Auto Sink Spray

Abstract

A basin and/or sink that has a dispenser located in an area below the opening of the basin and above the base, capable of being activated by a sensor that detects a user or other body within a defined wash region. The invention directs water in a novel direction avoiding drawback associated with current dispensers, such as backsplash.

Claims

1. A unique new bathroom sink that eliminates the problems of backsplash and countertop pooling by providing a circumferential, no touch spray of water when one's hands or face are placed over or into the rim of the sink, essentially as described herein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view illustrating an auto sink spray, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with water jets.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating the auto sink spray, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with a water spray pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as an Auto Sink Spray offering users a unique new bathroom sink that eliminates the problems of backsplash and countertop pooling by providing a circumferential, no touch spray of water when one's hands or face are placed over or into the rim of the sink.

[0013] Like the no touch faucets found in airports and other public bathroom facilities, the Auto Sink Spray employs one or more infrared sensors in its rim to detect the entry of one's hands or face; and once this entry has been detected by the sensor(s), a battery-powered (DC) or household-wiring-powered (AC) mechanism opens two valves, one in the incoming cold-water supply line and one in the incoming hot-water supply line. These valves feed hot and cold water, in proportions that could be set by the user, simply by adjusting the stopcocks of the valves, into a pair of auxiliary supply lines which will merge to supply a third line which runs in a ring around the inner rim of the sink. This ring line will be perforated at regular intervals to provide a cross-spray pattern that remains just below the upper rim of the sink; and the rim would feature a slight overhang or lip to prevent any spray from escaping upward onto the adjacent sink counter.

[0014] In an embodiment, the perforations are in the bottom of the sink and presumably spray water upward in arcs. In another embodiment where the primary intent of the Auto Sink Spray is to eliminate backsplash and countertop pooling, a cross-spray is situated just beneath a lip at the top of the sink keeping the spray within the sink. The Auto Sink Spray is automatically activated anytime one's hands or face crossed the plane of the sink-rim, but is no impediment to using the faucet to fill the sink, or washing one's hands or face in the traditional manner; and the Auto Sink Spray ceases its spraying when one removed one's hands or face from the sink.

[0015] The Auto Sink Spray is a bathroom sink superior to conventional sinks in terms of both convenience and cleanliness. With the Auto Sink Spray, there is no need to fill the sink and scoop up water in order to wash one's face, prepare it for shaving, or rinse it off. One simply bends over a bit, and lets the Auto Sink Spray do the rest. Likewise, the no touch Auto Sink Spray eliminates the need to handle the faucet in order to wash one's hands keeping the faucet valves clean and free of germs, keeping the kids from leaving the faucet running, and keeping the whole household healthier. Best of all, the Auto Sink Spray eliminates the vexing problem of sink backsplash and the pooling of water on the sink countertop. Like other high-quality bathroom sinks, the Auto Sink Spray can be produced in a variety of styles, i.e., pedestal, vessel, drop-in, undermount, and in a variety of materials, from vitreous china to steel, and in a variety of colors.

[0016] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claim.