US20030221253A1

US20030221253A1 - Basin counter liquid absorption safety device

Info

Publication number: US20030221253A1
Application number: US10/161,912
Authority: US
Inventors: Linda Migliore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-06-03
Filing date: 2002-06-03
Publication date: 2003-12-04

Abstract

The present invention is a basin counter liquid absorption safety device, consisting of an absorbent top side and a gripping bottom side. The absorbent material catches water and other liquids before they can spill from the basin onto the floor. The device also optionally includes text or graphics, such as advertisements, on the top side.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for absorbing liquids spilled from a basin.

BACKGROUND

The counter area in front of a sink or basin often becomes wet, as water is spilled during shaving, washing, tooth-brushing, etc. The spilled water is not only unsightly, but also can drip onto the floor, creating a safety hazard.

Of course, such spilled water or other liquid can simply be mopped up with a paper towel or other absorbent material. But in the rush of modern life, many people do not notice the spilled water or do not bother to promptly clean up. Thus, there exists a need for a simple, inexpensive device that can help contain the spilled water before it lands on the floor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an absorbent counter mat, designed to be placed in front of a basin, thereby catching water or other liquids before they spill onto the floor and create a hazard. The mat optionally contains advertising or other graphics or text.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counter mat according to the present invention, placed in front of a basin. [0005]
FIG. 2 is a top view of a counter mat according to the present invention. [0006]
FIG. 3 is a bottom view a counter mat according to the present invention. [0007]
FIG. 4 is a cut-away view, along lines [0008] 4-4 of FIG. 2, of a counter mat according to the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is a [0009] counter mat 10, with absorbent fibers 12 on the top side, and with adhesive backing 14 and dimples 16 on the bottom side. The counter mat of the present invention also optionally includes text and/or graphics on the top side.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and [0010] 3, the counter mat 10 is sized so as to conveniently fit in front of a basin. (Basin designated as “C” on FIG. 1). Often, a rectangular-shaped mat will be desirable, but different shapes, including curved shapes, can be used for different basin configurations. The mat can be sized so as to cover substantially all the counter space in front of a basin.
As depicted in FIG. 2, the top side of the mat absorbs the water or other liquid before it spills on the floor. [0011] Absorbent fibers 12, such as terry cloth or other towel-like fibers, are placed on the top side. The top side can be composed of a fabric/cloth including but not limited to, cotton, cotton blend, wool, or other absorbent materials.
As depicted in FIG. 3, the [0012] bottom side 14 is made of gripping material that will help hold the mat to the counter. Acceptable materials will have built-in grip action backing, such as “Jiffy Grip,” “Poly Liner” or similar materials. Additionally, the bottom side may have dimples 16 or other indentations or protrusions to help hold the mat in place.
The top side and bottom are joined together by stitching [0013] 18 or adhesive, as shown in FIG. 4.
The mat also optionally includes graphics or text placed on the top surface. The graphics or text could be advertising, or could be used for source identification, for instance, when a hotel places its name or logo on such a mat for use in its rooms. [0014]
In operation, the mat is placed in front of a basin, and it catches water that inevitably spills in the area in front of the basin during washing, shaving, etc. Having been caught by the mat, the water will not spill onto the floor, thereby improving safety. The mat also protects cabinets beneath or adjacent to the basin from the damage that spilled water can cause. [0015]
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the preferred embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. [0016]

Claims

I claim:

1.) A basin counter liquid absorption safety device, comprising:

a mat, said mat having a top side and a bottom side;

said top side having absorbent fibers; and

said bottom side made of gripping material.

2.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 1, additionally comprising dimples on said bottom side.

3. The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 1, additionally comprising text on said top side.

4.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 1, additionally comprising graphics on said top side.

5.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 1, wherein said mat is substantially rectangular.

6.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 1, wherein said mat is sized so as to cover substantially all counter space in front of a basin.

7.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 1, wherein said mat is substantially rectangular and covers substantially all counter space in front of a basin, and additionally comprising dimples on said bottom side, and text and/or graphics on said front side.

8.) A basin counter liquid absorption safety device, comprising a one-piece mat, said mat having an absorbent top side made of a first material, and a bottom side made of a second material, wherein said first material is not the same as said second material.

9.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 8, wherein said second material is capable of gripping a counter.

10.) The basin counter liquid absorption safety device according to claim 9, wherein said mat is substantially rectangular and covers substantially all counter space in front of a basin, and additionally comprising dimples on said bottom side, and text and/or graphics on said front side.

11.) A method of preventing liquid from spilling onto a floor in front of a basin, comprising:

providing a one-piece mat, said mat having a top side and a bottom side, said top side having absorbent fibers, and said bottom side made of gripping material; and

placing said mat in front of a basin; and

using said basin for an intended purpose.