Abstract:
A floormat arranged to shed fluids has a topside and an underside. The floormat is placed where a user is expected to stand during a procedure. Fluids released during the procedure are allowed to fall onto and be shed off the floormat before being removed. The floormat may be discarded before starting another procedure. The mat is formed, at least in part, of compressible and resilient material. The topside of the mat has a spaced plurality of channels. In one instance, each of the channels has a floor sloping in opposite directions from a central peak. In another instance, the mat has a tapered apron bordering a central section that is convexly crowned to shed fluids. In other embodiments the topside of the central region is substantially flat except for the spaced plurality of channels. The floormat may be placed where an operator is expected to stand during the procedure. Fluids that fall onto the floor mat are shed therefrom and then removed. The floormat is discarded before starting another procedure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/210,808, filed 25 Aug. 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,376), which is in turn a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/911,935, filed 4 Aug. 2004, now abandoned, the contents of both are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to floormats and methods for handling fluids released during surgery with a floormat. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     During surgery various fluids are released, which often fall onto the floor of an operating room. Not only can blood and other body fluids spill onto the floor, some procedures irrigate a surgical site with copious amounts of saline solution, which is then allowed to spill onto the floor. 
     It is highly desirable to quickly get these fluids away from the surgeon&#39;s feet to reduce the risk of slipping. Also, fluids released during surgery can spread infections and this risk is greatly enhanced the longer the surgeon stands or walks in these fluids. In the past surgical assistants have used existing surgical suction devices to vacuum these fluids. However, this method is not only inefficient but produces much distracting noise. Other known methods include placing towels or blankets on the fluid puddles, but this is time-consuming and requires the surgeon to step away and then stand on soaking material, which is both uncomfortable and increases the risk of tripping, as well as infection. 
     Various other environments exist where a person may be standing during a procedure and where fluid may be spilled in the vicinity of where the person stands. For example, boaters may stand on a deck that is periodically sprayed or splashed by seawater. In some cases the boater may need to operate, repair or clean equipment and seawater may drain from the equipment during the procedure. 
     Also fishermen and hunters may need to clean, dress and prepare their catch or kill. In such cases fluids may run onto the ground or floor due to the release of body fluids or water used to clean the work site. Butchers will experience a similar situation when cutting and dressing meat at a butcher shop. 
     In addition, many technicians and hobbyists in the automotive field, gun repair/maintenance field, or other mechanical repair fields may spill fluids used to clean parts or may spill fluids used by the machinery (hydraulic fluid, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, refrigerant, etc.) 
     Ordinary consumers may also deal with spills in the vicinity of where the person stands. Spilled fluids are often encountered when preparing foods or using the sink in a kitchen. In addition, various cleaning or repair tasks conducted throughout the house, yard or garden may involve fluid spills as well. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,765,670 an auto mat has a number of grooves that all slope in the same direction to fill a sump formed along one edge of the mat. The reference recognizes that this sump can overflow and therefore suggests connecting the sump to a drainage tank. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,348 flooring 10 is installed over a number of storage compartments 42 in the back of a motor vehicle. The top of the flooring has a number of grooves 16 arranged in a herringbone pattern and feeding two central channels 14. Fluids falling on the flooring 10 flow through grooves 16 and channels 14 into a sump 40 built into the rear of the vehicle. 
     In U.S. Patent Application 2002/0092563 a crowned, non-absorbent splash pad 42 is placed on a base with raised center 26 and radial drainage channels 28, which feed into lower peripheral channel 30. Fluid-removing suction tubing 50 is connected to the lower channel 30. The base is not meant to support the weight of a person. 
     In U.S. Patent Application 2003/0068463 a disposable, surgical floormat can be affixed to a surface using adhesive material 28 attached to a carrier sheet 26 and protected with removable liner sheet 29. Cover 60 provides a non-slip, water-resistant surface, while layers 30, 40, 50 gradually decrease in overall length and width, creating a “pyramid” effect. 
     In FIG. 6 of U.S. Patent Application 2004/0091674 a corrugated anti-fatigue mat has drainage holes 240. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,937, operating room personal stand on a floor through which fluids pass to a slightly inclined fluid receiving surface. Fluids are directed into a trough, and evacuated through a drain which is connected to a suction device. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,073 a porous, flexible mat 34 rests atop a grid 32. The grid 32 is supported by a base 12 with studs 30, which defines a floor 20 formed of three sloped segments 22, 24, and 26 along which fluids will flow. Fluids directed onto the mat will flow onto the floor 20, where they will be withdrawn through fluid outlet 28 by a suitable suction device. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,419, a broad, shallow vessel 28 is used to collect fluids that pass through a foot pad 24 made of a sturdy, non-woven mat 54 that operating room personnel stand on. Fluids are removed from the vessel 28 by a drainage system 26 and stored in a collection tank 80. 
     In U.S. Patent Application 2003/0232175 a floor mat 100 has four folding panels 110, 120, 130, 135 with fluid-capturing recesses 290 and beveled edges 295. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,190, suction cups 26 on the bottom surface 14 of a mat 20 restrict movement on the floor, and fluids can pass into holes 30 in the mat. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,956 a non-porous sheet 30 made of bubble-pack material channels liquids 34 onto absorbent sheet 20. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,468 a thin plastic layer 16 is inserted into an envelope 12 with an absorbent surface 14 to provide an anti-fatigue surface for surgical personnel and a means of floor protection from fluids. The thin plastic layer 16 can be removed and re-used, while the envelope 12 is discarded after each use. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,697, protective, flexible mats are used for absorbing liquids, and may contain non skid material. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a method for handling fluids released during surgery with a floormat having a plurality of sloped channels. The method including the step of placing the floormat where a surgeon is expected to stand during surgery. Another step is allowing fluids that fall onto the floormat to be shed off the floormat. The method includes the step of removing fluids shed off the floormat. Another step is discarding the floormat before starting another surgery. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for handling fluids released during a procedure with a floormat having a central region with a plurality of sloped channels. The method includes the step of placing the floormat where an operator is expected to stand during the procedure. Another step is allowing fluids that fall onto the floormat to be shed off the floormat. The method includes the step of removing fluids shed off the floormat. Another step is discarding the floormat before starting another procedure. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a floormat is arranged to shed fluids. The floormat has a topside and an underside and is formed, at least in part, of compressible and resilient material. The topside has a spaced plurality of channels. The channels have open ends that drain fluid off the floormat without encountering a rising elevation to impede drainage. The topside has a central region and a border region. The central region occupies most of the topside and is substantially flat throughout except for the channels. Each of the channels has in the central region a floor sloping in opposite directions from a central peak. 
     By employing equipment and methods of the foregoing type, fluids released during surgery can be handled in a highly effective and efficient manner. In one embodiment a rectangular mat with rounded corners is made of an elastomeric, material for reducing fatigue and increasing comfort. 
     In one embodiment the surgical mat has a relatively flat topside, except for a number of longitudinal channels. The floors of these channels are sloped away from a central peak so that fluids released during surgery flow into the channels and away from the center of the mat. For this embodiment, the mat has rounded corners and is formed of a compressible and resilient material to reduce a surgeon&#39;s fatigue. 
     In another embodiment, the mat has a crowned central section, which is integral with a tapered apron that encircles the central section. The apron is formed with a number of shallow channels that run from the outside border of the central section to the edge of the apron. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above brief description as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a floormat in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken a long line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is detailed, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the left portion of the floormat of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken a long line  4 - 4   FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the mat of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken a long line  6 - 6   FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken a long line  7 - 7   FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of a floormat with a recessed suction cup that is an alternate to that of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of a floormat that is an alternate to those described above; and 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view taken long line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; the 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken long line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9  of a fragment of the floormat. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , the illustrated floormat  10  may be made of an elastomeric material such as PVC or a rubber, either synthetic or natural. Other materials such as polyurethane foam, as well as materials commonly used in anti-fatigue mats are contemplated also. It is also desirable to make the mat material nonflammable, and to avoid allergic reactions, latex-free. 
     It is highly desirable to provide a mat  10  that is disposable and intended for a single use. Accordingly, the mat material need not be highly durable and wear-resistant. For such disposable models, wear resistant coatings are not contemplated. To keep mat  10  sanitary, it can be cleaned, disinfected or sterilized, as appropriate. Thereafter mat  10  can be rolled up and sealed with a plastic shrink wrap material before shipment. 
     Mat  10  as shown is 36 inches long (0.9 m) and 17 inches (0.4 m) wide, although other overall dimensions are contemplated for other embodiments. Mat  10  has a central section  12  encircled by an annular, tapered apron  14 . Apron  14  is about 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) wide at the centers of its four sides and has a slope there of about 4 degrees. 
     Central section  12  is crowned, that is, it slopes downwardly in every direction away from its apex  20 , which is located at the center of the mat  10 . In one embodiment the radius of curvature along the longitudinal centerline of the central section  12  is about 260 inches (6.6 m). In that embodiment the radius of curvature along a transverse centerline is about 58 inches (1.5 m). The advantages of crowning as described hereinafter will occur when the radius of curvature in central section  12  is less than a maximum of 500 inches (1.3 m). In one embodiment central section  12  has a thickness or height of 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) at its apex  20 . It is desirable to have the height or thickness at apex  20  in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm). With a thickness at apex  20  of about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm), the height or thickness of the central section  12  at its perimeter may be about 0.35 inch (9 mm), but for various other embodiments it will be desirable to keep the thickness at the perimeter in a range of 0.2 to 0.6 inch (5 to 15 mm). 
     The margin between central section  12  and apron  14  is marked by an optional, annular groove  16 . The groove  16  runs parallel to the short sides and about 4 degrees to the long sides of mat  10  except at its rounded corners. Projecting outwardly and transversely from groove  16  across apron  14  are a number of channels  18 . The width and depth of channels  18  are similar to that of groove  16 , although they can be sized differently in other embodiments. In one embodiment channels  18  were 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide and 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) deep, although this dimension can vary in alternative embodiments. It is advantageous to have these channels  18  in a range of ⅛ through ½ inch (3 through 13 mm) wide and 0.03 to 0.25 inch (0.7 to 6 mm) deep. In most embodiments, central section  12  and apron  14  will be integral components that are molded at the same time to form a common core. 
     A number of integral, molded suction cups  22  project from the underside of mat  10 . In this embodiment suction cups  22  are molded simultaneously with the main body of the mat, that is, with central section  12  and apron  14 . Suction cups  22  may be 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8 cm) in diameter, although other sizes are possible. In this embodiment three equidistant suction cups  22  are placed along the centerline on the underside of central section  12 . On either side of this centerline two sets of four equidistant suction cups  22  are placed in lines parallel to the centerline to form a staggered, diamond pattern of suction cups. In other embodiments a different number of suction cups may be laid in a different pattern. 
     In some embodiments, suction cups will not be employed but the underside of the mat can have a nonslip surface. In some cases the mat material will itself be inherently nonslip. In other embodiments the underside may be roughened or may have a large number of nubs that grip the floor. Alternatively, the underside of the mat may be finished with a tacky substance or an adhesive. Alternatively, the underside can be fitted with strips whose exposed face is coated with an adhesive. Moreover, the top side of the mat  10  (section  12  and apron  14 ) can have a nonslip finish as well, which will typically be accomplished by providing a roughened surface. 
     Various embellishments and decorations are contemplated for mat  10 . In keeping with customary colors for operating rooms, mat  10  can be colored blue either by incorporating a die or by applying a colored coating to the mat. In some embodiments, central section  12  and apron  14  may be colored differently. Also, advertising logos may be placed at various positions on mat  10 . For example, a drug brand may be advertised in large letters on the central section  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a modified mat  10 ′ is arranged in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . In this Figure, components corresponding to those previously illustrated in  FIG. 1  will have the same reference numerals but marked with a prime (′). In particular, suction cup  22 ′ has a shape similar to that previously illustrated but is located in a recess  24  on the underside of mat  10 ′. Suction cups  22 ′ can be arranged in a pattern similar to that shown for the mat  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , another floormat  24  is illustrated, again having rounded corners. Floormat  24  may be made of material similar to that described above in connection with the other embodiments. In this embodiment the topside  26  is relatively flat except for the number of longitudinal channels  28 . While twenty such channels are illustrated, other embodiments can have a greater or lesser number. Regions  26 A of topside  26  are located between channels  28 . Two border regions  26 B are located along the longer sides of mat  24  to the outside of the channels  28 . 
     The floors of each of the channels  28  have a central peak  30  equidistant from the channel ends for dividing any fluids that enter the channels. The channels  28  are illustrated with a rectangular cross-section, although in other embodiments the cross-section may be semicircular, oval, polygonal, etc. Addition, the width of the channels may vary along their lengths, in some embodiments. 
     The regions  26 A and  26 B are all at substantially the same elevation except for some rounding of the corners along the edges of floormat  24 . See for example, rounded corner  26 C. In some embodiments a central region may be encircled by a sloping border region running along all four sides of floormat  24  to avoid creating an abrupt step up. 
     Excluding rounded corners or a sloping border region, grooves  26  have a depth that increases for directions away from central peaks  30 . Moreover, the elevation of the floors of grooves  26  decline for directions away from central peaks  30 . Accordingly, fluid entering channels  28  flows away from the central peak  30  to the channel ends and thus off the floormat  24 . 
     In one embodiment floormat  24  has an overall length of 38 inches (0.97 m) and an overall width of 19 inches (0.48 m). In this embodiment the overall thickness of floormat  24  (measured at regions  26 A and  26 B of topside  26 ) was ½ inch (12.7 mm). The grooves  28  are ¼ inch (6.4 mm) wide and are distributed with a groove to groove spacing of ¾ inch (19 mm). The depth of the grooves  28  varied linearly from a minimum of ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) at central peaks  30  to a maximum of ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) at the outlet ends. It will be appreciated that these dimensions and proportions can be varied for other embodiments. 
     The foregoing mat  24  may be made with nonslip surfaces in the manner described above for the other embodiments. Also, in some embodiments the underside  32  of the mat  24  may be finished with a tacky adhesive as described for the other embodiments, in order to keep the mat in place. Alternatively, the underside  32  of the foregoing mat  24  can have suction cups similar to those described above. 
     To facilitate an understanding of the principles associated with the foregoing apparatus, the operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-7  will be briefly described. The above described mat  10  may be removed from its shrink wrap package (not shown) and laid on the floor next to a location where a user or other personnel are expected to stand. Stepping on mat  10  will cause the suction cups  22  to grip the floor and hold the mat  10  in place. 
     Mat  10  is made of resilient, material that will increase comfort, reduce fatigue and, in general, ease the burden of standing during a long procedure. In addition, while the apron  14  is thinner, it is still sufficiently thick to provide a comforting, anti-fatigue effect. Also, channels  18  (as well as groove  16 ) are relatively small and do not substantially degrade the cushioning, anti-fatigue effect on apron  14 . Also, these channels  16  and  18  are sufficiently small to avoid any risk of tripping. 
     During the procedure fluids may fall onto mat  10 . Fluids falling on central section  12  will tend to shed from the surface and drain through channels  16  and  18 . Likewise, fluids falling on apron  14  will shed fluids directly or through channels  18 . Consequently, the user will have a dry place to stand with less chance of contaminated, corrosive or infected fluids seeping through any foot covering worn by the user. Also, a dry surface will reduce the chance of slipping and falling. 
     Fluids shed from mat  10  will drain onto the floor but at locations where the user is normally not standing. If the user is expected to work in several locations, multiple mats can be placed at those sites. Of course, mats can be provided for other assistants in the vicinity. 
     During a procedure, any fluids that drain off the mat  10  can be cleaned up with either a suction device or by throwing towels on the fluids, although in many instances these fluids will remain on the floor until completion of the procedure. 
     After the procedure is completed, personnel can remove the mat  10 , place it into a leakproof disposal bag and discard the mat. Often, the mat will require special handling since it may contain material considered corrosive or biological waste representing a danger of infection or contamination. 
     The operations of the floormat  24  of  FIGS. 9-11  will be the same except that draining fluids will move away from the central peaks  30  and drained to the right and left edge of the floormat. Basically, channels  28  will shed fluids in either direction from peak  30 . Furthermore, the top side  26  is relatively flat and in this embodiment presents a horizontal surface (except for the channels  26  between regions  26 A). This flat surface increases the user&#39;s sense of balance and reduces fatigue. 
     The foregoing mats may be used in an operating room where a surgeon must often deal with fluids spilling in the vicinity where the surgeon is standing. Many surgical procedures involve the discharge of bodily fluids or the washing or irrigation of various sites, all tending to result in spills, either intended or unintended. The foregoing drainage tends to keep the surgeon&#39;s feet dry and reduce the danger of slipping and falling. Also spills occurring in an operating room may represent a biohazard and care must be taken to avoid seepage through footwear making contact with the skin. While removing fluid from the vicinity is an important consideration, preventing user fatigue is also important. The resilient surface presented by the foregoing floormat will reduce user fatigue, while simultaneously dealing with spilled fluids. 
     Various other environments exist where a person may be standing during a procedure and where fluid may be spilled in the vicinity of where the person stands. For example, boaters may stand on a deck that is periodically sprayed or splashed by seawater. In some cases the boater may need to operate, repair or clean equipment and seawater may drain from the equipment during the procedure. 
     Also fishermen and hunters may need to clean, dress and prepare their catch or kill. In such cases fluids may run onto the ground due to the release of body fluids or water used to clean the work site. Butchers will experience a similar situation when cutting and dressing meat at a butcher shop. 
     In addition, many technicians and hobbyists in the automotive field, gun repair/maintenance field, or other mechanical repair fields may spill fluids used to clean parts or may spill fluids used by the machinery (hydraulic fluid, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, refrigerant, etc.) 
     Ordinary consumers may also deal with spills in the vicinity of where the person stands. Fluids are often encountered when preparing foods or using the sink in a kitchen. In addition, various cleaning or repair tasks conducted throughout the house or the yard may involve fluid spills as well. 
     In all these instances one wishes to avoid standing in spilled fluids. In some cases avoiding the discomfort of wet feet is an important consideration, but in other instances the fluids involved can be hazardous or deleterious. For example, some fluids can be slippery and increase the danger of falling. Other fluids may be corrosive and can damage either footwear or the foot itself. 
     It is appreciated that various modifications may be implemented with respect to the above described, preferred embodiments. While the illustrated grooves and channels are shown having a rectangular cross-section, in some embodiments their cross-section may be rounded, triangular, polygonal, oval, or shaped otherwise. Also in some embodiments the channels may be so close together that a cross-section through the mat reveals a sinuous or sawtooth pattern. Moreover, in some embodiments the path of the channels may be curved. In some cases, the paths of the channels may be in the form of nested arches or may be arranged in a herringbone pattern. In addition, the mats in some embodiments may have perforations that allow the fluids to pass directly through the mat. Furthermore, in embodiments like that of  FIG. 1 , not all of the channels will reach the border of the central section, and some channels may run across just the apron. Moreover, instead of a central section surrounded on all sides by an apron, in some embodiments the central section may be a center strip running across the full length of the mat and bordered on either side by a separate pair of tapered aprons. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.