Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Wash receptacles
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-13
2001-09-18
Huson, Gregory L. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Wash receptacles
C004S541100, C004S541300, C134S182000, C134S188000, C134S102100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289530
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink and, more particularly, to a jetted sink for use in laundry, general utility, and in kitchen applications in which a pump-assisted water circulation pattern or patterns is optionally available to assist the user.
Various types of jetted bath tubs and spas have achieved wide-spread application in residential and commercial markets. In general, a water recirculation system is used to remove water from the tub and direct that water to the intake of a motor-driven pump where the water is pressurized and returned to the interior of the tub through one or more water jets. The water jets are often steerable and, in some case, can be controlled to form multiple sub-jets to provide various effects, including therapeutic benefits.
Conventional laundry/utility sinks as used in residential applications are filled with water and a cleaning agent (e.g., detergent or soap) and used to wash clothing items that are not suitable for machine washing or to pre-wash items prior to placement in a washing machine. In a similar manner, conventional kitchen sinks as used in residential applications merely provide a basin or reservoir that can be filled with water and a cleaning agent by the user to clean tableware, dishes, cups, and glassware, etc. or pre-rinse items prior to placement in a dishwasher. In all cases, the user must, if desired, manually agitate the retained water to assist the cleaning effect.
While conventional residential laundry/utility sinks and kitchen sinks adequately serve the needs of the user, the effectiveness of these sinks could be greatly enhanced if a sustained flow pattern could be established in the basin to assist in the cleaning function. In the context of a laundry/utility sink, the ability to create a sustained flow pattern within a laundry/utility sink would increase cleaning effectiveness for delicate clothing items that normally should not be subject to machine washing cycles. In the context of a kitchen sink, the ability to create a sustained flow pattern in the water filled basin would increase cleaning effectiveness for tableware, dishes, cups, and glassware, etc. and may decrease the need for a dishwasher. In most cases, a flow pattern that can be described as a gentle flow would be preferred, although, in some cases, a more agitated or turbulent flow pattern may also be desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention, among others, to provide a laundry/utility/ kitchen sink in which water contained within the sink is caused to flow in a flow pattern designed to assist in cleaning.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink in which water contained in the sink is subject to pressurized water jets to effect a flow pattern designed to assist in cleaning.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink in which water contained in the sink is subject to pressurized water jets to effect an optional turbulent churning or agitation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink in which water contained in the sink and a cleaning agent, such as a detergent or a soap, is caused to move in a sustained flow pattern by pressurizing the water and introducing the pressurized water into the sink through jets to create a desired flow pattern to thereby greatly increase the cleaning efficacy.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink in which water contained in the sink and a cleaning agent, such as a detergent or a soap, is subject to pressurized water jets to provide one of several available flow patterns.
In view of these objects, and others, the present invention provides a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink in which at least one and preferably a plurality of water nozzles are mounted in the sidewall of the sink to introduce pressurized water jets into the sink to create various types of swirling or whirling flow patterns and, if desired, turbulence or churning effects in the water to increase cleaning efficiency. A motor-driven pump withdraws water from the sink through a filtered intake and re-introduces that water into the sink through the at least one nozzle. The re-introduced water creates a highly beneficial agitation or churning of the water and any dissolved cleaning agent to increase cleaning efficiency.
The present invention advantageously provides a jetted laundry/utility/kitchen sink that beneficially creates one or more swirling or whirling flow patterns and, if desired, an agitation, churning, or turbulence in the water to greatly increase cleaning efficiency.
Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference characters.
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patent: 4979245 (1990-12-01), Gandini
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patent: 1592982 (1977-09-01), None
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Adams Katherine R.
Henry Jeff C.
Miller Robert A.
Huson Gregory L.
Le Huyen
Mr. Tubs, Inc.
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