Sink with Removeable Floor

A sink having a removeable floor is disclosed herein. The sink includes a top portion with a lower perimeter lip and a bottom portion with an upper perimeter lip. A seal is provided between the lower perimeter lip and the upper perimeter lip. A coupling mechanism forces the upper perimeter lip into close engagement with the lower perimeter lip. The coupling mechanism is configured to further release the existing bottom portion from the upper portion such that the existing bottom portion can be substituted for a replacement bottom portion. A rail system is provided to assist with substituting the existing bottom portion for the replacement bottom portion.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/759,958, filed Feb. 18, 2025, and also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63/800,139, filed May 5, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to sinks and particularly to sinks configured to repeatedly retain and/or manage any of various devices, fluids and waste material.

BACKGROUND

Sinks, and particularly kitchen sinks used in residential and commercial settings, are subject to damage from outside products. Specifically, these sinks repeatedly receive and retain pots, pans, dishes, silverware, utensils, and other kitchen tools. Individuals using the sinks often toss these kitchen devices into the bottom of the sink with little care. When kitchen devices are carelessly tossed into a sink bottom, the devices can damage the bottom of the sink. Typical damage to the sink include scratches and dents that leave the bottom surface of the sink non-uniform with an undesirable look.

In addition to receiving damage over time, it is also difficult to repair, adapt, or otherwise work on kitchen sinks. One reason for this is that they are installed in small undercounter spaces that are often difficult to access. For example, if a garbage disposal coupled to a drain on the sink fails and needs to be repaired, the technician's only option for repairing the garbage disposal is to fit himself or herself under the countertop in the crowded space surrounding the garbage disposal. The technician must then attempt to remove the old garbage disposal and retrofit the sink with a new garbage disposal all while working in the crowded under-counter space.

In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a sink that can be quickly and easily restored to remove any scratches, dents or other damage from the interior surface of the sink. It would also be desirable to provide a sink that can be worked on post-installation with only limited time within the cramped under-counter space. It would also be advantageous if such a sink were relatively easy to manufacture, could be provided for a relatively inexpensive cost, and the restoration process could be accomplished in an environmentally-friendly manner without the use of harsh chemicals.

SUMMARY

A sink having a removeable floor is disclosed herein. The sink includes a top portion with a lower perimeter lip and a bottom portion with an upper perimeter lip. A watertight seal is provided between the lower perimeter lip and the upper perimeter lip. A coupling mechanism forces the upper perimeter lip into close engagement with the lower perimeter lip. The coupling mechanism is configured to further release the bottom portion from the upper portion such that an entirely new bottom portion can be substituted for a damaged older bottom portion. A rail system is provided to assist with replacing an older bottom portion with a new bottom portion.

In at least one embodiment disclosed herein, the sink includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a plurality of clamps. The top portion includes sidewalls and a lower perimeter lip. The bottom portion includes an upper perimeter lip and a sink floor with a drain. The plurality of clamps are configured to secure the top portion to the bottom portion such that the sidewalls and the sink floor form a basin for the sink.

In another embodiment, the sink is a kitchen sink defining a basin. The kitchen sink includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lower perimeter lip. The bottom portion includes an upper perimeter lip. The bottom portion is removably coupled to the top portion with the upper perimeter lip of the bottom portion engaging the lower perimeter lip of the top portion.

In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed for working on a kitchen sink, the sink defining a basin comprising sidewalls and a sink floor. The method includes first releasing an existing bottom portion of the sink from a top portion of the sink, the bottom portion comprising the sink floor and the top portion comprising the sidewalls. Thereafter, the method includes engaging a replacement bottom portion of the sink with the top portion of the sink, and then securing the replacement bottom portion of the sink to the top portion of the sink.

The above-described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a sink with a removable floor that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may be apparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of any eventually appended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one or more of the advantages or features mentioned herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a sink with a removable floor;

FIG. 2 bottom perspective view of the sink of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the sink of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the sink of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the sink of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows side view of the sink of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the sink of FIG. 4 further including a rail system used for removing and installing the removeable floor of the sink;

FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the removeable floor when first engaging the rail system of FIG. 7 during an installation process;

FIG. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of the removeable floor further inserted into the rail system of FIG. 7 during the installation process;

FIG. 10 shows a bottom perspective view of the removeable floor when fully inserted into the rail system of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 shows an upper perspective view of a nested sink;

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the nested sink of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the nested sink of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows a front view of the nested sink of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 shows an upper perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the nested sink of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the nested sink of FIG. 15.

 DESCRIPTION Sink With Removable Floor

With reference now to the figures, an adaptable sink 10 is shown, and particularly a kitchen sink 10 having a removeable floor 44. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the sink 10 includes a top portion 20 and a bottom portion 40 that is removable from the top portion 20. The top portion includes a left sidewall 22, a right sidewall 24, a front sidewall 26 and a back sidewall 28, an upper rim 30 and a lower perimeter lip 32. The bottom portion 40 includes an upper perimeter lip 42, a sink floor 44, and a central drain 48. A seam 60 separates the top portion 20 of the sink 10 from the bottom portion 40.

Each of the left sidewall 22, right sidewall 24, front sidewall 26, and back wall 28 are substantially flat and continuous wall portions that extend downwardly from the upper rim 30. Corners are formed between the sidewall portions 22, 24, 26, 28. These corners may be curved/radiused, thus providing smooth and attractive transitions between each adjacent sidewall portion 22, 24, 26, 28. A basin of the sink is defined within the sidewalls, 22-28 and above the sink floor 44. In at least some embodiments wherein the sink is comprised of a sheet metal material, each sidewall portion 22-28 has a thickness between about 3-10 mm. However, in other embodiments wherein the sink is comprised of a molded material and each wall may have a thickness of greater than 10 mm (e.g., 10-20 mm).

The upper rim 30 of the top portion 20 of the sink 10 is integrally formed with the sidewalls 22-28 around the top of the sink 10. The upper rim 30 extends outwardly from the top of the sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 (i.e., in a direction away from the basin and in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by each of the sidewalls). In at least some embodiments, the upper rim 30 extends between about 20-40 mm away from the sidewalls 22-28. The thickness of the rim 30 may be the same as or similar to the thickness of the sidewalls 22-28. The width and thickness of the rim 30 (including the front, left, right, and rear portions of the rim) are sufficient to fully support the relatively heavy sink 10 when positioned on kitchen countertops.

The lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 of the sink 10 is connected to the sidewalls 22-28. Specifically, the lower perimeter lip 32 is provided along a bottom perimeter of the top portion 20. The lower perimeter lip 32 is flush with the sidewalls 22-28 along an interior surface of the sink (i.e., within the basin), but projects outwardly from the sidewalls 22-28 along an exterior surface of the sink (i.e., outside of the basin). Accordingly, the lower perimeter lip 32 is significantly greater in height than the width of each of the sidewalls 22-28. For example, the height of the lower perimeter lip 32 may be two to ten times greater than the thickness of each sidewall 22-28. In at least some embodiments, the lower perimeter lip 32 extends outwardly between about 20-40 mm away from the sidewalls 22-28. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the height of the lower perimeter lip 32 is similar to the width of the lower perimeter lip 32 (i.e., a vertical cross-section of the lower perimeter lip 32 perpendicular to the associated sidewall reveals that the lower perimeter lip is substantially square). However, in other embodiments, the height of the lower perimeter lip is much less, and more similar to the thickness of the sidewalls 22-28 (resulting in a flat rectangular cross-sectional shape). A bottom surface of the lower perimeter lip is substantially flat and smooth. As explained in further detail below, this allows the flat bottom surface of the lower perimeter lip 32 to accept a flat smooth gasket/seal.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the bottom portion 40 of the sink 10 includes an upper perimeter lip 42, a sink floor 44, and a central drain 48. The sink floor 44 is a substantially flat surface positioned at the bottom of the sink 10 (i.e., at the bottom of the sink basin). The sink floor 44 has a thickness that is similar to that of the sidewall portions 22-28 of the top portion 20. The central drain 48 is positioned on the sink floor 44 and is configured to allow liquid to flow out of the sink 10. Accordingly, the sink floor 44 may be slightly angled from the perimeter of the floor downward to the drain 48 in order to encourage liquid to flow along the floor and down to the drain 48.

The sink floor 44 is further surrounded along its perimeter by four sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 that extend upwardly from the sink floor 44 to the upper perimeter lip 42. The four sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 are similar in thickness to that of the sidewall portions 22-28, and are configured for alignment with the sidewall portions 22-28. When the bottom portion 40 is coupled to the top portion 20, the four sidewalls 52-58 of the bottom portion 40 are aligned with the four sidewall portions 22-28 of the top portion 20. Each of the left sidewall 52, right sidewall 54, front sidewall 56, and back sidewall 58 are substantially flat and continuous wall portions that extend upwardly from the sink floor 44. Corners are formed between the wall portions 52, 54, 56, 58. These corners may be curved/radiused, thus providing smooth and attractive transitions between each adjacent wall portion 52, 54, 56, 58.

The upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 of the sink 10 is connected to the sidewalls 52-58. Specifically, the upper perimeter lip 42 is provided along an upper perimeter of the bottom portion 40. The upper perimeter lip 42 is flush with the sidewalls 52-58 along an interior surface of the sink 10, but projects outwardly from the sidewalls 52-58 along an exterior surface of the sink. Accordingly, the height of the upper perimeter lip 42 is significantly greater than the thickness of each of the sidewalls 52-58. For example, the height of the upper perimeter lip 42 may be two to ten times greater than the thickness of each sidewall 52-58. In at least some embodiments, the upper perimeter lip 42 extends between about 20-40 mm away from the sidewalls 52-58. The height and width of the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 is generally the same as or similar to the height and width of the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 (e.g., in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 the cross-section of the upper perimeter lip 42 may be substantially square, but in other embodiments may be more of a flat rectangular shape). A top surface of the lower perimeter lip 42 is substantially flat and smooth. As explained in further detail below, this allows the flat upper surface of the upper perimeter lip 42 to accept a flat smooth gasket/seal.

A gasket 62 or other seal may be provided between the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 in order to help seal the bottom portion 40 to the top portion 20. The gasket 62 may be comprised of a resilient polymer material such as a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or a high density polyethylene (HDPE). The gasket 62 provides a watertight seal between the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 and separates the top portion 20 from the bottom portion 40 of the sink.

In addition to the above, the sink 10 also includes a coupling mechanism 70 that secures the bottom portion 40 to the top portion 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, this coupling mechanism 70 is provided by two or more clamps 72 in the form of locking clamps. The locking clamps 72 are configured to engage the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 and hold or secure the two lips 32, 42 tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application of inward pressure. Accordingly, the locking clamps are moveable between an engaged position wherein the locking clamps serve to clamp the bottom portion 40 to the top portion 20, and a disengaged position wherein the bottom portion 40 is released from the top portion 20. The locking clamps 72 may be provided in any of various forms, as will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Exemplary locking clamps 72 include F-clamps, C-clamps, J-clamps, spring clamps, or any of various other clamp types. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the locking clamps 72 are J-clamps with levers that facilitate locking of the clamps.

The clamps 72 may be provided along various locations between the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40. The clamps 72 include a top clamping surface that engages the top side of the lower perimeter lip 32 and a bottom side of the upper perimeter lip 42 and force the two lips toward one another. In at least one embodiment, the clamps 72 are provided on all four sidewall portions 22-28 and 52-58. However, in other embodiments, only two opposing clamps may be included on the sidewall portions 22-28 and 52-58 (e.g., on the front and back sidewalls or the left and right sidewalls).

An alternative embodiment of the sink is shown in FIGS. 4-6. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, the clamps between the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 40 include a plurality of bolts 74 and nut structures 76, wherein the bolts 74 extend through holes in the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40. When the bolts 74 are tightly screwed into the nut structures 76, the top portion 20 is securely fastened to the bottom portion 40. In at least one embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 6, the bolts 74 are threaded male posts that threadedly engage nut structures 76 in the form of female sleeves with flat heads.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-10, in at least one embodiment, the sink 10 includes a rail system 80 that facilitates alignment of the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 40 and advantageously holds the bottom portion 40 throughout the floor replacement process. The rail system 80 also provides a track upon which the bottom portion 40 can ride when pulling the bottom portion 40 away from the top portion 20 (or inserting the bottom portion under the top portion). As best shown in FIG. 7, the rail system 80 includes a left side rail 82, a right side rail 84, and a rear rail 88. Each rail 82, 84, 88 is provided by an elongated L-shaped bracket 90 that hangs downwardly from the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and extends along a substantial length of the sidewalls 22 and 24 (i.e., from a front portion to a rear portion of the sidewalls 22 and 24). Each rail includes a top portion 92 and a bottom portion 94 that is substantially perpendicular to the top portion 92. The top portion 92 extends downwardly from the outside of the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20. Accordingly, the top portion 92 of each L-shaped bracket 90 is substantially parallel to an associated sidewall, 22, 24, 28 of the top portion 20. The bottom portion 94 of each L-shaped bracket 90 extends inwardly from and is generally perpendicular to the top portion 92. The width of each bottom portion 94 is sufficient to engage the bottom surface of upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 without releasing it.

As shown in FIG. 8, in order to begin installation of the bottom portion 40 on the top portion 20, the user first engages the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion with the front of the left side rail 82 and the right side rail 84 of the rail system 80. Then, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the user simply slides the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion along the side rails 82, 84 until the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 engages the rear rail 88. At this point, the bottom portion 40 is directly under the top portion 20 and ready to be clamped to the top portion 20. If the clamping mechanism is a nut and bolt combination, fastening holes 36 in the lower perimeter lip 32 are aligned with fastening holes 46 in the upper perimeter lip 42. When bolts are inserted through the fastening holes 36, 46 and nuts are tightened on the bolts, the upper perimeter lip 42 of the bottom portion 40 is fully seated against the lower perimeter lip 32 of the top portion 20 and the bottom portion 40 is securely clamped to the top portion 20.

It will be recognized that the rail system 80 is particularly advantageous when changing the bottom portion 40 of a sink 10 that is installed in a counter. In particular, without the rail system 80, it would be difficult to line up the bottom portion 40 with the top portion 20 when changing the bottom portion 40. Moreover, without the rail system, the bottom portion 40 would immediately drop when released from the top portion 20, and changing the bottom portion 40 would require multiple workers in a small space. However, with the rail system 80, the bottom portion may be much more easily changed by one or two workers.

In operation, the use of the sink 10 over an extended period of time may result in scratches, dents, or other damage to the floor 44 of the sink. When the owner of the sink decides that the damage to the floor 44 is unacceptable, the owner simply unlocks the coupling mechanism 70 and releases the bottom portion 40 from the top portion 20 of the sink 10. Thereafter, a new/undamaged bottom portion 40 is substituted for the old/damaged bottom portion 40, as described above.

In addition to the foregoing, it will be recognized that even when the floor 44 is not being replaced, advantageous methods of working on the sink 10 are also provided by the removeable bottom portion 40. For example, the removable bottom portion 40 allows for a method of adapting an existing bottom portion 40 in order to install a garbage disposal into the bottom of the sink while the bottom portion 40 is disengaged from the sink body (i.e., the upper portion 20). Specifically, a worker may place the disposal on a work table and install it to the drain on the floor 44 of the sink 10. Thereafter, the worker can take the combined unit and slide the bottom into the rail system 80 (which is configured to hold the entire unit), connect the sink bottom 40 and then finish the rest of the disposal install rather than having to lay under the sink and contort his or her body in order to install a disposal. Accordingly, the sink with removable floor as disclosed herein further reveals a method of working on a sink, including a method of installing a garbage disposal on a sink.

In view of the foregoing, it will be recognized that a method of working on a sink is also disclosed herein. The method of working on the sink may include a method of repairing the sink (e.g., replacing a damaged floor) and/or a method of adding accessories to the sink (e.g., adapting the existing floor to add a garbage disposal connected to the drain of the floor). The method generally includes releasing an existing bottom portion 40 of the sink from a top portion 20 of the sink, the bottom portion 40 comprising the sink floor 44 and the top portion 20 comprising the sink walls 22-28. In at least some embodiments, the act of releasing the existing bottom portion from the top portion may include unclamping the existing bottom portion 40 from the top portion 20.

After releasing the existing bottom portion 40 from the top portion 20, the method includes removing the existing bottom portion 40 from the top portion 20. This may include engaging the existing bottom portion with rails 82, 84 extending along the outer surface of the top portion 20 and sliding the existing bottom portion 40 along the rails until the existing bottom portion 40 is removed from the top portion 20. Thereafter, the existing bottom portion 40 may be easily adapted (e.g., retrofit to include a garbage disposal or repaired) or discarded (e.g., in the event of a damaged or otherwise unwanted bottom portion). A replacement bottom portion is then provided in the form of an adapted or repaired version of the existing bottom portion, or in the form of a new bottom portion. The replacement bottom portion is then engaged with the rails and slid along the rails until the replacement bottom portion is positioned directly below the top portion. For example, the upper perimeter lip of the replacement bottom portion may be positioned directly under and aligned with the lower perimeter lip of the top portion.

Once the replacement bottom portion is positioned directly below the top portion, the replacement bottom portion may then be engaged with the replacement bottom portion. For example, the lower perimeter lip of the top portion may be engaged with the upper perimeter lip of the bottom portion. Thereafter, the replacement bottom portion is secured to the top portion. Securing the replacement bottom portion to the top portion may include clamping the replacement bottom portion to the top portion using any suitable clamping mechanism, including any of various types of locking clamps (e.g., J-clamps) and/or nuts and bolts.

In view of the foregoing, it will be recognized that the disclosed sink 10 with a removable floor is also associated with a method of working on the sink. The method of working on the sink may involve any of a number of different acts, including adapting the sink to include additional components (e.g., a garbage disposal), repairing the sink or attached components (e.g., repairing dents in the floor or repairing/replacing the garbage disposal), or installing a new sink floor.

Nested Sink

With reference now to FIGS. 11-16, another embodiment of an adaptable sink is shown in the form of a nested sink 210. As shown in FIGS. 11-14, the nested sink 210 includes a top portion 220 and a bottom portion 240. The top portion includes a left sidewall 222, a right sidewall 224, a front sidewall 226 and a back sidewall 228, and an upper rim 230 with two extended flanges 232. The two extended flanges 232 are configured to engage a countertop or surrounding perimeter shelf of the outer sink (not shown) and retain the nested sink 210 within the basin of the outer sink. The bottom portion 240 includes a sink floor 244, a central drain 246, a stopper 248, and a plurality of feet 250. The plurality of feet 250 are configured to engage the countertop and hold the floor 244 of the sink above the countertop when the nested sink 210 is not positioned within the outer sink.

Each of the left sidewall 222, right sidewall 224, front sidewall 226, and back wall 228 are substantially flat and continuous wall portions that extend downwardly from the upper rim 230. Corners are formed between the sidewall portions 222, 224, 226, 228. These corners may be curved/radiused, thus providing smooth and attractive transitions between each adjacent sidewall portion 222, 224, 226, 228. In at least some embodiments wherein the sink is comprised of a sheet metal material, each sidewall portion 222-228 has a thickness between about 3-10 mm. However, in other embodiments wherein the sink is comprised of a molded material, each wall may have a thickness of greater than 10 mm (e.g., 10-20 mm).

The upper rim 230 of the top portion 220 of the sink 210 is integrally formed with the sidewalls 222-228 around the top of the sink 210. The upper rim 230 provides a lip that extends outwardly from- and substantially perpendicular to-the top of the sidewalls 222, 224, 226, 228. In at least some embodiments, the upper rim 230 is defined by a width that extends between about 20-40 mm away from the sidewalls 222-228. In the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14, the two extended flanges 232 extend the rim 230 even further outward, and may therefore be considered rim extensions on opposite sides of the sink 210. For example, the flanges 232 may double the width of the rim (e.g., between 40 and 80 mm instead of 20-40 mm). The width and thickness of the rim 230, and particularly the rim at the flanges 232, is sufficient to fully support the sink 210 when the sink is arranged in an outer sink.

The flanges 232 are coated or otherwise covered on top and bottom with a relatively soft, pliable material, such as silicone or another polymer material. The silicone provides good thermal stability, water and moisture resistance and low surface energy along the length of the flanges 232 in addition to preventing scratching and damaging the main sink within which the accessory sink is being used. In various embodiments, the silicone on the flanges 232 may be provided in different colors in order to provide the user with unique aesthetic design characteristics when using the sink. For example, if a user has a black faucet associated with the outer sink, the silicone may be a matching black color. In some embodiments, the silicone material is a permanent coating that is provided on the flange. In other embodiments, the silicone material may be provided on a releasable sleeve 234 that slides on or off of the flanges as desired by the user. The releasable sleeve 234 allows the user to choose any of various colors for the sleeve and also allows the user to replace the silicone in the event it becomes worn or damaged over time.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-14, the bottom portion 240 of the sink 210 includes a sink floor 244, a central drain 246, a stopper 248, and a plurality of feet 250. The sink floor 244 is a substantially flat surface positioned at the bottom of the sink 210 (i.e., at the bottom of the sink basin). The sink floor 244 is surrounded along its perimeter by the four sidewalls 222, 224, 226, 228 that extend upwardly from the sink floor 244 to the upper rim 230. The sink floor 244 has a thickness that is similar to that of the sidewall portions 222-228 of the top portion 220.

The central drain 246 is centrally located on the sink floor 244 and is configured to allow liquid to flow out of the sink 210. Accordingly, the sink floor 244 may be slightly angled from the perimeter of the floor downward to the drain 246 in order to encourage liquid to flow down the drain 246. As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the drain provides a recess that extends slightly below the floor 244 (as illustrated by the dotted line in FIG. 13). The stopper 248 is configured to fit into the recess of the drain 246 and plug the drain 246 when positioned therein. When the stopper is removed from the drain 246, liquid is allowed to flow out of the sink 210.

The feet 250 are mounted on the bottom of the sink floor 244. Each foot 250 is a small pedestal that is used to hold a portion of the floor 244 of the sink in an elevated position when the sink 210 is positioned on a solid surface such as a countertop. As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 13, the feet 250 extend downwardly past the drain 246. Therefore, when the sink 210 is positioned on a countertop, the floor 244 and the drain 246 do not contact the countertop.

The feet 250 may be provided in any number of different forms and/or comprised of a number of different materials. In at least one embodiment, the feet 250 are substantially cylindrical with a rectangular or trapezoidal cross-section. Such feet 250 may be comprised of a silicone or other polymer material. Silicone advantageously provides the feet 250 with a stable but relatively soft base to support the sink 210. The silicone also offers thermal stability, water and moisture resistance and low surface energy.

The feet 250 may be mounted to the bottom of the floor 244 using any number of acceptable means. For example, the feet 250 may include small tabs that are inserted into recesses or holes in the floor 244. Alternatively, the feet may be provided as a coating or shell that covers small posts that extend from the bottom of the floor 244. Such posts may be integrally formed with the floor or may be welded to the floor and formed of a similar metal or polymer material. In at least some embodiments, an adhesive is used to help secure the feet 250 to the floor 244. In other embodiments, the feet 250 are removeable from the floor and therefore replaceable. Similar to the silicone on the flanges 232, the feet may also be offered in any number of different colors and/or shapes in order to allow the user to select an aesthetically pleasing form of the feet that complements his or her kitchen or room design.

It will be appreciated that the total volume of the nested sink 210 is defined by the four sidewalls 222, 224, 226, 228 and the floor 244, which is less than the volume of the outer sink in which the sink 210 is configured to rest. In operation, the nested sink 210 may be used in association with the outer sink, or may be used as a completely separate sink/basin that sits on a countertop or on the shelf of a workstation sink. When a user wishes to use the sink 210 in a nested arrangement within the basin of an outer sink, the user simply engages the extended edges/flanges 232 of the sink 210 with the countertop surrounding the outer sink, or alternatively, with the shelf of a workstation sink. The engagement of the flanges 232 with the countertop or workstation shelf allows the sink 210 to be supported in a nested arrangement within the outer sink without the floor 244 of the sink touching the bottom of the outer sink. In this arrangement, the stopper 248 may be removed from the drain 246, allowing any contents from the nested sink 210 to flow through the drain 246 and into the bottom of the outer sink.

When the user wishes to use the nested sink 210 as an additional/supplemental sink that is separate from the outer sink, the user simply places the sink 10 on a countertop with the feet engaging the countertop and supporting the floor of the sink above the surface of the countertop. In this configuration, the stopper 248 is typically placed in the drain to prevent liquid from flowing out of the sink. This configuration is particularly useful for defrosting applications or when food or other products need to rest within an ice bath. Advantageously, the feet are sufficiently sized such that neither the floor 244 nor the drain 246 contact the countertop. When the user is finished with the sink 210 in the countertop configuration, the sink 210 may be placed in the nested configuration within the outer sink, the stopper 248 may be removed from the drain 246, and the liquid contents of the sink 210 may be drained into the outer sink. When the user is completely finished with the sink 210, the sink may be conveniently stored in a drawer, cupboard, or under a counter.

It will be recognized that FIGS. 11-14 of the drawings illustrate one embodiment of the nested sink, but numerous alternative embodiments are also contemplated. For example, FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternative embodiment wherein the sink 210 has a square shape instead of the rectangular shape of FIGS. 11-14. Accordingly, it will be recognized that the nested sink 210 may be provided in any number of different shapes and sizes. Additionally, instead of silicone sleeves 234 that extend along an entire side of the rim 230/ flanges 232, in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-16 the silicone is provided by corner caps 236. Each of the corner caps 236 covers the top and bottom of the rim 230 at a corner of the sink 210, but does not extend along the entire length of the rim between two corners.

The nested sink 210 is useful in helping individuals conduct multiple tasks. When preparing meals or conducting other tasks, users often find themselves in need of multiple sinks and/or basins. For this reason, many modern sinks are equipped with two basins or split-basin sinks. However, even these sinks do not always provide the user with the desired number of sinks in a residential or commercial kitchen or other work setting, additionally an individual may want to have a single bowl sink with an accessory that allows them to accomplish many of the tasks that would be made easier with a second basin. The nested sink 210 disclosed herein may be used as an accessory and advantageously provides the user with additional sink options when performing tasks in a kitchen or other work setting.

Although various embodiments of a sink with a removable floor have been provided herein, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Furthermore, aspects of the various embodiments described herein may be combined or substituted with aspects from other features to arrive at different embodiments from those described herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by any eventually appended claims.

Claims

1. A sink comprising:

a top portion including sidewalls and a lower perimeter lip;
a bottom portion including an upper perimeter lip and a sink floor with a drain; and
a plurality of clamps securing the top portion to the bottom portion such that the sidewalls and the sink floor form a basin for the sink.

2. The sink of claim 1 wherein the lower perimeter lip is flush with the sidewalls along an interior surface of the basin but projects outwardly from the sidewalls along an exterior surface of the basin.

3. The sink of claim 2 wherein the sidewalls are four upper sidewalls.

4. The sink of claim 2 wherein the bottom portion further includes four lower sidewalls, wherein the four lower sidewalls are aligned with the four upper sidewalls, and wherein the upper perimeter lip is flush with the lower sidewalls along an interior surface of the basin, and wherein the upper perimeter lip projects outwardly from the lower sidewalls along an exterior surface of the basin.

5. The sink of claim 3 wherein the upper perimeter lip has a height that is substantially greater than a thickness of each of the four sidewalls.

6. The sink of claim 1 wherein a watertight seal is formed between the upper perimeter lip and the lower perimeter lip.

7. The sink of claim 1 wherein the plurality of clamps are locking clamps.

8. The sink of claim 1 wherein the plurality of clamps are nut and bolt structures.

9. The sink of claim 1 further comprising a left side rail extending along a left side of the lower perimeter lip and a right side rail extending along a right side of the lower perimeter lip, wherein the left side rail is configured engage a left side of the upper perimeter lip and the right side rail is configured to engage a right side of the upper perimeter lip upon release of the clamps from securing the top portion to the bottom portion.

10. The sink of claim 9 wherein the left side rail and the right side rail are provided by L-shaped brackets extending downward from the upper perimeter lip.

11. The sink of claim 1 wherein the sink is a kitchen sink configured to be supported by a kitchen countertop.

12. A method of working on a kitchen sink, the sink defining a basin comprising sidewalls and a sink floor, the method comprising:

releasing an existing bottom portion of the sink from a top portion of the sink, the bottom portion comprising the sink floor and the top portion comprising the sidewalls;
engaging a replacement bottom portion of the sink with the top portion of the sink; and
securing the replacement bottom portion of the sink to the top portion of the sink.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the replacement bottom portion is an adapted version of the existing bottom portion further comprising a garbage disposal.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the existing bottom portion is a damaged bottom portion such that the method of working on the kitchen sink is a method of repairing the kitchen sink.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein:

releasing the existing bottom portion from the top portion comprises unclamping the existing bottom portion from the top portion;
engaging the replacement bottom portion of the sink with the top portion of the sink comprises engaging a lower perimeter lip of the top portion with an upper perimeter lip of the bottom portion; and
securing the replacement bottom portion of the sink to the top portion comprises clamping the replacement bottom portion to the top portion.

16. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

after releasing the existing bottom portion from the top portion, engaging the existing bottom portion with rails extending along the top portion and sliding the existing bottom portion along the rails until the existing bottom portion is removed from the top portion; and
after removing the existing bottom portion from the top portion, sliding the replacement bottom portion along the rails until it is positioned under the top portion.

17. A kitchen sink defining a basin, the kitchen sink comprising:

a top portion including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lower perimeter lip; and
a bottom portion including an upper perimeter lip, the bottom portion removably coupled to the top portion with the upper perimeter lip of the bottom portion engaging the lower perimeter lip of the top portion.

18. The kitchen sink of claim 17 further comprising a plurality of releasable clamps clamping the bottom portion to the top portion in a watertight coupling.

19. The kitchen sink of claim 18 further comprising side rails positioned along the outer surface of the top portion.

20. The kitchen sink of claim 19 wherein the releasable clamps are moveable between (i) an engaged position wherein the upper perimeter lip of the bottom portion engages the lower perimeter lip of the top portion and (ii) a disengaged position wherein the upper perimeter lip of the bottom portion engages the side rails on the top portion when the clamps are disengaged.

Patent History
Publication number: 20260243071
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 17, 2026
Publication Date: Aug 20, 2026
Inventor: Todd Alexander (Vincennes, IN)
Application Number: 19/542,046
Classifications
International Classification: E03C 1/182 (20060101);