Abstract:
The present invention discloses a liquid divergent device, comprising a member and a fastener mechanism that couples the member above a structure for protecting the structure by diverging overflow liquid away from the structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of priority of the co-pending U.S. Utility Provisional Patent Application No. 61/226,504, filed 17 Jul. 2009, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to an apparatus for protection of cabinet structure and, in particular, to a device that diverts or redirects overflow of water from a countertop away from the cabinet structure underneath. 
         [0004]    (2) Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a typical bathroom or kitchen vanity is comprised of a countertop  102  that rests on top of cabinet structure  104 . The periphery edge (or the overhang)  120  of a typical modern countertop  102  is extended beyond a cabinet frame  118  of the cabinet structure  104 . The general shape of the overhang  120  of the countertop  102  includes a top surface (or plane)  108  that is substantially a flat surface of the countertop  102 , horizontal with the ground that ends with an upper edge detail  110  of the overhang  120 . The overhang  120  further includes a semicircular profile  106  with a smooth curve, which is a continuation of the top surface plane  108  and has an upper curved portion  122  and a lower curved portion  112 , with the upper curved portion  122  commencing at the upper edge detail  110 , and the lower curved portion  112  ending at a lower edge detail  114 . Further, overhang  120  further includes a bottom surface (or plane)  116  that is also flat and that extends or spans a horizontal distance  117  away from the front face  103  of the fame  118  of the cabinet  104 , constituting the overhang  120 . 
         [0006]    The bottom surface  116  of the overhang  120  has a vertical distance  107  away from a top edge  111  of a set of top drawers  119 , with the top drawers  119  opening and closing along a fixed reciprocating path  109 . 
         [0007]    The overhang  120  is supposed to provide protection against flow of water dripping down onto the cabinet structure underneath. However, as illustrated, the overhang  120  has the semicircular profile  106  with a smooth curve return where droplets of water can flow along a path indicated by the reference  126 , with water returning towards the cabinet structure, instead of diverging away from it. Accordingly, the overhang  120  with its smooth radial curve periphery creates a continual path for water to flow along, with water taking the least resistive path to continue to flow back towards the cabinet along the span  117  (bottom surface  116  of the overhang  120 ), and then fall off onto the front face  103  cabinet structure  104 , rather than away from it. Accordingly, due to the curved nature of the overhang  120  of most granite countertops  102 , water returns to the cabinet structures along this curved path, dripping down to the cabinet structure  104 , which damages the wooden cabinet underneath. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there remains a long-standing and continuing need for a device that would protect cabinet structure from water dripping, and that would be inexpensive and easy to install. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, comprising: 
         [0010]    a member and 
         [0011]    a fastener mechanism that couples the member above a structure for protecting the structure by diverging overflow liquid away from the structure. 
         [0012]    Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0013]    the fastener mechanism includes a two sided self-adhesive strip; 
         [0014]    a first side of the two sided self-adhesive strip is applied along a surface of the member, with a second side of the two sided self-adhesive strip having a protective cover that is removed before coupling the member with the structure. 
         [0015]    Yet another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0016]    the fastener mechanism has a length associated with a length of the member, and a width that is less than a width of the member; 
         [0017]    the fastener mechanism is applied along a center line seam of the member. 
         [0018]    An exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, comprising: 
         [0019]    a member and 
         [0020]    a fastener mechanism that couples the member with a structure for protecting the structure by diverging overflow liquid away from the structure. 
         [0021]    Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0022]    the member is comprised of: 
         [0023]    a non-permeable, single unit integral piece having a member width and an axial length; 
         [0024]    a first section having a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first width, and extending longitudinally along the axial length of the member; 
         [0025]    a second section having a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a second width, and extending longitudinally along the axial length of the member; 
         [0026]    the first section associated with a second section at an angle, forming a vertex having a protruded flange with a height that extends longitudinally along the axial length of the member, forming a longitudinal apex at the vertex of the first top surface and the second top surface; 
         [0027]    Still another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0028]    the first section forms a deflection section that deflects and diverts liquid away from a structure, and the second section forms a coupling section that couples the member with the structure. 
         [0029]    A further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0030]    the fastener mechanism includes a two sided self-adhesive piece; 
         [0031]    a first side of the two sided self-adhesive piece is applied on a surface of the member, with a second side of the two sided self-adhesive piece having a protective cover that is removed before coupling the member with the structure. 
         [0032]    Yet a further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0033]    the fastener mechanism has a length associated with a length of the member, and a width that is less than a width of the member, and is applied near an apex of the member. 
         [0034]    Still a further exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0035]    the apex of the member is aligned and coupled with a lower edge detail of a countertop, and a distal edge of a second section of the member contacts a surface of a countertop. 
         [0036]    Another exemplary optional aspect of the present invention provides a liquid divergent device, wherein: 
         [0037]    structure is comprised of: 
         [0038]    a cabinet having a countertop; 
         [0039]    the countertop includes a front section that is supported by a front cabinet face frame member; 
         [0040]    the front section of the countertop includes a top plane; 
         [0041]    an upper edge detail; 
         [0042]    a semicircular profile having a top portion and a lower portion, with the top portion commencing at the upper edge detail, and the lower portion ending at a lower edge detail, 
         [0043]    a bottom surface; and 
         [0044]    a lower plane that rests on top of the front cabinet face frame member. 
         [0045]    Such stated advantages of the invention are only examples and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments, taken together with the drawings and the claims that follow. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0046]    It is to be understood that the drawings are to be used for the purposes of exemplary illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the disclosure, the word “exemplary” is used exclusively to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. 
           [0047]    Referring to the drawings in which like reference character(s) present corresponding part(s) throughout: 
           [0048]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are exemplary perspective illustrations of a bathroom or kitchen cabinetry; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 2A to 2D  are exemplary illustrations of the various views of the bathroom or kitchen cabinetry illustrate in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  with a liquid divergent device coupled therewith in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0050]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are exemplary illustrations of the various view of the liquid divergent device shown in  FIGS. 2A to 2D  in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0051]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are exemplary schematic illustrations of a liquid divergent device coupled with various sections of different types of cabinet structure with different types of countertop and or overhang in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0052]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and or utilized. 
         [0053]    The present invention provides a device that functions as a drip guard for protection of cabinet structure from water drippings that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install. As best illustrated in  FIG. 2A to 2D , the present invention provides a device  202  that when coupled above a cabinet structure  104  (in this exemplary instance, underneath the overhang  120  of the countertop  102 ) blocks the flow of water along the curved return path (of the overhang  120 , which is the semicircular profile  106  with a smooth curve), allowing water to divert and drip away from the cabinet structure  104  underneath along the path indicated by the reference  226 . Accordingly, the present invention provides a device  202  that has a fastener mechanism  330  that couples the device  202  with a structure for protecting the structure  104  by diverting or redirecting overflow liquid such as water away from the structure  104 . 
         [0054]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the present invention provides a non-permeable (water resistant), single unit integral piece device  202  having a width  302  and an axial length  304 . The device  202  includes a first section  306  having a first top surface  308 , a first bottom surface  310 , a first width  312 , and extending longitudinally along the axial length  304 . The first section  306  forms a deflection section that deflects and diverts liquid away from a coupled structure. 
         [0055]    The device  202  further includes a second section  314  having a second top surface  316 , a second bottom surface  318 , a second width  320 , and extending longitudinally along the axial length  304 . The second section  314  forms a coupling section that couples the device  202  with a structure  104 . 
         [0056]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the device  202  is further comprised of a fastener mechanism  330 , non-limiting example of which may include a two sided or double-sided self-adhesive strip  332 . A first side of the double-sided self-adhesive strip  332  is applied along the second top surface  316  of the device  202 , with a second side of the two-sided self-adhesive strip  332  having a protective cover  301  that is removed before coupling the device  202  with the overhang  120  of the cabinet structure  104 . 
         [0057]    As further illustrated, the first section  306  is associated with a second section  314  at an angle θ, forming a single piece, integral device with a general vertex  322  having a top protuberance  328  that extends longitudinally along the axial length  304  of the device  202 , forming a longitudinally extending apex at the vertex  322  of the first top surface  308  and the second top surface  316 . Therefore, the top protuberance (or apex)  328  may be construed as the centerline seam of the device  202  that extends longitudinally, forming the central axial length of the device  202 . 
         [0058]    Referring back to  FIGS. 2A to 2D , to couple device  202  with the structure  104 , the adhesive tape cover  301  is first removed, and the device  202  is installed (attached to) underneath the overhang  120  (the bottom surface  116  as illustrated in the figures) using pressure to ensure proper adhesion. The device  202  may be cut to appropriate size. Accordingly, the second top surface  316  of the second section  314  of the device  202  is attached to the bottom surface  116  of the countertop  102 , while the first top surface  308  of the first section  306  extends (at width  312 ) over the cabinet  104  a spanning distance  250  to divert dripping water away from the cabinet  104 . The angular orientation θ of the first section  306  in relation to the second section  314 , and the width span  312  of the first section  306  provides sufficient clearance  252  for the opening ( FIG. 2D ) and closure ( FIGS. 2A to 2C ) of the set of drawers  119  along the reciprocating paths  109  without the leading edge of the first section  306  contacting the top edge  111  of the set of top drawers  119  when the drawers are opened or closed. In other words, the angular orientation θ of the first and second sections  306  and  314 , and the width  312  of the first section  306  are of sufficient dimensions to be accommodated within the span  107  (between the top edge  111  of a set of top drawers  119  and the bottom surface  116  of the overhang  120 ) to enable easy closure and opening of the drawers  119 . 
         [0059]    Referring back to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and as best illustrated in the cross-sectional or profile view of the first top surface  308  of the first section  306  and the second top surface  316  of the second section  314  in  FIG. 3B , gradient and curvature of the first and second top surfaces  308  and  316  is not uniform. That is, both surfaces  308  and  316  having a first (high) gradient near the apex  328  indicated as the reference number  349  with a steep slope that slants towards the respective distal edge areas  340  and  353 , which enables quick run-off or draining of the water away from the apex  328 . As further illustrated, approximately near the mid-top-section (indicated by the dashed oval  351 ) both of the top surfaces  308  and  316  are concaved through a second (lower) gradient from the apex  328  towards the respective distal edge areas  340  and  353 . Proximal the respective distal edge areas  340  and  353  (indicated by the reference number  355 ) of the first and second top surfaces  308  and  316  are comprised of substantially flat surface with a third gradient that is higher then the second, but lower then the first gradient of the top surfaces  308  and  316  for quick redirection and drainage of water drippings. In general, the apex  328  of the device  202  is aligned and coupled with a lower edge detail  114  of a countertop  102 , and the distal edge area  340  of the second section  314  of the device  202  contacts the front face  103  of the cabinet frame  118 , and the bottom surface  116  of countertop  102  (best illustrated in  FIGS. 2A to 2D ). It should be noted that the cross-sectional or profile view of the first top surface  308  of the first section  306  and the second top surface  316  of the second section  314  in  FIG. 3B  may have a uniform gradient. That is, the top protuberance (or apex)  328  may be a simple joining of the first and second section  306  and  314  which is not extended or protruded, and is in fact a flat centerline seam of the device  202  that extends longitudinally, forming the central axial length of the device  202 . That is, top of the vertex  322  is simply a joining of the first and second sections  306  and  314 , with no further protuberance. Further, the both the first and second sections  306  and  314  may comprise of flat surface with uniform slope from the centerline seam to the distal edges of the device  202 . 
         [0060]    As further illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and mentioned above, the device  202  is further comprised of the fastener mechanism  330 , non-limiting example of which may include a two sided or double-sided self-adhesive strip  332 . A first side of the double-sided self-adhesive strip is applied along the second top surface  316  of the device  202 , with a second side of the two-sided self-adhesive strip  332  having the protective cover  301  that is removed before coupling the device  202  with the overhang  120  of the cabinet structure  104 . The fastener mechanism  330  has a length commensurate with the axial length  304  of the device  202 , and a width  334  that is less than the width  320  of the second section  314  of the device  202 . The fastener mechanism  330  is applied along the centerline seam (the protuberance or apex  328  of the vertex  322 ) of the device  202 , away from the distal edge area  340 . The protuberance  328  protects the fastener mechanism  330  by preventing and blocking water to drain to the second top surface  316 . That is, when the fastener mechanism  330  is applied adjacent along the centerline seam, the protuberance  328  blocks water from flowing onto the second top surface  316 . The protuberance  328  is positioned underneath the surface of overhang  120  (at the edge detail  114 ) and coupled therewith when the fastener mechanism  330  is aligned and applied along adjacent the centerline seam (the apex  328 ). This arrangement allows the protuberance  328  to block water, and leaves no room or space for water to flow towards the second top surface  316 , and instead forcing and redirecting water to flow towards the first top surface  306 , which protects the fastener mechanism  330  from water. In addition, since the amount of return area of the smooth, curved surface (at lower curved portion  112 ) on the bottom surface  116  of the overhang  120  varies from manufacturer to manufacturer (making the overhang  120  to extend at a longer or shorter span  117  ( FIGS. 1A and 2B ) from the cabinet), it is preferred if the fastener mechanism  330  is coupled as close as possible with the apex  328  of the device  202 , with the device apex  328  coupled with the lower edge detail  114 . That is, the horizontal span distance  117  may vary from countertop to countertop. This arrangement allows sufficient space or room for the distal edge area  340  to be situated underneath most overhang  120 , with a different horizontal span distances  117 . It should be noted that the above scheme would work equally well if the top of the vertex  322  is simply a joining of the first and second sections  306  and  314 , with no further protuberance  328 , and the entire first and second sections  306  and  314  have a uniform gradient (slope). 
         [0061]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are exemplary schematic illustrations of the device coupled with various sections of a cabinet structure with different types of countertop and or overhang.  FIG. 4A  is an exemplary illustration of cabinet structure  400  with a countertop  102 . In this exemplary instance, the cabinet structure  400  includes the overhang  120  with the bottom surface  116  that has a short vertical distance  402  away from a top edge  111  of a set of drawers  119 , with the drawers  119  opening and closing along one or both fixed reciprocating paths  109  and or  404 . The span  402  between the top edge  111  of the set of drawers  119  and the bottom surface  116  of the overhang  120  is much shorter compared with the vertical span  107  illustrated in the cabinet structure  104  (shown in  FIGS. 1A to 3B ). Accordingly, if the device  202  is coupled with the bottom surface  116  of the overhang  120  of the cabinet  400 , the device  202  would block the drawers  119  of the cabinet  400  from opening or closing. As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , with this type of cabinet structure  400  where vertical distance  402  is small, the device  202  is coupled with the cabinet structure itself (the top edge  111  of the drawer  119 ) rather than the underneath surface  116  of the overhang  120  of the countertop  102 . With respect to these types of cabinets  400 , the fastener mechanism  330  is coupled with the second bottom surface  318  of the device  202 , which couples the device  202  to the top edge  111  of the drawing  119 . Therefore, the device  202  rides on top of the edge  111  of the drawers  119  with the opening and closing of the drawer  119  along the paths  404  and or  109 , while guarding the cabinet  404  against water drippings. 
         [0062]      FIG. 4B  is an exemplary illustration of cabinet structure  500  with a countertop  502 . In this exemplary instance, the cabinet structure  500  includes an overhang  504  with the bottom surface  506  that has a much short horizontal span  508 , which cannot accommodate the second width  320  of the second section  314  of the device  202 . Accordingly, with this type of cabinet structure  500  where horizontal distance  508  has a short span, the device  202  is coupled with the cabinet structure itself (the front face  103  of the cabinet structure  500 ) rather than the underneath surface  506  of the overhang  504 . In addition, since the horizontal distance  508  is of a shorter span compared with the span  117  (shown in  FIGS. 1A to 3B ), the angular orientation of the first section  306  in relation to the second section  314  may be reduced from θ to β. 
         [0063]    Although the invention has been described in considerable detail in language specific to structural features and or method acts, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as preferred forms of implementing the claimed invention. Stated otherwise, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, while exemplary illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described, numerous variations and alternative embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, the axial length of the device  202  can be of any length and shape. That is, longitudinally, the device  202  may be contoured to a form closely associated with the contour of the structure with which it is associated. For example, the device  202  may have an axial length that longitudinally is substantially parabolic, conforming to a parabolic periphery of the countertop. In addition, other methods of coupling device  202  with a structure may also be used, and hence, the invention is not limited to the use of a two-sided tape. It should be noted that the device  202  may have a vertex  322  that simply joins the first and second sections  306  and  314  with no further protuberance  328 , and that the entire first and second sections  306  and  314  may have a uniform gradient (slope). Such variations and alternate embodiments are contemplated, and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0064]    It should further be noted that throughout the entire disclosure, the labels such as left, right, front, back, top, bottom, forward, reverse, clockwise, counter clockwise, up, down, or other similar terms such as upper, lower, aft, fore, vertical, horizontal, oblique, proximal, distal, parallel, perpendicular, transverse, longitudinal, etc. have been used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to imply any particular fixed direction or orientation. Instead, they are used to reflect relative locations and/or directions/orientations between various portions of an object. 
         [0065]    In addition, reference to “first,” “second,” “third,” and etc. members throughout the disclosure (and in particular, claims) is not used to show a serial or numerical limitation but instead is used to distinguish or identify the various members of the group. 
         [0066]    In addition, any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for” performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. Section 112, Paragraph 6. In particular, the use of “step of,” “act of,” “operation of,” or “operational act of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, Paragraph 6.