US20060218722A1

US20060218722A1 - Lavatory console system

Info

Publication number: US20060218722A1
Application number: US11/098,990
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Mayer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-05
Filing date: 2005-04-05
Publication date: 2006-10-05

Abstract

The present invention provides a lavatory console system including easily removable and interchangeable components which allow for a change in the styling of the lavatory console. The lavatory console system includes a support frame having a first platform attached to a plurality of legs. The support frame is designed to bear the load of the lavatory console system. A lavatory support is mounted to the first platform having a lavatory sink mounted thereto. The lavatory support is selected to support a vessel, countertop, or undercounter lavatory sink. The removable and interchangeable components allow for a change in the styling of the lavatory console, including changing the lavatory sink or exterior styling, without the removal of the base support frame structure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cabinetry system, and more particularly to lavatory console system used to support plumbing fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Home remodeling is a billion dollar a year business, spawning such retailers as HOME DEPOT and LOWES. One of the more popular forms of remodeling is that of the kitchen or bathroom, which often involves the removal of cabinetry, countertops, and associated plumbing fixtures and replacement with items of a different style. The work involved in removing these items can be time consuming and laborious, and the cost can be considerable.
The instillation of the new materials can be similarly time consuming, laborious, and expensive. Individual cabinets and associated cabinet accessories usually are pre-fabricated at a factory or may be custom built on-site by skilled cabinet makers. Custom built on-site cabinetry is considerably more expensive than pre-fabricated construction due to the higher labor charges associated with the services of skilled tradesmen.
However, in both instances the overall installation can be costly, having high material and labor expenses. In addition, prefabricated and custom-built cabinets can only be further customized by the addition of different accessories, such as knobs or drawer pulls, or by refacing. Any later desire to have a more significant change in style or appearance to the cabinetry, however, would necessitate removal and replacement of the older cabinets with new ones.
Currently, refacing cabinets gives a homeowner some ability to change the way a cabinet looks. Some examples of refacing techniques include painting or applying a laminate or veneer to the exterior surface of the cabinets. Application of a new veneer over the surfaces of older cabinets usually can be costly and time consuming. For instance, manufacturers may not consider refacing flexibility when designing their cabinets. Instead, the veneer must be specially cut to match the cabinets after they have been installed.
As a result of this requirement for custom cutting and precise fitting of a veneer over the cabinets, cabinet refacing is not usually considered to be a do-it-yourself project for a homeowner. Instead, refacing is usually carried out by a company that specializes in these services. While the cost of refacing can be lower than the cost of removal and replacement of cabinets, it nevertheless still can be expensive. Furthermore, while refacing and repainting of cabinets can help them look newer, they do not allow a homeowner to make significant changes to the body or structure of the cabinets. Thus, in both instances, refacing and repainting do little to change the design of the exterior surfaces of the cabinets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a more convenient, cost-effective modular cabinet system that can be altered or changed more easily or less expensively than in the past. Another potential benefit of the invention is that it provides a simplified approach for alteration so that more homeowners may be capable of making these changes on their own according to their own schedule and without the need to hire expensive specialists. It is believed that the potentially lower costs and greater simplicity of installation may allow for a homeowner to select from a variety of styles and cabinet combinations.
One embodiment of the invention involves a lavatory console system having easily removable and interchangeable components that conveniently allow for changes in the styling of the console. For example, the lavatory console system may have a support frame made of a first platform attached to a plurality of legs. The support frame is designed to bear the load of the lavatory console system. A lavatory support is mounted to the first platform having a lavatory sink mounted thereto. The lavatory support is selected to support a vessel, countertop, or undercounter lavatory sink.
The lavatory console system further includes front and side panels removeably attachable to front and side sections of the support frame. The front and side panels are easily removable and replaceable with panels of different styling. Similarly, the lavatory sink may be easily removable and replaceable with a different style or shape of sink. Different size and shapes of lavatory supports may be used to better match the size and shape of the sink as well as the overall look desired by the homeowner.
The removable and interchangeable components allow for a change in the styling of the lavatory console, including changing the lavatory sink or exterior styling, without the removal of the base support frame structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a support frame of the lavatory console system of the present invention;
FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of a first lavatory sink mounted to the support frame of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of a second lavatory sink mounted to the support frame of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the second lavatory sink mounted to the support frame of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of front and side panels mounted to the support frame of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6. depicts a front view of a second lavatory sink and side panel mounted to the support frame of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the a second lavatory sink and front panel mounted to the support frame of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 8A-B depicts alternative panel designs for the lavatory console system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a lavatory console system including easily removable and interchangeable components. The removable and interchangeable components allow for a change in the styling of the lavatory console, including changing the lavatory sink or exterior styling, without the removal of the base support frame structure.
Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a support frame 10 of the lavatory console system of the present invention. The support frame 10 includes first and second platforms 12 and 14 mounted to legs 16(a)-(d). The first platform 12 is mounted proximal to a top portion of the legs 16(a)-(d) and is configured to help support a lavatory sink. A drain hole 18 is provided through the first platform 12, allowing a drain pipe (not shown) to be positioned through the first platform 12 for connection to the lavatory sink. The first platform 12 can optionally include one or more apertures 19 for the mounting of a faucet. If a plurality of apertures is provided, they may be spaced apart from each other to conform to the spacing between controllers or knobs for hot and cold water that may be found in commercially available faucets.
Referring to FIG. 2, a lavatory sink 20 is mounted to the support frame 10. A vessel type lavatory sink is mounted to the first platform 12, aligning a drain in the vessel (not shown) with the drain hole 18 in the first platform 12. A drain pipe (not shown) is connected to the vessel 20 through the drain hole 18. In one embodiment, a lavatory support 22 may also be provided as a cosmetic alteration of the console system, to provide additional support for the sink 20, or both. Thus, the sink or vessel 20 may be mounted directly to the lavatory support so that the upper surface of the support 22 may be used as a countertop for the console system.
Thus, a plurality of interchangeable lavatory supports 22 may be provided so that a homeowner can customize the appearance of the system according to their own taste. For instance, the lavatory supports may vary in height so that the overall height of the console may be changed without necessitating removal and replacement of the entire cabinet. Likewise, the color, texture, materials may of the lavatory support 22 may vary to provide further customization by a homeowner. In addition, some lavatory supports may have different edge profiles, such as a right-angle corner, a rounded or curved edge, a raised lip to prevent water runoff, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the lavatory support 22 may be configured to so that a substantial portion of the sink 20 resides above the upper surface of the support. Alternatively, the lavatory support may have an opening conforming generally to the perimeter to an upper portion of the sink 20 so that the lip of the sink may rest on the upper surface of the support. In yet another embodiment, the support 22 may be configured so that the sink is installed underneath it to give the appearance of a recessed undermount installation. Other variations that may be present between different lavatory supports may be the inclusion of omission of a backsplash around one or more edges of the support 22.
Preferably, installation of the sink 20 and lavatory support 22 onto the support frame 10 is straightforward. The lavatory support 22 is positioned on the first platform 12, aligning a drain in the vessel (not shown) with the drain hole 18 in the first platform 12. A drain pipe is connected to the vessel 20 through the drain hole 18. The lavatory support 22 may be held in position on the first platform 12 by the weight of the vessel 20 and vessel platform 22, and the securement of the drain pipe to the vessel 20. However, it is contemplated that the lavatory support 22 also may be secured to the first platform 12 with fasteners, clips, adhesive materials, screws, staples, nails, and the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates a different style of lavatory support 22 that also may be mounted to the support frame 10. Thus, should a homeowner decide that they want to change their cabinetry and sink to either provide a more exposed or less exposed sink, it would be possible to effect this change without having to remove or replace the support frame. After the change is made, however, the completed assembly of the replaced lavatory support on the support frame or upper platform preferably results in a high quality finish and appearance of the cabinet being of a more conventional construction.
The lavatory support 22 of FIG. 3 includes a sink platform 26, which may be attached to and supported by a base structure 27 having a front, rear, and side wall sections 28, 29, and 30. The base structure 27 is arranged and dimensioned such that the lavatory support 24 is mounted to the first platform 12.
The sink platform 26 includes a lavatory sink aperture for mounting of a lavatory sink 32 therein. The lavatory sink 32 can be a countertop sink 32, such that an outer rim supports the counter top sink 32 on the sink platform 26. Alternatively, the lavatory sink 32 is an undercounter mounted sink 32, wherein the undercounter mounted sink 32 is mounted to an underside surface of the sink platform 26.
The lavatory sink 32 is mounted in the lavatory support 24 and to the first platform 12, aligning a drain 33 in the lavatory sink 32 with the drain hole 18 in the first platform 12. A drain pipe (not shown) is connected to the sink drain 33 through the drain hole 18. The sink platform 26 can optionally include apertures 34 for the mounting of a faucet to the sink platform 26.
The lavatory support 24 is held in position on the first platform 12 by the weight of the lavatory support 24 and the lavatory sink 32 on the first platform 12, and the securement of the drain pipe to the sink drain 33. However, it is contemplated that the lavatory support 24 also can be secured to the first platform 12 by fasteners, clips, adhesive materials, screws, staples, nails, woodworking joints, pegs and holes, and the like.
Referring to FIG. 4, the lavatory support 24 can further include a drawer 36 mounted into the front wall section 28 of the base structure 27. The size and configuration of the drawer 36 is dependent on the dimensions of the sink 32. For example, the drawer 36 can be a pull out drawer or in the alternative the drawer 36 can be a flip down drawer, allowing access to storage space under the sink platform 26.
Alternatively, drawer 36 is a faux drawer mounted to the front wall section 28 of the base structure 27. The faux drawer 36 may be removeably mounted to the front wall section 28 of the base structure 27, allowing the faux drawer 36 to be easily removed and replaced.
Referring to FIG. 5, exterior paneling is mounted to the support frame 10. Opposing side panels 38 and 40 are mounted to the sides of the support frame 10. A first side panel 38 is mounted to legs 16(a) and 16 (b) of the support frame 10 and a second side panel 40 is mounted to legs 16(c) and 16 (d) of the support frame 10, opposite the first side panel 38. The side panels 38 and 40 are removable mounted to the legs 16(a) (d) of the support frame 10, allowing the side panels 38 and 40 to be easily removed and replaced. The first and second side panel 38 and 40 are intended for ornamental use only and are not structural supporting members of the lavatory console system.
Referring to FIG. 6, the first and second side panels 38 and 40 may be mounted to the support frame 10, interposed between the legs 16(a)-(d), first platform 12, and second platform 14. First panel 38 is mounted to a first side of the support frame 10 to inner sided surface of legs 16(a) and (b), wherein opposing side edges of the first panel 38 are mounted to the inner sided surfaces of legs 16(a) and (b), a top edge of the first panel 38 is mounted to a bottom surface of the first platform 12, and a bottom edge of the first panel 38 is mounted to a top surface of the second platform 14. The second panel 30 is similarly mounted to an opposite side of the support frame 10, to legs 16(c) and (d). In similar fashion to the discussion regarding interchangeability of vanity supports, a plurality of side panels likewise may be interchangeably assembled to the support frame even after the frame has been installed. Thus, a homeowner may easily change the appearance and styling of the cabinet without having to remove the support frame.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, a front panel 42 is mounted to a front portion of the support frame 10. The front panel 42 is mounted to legs 16(a) and 16 (c) of the support frame 10. The front panel 42 is removable mounted to the legs 16(a) and (c) of the sink base 24, allowing the front panel 42 to be easily removed and replaced. Once again, a plurality of front panel styles, colors, finishes, and the like may be provided so that a homeowner may further customize the cabinet according to their taste. Preferably, the front panel 42 is for ornamental use only and is not a structural supporting member of the lavatory console system.
Alternatively, the front panels may be doors 44 and 46 that are mounted to the front of the support frame 10. A first door 44 is hingedly mounted to leg 16(a) of the support frame 10 and a second door 46 is hingedly mounted to leg 16(c) of the support frame 10, opposite the first door 44. The doors 44 and 46 are removable mounted to the legs 16(a) and (c) of the support frame 10, allowing the doors 44 and 46 to be easily removed and replaced.
Referring to FIGS. 8A-B, the front and side panels 38, 40, and 42 and the doors 44 and 46 are available in a number of different design styles, which can be easily affixed to a removed from the support frame 10.
The above structural configuration provides a lavatory console system the styling of which can be changed without removal of the support frame 10. In a first exemplary configuration, the support frame 10 is provided with a lavatory support 22 or 24 and lavatory sink 20 or 32. At any given time, the configuration of the lavatory console system can be changed by the addition of panels, 38, 40, and 42 or side panel 38 and 40 and doors 44 and 46. Alternatively, the lavatory sink 20 or 32 can be removed and replaced with a different style lavatory sink 20 or 32. It is also contemplated that both changes can be incorporated onto the support frame 10.
In a second configuration, the support frame 10 is provided with a lavatory support 22 or 24 and lavatory sink 20 or 32, as well as side panels, 38, 40, and a front panel 42 mounted thereon. At any given time, the configuration of the lavatory console system can be changed by removing the side panels, 38, 40 and front panel 42 or changing the side panel 38 and 40 and front panel 42 for those of different styles. Alternatively, doors 44 and 46 can be added, replacing the front panel 42.
Furthermore, the lavatory sink 20 or 32 can be removed and replaced with a different style lavatory sink 20 or 32. It is also contemplated that both styling changes can be incorporated on the support frame 10.
The lavatory console system can be provided as individual components, wherein a consumer will purchase a support frame 10 and select additional design components to add to the support frame 10. An initial component selection will include selecting either a lavatory sink such as vessel 20 or sink 32. A sink 32 selection will require a lavatory support 24. The lavatory base 24 can include a drawer or faux drawer 36, where the styling of the drawer 36 will be selected.
The support frame 10 can optionally include side and front paneling 38, 40, and 42, where the front paneling 42 can be a pair of doors 44 and 46. The side and front paneling 38, 40, and 42 and doors 44 and 46 are provided in a variety of styles which the consumer can choose from.
All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A lavatory console system comprising:

a support frame including a first platform attached to a plurality of legs, wherein the support frame bears at least part of the load of the lavatory console system; and

a plurality of lavatory supports that may be interchangeably mounted to the first platform after installation of the support frame.

2. The lavatory console system of claim 1, further comprising

a plurality of lavatory sinks that may be installed to at least one of the plurality of lavatory supports, wherein the lavatory support is selected to support a vessel, countertop, or undercounter lavatory sink.

3. The lavatory console system of claim 1, further comprising a first side panel removeably attachable to a first side section of the support frame.

4. The lavatory console system of claim 3, further comprising a second side panel removeably attachable to the first side section of the support frame, the second side panel replacing the first side panel.

5. The lavatory console system of claim 3, further comprising a first front panel removeably attachable to a front section of the support frame.

6. The lavatory console system of claim 5, wherein the first front panel comprises a first door hingedly mounted to the front section of the support frame.

7. The lavatory console system of claim 5, further comprising a second front panel removeably attachable to the front section of the support frame, the second front panel replacing the first front panel.

8. The lavatory console system of claim 7, wherein the second front panel is a second door hingedly mounted to the front section of the support frame.

9. The lavatory console system of claim 1, further comprising a second platform attached to the plurality of legs at a location below the first platform.

10. The lavatory console system of claim 1, further comprising a lavatory sink connectable to at least one of the lavatory supports.

11. The lavatory console system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lavatory supports comprises a sink platform mounted to a base structure removeably attachable to the first platform, the sink platform including a sink aperture configured to receive a lavatory sink.

12. The lavatory console system of claim 11, further comprising a first drawer removeably attachable to a front portion of the base structure.

13. The lavatory console system of claim 12, further comprising a second drawer removeably attachable to the front portion of the base structure, the second drawer replacing the first drawer.

14. The lavatory console system of claim 11, wherein the lavatory sink is a countertop sink.

15. The lavatory console system of claim 11, wherein the lavatory sink is an undercounter sink.

16. A lavatory console system comprising:

a support frame including a first platform attached to a plurality of legs, wherein the support frame bears the load of the lavatory console system;

a first front panel that can be removed or attached to a front section of the support frame after installation of the support frame;

a first side panel that can be removed or attached to a first side section of the support frame after installation of the support frame;

a lavatory support mounted to the first platform; and

a lavatory sink mounted to the lavatory support.

17. The lavatory console system of claim 16, further comprising a second side panel removeably attachable to the first side section of the support frame, the second side panel replacing the first side panel.

18. The lavatory console system of claim 16, wherein the first front panel comprises a first door hingedly mounted to the front section of the support frame.

19. The lavatory console system of claim 18, further comprising a second front panel removeably attachable to the front section of the support frame, the second front panel replacing the first front panel.

20. The lavatory console system of claim 19, wherein the second front panel comprises a second door hingedly mounted to the front section of the support frame.

21. The lavatory console system of claim 16, wherein the lavatory sink is a vessel.

22. The lavatory console system of claim 16, wherein the lavatory support comprises a sink platform mounted to a base structure removeably attachable to the first platform, the sink platform including a sink aperture configured to receive the lavatory sink.

23. The lavatory console system of claim 22, further comprising a first drawer removeably attachable to a front portion of the base structure.

24. The lavatory console system of claim 23, further comprising a second drawer removeably attachable to the front portion of the base structure, the second drawer replacing the first drawer.

25. The lavatory console system of claim 22, wherein the lavatory sink is a countertop or undercounter sink.

26. A lavatory console kit comprising:

first and second front panels each removeably attachable to a front section of the support frame;

first and second side panels each removeably attachable to a first side section of the support frame;

a lavatory support mounted to the first platform; and

a lavatory sink mounted to the lavatory support.