Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention is household furniture including dressing tables and vanities and, in particular, a vanity with an integrated power receptacle.

Background

[0002] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] The electrical service in bathrooms and washrooms involves special considerations in part because these rooms tend to be damp and use a lot of electric appliances and electronics. Some appliances, such as lights, heaters, and heated towel rails, are generally installed as fixtures, with permanent connections rather than electric outlets (also called power receptacles) to minimize the risk of electric shock. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) or arc-fault circuitinterrupter (AFCI) power receptacles can reduce the risk of electric shock, and GFCI power receptacles are typically required for bathroom outlets by electrical and building codes in the United States and Canada.

[0004] There has been a proliferation of appliances and electronic products for use in bathrooms, such as hair dryers, hair curlers, electric razors, electric toothbrushes, wireless scales, smart speakers, smart mirrors, among many others. This has created a need for powering and storage of these items in household bathrooms in an organized fashion. Bathrooms tend to be smaller spaces and therefore it is a challenging problem to maintain tidiness in these spaces while keeping appliances and electronics powered/charged, accessible, organized and within reach.

[0005] Door switches, also called pressure switches, that turn lights on and off automatically upon opening or closing a door are known, as used in wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, wine cabinets, cupboards, and closets. These products are typically low power products meant only for lighting and can be cumbersome to install requiring the services of a licensed electrician. [0006] Thus, there is still a need for a vanity with an integrated power receptacle that allows for convenient storage and powering/charging of appliances and electronics.

[0007] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0008] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of features used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0009] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0010] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0011] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Brief Description of The Drawings

[0012] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

[0013] FIG. l is a front perspective view of a power switch for use in a vanity with an integrated power receptacle in accordance with an example of the present specification;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the power switch of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the power switch of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the power switch of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of the power switch of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right-side view of the power switch of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the power switch of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a power receptacle for use in a vanity, in accordance with an example of the present specification; [0021] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view, shown in cross-section, of a first embodiment of a vanity with an integrated power receptacle, in accordance with an example of the present specification;

[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the vanity of FIG. 9;

[0023] FIG. 11 is a front view, partially cut away, of a second embodiment of a vanity with an integrated power receptacle;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the vanity of FIG. 12;

[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the vanity of FIG. 12, with a drawer shown in the extended position; and

[0026] FIG. 14 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of a third embodiment of a vanity with an integrated power receptacle, featuring a drawer.

Detailed Description

[0027] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0028] Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, “third” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. [0029] A vanity is an item of bathroom furniture, fitted with a sink or washbasin along with a mirror, doors, shelves and drawers for storage, typically used for storing makeup, lotions, jewelry, other cosmetic products, as well as appliances and electronics. According to aspects of the present specification, various examples of bathroom furniture with integrated power receptacles are provided. The term power receptacle refers to a type of AC power outlet, sometimes called a power socket. A power receptacle is an opening or series of openings connected to a wired power source meant to power electrical equipment and components by connecting them to the primary alternating current (AC) power supply. The power assemblies disclosed herein can be made integral with a vanity or other furniture or shelving components, or can be provided as a detachable or an after-market product for installation in drawers, shelves, or vanities. Various sizes and configurations of power receptacles are contemplated according to the present specification. The present specification is not limited to bathroom furniture, and can be employed in other enclosed spaces such as kitchen cabinets, closets, bookcases, built-ins, storage units, office furniture, and retail display units, and any other environment where it can be potentially hazardous to have appliances or electronics constantly plugged in.

[0030] One example of a vanity with an integrated power receptacle includes a structural frame, a counter positioned on top of the structural frame, and at least one basin disposed within the counter. The vanity includes at least one enclosure door at a front of the structural frame providing access to an interior of the vanity. A power receptacle is disposed within the interior of the vanity. A power plug is in electric communication with the power receptacle. A power switch supplies a flow of power from the power plug to the power receptacle. The power switch includes a tensioned lever that is configured to sense the position of the enclosure door. When the enclosure door is not in an open or fully open position, the power switch interrupts the flow of power to the power receptacle.

[0031] Advantageously, powering and charging of small appliances and electronics stored within the interior of the vanity when opened can be achieved by employing the devices according to the present specification, making it convenient for users to retrieve and use these appliances and electronics and to permit the safe and convenient installation of power receptacles where these items are stored and used. [0032] FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 illustrate a power switch for use with a vanity with an integrated power receptacle in accordance with an example of the present specification. As shown in FIG. 1, a power switch 100 includes two bodies 102 and 104, which may be made of plastic. As shown in FIG. 2, openings 202 in the body 102 are aligned with internal protrusions (not shown) in the body 104 which allow the bodies 102 and 104 to be fastened together by screws. Alternatively, the bodies 102 and 104 can be fastened together using rivets, snap fits and tabs, plastic welding, adhesive tape, or any other method that is known in the art, without departing from the scope of the present specification.

[0033] Still with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 7, the lower body 102 can include mounting clips 108, as shown best in FIG. 2. The mounting clips 108 have openings to accommodate mounting screws, allowing the power switch 100 to be mounted within an interior of a vanity, shelf, drawer, or other location. Other mounting methods can be used, such as brackets, adhesives, etc.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the power switch 100 also includes a tensioned lever 106. In operation, when the lever 106 is in an extended position, the power switch 100 is “on” or enabled, meaning that flow of power is being supplied to the power receptacle. And, when the lever 106 is in a retracted position (not shown in FIG. 1), the power switch 100 is “off’ or disabled. The principle of operation is similar to a “kill switch” or “emergency power off’ safety mechanism. When mounted behind an enclosure door 1104 (not shown in FIG. 1) or near the hinges of the door 1104 (not shown), the power switch 100 reacts to the closing of the door or retraction of the shelf. Upon closing (e.g., no longer being in an open or, in some examples, a fully open position), these objects mechanically engage the lever 106 and cause the power to be interrupted by moving the lever 106 from “on” to “off’ positions. According to one example, the lever 106 is tensioned or biased to the “off’ or retracted position using a flat spring (not shown) or other technique of tensioning such as cantilevering. It will be appreciated that the present specification is not limited to tensioned levers 106 and extends to any mechanical or electronic sensor that is capable of detecting a position of the door 1104 or other object under observation. As well, the power switch 100 can be configured with additional or alternative safety features such as a temperature function (interrupting the flow of power when a threshold temperature is reached) or a timer function (interrupting the flow of power after a threshold duration is reached). An open and/or a fully open enclosure door 1104 permits the safe operation of appliances within an interior of the vanity or other enclosure.

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a power assembly 800 for use with a vanity in accordance with an example of the present specification. The power assembly 800 includes a power plug 802, a power receptacle 804 (also called a power bar), the power switch 100, and cabling 812 (from the power switch 100 to the power receptable 804) and 810 (from the power switch 100 to the power plug 802). Cabling 812 can include male to female power plugs within the portion identified with break lines (not shown), thus allowing the power receptacle 804 to be installed or replaced more easily. According to some examples, the power receptacle 804 need not be wired to the power switch 100 and instead can be connected to the rest of the power assembly 800 using a standard electric plug. The cabling 810 and 812 are connected to the power switch 100 at points 602 (shown in FIG. 6). In one example, the power receptacle 804 includes two USB outlets 808 (also called charging ports), two AC outlets 806, and a power button 807. In some examples (not shown), power button 807 may be augmented or replaced by GFCI features including a GFCI reset and/or test buttons. In the examples of FIG. 8 to FIG. 11, and as shown best in FIG. 10, GFCI features can be included on the power plug 802. Generally speaking, GFCI features protect electrical wiring from overheating and possible fire, greatly minimizing the risk of shock injuries and fatal burns. The features can also detect ground faults and disrupt the flow of current, which can be reset using a GFCI reset button. The power receptacle 804 can include any number and combination of outlets encompassing USB, USB Type-C, AC, and any other function or input such as HDMI, RJ45, GFCI, AFCI, and the like. In one example, the specifications of the AC outlets 806 can be: 125V, 12A, and the specifications of the USB charging ports 808 can be: 5V 2.1 A. In one example, the outlets can be tamper-resistant by providing safety shutters that block foreign objects from being inserted or moisture from entering into the outlets. In one example, the power receptacle 804 can be recessed (not shown) providing additional space for cables and plugs that are inserted into the power receptacle 804 and less exposure to water and other elements.

[0036] FIG. 9 to 10 illustrate a vanity 900 with an integrated power receptacle 804 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present specification. The power switch 100 is mounted below vertical panel 908 with the lever 106 positioned behind the vanity door (not shown). According to some examples, the lever 106 can be tensioned and/or positioned so that the power switch 100 only activates and supplies power upon the vanity door being fully opened, meaning opened to substantially the furthest extent. Advantageously, such an arrangement prevents the power receptacle 804 from being energized when the vanity door is closed or, in some examples, left partially open. The power receptacle 804 is installed on the front face of a shelf 902 that has a circular opening 904 to accommodate the nozzle of a hair dryer. Advantageously, installing the power receptacle on a vertical surface, which can be recessed, can reduce the possibility of moisture entering the receptacle. The shelf can also include a canister or holder that is suitable to hold a hot hair iron or other appliances and dividers/organizers for item storage (not shown).

[0037] According to the example of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the cabling 812 from the power receptacle 804 can be neatly organized beneath the shelf 902 and then can connect to cabling 810 that is positioned to run along the perimeter of the interior to the power switch 100. In this example, cabling 810 runs to opening 1002 at the rear of the vanity 900 (best seen in FIG. 10) where the power plug 802 is inserted into wall outlet 1002 for energized operation.

Advantageously, organizing the cable away from being accessible to the user can prevent nicks and cuts to the sheathing of the cable that can present a fire hazard via a short circuit during repeated and long term use.

[0038] FIG. 11-13 illustrate a vanity 900’ with an integrated power receptacle 804 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present specification. In this example, the shelf 902’ can be pulled out as seen in FIG. 13. According to this example, a flexible cabling organizer 1102 expands in a “snake-like” fashion to accommodate the position of the shelf. In this example, it is possible to mount the power switch 100 to detect the position of the pull-out shelf 902’ rather positioning the power switch 100 behind the door 1104 as shown in some of the drawings.

[0039] Power assemblies 800 of the present specification can be used with a wide range of other configurations besides what is shown in the drawings, including doors, drawers, and shelves in different sizes and/or the power switches 100 can be mounted to different supporting structures at various locations (e.g., kitchens, closets, bathrooms, home offices, businesses, etc.) using any suitable mounting means (e.g., rails, brackets, etc.). A vanity 900 can include more than one power assembly 800. As well, the present specification should not be limited to the use of any specific form or type of furniture or enclosure. Furthermore, the present specification should not be limited to doors, as examples of the present specification can also be used with a wide range of other storage devices and storage spaces, including drawers, shelves, sliding shelves, open shelves, enclosed shelves, storage boxes, storage cabinets, and the like.

[0040] One pull-out shelf 902’ is shown in the example of FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, but the skilled reader will appreciate that the vanity 900 can include more shelving than what is shown in the drawings. According to these examples, the shelf or shelves 902’ can include more or fewer openings and compartments in different configurations. In various examples, the shelf or shelves 902’ may open or close or with less force (e.g., soft-closing). Other examples, however, include one or more shelves that must be moved by the user without spring action.

[0041] FIG. 14 illustrates a vanity 900” with an integrated power receptacle 804 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present specification. According to this example, rather than having doors, the vanity 900” includes one or more under-sink drawers 1402 and 1404. The power receptacle 804 is energized only when drawer 1402 is in an open, or in some examples, a fully open position. In this example, drawer 1404 features an open space to hold hair dryer A, as well as a number of compartments 1408, 14010 and 1412 to hold miscellaneous items. It will be appreciated that area 1406 is an opening to accommodate the plumbing assembly or its components such as shut-off valves, supply tubes, drain tailpiece, P-trap, and drain pipe. The present specification extends to any configuration of vanity 900” which can include one or more doors, one or more drawers, and one or more power receptacles 804.

[0042] Various examples also include one or more dividers or partitions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14) that can be used to increase the number of storage compartments or spaces associated with the pull-out tray 902’ or the drawers 1402 and 1404. Use of partitions can improve organization of items stored within the drawer. The partitions can be configured to define compartments or storage locations for a wide range of items therein.

[0043] It will be appreciated that the interior of the vanity 900 contains obstructions such as the sink, drainage system (or plumbing assembly) including a plumbing trap, hot and cold water supply lines, a shut-off valve, and faucet hardware, to name a few. Advantageously, the pull out shelf 902’ and/or the drawers 1402 and 1404 can feature a relatively low profile and can be positioned substantially beside the plumbing assembly, and thus taking advantage of the constrained space within the vanity interior to accommodate the plumbing assembly and provide space for useful storage.

[0044] According to an alternative example (not shown), a pair of pull-out shelves can be disposed within a double vanity.

[0045] A wide range of materials may be used for the components of the various power assemblies 800 of the present specification, and the same material need not be used for each component. In some embodiments, the power assembly 800 is fabricated using plastic that is resistant to chemicals, heat and impact.

[0046] A wide range of manufacturing processes can be employed for making the components of the various components of the present specification, and the same manufacturing process need not be used for each component. Exemplary manufacturing processes include cutting, injection molding, etc.

[0047] The present specification discloses an example of a vanity with an integrated power receptacle includes a structural frame, a counter positioned on top of the structural frame, and at least one basin disposed within the counter. The vanity includes at least one enclosure door at a front of the structural frame providing access to an interior of the vanity. A power receptacle is disposed within the interior of the vanity. A power plug is in electric communication with the power receptacle. A power switch supplies a flow of power from the power plug to the power receptacle. The power switch includes a tensioned lever that is configured to sense the position of the enclosure door. When the enclosure door is not in an open or fully open position, the power switch interrupts the flow of power to the power receptacle. The power switch can be mounted behind the at least one enclosure door.

[0048] According to some examples, the enclosure door can be a front face of a drawer and the power switch can be mounted behind the front face.

[0049] According to some examples, the power receptacle includes at least two alternating current (AC) outlets and at least two universal serial bus (USB) ports. The power receptacle or the power plug can include a ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) feature. [0050] According to some examples, the power receptacle can be disposed on a front face of a shelf within the interior of the vanity. The vanity can also include means for sliding the shelf from a retracted position to an extended position relative to the vanity. The shelf can have an opening to accommodate a nozzle of a hair dryer and a compartment to accommodate a hair iron. The power switch can be mounted behind the shelf.

[0051] According to some examples, a power assembly for a vanity includes a power receptacle configured to be disposed within an interior of the vanity, a power plug in electric communication with the power receptacle, and a power switch for supplying a flow of power from the power plug to the power receptacle. The power switch includes a tensioned lever. When the tensioned lever is in a closed position, the power switch interrupts the flow of power to the power receptacle.

[0052] According to some examples, a power switch for supplying a flow of power from a power plug to a power receptacle disposed in a vanity includes a tensioned lever. When the tensioned lever is in a closed position, the power switch interrupts the flow of power to the power receptacle.

[0053] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements or components may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.