Abstract
A portable sink and water system that is self-contained and stows and provides the desired functionality of a sink within a relatively small space. Water is contained within the unit internally and opens to an operational setup. The unit uses the volume defined by the sink to stow and contain items of the system such as a faucet spout, hose, handheld sprayer, etc. The volume of the sink is enclosed by a lid. The lid carries the faucet spout, and hinges open to an operational point. The sink can have features that make it easy to use, such as handles, drains, control modules, latches and funnels.
Claims
1. A portable sink system, comprising: a main container body; a sink supported at least partially within the main container body; a lid pivotally affixed to the main container body; and a faucet spout affixed to the lid; wherein the lid is rotatable between an open position, presenting the faucet spout for use, and a closed position, in which at least a portion of the faucet spout is positioned within the sink.
2. The portable sink system of claim 1, further comprising: a latch mechanism configured to hold the lid in the closed position.
3. The portable sink system of claim 1, wherein the main container body is internally divided into a gray water volume and a freshwater volume.
4. The portable sink system of claim 3, wherein the sink is positioned above the gray water volume.
5. The portable sink system of claim 3, wherein the gray water volume is larger in capacity than the freshwater volume.
6. The portable sink system of claim 3, wherein the sink is removable for cleaning of the gray water volume.
7. The portable sink system of claim 3, wherein the faucet spout is in fluid communication with the freshwater volume.
8. The portable sink system of claim 3, further comprising: a tubing system for directing water flow from the freshwater volume through the faucet spout, passing through the sink, and into the gray water volume.
9. The portable sink system of claim 3, wherein a bottom of the sink is lower in elevation than a top of the freshwater volume.
10. The portable sink system of claim 1, wherein the lid covers only a portion of the main container body defined by the sink.
11. The portable sink system of claim 3, further comprising: a funneled area within the main container body; and a cap for filling a freshwater volume positioned within the funneled area.
12. The portable sink system of claim 11, wherein the funneled area has a concave shape directed towards a bottom of the funneled area to aid in filling.
13. The portable sink system of claim 11, further comprising: a connector for attaching a hose to deliver water to the faucet spout or an accessory nozzle.
14. The portable sink system of claim 1, further comprising a control panel configured to control a pump.
15. A portable sink system, comprising: a main container body; a sink supported at least partially within the main container body; a lid having a first position and a second position wherein the lid covers the sink in the first position; and a faucet spout configured to affix to the lid; wherein the second position of the lid presents the faucet spout to dispense water into the sink when the faucet spout is affixed to the lid.
16. The portable sink system of claim 15, further comprising a gray water volume and a freshwater volume held within the main container body.
17. A portable sink system, comprising: a main container body; a sink supported at least partially within the main container body; a freshwater volume supported within the main container body; a gray water volume supported within the main container body and in liquid communication with the sink; a pump configured to dispense liquid from the freshwater volume; and a fill passage configured to provide liquid to the freshwater volume, wherein the fill passage is accessible exteriorly of the main container body.
18. The portable sink system of claim 17, wherein the gray water volume further comprises a drain passage accessible exteriorly of the main container body.
19. The portable sink system of claim 17, wherein the main container body further comprises a funnel shape to direct liquid into the fill passage.
20. The portable sink system of claim 17, wherein the pump is powered by electricity.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] These and other features of the inventions disclosed herein are described below with reference to the drawings of several embodiments of the present packaging assembly kits which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable sink and water system having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable sink and water system with a lid in a closed position.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of the portable sink and water system.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a top view of the portable sink and water system.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a front view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in the closed position.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a side section view of the portable sink and water system taken along section line 139 of FIG. 5.
[0032] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portable sink and water system with components exploded.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a front section view of the portable sink and water system taken along section line 136 of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a front section view of the portable sink and water system taken along section line 137 of FIG. 3.
[0035] FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the portable sink and water system identified by the detail section 131 of FIG. 6.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable sink and water system with components exploded.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the portable sink and water system with components exploded.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a freshwater delivery assembly of the portable sink and water system.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a gray water tank of the portable sink and water system with components isolated.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a control panel of the portable sink and water system.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an accessory nozzle of the portable sink and water system.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a front view of the portable sink and water system.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a left side view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in a closed position.
[0044] FIG. 19 is a right side view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in a closed position.
[0045] FIG. 20 is a top view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in a closed position.
[0046] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in a closed position.
[0047] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in a closed position.
[0048] FIG. 23 is a front view of the portable sink and water system with the lid in a closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] Embodiments of systems, components and methods of assembly and manufacture will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout. Although several embodiments, examples and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples and illustrations, and can include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.
[0050] Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as above and below refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as front, back, left, right, rear, and side describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the components or elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the components or elements under discussion. Moreover, terms such as first, second, third, and so on may be used to describe separate components. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
[0051] There remains a demand for a portable sink solution capable of providing the necessary functionality, preferably along with one or more of the following characteristics: occupying a relatively small space, being easy to transport, containing its own fresh and gray water, and stowing itself into a durable and easy to use form.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 6, the illustrated arrangement of the portable sink system 200 has a sink 100 and lid 104. The lid 104 can carry a faucet, which includes a spout 103. The lid 104 can be positioned relative to a main container body 105 in various positions. In some embodiments, the positions can include an open position 125 and a closed position 126. The lid 104 can move towards the main container body 105 to reach a closed position 126, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. In some embodiments, a portion or an entirety of the spout 103 is located within a space defined by the sink 100 in the closed position 126 to facilitate the system 200 in providing the desired functionality of a sink within a relatively small space. In some configurations, at least an outlet of the spout 103 is positioned within the sink 100 in the closed position 126. In some configurations, at least about one-half or at least about three-quarters of a length of the spout 103 is positioned within the sink 100 in the closed position 126. As used herein, positioned within the sink 100 can mean that the spout 103 or a portion of the spout 103 is positioned below a notional plane that defines the uppermost extent of the holding space defined by the sink 100 that is configured to hold a liquid, or a space that is contiguous with the holding space. The lid 104 can cover the sink 100 in the closed position 126, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. The lid 104 can be held in the closed position 126 by a latching mechanism 106, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6.
[0053] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 104 can pivot on one or more hinges 102 affixed to the main container body 105. Furthermore, the hinges 102 can provide approximately 90 of allowable rotation of the lid 104 relative to the main container body 105. In the illustrated arrangement of FIG. 3, the lid 104 includes a stop 123 to limit rotation of the lid 104 relative to the main container body 105.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrated arrangement, the sink 100 occupies a portion or an entirety of a region of the main container body 105 above a gray water volume 116. In the illustrated arrangement, a footprint of the gray water volume 116 (as seen from a top view of the main container body 105) is bigger than a footprint of a freshwater volume 117 of the portable sink system 200. In the illustrated arrangement, the sink 100 occupies some or all of the space of the main container body 105 above the gray water volume 116. The freshwater volume 117 can extend above an uppermost extent of the gray water volume 116. In such an arrangement, a portion of the freshwater volume 117 is located adjacent the sink 100 in a horizontal direction. The sink 100 collects and empties water into the gray water volume 116 via a drain 113. Water can be released from the gray water volume 116 by a drain plug 149. The drain 113 has a plug 114, as shown in FIG. 8, to inhibit or prevent gray water from emerging from the gray water volume 116 into the sink 100 during transport. The plug 114 can be a separate component from or can be integrated into the drain 113.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 1, the portable sink system 200 comprises a general shape in which a width of the portable sink system 200 is larger than a depth of the portable sink system 200. The general cuboid structure of the portable sink system 200 provides a convenient shape such that a user of the portable sink system 200 does not need to reach excessively far to access the sink 100 or a control panel 108 of the portable sink system 200 while in use. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, various other shapes of the main container body 105 and/or the lid 104 of the portable sink system 200 can be utilized. Such shapes can include different proportioned cuboids or cylinders or various other shapes. The illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1 is particularly advantageous when using a portable sink system 200 at the edge of a table or vehicle.
[0056] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the portable sink system 200 can be sized similarly to popular high end 40 L-50 L outdoor coolers having a loaded weight of about 60 lbs. This is a relatively common shape that is often moved and transported in and around camp environment with relative ease aiding in the portable nature of the portable sink system 200. In other embodiments, the portable sink system can be of a smaller or large size such as that of common 20 L-40 L or 50 L-80 L coolers. The sink system 200 can have an unloaded weight of about 30 lbs. and a loaded weight of about 60 lbs. In other configurations, the portable sink system can have an unloaded weight of about 15 lbs.-30 lbs. or about 30 lbs.-60 lbs. and a loaded weight of about 20 lbs.-60 lbs. or about 60 lbs.-100 lbs. While some embodiments may exceed a loaded weight of about 100 lbs. based on particular needs, it can be desirable to have a loaded weight of about 60 lbs. for ease of lifting and carrying.
[0057] The gray water volume 116 and the freshwater volume 117 can be defined in whole or in part by independent internal tank(s) which are stored within the main container body 105. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, with the fresh water tank 124 and the graywater tank 140. In other embodiments, the gray water volume 116 and the freshwater volume 117 can be integrally formed by walls of the main container body 105, which can include one or more internal walls that separate the gray water volume 116 and the freshwater volume 117.
[0058] In the illustrated arrangement of FIG. 8, the sink 100 is located above the gray water volume 116 such that water that enters the sink 100 can pass through the drain 113 by gravity and enter the gray water volume 116. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in other embodiments the sink 100 may be in liquid communication with the gray water volume 116 directly or by means of a hose or pipe.
[0059] With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrated arrangement, the freshwater volume 117 is located generally beside or lateral to the sink 100, which is located above the gray water volume 116. The freshwater volume 117 has a height that is generally the height of the main container body 105, such as at least about 75%, 80%, or 90% of the height of the main container body 105. The top of the freshwater volume 117 is generally located at or near the top of the sink 100. The bottom of the sink 100 is generally located below the upper extent of the freshwater volume 117.
[0060] With continued reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the illustrated embodiment the gray water volume 116 and the freshwater volume 117 are of similar capacities. In other embodiments the capacities of the gray water volume 116 and the freshwater volume 117 can be different. In some embodiments, the gray water volume 116 can be larger than that of the freshwater volume 117 which could be advantageous because a user may pour other liquids into the sink 100 during use. A larger gray water capacity can also be advantageous in that a user may need to empty the gray water volume 116 less frequently while refilling the fresh water volume during use. In some embodiments, the capacity of the gray water volume 116 and the capacity of the freshwater volume 117 are within 10% of one another. In other embodiments the capacity of the gray water volume 116 can be about 120%about 150% of the capacity of the freshwater volume 117. In other embodiments, the capacity of the gray water volume 116 can be about 150%about 200% of the freshwater volume 117. In yet other embodiments, the capacity of the gray water volume 116 can be about 200%about 300% of the freshwater volume 117.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the sink 100 can comprise an inner shape such that the bottom surface of the sink 100 is generally sloped towards the drain 113. The sloping is particularly advantageous such that when the water flows from the spout 103 into the sink 100 the water will be directed to the drain 113 to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of standing water in the sink 100.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 14, the gray water volume 116 defined by the gray water tank 140 can be removably inserted into the main container body 105 and generally located underneath the sink 100. The gray water tank 140 can include a handle 142. The handle 142 can be integrally formed with or attached to the gray water tank 140 to aid a user in removal and installation of the gray water tank 140. The gray water tank 140 further comprises an inlet or entry port 144 and an outlet or exit port 145. The entry port 144 is configured to receive liquid from the drain 113 of the sink 100. The exit port 145 is configured to drain the gray water from the gray water tank 140. When the gray water tank 140 is installed in the main container body 105, the drain 113 of the sink 100 engages the entry port 144 of the gray water tank 140. In particular, the drain 113 includes a downwardly-extending annular projection or boss that axially overlaps with the entry port 144 of the gray water tank 140 to inhibit or prevent leakage into the interior of the main container body 105 of liquid moving from the sink 100 to the gray water tank 140. When the gray water tank 140 is installed in the main container body 105, the exit port 145 is aligned with a passage 148 in the wall of the main container body 105. This alignment allows for draining of the gray water tank 140 without removal of the gray water tank 140 from the main container body 105. This may be particularly advantageous in that disassembly of the portable sink system 200 is not required for draining of the gray water from the gray water tank 140. Removability of the gray water tank 140 is also particularly advantageous in that it can allow removal for cleaning.
[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 11, the sink 100, when installed, can be secured by the plug 114. In the illustrated arrangement, the plug 114 is threaded and can pass through the drain 113 of the sink 100 and be attached by the threads of the plug 114 to the threaded entry port 144 of the gray water tank 140. When the plug 114 is tightened the sink and the gray water tank 140 can be securely attached together. A head portion of the plug 114 can press against the drain 113 of the sink 100 to provide a sealing force to the above-described engagement of the drain 113 portion of the sink 100 with the entry port 144 portion of the gray water tank 140. Furthermore, the sink 100 can be further secured to the main container body 105 by magnets 175. The sink 100 can alternatively be secured to the main container body 105 by other means such as threaded fasteners, latches, hook and loop, or other types of fasteners. In some configurations, the sink 100 could be secured with a clip that is the same as or similar to the clips 152 or leaf springs 154. The fastener(s) can be selected based on desired characteristics, such as cost, ease of use, or the level of security that is desired. The magnets 175 or other attachment methods can be particularly advantageous such that when the plug 114 is removed for the passage of liquid from the sink 100 to the gray water tank 140, the sink 100 will still be secured to the main container body 105. Such an arrangement advantageously provides leak proof or leak resistant cooperation of the sink 100 and the gray water tank 140 with a reduced number of parts in comparison to a design having a connection and seal that is separate from and in addition to the plug.
[0064] With reference to FIG. 9, when installed, the gray water tank 140 can also be secured to the bottom of the main container body 105 by clip mechanism or clips 152. In the illustrated arrangement, the clips 152 are constructed of a bent strip of sheet metal. In the illustrated embodiment, the clips 152 can be attached to the main container body 105 by rivets. In other embodiments, the clips 152 can be attached by a screw, adhesive, co molded with the main container body 105 or other attachment means. Furthermore, the clips 152 can be constructed by other methods and materials, such as injection molded plastic, formed plastic, cast metal, or other suitable constructions to provide a resistive force. The clips 152 could be integrally formed with the main container body 105. The clips 152 engage in detents integrally formed into the gray water tank 140. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art the gray water tank 140 can be secured to the bottom of the main container body 105 by one or more of a variety of suitable attachment methods, including magnets, hook and loop fastener, or any other type of fastener.
[0065] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the portable sink system 200 can include various components on the upper portion of the main container body 105. The components can include the sink 100, a control panel 108, a filler area 133, and a connector 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the sink 100 occupies the majority of the upper portion of the main container body 105. In some configurations, at least one-half of an area of the upper portion of the main container body 105 is occupied by the sink 100. In some configurations, between about 50% and about 70% of the area of the upper portion of the main container body 105 is occupied by the sink 100. The size and the shape of the sink can be relatively large within the available area of the upper portion of the main container body 105 to allow a usable workspace for washing hands or dishes for example. The remaining area can be occupied by a control panel 108. The control panel 108 can be located in a front accessible location for easy use and access. The filler area 133 can include a cover 107. The cover 107 can be advantageous so as to provide some working space along side the sink 100 when the cover 107 is in place.
[0066] In the illustrated arrangement, the lid 104 is sized to cover the entire upper portion of the main container body 105 when in the closed position 126. In some embodiments, the lid 104 may be sized to only cover the sink 100 and leave the other components accessible when the lid 104 is in the closed position 126. In other embodiments, the lid 104 may cover only a portion of the sink 100.
[0067] In the illustrated arrangement of FIGS. 7 and 8, the filler area 133 can include geometry and shape which comprises a funnel 111, which directs liquid into the freshwater volume 117. The funnel 111 generally forms a concave shape to direct liquids to the freshwater volume 117 through a filler port 135 defined within the funnel 111. This can be particularly advantageous as it may be difficult to pour water directly into the filler port 135. The filler area 133 can also include a cap 112 for closing off the filler port 135. The cap 112 can be the same as the plug 114 and/or the drain plug 149. In some embodiments, all three of the cap 112, plug 114, and drain plug 149 are the same, which adds convenience for the user and reduces the number of component parts. As described above, the filler area 133 can also include the cover 107 to cover the filler area 133 when not in service of filling liquid. The cover 107 can create a greater work area and keep contaminants from accumulating in the funnel 111 and, thereafter, potentially entering the freshwater volume 117.
[0068] With continued reference to FIGS. 7 8, in the illustrated arrangement, the freshwater volume 117 is exteriorly accessible through the filler port 135. The filler port 135 passes through the main container body 105 and into the freshwater volume 117. This may be particularly advantageous in that a user can fill the freshwater volume 117 without removing the freshwater tank 124.
[0069] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the upper portion of the main container body 105 can include a control panel 108 to control a pump 110, which is configured to pump fluid from the freshwater volume 117. The control panel 108 can be configured to control an optional heater 121 configured to heat the fluid in the freshwater volume 117 prior to delivery to the spout 103. The pump 110 can be located adjacent the freshwater volume 117 and the optional heater 121 can be located within the freshwater volume 117. In some configurations, the pump 110 and the optional heater 121 can be secured to the freshwater tank 124, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 9. Furthermore, the optional heater 121 can be positioned to pass through a wall of the freshwater tank 124 to directly heat the water in the freshwater volume 117. In some configurations, it can be preferable to locate the optional heater 121 near the bottom of the fresh water tank 124 in order to heat the water when the freshwater tank 124 is near an empty condition. In the illustrated arrangement, the control panel 108 is placed in the lower right quadrant on top of the main container body 105 for easy access. An upper surface of the control panel 108 is slightly angled with a forward tilt as seen in FIG. 1 to allow easy access. Beneath the control panel 108 is a battery (not shown) that can be charged via the charge port 119.
[0070] With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 13, in some embodiments the optional heater 121 can comprise a heating pad style heater. In such an embodiment the heating pad (not shown) can be attached to an outside wall of the freshwater tank 124 to heat the water through the wall of the freshwater tank 124. Such an embodiment can be advantageous by reducing the number of holes needed to be made and sealed in the freshwater tank 124.
[0071] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 13, the illustrated embodiment includes the pump 110 for dispensing fluid from the freshwater volume 117. In a preferred embodiment, the pump 110 is powered by electricity and in some embodiments powered by the internal battery (not shown). In other embodiments, the pump 110 may be powered by an external power source which can be connected via a cable to the charge port 119. Furthermore, the portable sink system 200 may also include the heater 121. The heater 121 can be powered in a similar configuration to the pump 110. That is, the heater 121 can be powered by an internal battery or by an external power source which can be connected via a cable to the charge port 119. In some other embodiments, the heater 121 may be omitted and the pump 110 may be powered by other methods such as that of a hand, manual, or pneumatic pump.
[0072] With reference to FIGS. 4, 8, and 13, when the portable sink system 200 is in the open position 125 and dispensing water, water is pumped from the freshwater volume 117 via the pump 110 through tubing 115 and a connector 118 to be dispensed from the spout 103. The connector 118 allows the tubing 115 to be connected and disconnected depending on the position of the lid 104. The connector 118 also allows for connection of accessories such as an accessory nozzle 120, shown in FIG. 16. The tubing 115 includes the exposed portion that can be coupled to the connector 118 and also includes a portion that is captured within an interior space of the lid 104 and connects to the spout 103. Such an arrangement protects a portion of the tubing 115 while providing a clean aesthetic and allowing for the use of the accessory nozzle 120, as discussed above. Such an arrangement is also cost-effective. However, if desired, an entirety of a tube from the pump 110 to the spout 103 could be routed internally, with the possible exception of a small exposed portion in the space between the main container body 105 and the lid 104. However, in such an arrangement, the hinges 102 could be designed to receive a portion of such a tube. In some configurations, it is necessary to remove the connector 118 to permit the lid 104 to move fully to the closed position 126.
[0073] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 10, the illustrated arrangement shows a detent mechanism 130 configured to secure the lid 104 in the open position 125 relative to the main container body 105. In the illustrated embodiment, the detent mechanism 130 can be attached to the main container body 105 by rivets. In other embodiments, the detent mechanism 130 can be attached by a screw, adhesive, co molded with the main container body 105 or other attachment means. The detent mechanism 130 can comprise a leaf spring 154, which defines a detent receptacle 155. The detent receptacle 155 is configured to receive a raised bump 156 that is formed into or otherwise provided on the lid 104. When the lid 104 moves to the open position 125, the raised bump 156 will flex the leaf spring 154 and allow opening movement of the lid 104 until the raised bump 156 is aligned with the detent receptacle 155, at which point the leaf spring 154 moves back towards its unflexed orientation and the raised bump 156 is received within the detent receptacle 155. The resilient force of the leaf spring 154 resists movement of the lid 104 from the open position 125 and, thus, assists in retaining the lid 104 in the operational open position 125. The leaf spring 154 can be configured to provide a desirable resistance force to movement of the lid 104 from the open position 125 to inhibit or prevent undesired closing, while not unduly inhibiting desired movement of the lid 104 from the open position 125 to the closed position 126. This detent mechanism 130 provides a relatively low-cost mechanism for securing the lid 104 in the open position 125. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a similar detented open position can be achieved by a variety of other mechanisms including a ball detent, a torsional spring mechanism or a magnet mechanism configured to hold the lid 104 in an open position. Furthermore, in some configurations, mechanisms can be provided to secure the lid 104 in the open position 125 in addition to the detent mechanism 130. It should further be noted that in some embodiments the leaf spring 154 is the same as or can share similar geometry to the clip mechanisms 152 of FIG. 8. In such an arrangement, the components can be shared for multiple locations and purposes, which lowers manufacturing costs compared to having unique solutions for each purpose.
[0074] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 12, in the illustrated arrangement, the spout 103 can be attached to a cover plate 158 which is attached to the lid 104. The cover plate 158 can include a multitude of passages including a spout passage 166 such that the spout 103 may pass through the cover plate 158 and be secured to the cover plate 158 using a spout flange 168. In other embodiments, the spout 103 can be attached to the cover plate 158 by other means that may not require the passing of the spout 103 through the cover plate 158. The cover plate 158 can be attached to the lid 104 by rivets, screws, adhesives or other attachment methods. The lid 104 can further comprise a recess 172 that receives a spout connector 161 and allows the connector 161 to reside within a thickness of the lid 104. The lid 104 can also include a hose channel 173 that allows the tubing 115 to reside within a thickness of the lid 104. When assembled, an exposed surface of the cover plate 158 can be substantially flush to an inner surface 170 of the lid 104, such as with a perimeter portion of the inner surface 170 of the lid 104. The cover plate 158 may further comprise a cover plate passage 163 and cover plate vents 165. When installed, the cover plate 158 can partially close off a recess 159 formed in the lid 104 such that items may be stored in the recess 159 by inserting them through the cover plate passage 163. If the item was, for example, a wet cloth or sponge, it may be allowed to dry via the cover plate vents 165. The illustrated arrangement is particularly advantageous in that the cover plate 158 provides a secure and flush mounting configuration for the spout 103 to the lid 104 while also providing a storage space defined by the recess 159.
[0075] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 12, in other embodiments the spout 103 can be removably attached to the lid 104. In such an embodiment, the spout 103 can be removed when the lid 104 is in the closed position 126 and the spout 103 can be attached to the lid 104 when the lid 104 is in the open position 125. Such an arrangement can be advantageous for particular packaging or storage needs. The spout 103 can be attached to the lid by various means including those not requiring tools or fasteners.
[0076] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the main container body 105 can include built in handles 122 for easy carry and sleek packaging. However, handles could be formed separately and coupled to the main container body 105, if desired.
[0077] With reference to FIG. 15, an illustrated arrangement of the control panel 108 is shown separate from the remainder of the portable sink system 200. The control panel 108 includes a main body 191 which houses various buttons and displays. Button 182 and button 183 can control a water heater temperature. Button 189 can be configured to set the desired temperature of the water heater. Furthermore, button 188 can control the pump 110. By depressing the button 188 a user can turn on or off the water flow of the portable sink system 200.
[0078] With continued reference to FIG. 15, a display 186 can also be housed within the main body 191 of the control panel 108. In some configurations, the display 186 can display one or more of the water temperature, the state of the pump 110, and the temperature of the water within the freshwater volume 117. The display 186 can also be configured to display the state of charge of the battery or the type of power being utilized. In some embodiments, the information presented by the display 186 can be achieved with an array of lights (not shown) to indicate the above mentioned conditions and modes of the portable sink system 200. In such an embodiment LED lights can be used as they offer low cost and energy efficiency.
[0079] It should be emphasized that through this description terms such as gray water and freshwater have been used. This is quite typical in the environment surrounding such a device, however other liquids can be used. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the portable sink system can be configured to work with any preferred liquid. In some embodiments the portable sink system 200 can comprise supply liquid volumes and used liquid volumes.
Conclusion
[0080] It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. Moreover, any of the steps described herein can be performed simultaneously or in an order different from the steps as ordered herein. Moreover, as should be apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0081] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, can, could, might, may, e.g., and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0082] Moreover, the following terminology may have been used herein. The singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term ones refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or all of a quantity. The term plurality refers to two or more of an item. The term about or approximately means that quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not be exact, but may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of skill in the art. The term substantially means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.
[0083] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also interpreted to include all of the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of about 1 to 5 should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but should also be interpreted to also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3 and 4 and sub-ranges such as about 1 to about 3, about 2 to about 4 and about 3 to about 5, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, 3 to 5, etc. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value (e.g., greater than about 1) and should apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described. A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms and and or are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term alternatively refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives, and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
