Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Wash receptacles – Attachments
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-05
2002-01-15
Phillips, Charles E. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Wash receptacles
Attachments
C004SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06338171
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is directed to a protective sink hugger primarily intended for use with kitchen sinks but could find use with other types of sinks or tubs.
Tub or sink liners are well known as is illustrated by U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,931,651 to Weir; 4,602,393 to Fiveash; 5,153,950 to Sowers; 5,465,436 to Bleicher; and 5,815,856 to Dore. In the Weir and Sowers patents, a plastic sheet is laid over a bath tub and secured therewith by way of a frame structure. The patent to Bleicher is directed to a disposable plastic sheet liner for use in the medical filed. Again, the liner is secured about the tank rim. The patent to Dore is directed to a sink liner which is formed as a shaped unitary piece having individual extending side members. The liner is formed into and held in the configuration of the sink by hook and loop fasteners. The shapes of the side panels are substantially rectangular.
The instant invention is intended to remove the shortfall of the above constructions by providing a sink liner which protects both the sink and the adjacent counter top, is re-usable and is pleasing to the eye.
An object of the instant invention is the provision of a sink liner which protects the sink from stains, chips, and scratches.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a sink liner which is easily installed and easily removed and stored.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a sink liner having a side drain board which directs water into the sink and away from the counter top.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a sink liner which prevents breakage.
Another object of the invention is a sink liner formed of pliable synthetic having a smooth outer surface.
Another object of the invention is a sink liner which is removable and reusable.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a sink liner which is both functional and attractive.
Another object of the invention is the provision of a sink liner formed of a plurality of components which may be attached into a unitary watertight assembly.
Another object of the invention is a sink liner formed of a heat resistant synthetic material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a removable protective liner for use with a sink which is mounted in a counter top. Normally the sink is substantially rectangular with a bottom, four upstanding walls, and a peripheral flange overlaying adjacent edges of the counter top. The sink may be a double sink.
The liner includes a body having a bottom panel of a size conforming with the bottom of the sink and four upstanding side panels of a size conforming with the respective upstanding walls of the sink and the adjacent portion of the peripheral flange. Each side panel engages with a respective edge of the bottom panel and adjacent side panels at least when the liner is positioned within the sink.
A side drain board is provided for each sink. The side drain board includes raised side and end walls, an elevated outer end, an inner end, and a bottom interconnecting the raised walls and extending from the elevated outer end to the inner end. The inner end of the side drain is engagable with an outer edge of a side panel and formed to extend over the peripheral flange.
In use the liner may be positioned within the sink to completely cover and protects its outer surface. The side drain is connected with the liner body and arranged to cover and protect the adjacent outer surface of the counter top.
The protective liner may be constructed with the bottom panel and the four upstanding side panels formed integral. Alternatively, it may be constructed with the bottom panel and the four upstanding side panels formed as separate and individual members. In this arrangement an edge of each of the four upstanding side panels overlap a respective edge of the bottom panel and adjacent vertical edges are in overlapping position. Securing devices secure the overlapping edges in position. The securing members may be selected from hook and loop members, magnetic components, projection-channel members, and suction cups.
Each of the opposed sides of the upstanding panels are contoured so that adjacent ones overlap along their entire length when positioned within the sink.
The bottom panel includes an opening positioned to overlie the drain hole of the sink. This opening includes a downwardly projecting lip which projects into the drain hole a distance sufficient to prevent seepage. Preferably the projection lip is of a size which provides that it fits snugly into the drain hole.
Attachment members which connect the bottom with the side panels with each other and the side drain with the side panel preferably comprise a shaped projection formed or connected with one edge portion and a shaped receiving channel formed or connected with the other edge portion. The projection is designed to pressure fit into the channel forming a watertight connection.
The material forming the liner may have its exposed surfaces contain design schemes. The schemes may be complete for each panel or be a continuous scheme. The panels are formed preferably of a heat resistant, pliable, non-porous synthetic material which may comprise a flexible synthetic or rubber compound.
A removable protective liner in combination with a sink mounted in a counter top. The sink is substantially rectangular and has a bottom with a drain hole, four upstanding walls and a peripheral flange overlaying adjacent edges of the counter top. The combination comprises a body positioned in the sink having a bottom panel located in the sink bottom configured to substantially conform with the sink bottom. The bottom panel includes fastening members secured with its upper surface and extending along each edge and a drain opening aligned with the drain hole of the sink. There are four side panels with each side panel covering a respective wall of the upstanding walls of the sink. Each panel includes a lower edge carrying a fastening member which is adapted to engage with a respective one of the edge fastening members of the bottom panel. The fastening members when engaged form a watertight seal between the side panels and the bottom panel.
Each side panel includes a pair of opposed contoured side edges, each of which carries a fastening member. The panels are arranged with opposed edges in overlaying positions with the fastening members when engaged forming a watertight seal.
Each side panel includes an upper end which overlays the sink flange and an adjacent portion of the counter. The upper end includes attachment members which removably secure it with the sink flange.
There may be suction members provided to engage with the upper walls and bottom of the sink. Also, the attachment member may comprise magnetic connectors or strips, or hook and loop connectors or any other suitable releasable connector which provides a suitable seal for preventing water seepage.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2421808 (1947-06-01), Robertson
patent: 3931651 (1976-01-01), Weir
patent: 4336620 (1982-06-01), Gresh
patent: 4602393 (1986-07-01), Fiveash
patent: 4630323 (1986-12-01), Sage et al.
patent: 4956882 (1990-09-01), Cohn, III
patent: 5136736 (1992-08-01), Bishop
patent: 5153950 (1992-10-01), Sowers
patent: 5465436 (1995-11-01), Bleicher
patent: 5647073 (1997-07-01), Dorber, Sr.
patent: 5815856 (1998-10-01), Dore
Flint & Kim, P.A.
Phillips Charles E.
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