Electric heating – Heating devices – Combined with container – enclosure – or support for material...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-29
2001-06-19
Pelham, Joseph (Department: 3742)
Electric heating
Heating devices
Combined with container, enclosure, or support for material...
C219S432000, C219S433000, C099S357000, C099S403000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06248982
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sinks which can provide a cooking capability. More particularly, it relates to cooking sinks with improved control features that are compactly arranged.
It is known to provide sinks with cooking capabilities such as a hot plate placed adjacent to a sink basin. It is also known to provide a kitchen counter top with a section that receives a built-in steamer with a drain that is connectable to kitchen plumbing.
Although the prior art teaches various types of sinks with basins and cooking capabilities, there is not currently available a kitchen sink with a cooking chamber wherein the controls are conveniently and compactly positioned.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect the invention provides a combined sink and cooking unit including a sink having a top portion with a basin and a cooking chamber adjacent to each other, both of which have a lower drain outlet. A heating element is connected adjacent the bottom of the cooking chamber. A drain valve member is connected to the drain outlet of the cooking chamber. Drain valve and heating element controls are positioned on the top portion of the sink.
In another aspect, a faucet is mounted on the top portion of the sink and is constructed and arranged to provide water to both the basin and the cooking unit, and the drain valve, of the cooking chamber, is electrically activated.
In yet another aspect, the invention provides a cooking unit having a top portion with a cooking chamber positioned therein, the cooking chamber having a drain outlet. A heating element is connected adjacent to the bottom exterior of the cooking chamber. A drain valve member is connected to the drain outlet. Controls for the drain valve member and heating element are positioned on the top portion of the sink.
The advantages of the invention therefore include:
a. providing a cooking chamber (or combined sink and cooking unit) which facilitates the cooking of food;
b. providing a combined sink and cooking unit of the foregoing type wherein the heating of water and the draining thereof is easily controlled; and
c. providing a combined sink and cooking unit of the foregoing type which is utilized in conjunction with a basin which facilitates the preparation of food.
These and still other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows. In the detailed description below, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention. Rather the invention may be employed in other embodiments. Reference should therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the breadth of the invention.
REFERENCES:
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Three pages of a Gaggenau Ad, admitted prior art, showing a built-in steamer.*
One page of Pantry / Herb Spültischkombination Ad, admitted prior art, showing a cooking sink.
Johansen Mark
Mueller Carl F.
O'Connell David J.
Quella John F.
Reid Mary J.
Kohler Co.
Pelham Joseph
Quarles & Brady LLP
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