| WO/2002/000081 | WASH-HAND BASIN AND HAND WASHING DEVICE WITH THE WASH-HAND BASIN |
| JP10179434 | WASHING BOWL |
| JP3501108 | SINK |
JAWORSKI, Jeffery, S. (N87 W23233 N. Lisbon Rd, Sussex, Wisconsin, 53089, US)
TISAI, David, E. (1454 Barton Avenue, West Bend, Wisconsin, 53090, US)
FIGURSKI, Mark, A. (652 Greenway Terrace, Hartland, Wisconsin, 53029, US)
RUNDBERG, Michelle, L. (N164 W21230 Glen Brooke Dr, Jackson, Wisconsin, 53037, US)
JAWORSKI, Jeffery, S. (N87 W23233 N. Lisbon Rd, Sussex, Wisconsin, 53089, US)
TISAI, David, E. (1454 Barton Avenue, West Bend, Wisconsin, 53090, US)
FIGURSKI, Mark, A. (652 Greenway Terrace, Hartland, Wisconsin, 53029, US)
| WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A hand washing station in communication with a circular drain conduit, the hand washing station comprising: a sink having a first side wall, a second side wall, a rear side wall extending between the first side wall and second side wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear side wall, and the bottom wall define a sink area; a narrow channel adjacent to the rear wall and having a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, wherein: the channel is open at the top to receive water from the sink area, the bottom wall of the channel includes a non-circular drain opening, and the bottom wall of the channel is angled downwardly toward the non- circular drain opening such that the depth of the channel increases toward the drain opening in the bottom wall of the channel; and a drain adapter coupled to the sink to connect the narrow shape of the non- circular drain opening to the circular shape of the drain conduit allowing water to flow from the channel to the drain conduit. 2. The sink of Claim 1 , wherein the drain adapter is obscured from view by the sink when viewed from a vantage in front of but less than two feet above the sink. 3. The sink of Claim 1, further comprising: a strainer coupled to the drain adapter. 4. The sink of Claim 3, wherein the strainer is supported by a portion of the bottom wall of the channel. 5. The sink of Claim 4, further comprising: a gasket located between the drain adapter and the outer surface of the sink. 6. The sink of Claim 5, wherein the drain adapter comprises: a plate; a groove on a top side of the plate to receive at least a portion of the gasket; a cylindrical wall extending from a bottom side of the plate and defining a drain bore; and a mounting base for the strainer coupled to the cylindrical wall and located at least partially within the drain bore. 7. The sink of Claim 6, wherein the drain adapter is coupled to the sink by a plurality of fasteners extending through the plate and threaded into the sink. 8. The sink of Claim 1 , wherein the channel includes a pair of end walls extending between the pair of side walls. 9. The sink of Claim 1, wherein the drain opening is rectangular, and further comprising a rectangular strainer coupled to the drain adapter and supported by the bottom wall of the channel. 10. The sink of Claim 1 , wherein the sink is integrally formed as a one piece component or a fabrication of multiple components, and wherein the sink is molded or cast from at least one of a solid surface material, an engineered stone material, a renewable bio- based composite material comprising an aggregate of plant pieces dispersed in a resin matrix. 11. A sink configured for use in a lavatory, comprising: a channel bottom having an elongate drain opening formed therein; a first wall extending upward from the channel bottom; a second wall extending upward from the channel bottom, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the channel bottom form a drainage channel for the sink; and an incline having a higher end and a lower end, and defining a gradient directed toward the drainage channel, wherein the drainage channel extends along the lower end of the incline. 12. The sink of Claim 15, wherein the drain opening is only visible from the higher end of the incline when viewed from at least two feet vertically above the higher end. 13. The sink of Claim 16, wherein the drain opening is only visible from the higher end of the incline when viewed from at least ten feet vertically above the higher end. 14. The sink of Claim 16, wherein the second wall extends further from the channel bottom than the first wall. 15. The sink of Claim 16, wherein the elongate drain opening is aligned lengthwise with the drainage channel. 16. The sink of Claim 19, wherein the elongate drain opening is positioned in the middle of the drainage channel. 17. The sink of Claim 20, wherein the elongate drain opening is rectangular. 18. The sink of Claim 21 , further comprising: an adapter coupled to the drain opening, wherein during operation of the sink the adapter receives water from the rectangular drain opening and directs the water to a round outlet of the adapter configured to connect to a pipe. 19. The sink of Claim 21 , further comprising: a strainer comprising an array of parallel members that are aligned lengthwise with the drainage channel. 20. The sink of Claim 23, wherein the channel bottom further comprises a recessed portion that is sized and contoured to receive the strainer such that the strainer rests therein flush with portions of channel bottom adjacent to the strainer. 21. The sink of Claim 20, further comprising: a rim at least partially surrounding both the drainage channel and the incline such that the incline and drainage channel form a well of the sink, wherein the second wall of the drainage channel and the higher end of the incline each extend to the rim. 22. The sink of Claim 25, wherein the rim, the incline, the first and second walls, and the channel bottom of the sink are integrally formed as a unitary body. 23. The sink of Claim 26, further comprising: a faucet coupled to the rim, extending over the drainage channel, and directing water in an arcing stream to the incline, during operation of the sink. |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application 61/170,981, filed April 20, 2009, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a lavatory system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hand washing system that at least partially obscures the waste water as it progresses along the sink walls to the drain.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to a hand washing station in communication with a drain conduit. The hand washing station includes a sink, a narrow channel, and a drain adapter. The sink has a first side wall, a second side wall, a rear side wall extending between the first and second side walls, and a bottom wall. Together the first side wall, the second side wall, the rear side wall, and the bottom wall define a sink area. The narrow channel has a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, and is positioned in the hand washing station adjacent to the rear wall of the sink. Further, the channel is open at the top to receive water from the sink area. The bottom wall of the channel includes a non- circular drain opening, and is angled downwardly toward the non-circular drain opening such that the depth of the channel increases toward the non-circular drain opening. The drain adapter is fastened to the sink to connect the non-circular drain opening to the circular shape of the drain conduit, allowing water to flow from the channel to the drain conduit.
[0004] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a sink configured for use in a lavatory. The sink includes an incline and a drainage channel formed from a channel bottom, a first wall, and a second wall. The first and second walls extend upward from the channel bottom, and the channel bottom has an elongate drain opening formed therein. The incline includes a higher end and a lower end, and defines a gradient directed toward the drainage channel, which extends along the lower end of the incline. [0005] Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand washing station in a first configuration according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand washing station of FIG. 1 in a second configuration.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of a sink according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the side of the sink of FIG. 3. [0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from below of the sink of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of a drainage system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from below of the drainage system of FIG. 6.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of an adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below of the adapter of FIG. 8.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 8 taken along line 10-10 of FIG.
8.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the drainage system of FIG. 6 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 6.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hand washing station according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a front view of the hand washing station of FIG. 12.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the hand washing station of FIG. 12. [0021] FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above of a sink according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a perspective view from below of the sink of FIG. 15.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the sink of FIG. 15 taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 15.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the sink of FIG. 15 taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0026] The FIGURES show features of lavatory systems (e.g., hand washing system, etc.) according to exemplary embodiments. The embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES may be configured to be supported by an adjacent wall (as shown) or may be a freestanding structure configured to be supported by a base (e.g., legs, pedestal, vanity, etc.).
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, a lavatory system 110 includes a countertop 112 (e.g., deck), a water delivery fixture 114 (e.g., faucet, sprayhead, etc.), a soap dispenser 116, and a trap cover 118 (e.g., housing, enclosure). The water delivery fixture 114, the soap dispenser 116, and the trap cover 118 are coupled to the countertop 112. In some embodiments, the lavatory system 110 may also include a paper towel dispenser, waste receptacle, and the like.
[0028] The lavatory system 110 is in communication with plumbing (see, e.g., drain conduit 226 as shown in FIG. 7), which includes one or more water supply conduits (e.g., hot and cold water) and one or more drain conduits. According to an exemplary embodiment, the trap cover 118 is located below the countertop 112 and at least partially conceals the plumbing (e.g., water supply, drain, etc.). From the plumbing, water may be directed in one or more streams 120 (see FIG. 2) provided by the water delivery fixture 114 to facilitate hand washing and such by a user. [0029] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, a sink 122 (e.g., basin, bowl, receptacle, etc.) of the countertop 112 (FIGS. 1-3) includes a rim 124 at least partially surrounding a well 126 (e.g., sink area). In some embodiments, the rim 124 is configured to provide structural support for the sink 122, a surface for mounting fixtures thereto, and/or a surface for users to set items thereon. The well 126 of the sink 122 is configured to define the hand washing space, to collect water, and to direct the water used during the hand washing operation (e.g., waste water) to a drain opening 128 in the sink 122.
[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sink 122 includes a left side wall 130 (e.g., first side wall, lateral side wall), a right side wall 132 (FIG. 3) (e.g., second side wall, second lateral side wall), a rear side wall 134 (e.g., third side wall), and a bottom wall 136 (e.g., incline, inclined surface, sink bottom). The rear side wall 134 and the bottom wall 136 extend between the left and right side walls 130, 132. Together, the left side wall 130, the right side wall 132, the rear side wall 134, and the bottom wall 136 define the well 126 as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In some embodiments, the sink 122 may be integrally formed as a one-piece component, and in other embodiments the sink 122 may be fabricated as multiple components.
[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 136 of the sink 122 forms an incline 164 having a gradient 166 to control the flow of water. The incline 164 may be uniform, or may be contoured to direct the flow of water toward both the back and middle of the well 126 (e.g., includes pitch toward center). In some embodiments, the bottom wall 136 includes a higher end 168 and a lower end 170, where the higher end 168 is in the front of the sink 122, and the lower end 170 is toward the back of the sink 122. According to an exemplary embodiment, the incline 164 has an average slope (relative to horizontal) of at least 3-degrees (e.g., at least 5-degrees, at least 10-degrees, etc.).
[0032] Still referring to FIGS. 3-4, a channel 138 (e.g., narrow channel, trench, groove, trough, duct, drainage channel, etc.) is adjacent to the rear side wall 134 and includes a bottom wall 140 (e.g., channel bottom), a pair of side walls 142, 144 (e.g., first wall and second wall), and a pair of end walls 146, 148 (see also FIGS. 6-7). The channel 138 is open at the top and is configured to receive water from the well 126 of the sink 122. According to an exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138 includes the drain opening 128 having an elongate shape. [0033] In some embodiments, the side walls 142, 144 and/or the end walls 146, 148 are smoothly integrated into the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138, such that rounded corners are formed therebetween. Rounded corners may allow for easier cleaning and polishing. In other embodiments, the interface between the side walls 142, 144 and/or the end walls 146, 148 with the bottom wall 140 forms sharp corners, increasing the volume of the channel relative to embodiments with rounded corners.
[0034] The bottom wall 140 forms a ramp that is angled downwardly (see, e.g., angle A2 of bottom wall 320 as shown in FIG. 18) toward the drain opening 128 such that the depth of the channel 138 (or vertical dimension of the side walls 142, 144 of the channel 138) increases from the end walls 146, 148 toward the drain opening 128 in the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138. According to another embodiment, the ramp may initiate at the bottom wall 136 of the sink 122, rather than at end walls 146, 148 of the channel 138, and extend to terminate in the drain opening 128 (see, e.g., bottom wall 320 of the channel 312 as shown in FIG. 18).
[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel 138 is configured to at least partially obscure the presence of the drainage system (see, e.g., drain opening 128 as shown in FIG. 6; and adapter 210 and drain conduit 226 as shown in FIG. 7), which is coupled to the sink 122 by way of the drain opening 128. In some exemplary embodiments, the channel 138 is sized such that the drain opening 128 may only be viewed from the front of the sink 122 (i.e., outside the front rim 150) at a minimum vertical distance above the level of the sink 122, due to the narrowness and vertical height of the channel 138. In some embodiments, the minimum vertical distance is at least two feet (e.g., at least three feet, at least five feet, at least ten feet, or more).
[0036] In some embodiments, the channel 138 is narrow, where the height of the channel 138 is between about 1-2 inches (e.g., proximate to the drain opening 128), and the depth of the channel (i.e., distance between side walls 142, 144) is between about 0.5-1 inch. In some embodiments, the depth and length dimensions of the sink 122 are about 2-by-5 feet. However, other contemplated embodiments include other dimensions for the sink 122 and the channel 138.
[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the walls of the channel 138 gradually taper inward toward each other, with increased distance toward the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138 (i.e., the distance between the side walls 142, 144 of the channel 138 is greater toward the top of the channel 138 than at the bottom of the channel 138). Inward tapering of the channel 138 is intended to improve ease of cleaning the channel 138 and facilitates the molding process, which may be associated with manufacturing of the sink 122 (e.g., allowing for draft on the mold). In such embodiments, the bottom of the channel 138 may be obscured from view, but the channel 138 remains substantially vertical, and does not bend, stretch, curve, or fold outward, under the bottom wall 136 of the sink 122.
[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the depth of the channel 138 (i.e., distance between side walls 142, 144) is narrow to facilitate the illusion of assimilation between the rear and bottom walls 134, 136, when viewed by a user of the lavatory system 110. Preferably, the channel 138 is the same color, material, and/or ornamentation detail (e.g., flecks, texture, etc.) as the rest of the sink 122, so that the presence of the channel 138 is not readily visible (e.g., apparent, distinguishable) to the user. Instead the channel 138 appears to blend into the rear and bottom walls 134, 136.
[0039] In some embodiments, the side walls 142, 144 of the channel 138 are of different heights. In some such embodiments, the second side wall 144 is taller than the first side wall 142. In other such embodiments, the second side wall 144 of the channel 138 blends seamlessly into the rear side wall 134 of the sink 122.
[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel 138 is configured to at least partially obscure the waste water from view of the user (e.g., hand washer), providing an interesting and unique drainage. As the waste water proceeds along the incline 164 of the bottom wall 136, the gradient 166 directs the water to the channel 138. Once in the channel 138, the water level of the waste water may drop below a viewing angle of the user (cf. angle Al as shown in FIG. 11). The height of the water level is controllable by limiting the amount of water provided by the water delivery fixture 114 (e.g., faucet) (see FIGS. 1-2). The waste water then progresses along the sink 122 and channel 138 walls 134, 140, 142, 144, 146, 148 to the drain opening 128.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, the underside 152 of the sink 122 includes contours of the rim 124, the right and left side walls 130, 132, the rear side wall 134, and the bottom wall 136, which together form the well 126 (shown as a protrusion in FIG. 5). Contours of the channel 138 are adjacent to the rear side wall 134. In the middle of the channel 138, the drain opening 128 (e.g., elongate opening, rectangular slot) is aligned lengthwise with the channel 138. Apertures for fasteners 154 are positioned proximate to the drain opening 128. [0042] Although the drain opening 128 of FIG. 5 is shown as a drain opening, in other contemplated embodiments a drain opening includes two or more openings, such as two rectangular openings joined by a manifold (cf. adapter 210 as shown in FIG. 7). It is believed that use of the drain opening 128 as the only drain opening of the sink 122 serves to provide improved maintenance (e.g., using only one strainer) and cleaning (e.g., fewer surfaces to clean).
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, according to the exemplary embodiment the drain opening 128 is non-circular rather than circular so that the water can drain therethrough at a desired rate, without having to enlarge the depth dimension of drain opening 128 and channel 138 (i.e., the distance between the second wall 144 and the first side wall 142 of the channel 138). Preferably, the drain opening 128 is rectangular such that additional drain space may be provided by enlarging the length of the drain opening 128 rather than the depth dimension. According to alternative embodiments, the drain opening 128 may be any of a variety of shapes (e.g., square, semi-circular, ovular, etc.).
[0044] A strainer 156 (e.g., grate, filter) is supported by a portion of the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138. As shown, according to an exemplary embodiment the strainer 156 is a substantially rectangular, planer member that is sized and shaped consistent with the drain opening 128. The strainer 156 includes an array of parallel members 158 (e.g., beams, rods) that are aligned lengthwise with the channel 138. According to alternative embodiments, a strainer may be curved or raised off of the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138 to facilitate flow or provide other ornamental appearances (e.g., recessed, dome shaped, etc.).
[0045] According to an exemplary embodiment, the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138 includes a recess 160 that receives the strainer 156 so that the strainer 156 is substantially flush or recessed from the other (non-recessed) portions of the bottom wall 140 of the channel 138. In such an embodiment, the strainer 156 is hidden from the view of a user of the sink 122, obstructed by the structure of the sink 122 and channel 138, unless viewed from a view angle Al (see FIG. 11) of at least 45-degrees (e.g., at least 60-degrees, or more). According to yet another embodiment, a strainer may be relatively larger than the strainer shown in FIG. 6, to fill more space defined by the recess 160, or for other purposes.
[0046] Still referring to FIG. 6, the strainer 156 is coupled to a mounting base 212 of an adapter 210 (e.g., drain adapter) (see FIGS. 7-11). A portion of the mounting base 212 extends above the height of the recess 160 of the bottom wall 140 supporting the strainer 156. A fastener (see fastener 236 as shown in FIG. 11) may be inserted through the strainer 156 and threaded into the mounting base 212 of the adapter 210, securing the strainer 156 to the recess 160 and the adapter 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mounting base 212 for the strainer 156 (shown as a boss in FIG. 8), is located at least partially within the drain opening 128.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7 the adapter 210 is coupled to the underside 152 of the sink 122. According to an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 210 is configured to connect the non- circular shape of the drain opening 128 in the channel 138 (e.g., rectangular, square, elongated, etc.) to the circular shape of a drain conduit 226 (e.g., commonly used drain conduit, standard drain plumbing), allowing the waste water to flow from the channel 138 to the drain conduit 226. As such, the adapter 210 is configured to allow the channel 138 to guide waste water to a commonly installed drain configuration.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the adapter 210 comprises a plate 214 (e.g., annular plate), a cylindrical wall 216, and the mounting base 212. The mounting base 212 is coupled to an inside surface 218 of the cylindrical wall 216 by a plurality of members 220 (e.g., arms, struts, ribs, etc.). The mounting base 212 is shown in FIGS. 8-10 as being supported by three members 220, but any of a variety of members may be used for support. The cylindrical wall 216 extends from a bottom side 222 (FIG. 9) of the plate 214 and defines a drain bore 224. The drain conduit 226 is coupled to the cylindrical wall 216. During use, waste water drains down the channel 138, through the drain bore 224, and into the drain conduit 226.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 11, the adapter 210 is coupled to the sink 122 by a plurality of fasteners 154 (see also FIG. 7) extending through the plate 214 and threaded into the sink 122. The top side or surface of the plate 214 includes a groove 232 configured to at least partially receive a gasket 234 (e.g., o-ring, etc.), which becomes located between the adapter 210 and the underside 152 (e.g., outer surface) of the sink 122. According to an exemplary embodiment, the adapter 210 is integrally injection-molded from plastic, but in other embodiments the adapter 210 may be formed from other materials (e.g., metal) or by other methods.
[0050] FIGS. 12-18 show a lavatory system 310 according to an alternative embodiment. This embodiment has a different shape/structure for the channel 312, the sprayhead housing 314 (e.g., shelf, panel, etc.), and the sink 316. FIGS. 12-14 show different views of the lavatory system 310. In some embodiments, the lavatory system 310 includes an arrangement of faucets 330 activated by optical sensors 332 that produce arcing streams 334 of water, for hand washing. In some embodiments, the faucets 330 are otherwise arranged and/or activated. Alternatively, the sprayhead housing may be replaced with one or more conventional faucets or fixtures.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a top view of the sink 316 of the lavatory system of FIG. 12, and FIG. 16 is a bottom view thereof, showing the contours and features of the sink 316 (without plumbing). FIG. 17 is a section view of the sink 316 of the lavatory system of FIG. 12, with a portion of the plumbing 318. FIG. 18 is another section view of the sink 316, showing the bottom wall 320 of the channel 312 sloping towards a drain 322, and without plumbing. In some embodiments, the lavatory system 310 further includes a trap cover 324, a soap dispenser 326, photovoltaic cells 328, and/or other fixtures or components.
[0052] The countertop 314 and/or sink 316 may be made from any of a variety of solid surface materials, stainless steel, laminates, fiberglass, and the like. According to an exemplary embodiment, the countertop 314 and/or sink 316 are made from an engineered stone composite comprising a stone or mineral aggregate, a polyester resin, pigments, other fillers, and/or an initiator. Alternatively, the countertop 314 and/or sink 316 are made from a densified solid surface material, such as material commercially available under the trade name TERREON® or EVERO™ from Bradley Corporation of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Alternatively, the countertop 314 and/or sink 316 may be made from renewable bio-based composite materials (e.g., bio-surface) such as an aggregate of plant pieces dispersed in a resin matrix. The countertop 314 and/or sink 316 may be produced as a single piece (e.g., single casting or molding operation), or as separate components that are then coupled together. Also, other molding operations may be used to form these components.
[0053] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0054] For example, the terms as used herein are intended to be broad terms and not terms of limitation. These components may be used with any of a variety of products or arrangements and are not intended to be limited to use with a single sink arrangement. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Such joining may also relate to mechanical, fluid, or electrical relationship between the two components.
[0055] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the drainage system for a lavatory deck as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.