LAVATORY WITH HIDDEN DRAIN

Abstract

A lavatory includes a basin including a bottom surface, the basin configured to hold a volume of water; and a drain opening disposed in the bottom surface of the basin. The bottom surface of the basin includes a substantially horizontally extending projection formed integrally with the bottom surface of the basin. The horizontally extending projection is disposed over the drain opening such that the drain opening is at least partially obscured from a view of a user.

Claims

1. A lavatory comprising: a basin comprising a bottom surface, the basin configured to hold a volume of water; and a drain opening disposed in the bottom surface of the basin; wherein the bottom surface of the basin comprises a projection formed integrally with the bottom surface of the basin; and wherein the projection is disposed over the drain opening such that the drain opening is at least partially obscured from a view of a user.

2. The lavatory of claim 1, wherein: the drain opening is disposed in a middle portion of the bottom surface of the basin; and the projection extends substantially horizontally.

3. The lavatory of claim 1, wherein: the basin further comprises a chamber disposed beneath and in fluid communication with the drain opening; and the chamber is configured to receive a first fluid flow from the drain opening and provide a second fluid flow to a waste.

4. The lavatory of claim 1, wherein: the basin further comprises a side wall that is contiguous with the bottom surface; and the drain opening is disposed in the side wall.

5. The lavatory of claim 1, wherein the basin is configured such that water flows across at least a portion of the projection prior to flowing through the drain opening.

6. The lavatory of claim 1, further comprising a drainage assembly comprising: a horizontally oriented channel fluidly coupled to the drain opening and configured to receive water from the drain opening; and a vertically oriented channel fluidly coupled to the horizontally oriented channel and configured to receive water from the horizontally oriented channel.

7. The lavatory of claim 6, wherein: at least a portion of the horizontally oriented channel extends underneath a portion of the basin; and at least a portion of the vertically oriented channel extends alongside a portion of the basin.

8. The lavatory of claim 6, further comprising: a waste fluidly coupled to the vertically oriented channel and configured to receive water from the vertically oriented channel; an arm having a portion that is positioned within the waste; a sealing member coupled to the arm; and a pop-up rod assembly comprising: a handle extending through the basin and moveable with respect to the basin; a connector coupled to the handle underneath the basin and moveable with respect to the basin; and a connecting rod coupled to the waste and the arm, the connecting rod extending through the vertically oriented channel and moveable with respect to the basin.

9. The lavatory of claim 8, wherein the basin is configured such that the projection extends towards the handle.

10. The lavatory of claim 6, further comprising a chamber disposed beneath and in fluid communication with the drain opening, the chamber configured to receive water from the drain opening, the chamber comprising: at least one side wall contiguous with the basin; and a bottom wall coupled to the horizontally oriented channel and contiguous with the at least one side wall.

11. The lavatory of claim 10, wherein: the at least one side wall is formed integrally with the basin; and the bottom wall is detachably coupled to the at least one side wall.

12. A lavatory comprising: a drain opening configured to receive water; and a basin comprising: a side wall; a first portion contiguous with the side wall and the drain opening, the first portion including a projection that extends over the drain opening; and a second portion contiguous with the side wall and the drain opening, the second portion comprising a recess disposed underneath the projection and extending away from the projection; wherein the projection extends towards the second portion.

13. The lavatory of claim 12, wherein the basin is configured such that water flows across at least a portion of the projection prior to flowing through the drain opening.

14. The lavatory of claim 12, further comprising a drainage assembly comprising: a horizontally oriented channel fluidly coupled to the drain opening, configured to receive water from the drain opening, at least a portion of the horizontally oriented channel extending underneath a portion of the basin; and a vertically oriented channel fluidly coupled to the horizontally oriented channel and configured to receive water from the horizontally oriented channel, at least a portion of the vertically oriented channel extending alongside a portion of the basin.

15. The lavatory of claim 14, further comprising: a waste fluidly coupled to the vertically oriented channel and configured to receive water from the vertically oriented channel; an arm having a portion that is positioned within the waste; a sealing member coupled to the arm; a pop-up rod assembly comprising: a handle extending through the basin and moveable with respect to the basin; a connector coupled to the handle underneath the basin and moveable with respect to the basin; and a connecting rod coupled to the waste and the arm, the connecting rod extending through the vertically oriented channel and moveable with respect to the basin; and a chamber disposed beneath and in fluid communication with the drain opening, the chamber configured to receive water from the drain opening, the chamber comprising: at least one side wall contiguous with the basin; and a bottom wall coupled to the horizontally oriented channel and contiguous with the at least one side wall.

16. A lavatory comprising: a drain opening configured to receive water; a basin comprising: a projection that extends over the drain opening; and a recess disposed underneath the projection and extending away from the projection; and a chamber disposed beneath and in fluid communication with the drain opening, the chamber configured to receive water from the drain opening, the chamber comprising: at least one side wall contiguous with the basin; and a bottom wall detachable coupled to the at least one side wall.

17. The lavatory of claim 16, wherein the basin is configured such that water flows across at least a portion of the projection prior to flowing through the drain opening.

18. The lavatory of claim 16, further comprising a drainage assembly comprising: a horizontally oriented channel coupled to the bottom wall and configured to receive water from the chamber, at least a portion of the horizontally oriented channel extending underneath a portion of the basin; and a vertically oriented channel fluidly coupled to the horizontally oriented channel and configured to receive water from the horizontally oriented channel, at least a portion of the vertically oriented channel extending alongside a portion of the basin.

19. The lavatory of claim 18, further comprising: a waste fluidly coupled to the vertically oriented channel and configured to receive water from the vertically oriented channel; an arm having a portion that is positioned within the waste; a sealing member coupled to the arm; and a pop-up rod assembly comprising: a handle extending through the basin and moveable with respect to the basin; a connector coupled to the handle underneath the basin and moveable with respect to the basin; and a connecting rod coupled to the waste and the arm, the connecting rod extending through the vertically oriented channel and moveable with respect to the basin.

20. The lavatory of claim 19, wherein the basin is configured such that the horizontally extending projection extends towards the handle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side partial cross-sectional view of a lavatory system, according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective partial cross-sectional view of the lavatory system shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 is side perspective partial cross-sectional view of the lavatory system shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a basin of the lavatory system shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a top view of the basin shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the basin shown in FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a lavatory system, including an overflow pipe in a first position, according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the circled portion shown in FIG. 7.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the lavatory system, including the overflow pipe in a second position, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the circled portion B shown in FIG. 9.

[0036] FIG. 11 is side perspective cross-sectional view of a drainage assembly useable with a lavatory system, according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the drainage assembly shown in FIG. 11.

[0038] FIGS. 13A-D illustrate an assembly process of the drainage assembly shown in FIG. 11, in which FIG. 13A illustrates the attachment of the first connector of the drainage assembly to a chamber of a lavatory system; FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate the partial assembly of various components of the drainage assembly; and FIG. 13D illustrates the completed, assembled drainage assembly shown in FIG. 11 that is defined upon the attachment of the partially assembled drainage assembly shown in FIG. 13C to the first connector shown in FIG. 13A.

[0039] FIGS. 14-15 are perspective views of a sealing member of the drainage assembly of FIG. 11.

[0040] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the sealing member of FIG. 11 including an arm coupled thereto.

[0041] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sealing member and arm of FIG. 16 coupled to an overflow pipe of the drainage assembly of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein are lavatories and drain assemblies useable with a lavatory. These lavatories and drain assemblies are useable for providing an aesthetically pleasing lavatory by at least partially obscuring a drain opening and drain assembly from a user of the lavatory. Additionally, the lavatories and drain assemblies useable with a lavatory herein disclosed provide minimal difficult-to-clean areas in a lavatory basin.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a lavatory system 1 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The lavatory system 1 includes a basin 10 and a chamber 30 (e.g., hidden chamber) configured to be in fluid communication with the basin 10. The lavatory system 1 also includes a drain assembly 50 configured to be in fluid communication with the chamber 30 and further configured to be connectable to an external plumbing system. The configuration of the basin 10 and chamber 30 allows for a storage area 40 disposed beneath the basin 10.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the basin 10 is configured to receive a fluid flow (such as a flow of water) from a fluid source, such as a faucet (not shown) connected to a faucet neck 20. The basin 10 is also configured to hold a volume of fluid within the basin 10. The basin 10 is formed of any suitable material, for example, a ceramic material. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the basin 10 includes a basin side wall 11 and a bottom surface 12. The bottom surface 12 includes a first portion 13 and a second portion 14. The first portion 13 and the second portion 14 of the bottom surface 12 define a drain opening 16. Although the shape of the basin 10 as shown in FIGS. 4-6 has a substantially elliptical horizontal cross-section, the shape of the basin 10 is not particularly limited to this implementation. The shape of the basin 10 may be any suitable shape such that the basin 10 is configured to hold a volume of fluid. For example, the basin 10 can have a rectangular horizontal cross-section such that the basin side wall 11 includes a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The basin 10 is connected to a basin support 25, which is configured to support the basin 10, either independently or dependently (e.g., by anchoring the basin support 25 to a wall).

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, a projection (e.g., horizontally extending projection, lip, etc.) 15 is formed integrally with the bottom surface 12. According to one aspect, the projection 15 is formed integrally with the first portion 13 of the bottom surface 12 of the basin 10. According to another aspect, the projection 15 extends substantially horizontally from the bottom surface 12 of the basin (for example, from the first portion 13 of the bottom surface 12). The projection 15 is disposed over and/or above the drain opening 16 of the basin 10. The projection 15 is configured to at least partially obscure from a view of a user the drain opening 16 of the basin 10. According to one aspect, the projection 15 is configured to completely obscure from the view of the user the drain opening 16 of the basin 10. Although the projection 15 is shown in FIGS. 4-6 as positioned in middle portion 17 of the bottom surface 12 of the basin 10, the present disclosure is not limited to this particular implementation. For example, the projection 15 can be positioned along a side wall 11 of the basin 10, for example, a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall, or a right side wall of the basin 10.

[0046] Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, the chamber 30 includes a fluid inlet 31 fluidly coupled with the drain opening 16 of the basin 10 and a fluid outlet 32 fluidly coupled to a channel 50 (as described in more detail below). The chamber 30 is defined by side walls 33 and a bottom wall 34. According to one aspect, the chamber 30 includes a first chamber portion 30a and a second chamber portion 30b. The first chamber portion 30a is defined by side walls 33, a bottom side of at least part of the first portion 13 of the bottom surface 12 and a bottom side of at least part of the second portion 14 of the bottom surface 12. The second chamber portion 30b is defined by side walls 33, the bottom side of at least part of the second portion 14 of the bottom surface 12, and the bottom wall 34.

[0047] The chamber 30 is disposed beneath the drain opening 16 such that a fluid held within basin 10 can flow through the drain opening 16 of the basin 10 and into the chamber 30 via the fluid inlet 31 of the chamber 30. The chamber 30 is oriented beneath the projection 15 such that view of the chamber 30 of a user of the lavatory system 1 is at least partially obscured by the projection 15. Although the chamber 30 is shown integrally formed with the basin 10, according to an additional aspect, the chamber 30 is detachably coupled to the basin 10.

[0048] The orientation of the chamber 30 relative to the basin 10, and the drain opening 16 of the basin 10 specifically, allows for a storage area 40 to be positioned beneath the chamber 30. The storage area 40 is configured to store items related to the use of the lavatory system 1. The shape and/or size of the storage area 40 is of any suitable shape and/or size allowed by the relative orientation, placement, and size of the basin 10 and the chamber 30.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the drainage assembly 50 includes a horizontally oriented channel 51, a vertically oriented channel 52, and an outlet channel 55. The drainage assembly 50 includes a fluid inlet 53 fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet 32 of the chamber 30. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fluid inlet 53 of the drainage assembly 50 is directly connected to the horizontally oriented channel 51. The drainage assembly 50 also includes fluid outlet 54 which is fluidly coupled to an external plumbing system (e.g., a plumbing system of a building) (not shown). The fluid inlet 53 of the drainage assembly 50 is configured to facilitate a fluid flow from the chamber 30 to the fluid outlet 54 of the drainage assembly 50 and thereby to the external plumbing system. The horizontally oriented channel 51, the vertically oriented channel 52, and the outlet channel 55 are made of any suitable material, for example, plastic or ceramic.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the drainage assembly 50 also includes a first connector 70, a second connector 80, and a waste 95. The first connector 70 (described in more detail below with reference to drainage assembly 250) and the second connector 80 (described in more detail below with reference to drainage assembly 250) are disposed between the vertically oriented channel 52 of the drainage assembly and the outlet channel 55 of the drainage assembly 50.

[0051] The lavatory system 1 also includes a pop-up rod assembly 90. The pop-up rod assembly 90 is configured to control the fluid flow within the drainage assembly from the chamber 30 to the external plumbing system, in the manner as described in more detail below with reference to drainage assembly 250. The pop-up rod assembly 90 includes a handle 91 whereby a user can control movement of the components of the pop-up rod assembly 90. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the pop-up rod assembly 90 also includes a first connecting rod 92 which is connected directly to the handle 91. The pop-up rod assembly 90 also includes a connecting rod 93 which is connected directly to the waste 95. The connecting rod 92 and the connecting rod 93 are connected via connector 94. By using the handle 91, a user can cause the connecting rod 92 to move vertically and thereby cause the connecting rod 93 to pivot vertically about the waste 95. By so moving the connecting rod 93, a fluid flow through the drainage assembly 50 can be controlled.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, a lavatory system 2 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The lavatory system 2 includes a basin 210. The basin 210 is configured to receive a fluid flow (such as a flow of water) from a fluid source, such as a faucet (not shown). The basin 210 is also configured to hold a volume of fluid within the basin 210. The basin 210 is formed of any suitable material, for example, a ceramic material.

[0053] The basin 210 includes a bottom surface 212 including a first portion 213 and a second portion 214. The first portion 213 and the second portion 214 define a drain opening 216 which is configured to allow a fluid flow 200 out of the basin 210. The drain opening 216 is at least partially obscured from the view of a user by a projection or lip 215. According to one aspect of the lavatory system 2, the projection 215 entirely obscured from the view of the user the drain opening 216. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the projection 215 is integrally formed with the first portion 213 of the bottom surface 212 of the basin 210. The lavatory system also includes basin support 225 which is configured to either independently or dependently support the basin 210.

[0054] The basin 210 also includes a chamber (e.g., hidden chamber) 230 which is fluidly coupled to the basin 210. The chamber 230 is defined by the second portion 214 of the bottom surface 212 of the basin 210 and walls 233, including side walls and a bottom wall. The chamber 230 is configured such that the fluid flow 200 from the basin 210 via the drain opening 216 is received into chamber 230.

[0055] The lavatory system 2 also includes a drainage assembly 250. The drainage assembly 250 includes an overflow pipe (e.g., channel) 60. The overflow pipe is configured to move from a first position (shown in FIG. 7), in which the fluid flow 200 flows out of the chamber 230 without first flowing through the overflow pipe 60, to a second position (shown in FIG. 9), in which the fluid flow 200 flows out of the chamber 230 via the overflow pipe 60. When the overflow pipe 60 is in the second position, the basin 210 is fillable with a volume of fluid (for example, water). The various components of the drainage assembly 250 described below are made of suitable materials, for example, plastic or ceramic.

[0056] As can best be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 11-12, the overflow pipe 60 includes a first end 61, which is configured to be housed within the chamber 230, and a second end 62. The overflow pipe 60 also includes an inner surface 60′ having an inner diameter 63. The overflow pipe 60 also includes a groove 64 on an outer surface of the overflow pipe 60 configured to house a sealing ring 110 (such as an O-ring) which is configured to seal a connection between the overflow pipe 60 and a first connector 70 and a second connector 80 (as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and as described below in more detail). Referring to FIGS. 11-12 and 14-17, the overflow pipe 60 also includes a sealing member 68. The overflow pipe 60 also includes a plurality of inner ribs 67 which are connected to the inner surface 60′ of the overflow pipe 60 and which support sleeve 66 connected to the sealing member 68. The sealing member 68 is connected to the overflow pipe 60 by any suitable means. For example, the sealing member 68 is connected to the overflow pipe 60 via a screw (not shown) which is connected to an end of arm 65 (described below) and which is connectable to the plurality of inner ribs 67. As another example, the sealing member 68 is connected to the overflow pipe 60 via a snap-fit between the sealing member 68 and the plurality of inner ribs 67.

[0057] Sleeve 66 is configured to hold the arm 65 which extends beyond the end 62 of the overflow pipe 60 and is configured to be connected to connecting rod 93 of pop-up rod assembly 90 (described above). When the connecting rode 93 of the pop-up rod assembly 90 is moved, the arm 65 of the overflow pipe 60 is moved, thereby adjusting a position of the sealing member 68 of the overflow pipe 60 within the drainage assembly 250. When the sealing member 68 of the overflow pipe is in a first position, fluid flow 200 flows from the chamber 230 into the waste 95 of the drainage assembly 250 without flowing through the overflow pipe 60. When the sealing member 68 of the overflow pipe is in a second position, fluid flow 201 flows from the chamber 230 through the overflow pipe 60 into the waste 95.

[0058] Referring still to FIGS. 11-12, the first connector 70 includes a first end portion 71 having an inner diameter 73. The first end portion 71 is configured to be attached to outlet 35 of chamber 30 (as shown in FIG. 11) or to a bottom portion of the chamber 230. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the first end portion 71 includes a first portion and a second portion oriented at an angle 71a relative to each other. As shown in FIG. 12, the first connector 70 also includes a second end portion 72 having an inner diameter 74 and an outer diameter 75. The outer diameter 75 of the second end portion 72 may include thread 76, as shown in FIG. 11. As shown in FIG. 8, the second end portion 72 includes a first portion and a second portion oriented at an angle 72a relative to each other.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 11-12, the second connector 80 is configured to be attached to the second end portion 72 of the first connector 70. The second connector 80 includes a first end portion 81 having an inner diameter 83 having thread 86. The inner diameter 83 of the first end portion 81 of the second connector 80 is larger than the outer diameter 72 of the second end portion 72 of the first connector 70. The thread 86 of the first end portion 81 of the second connector 80 is configured to mate with the thread 76 of the second end portion 72 of the first connector 70. The second connector 80 also includes a second end portion 82 which includes an inner diameter 84 which is configured to be connected to a waste 95. The second end portion 82 is also configured to receive a sealing ring 120 which is configured to seal a connection between the second end portion 82 of the second connector 80 and the waste 95.

[0060] The second connector 80 also includes a middle portion 85 disposed between the first end portion 81 and the second end portion 82. The first end portion 81 and the middle portion 85 are oriented at an angle 81a relative to each other. The second end portion 82 and the middle portion 85 are oriented at an angle 82a relative to each other. The middle portion 85 is configured such that a sealing ring 115 sits in the first end portion 81 and against the middle portion 85 such that the sealing ring 115 is held in place. The middle portion 85 is also configured to house and hold a waste 100 within the second connector 80.

[0061] FIGS. 13A-D illustrate a method of assembling the drainage assembly 250 onto a chamber 30 or chamber 230 described above. As shown in FIG. 13A, the first connector 70 is affixed to the chamber 30, for example, by using an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 13B, a connecting rod 93 of a pop-up rod assembly is connected to the waste 95. The waste 95 is the affixed to the second connector 80 and the waste 100 is placed inside the second connector 80. As shown in FIG. 13C, the drainage assembly 250 is assembled by inserting the overflow pipe 60 into the second connector 80 and thereby secured to the waste 95. As shown in FIG. 13D, the second connector 80 is affixed (for example, by using an adhesive) to the first connector 70, completing the assembly of the drainage assembly 250 and securably attaching the drainage assembly 250 to the chamber 30 or chamber 230 of a lavatory system.

[0062] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

[0063] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0064] The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0065] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below,” etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0066] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the lavatory system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0067] Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any element (e.g., the overflow pipe, connector, hidden chamber, etc.) disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein.