IP Library Granted Patent US 12,480,294
Granted Patent B2
US 12,480,294 · App. 18/492,573 · Granted Nov 25, 2025

Smart sink

Inventors: Niels J. Eilmus (Sheboygan, WI); Rafael A. Rexach (Sheboygan, WI); Kristin S. Morehouse (Sheboygan, WI); Steven F. Ellingson (Plymouth, WI)
Assignee: Kohler Co.
E03C1/182G06F3/165
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,480,294
App. No.
18/492,573
Granted
Nov 25, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

Disclosed is a sink assembly including a basin, an apron, and an apron module. The basin includes a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor. The floor and the plurality of sidewalls together define a reservoir configured to receive fluid therein. The apron module is disposed within the volume and includes an audio system. The apron module may be sized to be fully received within the volume.

Claims (24)

1 . A sink assembly, comprising:

a basin comprising a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor, the floor and the plurality of sidewalls defining a reservoir that is configured to receive fluid therein;

a volume defined by a second plurality of sidewalls and a lower wall, the volume being spaced apart from a front sidewall of the basin; and

a module disposed within the volume, the module comprising a virtual assistance system configured to allow a user to control a device separate from the sink assembly,

the module further comprising a housing having a housing body that defines an at least partially enclosed space, and wherein the virtual assistance system is disposed at least partially within the enclosed space, wherein the lower wall includes a grill configured to allow sound to be directed through the volume.

2 . The sink assembly of claim 1 , wherein the module further comprises an audio system including a speaker and a microphone, the microphone configured to receive a verbal command from the user.

3 . The sink assembly of claim 2 , wherein the module further comprises a control system operably coupled to the audio system, wherein the control system comprises a processor and a user interface operably coupled thereto.

4 . The sink assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a control system operably coupled to the module, wherein the control system comprises a transceiver that is configured to communicatively couple the module to the device separate from the sink assembly.

5 . The sink assembly of claim 4 , wherein the device comprises one of a light, a speaker, or an appliance.

6 . The sink assembly of claim 4 , wherein the device is a smart speaker and the virtual assistance system is configured to receive audio data and coordinate operation with the smart speaker.

7 . The sink assembly of claim 4 , wherein the device comprises one of a garbage disposal, a soap dispenser, a water filtration system, a self-cleaning sink mechanism, or a dish rinsing device.

8 . The sink assembly of claim 4 , wherein the device comprises a remote computing device.

9 . A sink system, comprising:

a basin comprising a floor and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the floor, the floor and the plurality of sidewalls defining a reservoir that is configured to receive fluid therein;

a volume defined by the plurality of sidewalls; and

a module configured to be removably disposed within the volume, the module comprising a virtual assistance system configured to allow a user to control a plurality of network connected devices,

the module further comprising a housing having a housing body that defines an at least partially enclosed space, and wherein the virtual assistance system is disposed at least partially within the enclosed space, wherein one of the sidewalls includes a grill configured to allow sound to be directed through the volume.

10 . The sink system of claim 9 , wherein the module is configured to be used as a standalone device when removed from the volume.

11 . The sink system of claim 9 , wherein the volume is spaced apart from a front sidewall of the basin.

12 . The sink system of claim 9 , wherein the basin comprises a first basin and a second basin separated by a saddle, wherein the saddle defines the volume.

13 . The sink system of claim 9 , wherein the volume is below the sink.

14 . The sink system of claim 9 , wherein the module further comprises an audio system including a speaker and a microphone.

15 . The sink system of claim 9 , further comprising a control system operably coupled to the module, wherein the control system comprises a transceiver that is configured to communicatively couple the module to the plurality of network connected devices.

16 . The sink system of claim 15 , wherein the control system comprises a processor and a user interface operably coupled thereto, and wherein the user interface is accessible from outside the volume.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 23, 2024
From: EILMUS, NIELS J.; REXACH, RAFAEL A.; MOREHOUSE, KRISTIN S.; ELLINGSEN, STEVEN F.
To: KOHLER CO.
Reel/Frame 066218/0656 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation 16710307 · Dec 11, 2019
Provisional Application 62784011 · Dec 21, 2018
Related Publication 20240052615A1 · Feb 15, 2024
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