water channel supply line 154 and into the channel inlet port 130 where the water 140 is dispensed into the sink basin 102. It is envisioned that the hot water stream 140 flows with enough pressure to swirl in the sink basin inner surface 110 towards the sink base drain 106 in a spiral motion 145, as shown. In this way, the swirling hot water 140 cleans the sink basin inner surface 110 from any filth that has accumulated on the inner surface 110 from prior use by agitating, or otherwise scrubbing, the inner surface 110. Gravity pulls the swirling water 140 towards the sink base drain 106 where it exits the sink basin 102. Some embodiments contemplate adding a detergent or some other kind of cleaning solution to the water 140, such as a dispenser tied to the water channel supply line 154 to improve the cleaning. In this embodiment, a small amount of the cleaning solution can be added to the beginning portion of the water released and then followed up with water free from cleaning solution to rinse any cleaning solution from the sink inner surface 110. Certain other embodiments contemplate the water dispensed in the bowl being hot, such as between 100 degrees F. to just below boiling.

FIGS. 3A-3D show line drawings of optional cross-sectional shapes of a sink basin inner surface consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a side view drawing of a self-cleaning basin embodiment with cross-section A-A 135 cutting through the midpoint of the sink basin 102. For reference, each of the ramped channels 120 are located a distance “Y” 190 from the sink rim 104 as shown from this perspective, discussed in more detail in conjunction with FIG. 7. FIG. 3B is a top view line drawing of a sink embodiment 100A showing a partial elliptically shaped sink basin 102A as viewed from above. The cross-section A-A 135, which is shown by way of the dashed line, shows that at least 60% of the sink basin inner surface 110A along cross-section A-A 135 is partially elliptical 310. The other 40% can be a different ellipse, flat, or some other shape. Though the sink rim 104A follows the same partial elliptical shape 310 as the cross-section 135, this can vary without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. FIG. 3C is a top view line drawing of a sink embodiment 100B showing a full elliptically shaped sink basin 102B as viewed from above. The cross-section A-A 135, which is shown by way of the dashed line 135 at the inner surface 110B, is fully elliptical 320. Again, the sink rim 104B is not limited to the elliptical shape 320. FIG. 3D is a top view line drawing of a sink embodiment 100C showing a circular shaped sink basin 102C as viewed from above. The cross-section A-A 135, which is shown by way of the dashed line 135 at the inner surface 110C, is a full circle 330. The sink rim 104C is not limited to the circular shape 330.

With regards to certain embodiments of a ramped channel, FIGS. 4A-4C are different line drawing views of a ramped channel embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a top view perspective line drawing of a ramped channel embodiment 120 recessed in the sink basin inner surface 110. This ramped channel 120 is defined by a deep end 124 that essentially evenly ramps 402 or otherwise extends to a terminating end 126 at the sink basin inner surface 110. Certain embodiments envision the deep end 124 being less than 0.75 inches deep as defined by (from) the sink basin inner surface 110. While other embodiments envision the deep end 124 being less than 0.5 inches deep. In one embodiment, the deep end 124 is approximately 0.25 inches deep. The outlet aperture 130 is located at the back-channel side 122 essentially at the deep end 124. The outlet aperture 130 is rectangular in this embodiment, however the outlet aperture 130 is not limited to any specific shape. The ramped channel 120 is further defined by an upper side wall 117 and a lower side wall 119. The ramped channel 120 is arranged and configured to dispense (or channel) a pressurized stream of water 140 (smoothly without splashing) into the sink basin inner surface 110. Water flow 140 spreads out more efficiently with a ramped configuration. Moreover, water dispensed to the sink basin inner surface 110 by way of the ramped channel control splashing given that the outlet aperture 130 is recessed in the sink basin inner surface 110. A recessed ramped channel 120 also has manufacturing benefits in that a molded sink can be easily made from a single piece of material. For purposes of description, depicted are four cross-section lines B-B, C-C, D-D and E-E.

FIG. 4B shows a side view of the embedded channel along cross-section line E-E. From this point of view, the ramp 402 evenly transitions from the deep end 124 to the sink basin inner surface 110. However, other embodiments envision a non-flat shaped ramp, such as a curved or arced-shaped ramp, for example. The volume of material 138 between the sink basin outer surface 108 and the sink basin inner surface 110 is shown by the shaded regions 138. The sink material 138 is any rigid material suitable to function as a sink, such as ceramic, polymer, metal, composites, just to name several examples. The sink inner volume 138 shows one embodiment of the water passageway 133 defined between the inlet aperture 131 and the outlet aperture 130. Other shaped water passageways 133 can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

FIG. 4C features line drawings of various cross-sectional shapes of the ramp 402 and the relative lengths of the side walls 117 and 119 along the different cross-sectional cut-lines B-B, C-C and D-D. The ramped channel is considered as one means for channeling the stream of water 140 from the outlet apertures 130 to the sink basin inner surface 110.

FIGS. 5A-5E are line drawings of optional shaped ramped channels consistent with embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments expressed in FIGS. 5A-5E are also considered different means for channeling the stream of water 140 from the outlet apertures 130 to the sink basin inner surface 110. FIG. 5A shows a V-shaped ramped channel 410 with a V-shaped back side 122 and a V-shaped outlet aperture 130 at the deep end 124 of the V-shaped ramped channel 410. The sidewalls 412 of the V-shaped ramped channel 410 gradually level off as they transition (‘feather’) into the sink basin inner surface 110. A cross-sectional cut-line F-F is shown sectioning along the V-shaped ramps 412. For illustration purposes, a channel cross-sectional cut-line, such as F-F, is defined as a cut-line taken orthogonally across the top channel edge 414 to a bottom channel edge 416 (which can be considered as universal reference locations herein). FIG. 5B depicts the cross-section along cut-line F-F showing the V-shaped profile sidewalls 412. FIG. 5C depicts the cross-section of a U-shaped ramped channel embodiment 420 with a U-shaped profile 422. FIG. 5D depicts the cross-section of W-shaped ramped channel embodiment 430 with W-shaped sidewalls 432. FIG. 5E shows the cross-section of an optional embodiment of an elliptical-shaped ramped channel 440 with elliptically shaped profile 442. Though the present channel embodiments illustratively depict parallel sidewalls, other embodiments envision the sidewalls not being parallel, such as sidewalls that flare outwards with the terminating end width 404 being wider than the back-channel width 408.

FIG. 6 is a line drawing of yet a different embodiment of a ramped channel consistent with embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ramped channel 500 points slightly towards the sink base drain 106 as indicated by the arrow 502. The sidewalls 517 and 519 are slightly curved/arced towards the drain 106. Additionally, the back channel with 408 is narrower than the terminating end width 404. This embodiment helps direct water 140 that is streamed through the outlet aperture 130 in a downward spiraling motion 145 that spreads the water 140 evenly over the sink basin inner surface 110.

FIG. 7 is a line drawing of the position of a ramped channel embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the ramped channel 120 has a tilt angle ‘a’ at approximately 10° from a horizontal reference line 604 that is parallel to the sink rim 104 with the terminating end 126 pointing towards the sink base drain 106. Some embodiments envision the channel tilt angle ‘a’ of between 0° and 10° with the ramp terminating end 126 further away from the sink rim 104 than the back channel side 122, while other embodiments envision the channel tilt angle ‘a’ of between 0° and 90°. The channel tilt angle ‘a’ is defined as the angle between the reference line 604 (which is parallel to the sink rim 104) and the center axis 606 along the channel length 602 at the midpoint between the two channel sides 117 and 119. Certain embodiments envision the channel length 602 being at least 0.5 inches inch long while other embodiments envision the channel length 602 being between 1 inch and 2.5 inches long. Some embodiments contemplate the closest point of the ramped channel 120, which in this case is the upper left corner of the ramped channel 120, having a distance 190 less than 1.5 inches from the rim 104. Other embodiments envision the closest point 608 of the ramped channel 120 being approximately one half an inch from the rim 104 so that when the self-cleaning sink 100 is mounted under a countertop 702 (of FIG. 9), the ramped channels 120 are hidden from view.

FIG. 8 illustratively depicts a textured sink basin inner surface consistent with embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sink basin inner surface 110 is textured to help direct the water 140 in a spiraling direction 145 towards the sink base drain 106. The texture can be a plurality of spiraling grooves 620, which can optionally be ribs, that cover at least a portion of the sink basin inner surface 110 as shown. Hence, water 140 exiting the ramped channel 120 is forced to follow the spiraling grooves 620, or some other texture within the scope and spirit of this embodiment, thereby cleaning the inner surface 110 as the water 140 rushes towards the sink base drain 106. Though not shown, other embodiments envision subtle shapes in the sink basin inner surface 110 that to can direct the water 140 exiting the ramped channel 120 in a spiraling motion 145 that essentially covers the sink basin inner surface 110, which facilitates cleaning the inner surface 110 from residual filth. The embodiments described in conjunction with FIG. 8 are considered means for channeling the stream of water 140 from the outlet apertures 130 to the sink basin inner surface 110.

FIG. 9 illustratively depicts a side view of an under mounted self-cleaning sink embodiment consistent with embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the countertops 702 comprise an overlapping portion 704 that overlaps the top part of the self-cleaning sink 100 when the sink 100 is under mounted. In this way, the ramped channels 120 are hidden from view so that when the rinse water 140 is dispensed from the ramped channels 120 it appears that the rinse water 140 is magically coming out from under the countertop 702 at the overlapping portion 704. The water channel supply line 154 is one means for supplying a stream of rinse water 140 to the sink basin 102, shown herein as a continuous line around the sink basin outer surface 108.

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram of a method to operate a self-cleaning sink consistent with embodiments of the present invention. To begin with, step 802, a sink basin 102 is provided. The sink basin 102 is generally defined by a sink rim 104, a sink base drain 106, a bowl-shaped sink basin inner surface 110 and a plurality of ramped channels 120. The ramped channels 120 are located within 1.5 inches from the rim 104. When a person wants to clean the sink basin inner surface 110, a valve 158 to a water supply 170 is opened (whether automatically or manually), step 804, which supplies a stream of rinse water 140 to the exit apertures 130 in each of the ramped channels 120, step 806. The rinse water 140 is dispensed in the sink basin 102 in a way that spirals 145, which essentially covers the sink basin inner surface 110, step 808. Certain embodiments imagine the rinse water 140 being dispensed in the sink basin 102 at or below the ramped channels 120 whereby the region of the sink basin inner surface 110 between the sink rim 104 and the ramped channel closest point 608 is not covered with water 140. The water 140 that has cleaned the sink basin inner surface 110 is drained or otherwise flows out from the sink 100 down the sink base drain 106, step 810. Finally, closing off the valve 158 to the water supply 170 ends the process, step 812. In some embodiments, the valve 158 is closed off after a predetermined amount of time.

FIGS. 11A-11C are various rectangular self-cleaning sink embodiments depicting rinse water flow in their respective basins consistent with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11A depicts rinse water 140 flowing through the plurality of channel inlet ports 831 into the basin (inner surface) 830 of the rectangular sink embodiment 820. Each of the channel inlet ports 831 extends from the outside sink top portion 832 to a corresponding fan-shaped ramped channel 822, located just under the sink rim 824. Located within three-quarters of an inch from the sink rim 824, the ramped channels 822 are essentially hidden from view by the countertop (not shown) that rests on top of and slightly extends over the sink rim 824. The channel inlet ports 831 can receive hot rinse water 170 in the same manner described in connection with FIG. 2. In this embodiment, rinse water 140 flows out from the channel inlet ports 831 along their corresponding fan-shaped ramped channels 822 where the rinse water 140 fans out towards the drain 106 located at the bottom of the basin 830. In this embodiment, the rinse water 140 flows essentially downward to avoid excessive splashing along the facets (or corner seams) 826 defined where one interior side surface 830 meets another. The rinse water 140 cleans the interior side surfaces 830 of the sink basin 820 by rinsing debris from the basin inner surface 830 in a similar way as described in connection with certain previous embodiments of the present invention. The ramped channel 822 is deepest at the channel inlet port 831 and blends into the basin inner surface 830 (hence the ramp shape). The ramped sides 828 are essentially equal in length and fan out at essentially the same angle.

FIG. 11B is another embodiment of a rectangular self-cleaning sink 840 that generally comprises the same basin described in FIG. 11A but with asymmetrical fan-shaped ramped channels 842. Each of the asymmetrical fan-shaped ramped channels 842 is shaped with a first channel side angle 844 that is different from a second channel side angle 846. In the present embodiment, the rinse first channel side angle 844 is greater than the second channel side angle 846, which biases the water 140 clockwise, though some of the rinse water goes counterclockwise, which provides better overlap/coverage of the basin inner surface 830. Because contamination is, for the most part, deposited below the asymmetrical fan-shaped ramped channels 842 on the basin inner surface 830, the rinse water 140 need only provide coverage below the ramped channels 842.

Certain embodiments envision the first channel side angle 844 being shallower than the second channel side angle 846 (opposite to the fan-shaped ramped channels 842 of FIG. 11B) to bias the rinse water 140 primarily counterclockwise. In the present embodiment, the first channel side 845 is shorter than the second channel side 848. The ramped channel 842 is deepest at the channel inlet port 851 and blends (smoothly transitions) into the basin inner surface 830 (hence the ramp shape). Though the ramp 849 is essentially planar or otherwise flat, other embodiments contemplate a curved ramp.

Still, yet another embodiment of a rectangular self-cleaning sink 860 dispensing rinse water 140 is depicted in FIG. 11C. This sink embodiment 860 generally comprises the same basin described in FIG. 11A but with asymmetrical ramped side channels 862 that dispense rinse water 140 more clockwise/sideways than that of the sink 840 of FIG. 11B. As shown, each of the asymmetrical side ramped channels 862 comprises an upper side 868 that is longer than a lower side 865, which biases the rinse water 140 clockwise and down towards the drain 106. Of course, other embodiments envision ramps having different configurations used in other embodiments described herein. Other faceted sink shapes are also envisioned, such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc., without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further comprising turning on the stream of water 140 for a preselected amount of time via a switch 156 that turns the stream of water 140 on and off.

With the present description in mind, below are some examples of certain embodiments illustratively complementing some of the methods and apparatus embodiments discussed above and presented in the figures. Accordingly, the elements called out below are provided by example to aid in the understanding of the present invention and should not be considered limiting. The reader will appreciate that the below elements and configurations can be interchangeable within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments can include elements from the figures.

In that light, certain embodiments envision a self-cleaning sink basin 100 comprising a sink basin 102 that is generally defined by a sink rim 104, a sink base drain 106, a sink basin outer surface 108, and a bowl shaped sink basin inner surface 110. At least 60% of the sink basin inner surface 110 possesses and elliptical cross-section 135 as viewed from above the self-cleaning basin 100. A plurality of ramped channels 120 recessed in the inner surface 110 of the sink basin 102 is located within one inch from the sink rim 104. Each of the ramped channels 120 is defined by a deep end 124, where rinse water 140 is expelled, that essentially evenly ramps to the inner surface 110 at a ramp terminating end 126. Each of the ramped channels 120 is angled essentially between 0° and 10°, or in some cases 0° and 90°, with the ramp terminating end 126 further away from the sink rim 104 than a back channel side/end 122 that is located at the deep end 124. An aperture 130 is located at the back channel side/end 122 of each of the ramped channels 120. Each of the apertures 130 is configured to connect with a water line 132 that provides a stream of rinse water 140, which is adapted to flow through the aperture 130, along the ramped channel 120, and into the sink basin inner surface 110 where the rinse water 140 swirls in the self-cleaning basing 100.

The self-cleaning basin 100 embodiment further considering wherein the elliptical cross-section 135 is essentially circular 330.

The self-cleaning basin 100 embodiment further contemplating wherein the self-cleaning basin 100 is an under mounted sink. This can further include wherein the plurality of ramped channels 120 are essentially hidden from view when attached under a counter 702.

The self-cleaning basin 100 embodiment further comprising water channeling grooves 602 in the sink basin inner surface 110, the water channeling grooves 620 that spiral toward the sink base drain 106.

The self-cleaning basin 100 embodiment further imagining wherein each of the plurality of ramped channels 120 possess a flat base ramp 402 and two side walls 117 and 119, the flat base ramp 402 and the two sidewalls 117 and 119 extend from the back channel side 122 to the ramp terminating end 126.

The self-cleaning basin 100 embodiment further envisioning wherein each of the plurality of ramped channels 120 comprise a channel cross-sectional shape defined orthogonally across a top channel edge 414 to a bottom channel edge 416, the channel cross-sectional shape is selected from a group consisting of a partial ellipse 440, a V-shape 410, three sides of a rectangle 120, a W-shape 430, and a U-shape 420.

The self-cleaning basin 100 embodiment further comprising a switch 156 that turns the stream of water 140 on and off. This embodiment can further include wherein the switch 156 is selected from a group consisting of an optical switch, a manually actuating switch, a voice command responsive switch, a utility control hub switch, and a timer actuated switch. Optionally, the switch 156 can be configured with a timer that turned the stream of water 140 on for predetermined amount of time.

In yet another arrangements, certain embodiments contemplate an operational self-cleaning sink 100 method comprising: providing a sink basin 102 that is generally defined by a sink rim 104, a sink base drain 106, a sink basin outer surface 108, a bowl shaped sink basin inner surface 110, and a plurality of ramped channels 120. The plurality of ramped channels 120 are within 1.5 inches from the rim 104. A stream of water 140 is supplied to the plurality of ramped channels 120 via a water outlet aperture 130 in each of the ramped channels 120. Each of the ramped channels 120 is defined by a back channel side 122 through which the water outlet aperture 130 penetrates. An elongated ramped portion 402 extends from the back channel side 122 where the ramped channel 120 is deepest 124 to a terminating end 126 that ramps into the sink basin inner surface 110. The stream of rinse water 140 flows along the elongated ramped portion 402 and into the sink basin inner surface 110. The stream of rinse water 140 circulates in a spiral motion 145 in the sink basin inner surface 110.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further comprising essentially coating the entire sink basin inner surface 110 with the stream of water 140 that is circulating in the spiral motion 145 toward the sink base drain 106.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further contemplating wherein at least 60% of the sink basin inner surface 110 comprises an elliptical cross-section 135 or a circular cross-section 330 that is at least 60% of the sink basin inner surface 110, the elliptical cross-section 320 is defined as that which is viewed from above the self-cleaning sink 100.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further envisioning wherein the plurality of ramped channels 120 are recesses in the sink basin inner surface 110 that are at least one inch long 602.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further considering wherein the plurality of ramped channels 120 are arced toward the sink base drain 106.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further comprising directing the stream of water 140 along spiraled features 620 in the sink basin inner surface 110 toward the sink base drain 106.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further imagining wherein each of the plurality of ramped channels 120 possess a flat ramp 402 and two side walls 117 and 119, the flat ramp 402 and the two sidewalls 117 and 119 extend from the back-channel side 122 to the ramp terminating end 126.

The operational self-cleaning sink 100 method embodiment further contemplating wherein each of the plurality of ramped channels 120 comprise a channel cross-sectional shape defined orthogonally across a top channel edge 414 to a bottom channel edge 416, the channel cross-sectional shape is selected from a group consisting of a partial ellipse 440, a V-shape 410, three sides of a rectangle 120, a W-shape 430, and a U-shape 420.

Another embodiment of the present invention reflected in FIG. 11A envisions a self-cleaning sink basin 820 that generally comprises a sink basin 830 that is defined by a sink rim 824, a sink base drain 106, a sink basin outer surface 832/833, and an angular-shaped sink basin inner surface 830. The self-cleaning sink basin 820 further comprises a plurality of ramped channels 822 recessed in the inner surface 830 located within one inch from the sink rim 824. Each of the ramped channels 822 is defined by a deep end 825 that essentially evenly ramps to the inner surface at a ramp terminating end 834. Each of the ramped channels 822 is angled essentially between 0° and 90° with the ramp terminating end 834 further away from the sink rim 824 than the deep end 825. A rinse water dispensing aperture 831 is located at the deep end 825 of each of the ramped channels 822. Each of the rinse water dispensing apertures 831 is configured to connect with a water line 154 (of FIG. 2) that provides rinse water 140 adapted to flow through each of the rinse water dispensing apertures 831 along the ramped channel 822 and into the sink basin inner surface 830 wherein the rinse water 140 coats at least 90% of the sink basin inner surface 830.

It is further imagined that the self-cleaning sink basin embodiment 820 comprises an angular-shaped sink basin inner surface 830 that is rectangular.

The self-cleaning sink basin embodiment 820 is envisioned to be an under mounted sink. In this way, the plurality of ramped channels 822 are essentially hidden from view (by an onlooker using the sink 820) when the sink 820 is attached under a counter (not shown).

It is further imagined that each of the plurality of ramped channels 822 in the self-cleaning sink basin embodiment 820 possess a ramp 829 and two side walls 828, the ramp 829 and the two side walls 828 extend from the deep end 825 to the ramp terminating end 834. Certain other embodiments envision the ramp 829 being planar, the two side walls 828 fanning outwardly or optionally having different lengths.

The self-cleaning sink basin embodiment 820 can further comprise a switch 158 (of FIG. 2) that turns the rinse water 140 on and off. The switch can optionally be selected from a group consisting of an optical switch, a manually actuating switch, a voice command responsive switch, a utility control hub switch, and a timer actuated switch. The switch 158 can further be configured with a timer that turns the rinse water 140 on for predetermined amount of time.

Still another embodiment of the present invention contemplates an operational self-cleaning sink method to be used in view of a sink 820 exemplified in FIGS. 11A-11C, the method includes steps for providing a sink basin 820 that is generally defined by a sink rim 824, a sink base drain 106, a sink basin outer surface, a basin inner surface, and a plurality of ramped channels located at the basin inner surface 830 within 1.25 inches from the sink rim 824. The method further includes supplying a stream of rinse water 140 to the plurality of ramped channels 822 via a water outlet aperture 831 in each of the ramped channels 822. An elongated ramped portion 829 extends from the water outlet aperture 831 where the ramped channel 822 is deepest to a terminating end 834 that ramps into the basin inner surface 830. It is envisioned that the stream of rinse water 140 from the water outlet aperture 831 is made to flow along the elongated ramped portion 829 and into the basin inner surface 830 to the sink base drain 106. The stream of rinse water 140 is envisioned to circulate over at least 90% of the sink basin inner surface 830 below the plurality of ramped channels 822.

The method further contemplates that the sink basin inner surface 830 is angular-shaped, such as a rectangle, for example.

The method further envisions that each of the plurality of ramped channels 822 possess a ramp 829 and two side walls 828, the ramp 829 and the two side walls 828 extend from the water outlet aperture 825 to the ramp terminating end 834. Certain other embodiments envision the ramp 829 being planar, the two side walls 828 fanning outwardly or optionally having different lengths (see FIGS. 11B and 11C). The method further comprising biasing the stream of rinse water 140 towards the sink base drain 106 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction via (by way of) flowing the rinse water 140 through each of the plurality of ramped channels 822.

The method further contemplates turning on the stream of rinse water 140 for a preselected amount of time via a switch 158 (see FIG. 2) that turns the stream of rinse water 140 on and off.

Some other embodiments contemplate a self-cleaning sink 820 as exemplified in FIG. 11A comprising a sink basin 820 that is generally defined by a sink rim 824, a sink base drain 106, a sink basin outer surface 832 and 833 and a sink basin inner surface 830. This can further include a means for supplying rinse water 140 to the sink basin 820 from a plurality of outlet apertures 822 within 1.5 inches from the sink rim 824. This can also include a means for channeling the rinse water 140 from the outlet apertures 822 to the sink basin inner surface 830 and a means for substantially coating the sink basin inner surface 830 with the rinse water 140 from the plurality of outlet apertures 822.

The above embodiments are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention whatsoever because many more embodiments are easily conceived within the teachings of the instant specification.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangement of parts within the principles of the present invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. For example, though the embodiments generally refer to ramped channels as a constant shape along the channel, however a combination of cross-sectional shapes could equally be used while still maintaining substantially the same functionality without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Other embodiments envision circular or semi-circular basin bowls, however different shaped bowls with angled shapes albeit with rounded edges would be advantageous to reduce splashing, could be used while staying within the scope of the present invention. Yet other embodiments envision different sized channels in the same basin while maintaining consistency within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Further, the terms “one” is synonymous with “a”, which may be a first of a plurality.

It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning sink basin comprising:

a sink basin that is generally defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface, and an angular-shaped sink basin inner surface;

a plurality of ramped channels recessed in the inner surface located within one inch from the sink rim,

each of the ramped channels is defined by a deep end that essentially evenly ramps to the inner surface at a ramp terminating end,

each of the ramped channels is angled essentially between 0° and 90° with the ramp terminating end further away from the sink rim than the deep end;

a rinse water dispensing aperture located at the deep end of each of the ramped channels,

each of the rinse water dispensing apertures configured to connect with a water line that provides rinse water adapted to flow through the rinse water dispensing aperture along each of the ramped channels and into the sink basin inner surface wherein the rinse water coats at least 90% of the sink basin inner surface.

2. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 1 wherein the angular-shaped sink basin inner surface is rectangular.

3. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 1 wherein the self-cleaning basin is an under mounted sink.

4. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 3 wherein the plurality of ramped channels are essentially hidden from view when attached under a counter.

5. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of ramped channels possess a ramp and two side walls, the ramp and the two side walls extend from the deep end to the ramp terminating end.

6. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 5 wherein the ramp is planar.

7. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 5 wherein the two side walls fan outwardly.

8. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 5 wherein the two side walls have different lengths.

9. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 1 further comprising a switch that turns the rinse water on and off.

10. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 9 wherein the switch is selected from a group consisting of an optical switch, a manually actuating switch, a voice command responsive switch, a utility control hub switch, and a timer actuated switch.

11. The self-cleaning sink basin of claim 8 wherein the switch is configured with a timer that turns the rinse water on for predetermined amount of time.

12. An operational self-cleaning sink method comprising:

providing a sink basin that is generally defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface, a basin inner surface, and a plurality of ramped channels located at the basin inner surface within 1.25 inches from the sink rim;

supplying a stream of rinse water to the plurality of ramped channels via a water outlet aperture in each of the ramped channels, an elongated ramped portion extending from the water outlet aperture where the ramped channel is deepest to a terminating end that ramps into the basin inner surface; and

flowing the stream of rinse water from the water outlet aperture, along the elongated ramped portion and into the basin inner surface to the sink base drain, the stream of rinse water circulating over at least 90% of the sink basin inner surface below the plurality of ramped channels.

13. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 12 wherein the sink basin inner surface is angular-shaped.

14. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of ramped channels possess a ramp and two side walls, the ramp and the two side walls extend from the water outlet aperture to the ramp terminating end.

15. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 14 wherein the ramp is planar.

16. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 14 wherein the two side walls fan outwardly.

17. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 14 wherein the two side walls have different lengths.

18. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 14 further comprising biasing the stream of rinse water towards the sink base drain in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction via each of the plurality of ramped channels.

19. The operational self-cleaning sink method of claim 12 further comprising turning on the stream of rinse water for a preselected amount of time via a switch that turns the stream of rinse water on and off.

20. A self-cleaning sink comprising:

a sink basin that is generally defined by a sink rim, a sink base drain, a sink basin outer surface and a sink basin inner surface;

means for supplying rinse water to the sink basin from a plurality of outlet apertures within 1.5 inches from the sink rim;

means for channeling the rinse water from the outlet apertures to the sink basin inner surface; and

means for substantially coating the sink basin inner surface with the rinse water from the plurality of outlet apertures.