Abstract:
A clean-spot apparatus for improving the cleanliness and hygienic conditions in a restroom is disclosed. In one example, the clean-spot apparatus can include an elevated platform supported by a support structure, and a pair of recessed areas. A person using a restroom receptacle in the restroom can place their feet into the recessed areas and the elevated platform extended center section prevents urine from dripping/splashing inadvertently onto the restroom floor.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is based on, claims priority to, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/944,220, filed Feb. 25, 2014, and entitled “Clean-Spot Apparatus to Improve Hygiene in Restrooms.” 
     
    
     STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0003]    This invention relates generally to a device which improves hygiene in a restroom and, more specifically, to a clean-spot apparatus capable of preventing urine from being inadvertently dripped/splashed onto the restroom floor. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Typically, when a person is using a restroom there is a high probability of urine dripping/splashing inadvertently onto the restroom floor. This requires frequent cleaning of the restroom floor. Additionally, the inadvertent dripping/splashing causes unpleasant and unsanitary hygienic conditions for the next person(s) using the restroom. Existing designs are floor mats and only provide a way of absorbing or concealing urine that drips onto the floor surface level. 
         [0005]    Hence, a need exists for keeping restroom floors clean between normal restroom cleaning intervals thereby improving the hygienic conditions in the restroom. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The aforementioned shortcomings are overcome by providing a clean-sport apparatus for improving cleanliness and hygienic conditions in a restroom by covering a person&#39;s feet on a restroom floor at a restroom receptacle such as a urinal or a toilet. The disclosed apparatus, in various forms, intercepts any liquid drops and prevents them from ever reaching the floor surface level where the user would stand. 
         [0007]    In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a clean-spot apparatus including an elevated platform supported by a support structure. The elevated platform has an upper surface arranged substantially parallel to the restroom floor when the clean-spot apparatus is positioned in a usage position relative to the restroom receptacle. The clean-spot apparatus further includes a pair of recessed areas formed on a forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform such that, when a person approaches the clean-spot apparatus for use of the restroom receptacle and places their feet into the pair of recessed areas, the elevated platform covers and protects their feet and the restroom floor. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the clean-spot apparatus may include an extended portion arranged between the pair of recessed areas on the forwardly-facing side and extending forwardly beyond the recessed areas. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the clean-spot apparatus may include an absorbent pad supported by the upper surface of the elevated platform. The absorbent pad may include an impermeable film arranged between the absorbent pad and the elevated platform. The impermeable film may provide a seal between the absorbent pad and the elevated platform preventing the transmission of fluid onto the elevated platform. The absorbent pad may be pre-treated with a deodorizer. The absorbent pad may include at least one pull tab attached to the absorbent pad. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the clean-spot apparatus may include an integrated wall-mounting assembly configured to attach the clean-spot apparatus to a wall and position the elevated platform substantially below the restroom receptacle. The integrated wall-mounting assembly may include an upper flange, a pair of stiffener gussets, and a wall-bearing panel. The upper flange may be configured to receive at least one fastener element to attach the clean-spot apparatus to the wall. The pair of stiffener gussets may extend from the elevated platform to the wall-bearing panel. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the clean-spot apparatus may include a cutout portion formed on a rearwardly-facing side opposite to the forwardly-facing side and dimensioned to receive the restroom receptacle. The clean-spot apparatus may include a support channel arranged along the cutout portion and configured to bond the clean-spot apparatus to the restroom receptacle. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the clean-spot apparatus may include a cutout portion dimensioned to frame the restroom receptacle. The elevated platform may include at least one ramped portion ramping from the elevated platform downwardly towards the restroom receptacle. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the elevated platform may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the support structure. The support structure may include at least one column type support. The support structure may be a continuous panel section framing the elevated platform. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the pair of recessed areas may define a substantially concave shape. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the elevated platform and the support structure may be fabricated from a plastic material. The plastic material may be a high impact resistant material. However, the support structure may also be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. In some embodiments, an elastic pad may be received on the underside of the support structure for placement between support structure and the restroom floor. 
         [0016]    These and still other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings. What follows is merely a description of some preferred embodiments of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the invention, the claims should be looked to as these preferred embodiments are not intended to be the only embodiments within the scope of the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view illustrating a use of a floor-supported clean-spot apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 1C  is a close-up perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 1D  is a cross-sectional view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 1A  taken through line A-A of  FIG. 1C . 
           [0021]      FIG. 1E  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 1A  detailing an absorbent pad of the clean-spot apparatus with a portion of the absorbent pad broken away. 
           [0022]      FIG. 1F  is a top view of the absorbent pad of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view illustrating a use of a wall-mounted clean-spot apparatus with a wall-mounted urinal in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is a close-up perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 2A  showing a method of attachment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2D  is a top view of the absorbent pad of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 2A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustrating a use of a urinal-supported clean-spot apparatus with wall-mounted urinal in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a close-up perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 3A  apart from the urinal. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3D  is a front view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 3E  is a cross sectional view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 3A  taken through line B-B of  FIG. 3D  with the details of the mounting structure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3F  is a top view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 3A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view illustrating a use of a urinal-integrated clean-spot apparatus with a wall-mounted urinal in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4B  is a close-up perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0035]      FIG. 4C  is a top view of the absorbent pad of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0036]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view illustrating a use of a floor-supported clean-spot apparatus with a wall/floor-supported urinal in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0038]      FIG. 5C  is a close-up perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0039]      FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 5E  is a top view of the absorbent pad of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view illustrating a use of a floor-supported clean-spot apparatus with a toilet in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0042]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0043]      FIG. 6C  is a close-up perspective view of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0044]      FIG. 6D  is a top view of the absorbent pad of the clean-spot apparatus of  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0045]      FIGS. 1A-6D  illustrate a plurality of non-limiting examples of a clean-spot apparatus received in a restroom. As will be described, the clean-spot apparatus can be configured or designed to be used with a plurality of restroom receptacles. Although each of the plurality of non-limiting examples of the clean-spot apparatus will be described with reference to use with a specific restroom receptacle, it should be appreciated that any of the non-limiting examples of the clean-spot apparatus described herein could be configured for use with any restroom receptacle known in the art. Thus, the illustrated restroom receptacles and clean-spot apparatuses are exemplary in nature, but not limiting. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 1A-1F  show one non-limiting example of a clean-spot apparatus  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the clean-spot apparatus  100  can be configured to be mounted on a restroom floor substantially below a wall-mounted urinal  102 . Since the clean-spot apparatus  100  can be received on the restroom floor, no tools are required for installation, and the clean-spot apparatus  100  can be easily moved for cleaning of the restroom floor. 
         [0047]    The clean-spot apparatus  100  can include a pair of recessed areas  104 , an extended portion  108 , an elevated platform  112 , and a support structure  116 . The recessed areas  104  can be formed on separate ends of a forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  112  and can define a substantially concave shape. The forwardly-facing side can be opposed to a rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  112 . The rearwardly-facing side can be, for example, in engagement with the restroom wall. The recessed areas  104  can be dimensioned to receive a person&#39;s feet, thereby enabling the person to stand close to the wall-mounted urinal  102  while covering and protecting the person&#39;s feet with the elevated platform  112 . The elevated platform  112  can include an upper surface that, when the clean-spot apparatus  100  is arranged in a usage position adjacent to the urinal  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the upper surface is arranged to be substantially parallel to the restroom floor. The elevated platform  112  can enable the clean-spot apparatus  100  to intercept splashing/dripping urine while keeping the person&#39;s feet and the restroom floor clean. The extended portion  108  can be arranged between the recessed areas  104  on the forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  112  and can extend forwardly (i.e., in a direction away from the wall) beyond the recessed areas  104 . The extended portion  108  can provide a large area between the person&#39;s feet for intercepting splashing/dripping urine. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 1C  and  FIG. 1D , the upper surface of the elevated platform  112  can support an absorbent pad  120 . When the clean-spot apparatus  100  is positioned substantially below the wall-mounted urinal  102 , the absorbent pad  120  can intercept splashing/dripping urine before it contacts the restroom floor. The absorbent pad  120  can be made of a material that has color and texture that makes the appearance of drops less visible or apparent to an observer. It is also contemplated that the absorbent pad could be formed in one part or as two or more parts. For example, dotted line  107  in  FIG. 1F  marks one line at which the pad  120  could be bifurcated. Having a multi-part pad may be particularly advantageous because if, for example, the pad is divided to include a separate section in the extended center section of the apparatus (which is typically the most quickly soiled given its placement), then only the part of the pad in the extended center section may be replaced instead of the entirety of the pad which may provide better economy during replacement of a used pad. 
         [0049]    The elevated platform  112  can be mounted on or supported on the support structure  116  that supports the elevated platform  112  above the restroom floor. As shown in  FIG. 1D , the elevated platform  112  can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the support structure  116 . In the illustrated, non-limiting example, the support structure  116  can support the elevated platform  112  approximately 6 inches above the restroom floor. In other non-limiting configurations, the support structure  116  can support the elevated platform  112  at any distance from the restroom floor, as desired. 
         [0050]    The support structure  116  and the elevated platform  112  may be integrally formed as in a monolithic form, or they may be provided by separable components. In some forms, the support structure  116  may be a continuous panel section framing the elevated platform  112  and/or, the support structure  116  may include at least one discrete column type support. 
         [0051]    The elevated platform  112  and the support structure  116  can be fabricated from a plastic material, for example, a high impact resistant plastic material. In other non-limiting examples, the elevated platform  112  and/or the support structure  116  may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. The support structure  116  can include at least one elastic pad (not shown) arranged between support structure  116  and the restroom floor aiding in preventing the clean-spot apparatus  100  from sliding along the restroom floor. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIG. 1E , the absorbent pad  120  can include an impermeable film  124  arranged between the absorbent pad  120  and the elevated platform  112 . The impermeable film  124  can provide a seal between the absorbent pad  120  and the elevated platform  112  preventing transmission of fluid onto the elevated platform  112 . In one non-limiting example, the absorbent pad  120  may be pre-treated with a deodorizer. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 1F , the absorbent pad  120  can include a pair of lift tabs  128  attached on opposing sides of the absorbent pad  120 . The lift tabs  128  may be used to install the absorbent pad  120  onto the elevated platform  112  and/or remove the absorbent pad  120  from the elevated platform  112 . A printed advertisement  132  may be displayed on the absorbent pad  120 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 2A-2D  show another non-limiting example of a clean-spot apparatus  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , the clean-spot apparatus  200  can be configured to be mounted on a restroom wall substantially below a wall-mounted urinal  202 . Since the clean-spot apparatus  200  is mounted on the restroom wall and suspended above the restroom floor, the clean-spot apparatus  200  provides easy access for cleaning the restroom floor below the wall-mounted urinal  202 . 
         [0055]    The clean-spot apparatus  200  can include a pair of recessed areas  204 , an extended portion  208 , and an elevated platform  212 . The recessed areas  204  can be formed on separate ends of a forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  212  and can define a substantially concave shape. The forwardly-facing side can be opposed to a rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  212 . The rearwardly-facing side can be in mounted engagement with the restroom wall. The recessed areas  204  can be dimensioned to receive a person&#39;s feet thereby enabling the person to stand close to the wall-mounted urinal  202  while covering and protecting the person&#39;s feet with the elevated platform  212 . The elevated platform  212  can include an upper surface that, when the clean-spot apparatus  200  is arranged in a usage position as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  in which the clean-spot apparatus  200  is under the urinal  202 , the upper surface can be arranged substantially parallel to the restroom floor. The elevated platform  212  can enable the clean-spot apparatus  200  to intercept splashing/dripping urine while keeping the person&#39;s feet and the restroom floor clean. The extended portion  208  can be arranged between the recessed areas  204  on the forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  212  and can extend forwardly beyond the recessed areas  204 . The extended portion  208  can provide a large area between the person&#39;s feet for intercepting splashing/dripping urine. 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIG. 2C , the clean-spot apparatus  200  can be attached to the restroom wall using an integrated wall-mounting assembly  216 . The integrated wall-mounting assembly  216  can include an upper flange  220 , a pair of stiffener gussets  224 , and a wall-bearing panel  228 . The upper flange  220  can extend substantially perpendicularly from the elevated platform  212  toward the wall-mounted urinal  202  and can be arranged to engage the restroom wall. The pair of stiffener gussets  224  can be arranged on opposing sides of the elevated platform  212  and can extend from the elevated platform  212  to the wall-bearing panel  228 . The wall-bearing panel  228  can extend substantially perpendicularly from the elevated platform  212  in an opposite direction from the upper flange  220  and can be arranged to engage the restroom wall. 
         [0057]    In the illustrated non-limiting example, the upper flange  220  can be configured to receive two fastener elements  230  used to attach the clean-spot apparatus  200  to the restroom wall. In other non-liming configurations, the upper flange  220  may be configured to receive more or less fastener elements  230 , as desired. It should be appreciated that the illustrated integrated wall-mounting assembly  216  is just one way of attaching the clean-spot apparatus  200  to the restroom wall and, in other non-limiting examples, the clean-spot apparatus  200  can be attached to the restroom wall using any viable attachment method known in the art. 
         [0058]    The elevated platform  212  and the integrated wall-mounting assembly  216  can be fabricated from a plastic material, for example, a high impact resistant plastic material. In other non-limiting examples, the elevated platform  212  and/or the integrated wall-mounting assembly  216  may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 2D , the upper surface of the elevated platform  212  can support an absorbent pad  232 . When the clean-spot apparatus  200  is positioned substantially below the wall-mounted urinal  202 , the absorbent pad  232  can intercept splashing/dripping urine before it contacts the restroom floor. The absorbent pad  232  can include an impermeable film (not shown, but described earlier) arranged between the absorbent pad  232  and the elevated platform  212 . The impermeable film can provide a seal between the absorbent pad  232  and the elevated platform  212  preventing transmission of fluid onto the elevated platform  212 . In one non-limiting example, the absorbent pad  232  may be pre-treated with a deodorizer. 
         [0060]    The absorbent pad  232  can include a pair of lift tabs  236  attached on opposing sides of the absorbent pad  232 . The lift tabs  236  may be used to install the absorbent pad  232  onto the elevated platform  212  and/or remove the absorbent pad  232  from the elevated platform  212 . A printed advertisement  240  may be displayed on the absorbent pad  232 . 
         [0061]      FIGS. 3A-3F  show another non-limiting example of a clean-spot apparatus  300 . As shown in  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C  the clean-spot apparatus  300  can be configured to be mounted on a lower portion of a wall-mounted urinal  302 . Since the clean-spot apparatus  300  is mounted on a lower portion of the wall-mounted urinal  302  and suspended above the restroom floor, the clean-spot apparatus  300  provides easy access for cleaning the restroom floor below the wall-mounted urinal  302 . 
         [0062]    The clean-spot apparatus  300  can include a pair of recessed areas  304 , an extended portion  308 , an elevated platform  312 , and a cutout portion  316 . The recessed areas  304  can be formed on separate ends of a forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  312  and can define a substantially concave shape. The forwardly-facing side can be opposed to a rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  312 . The rearwardly-facing side can be in engagement with the restroom wall and/or urinal  302 . The recessed areas  304  can be dimensioned to receive a person&#39;s legs thereby enabling the person to stand close to the wall-mounted urinal  302  and covering the person&#39;s legs/feet with the elevated platform  312 . The elevated platform  312  can include an upper surface that, when the clean-spot apparatus  300  is arranged in a usage position, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the upper surface can be arranged substantially parallel to the restroom floor. The elevated platform  312  can enable the clean-spot apparatus  300  to intercept splashing/dripping urine while keeping the person&#39;s legs/feet and the restroom floor clean. The extended portion  308  can be arranged between the recessed areas  304  on the forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  312  and can extend forwardly beyond the recessed areas  304 . The extended portion  308  can provide a large area between the person&#39;s legs for intercepting splashing/dripping urine. The cutout portion  316  can be formed on the rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  312  and can be dimensioned to receive the lower portion of the wall-mounted urinal  302 . Although the cutout portion  316  in the illustrated non-limiting example is shown receiving a lower portion of a wall-mounted urinal, it should be appreciated that the cutout portion  316  could be dimensioned to receive any portion of any restroom receptacle. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 3D  and  FIG. 3E , the clean-spot apparatus  300  can be attached to the lower portion of the wall-mounted urinal  302  using a support channel  320 . The support channel  320  can be arranged along the cutout portion  316  and is capable of bonding the cutout portion  316 , and thereby the clean-spot apparatus  300 , to the wall-mounted urinal  302 . The support channel  320  may include an adhesive material capable of bonding the clean-spot apparatus  300  to the wall-mounted urinal  302 . In other non-limiting configurations, the clean-spot apparatus  300  may be attached to the wall-mounted urinal  302  using any viable attachment method known in the art. 
         [0064]    The elevated platform  312  and the support channel  320  can be fabricated from a plastic material, for example, a high impact resistant plastic material. In other non-limiting examples, the elevated platform  312  and/or the support channel  320  may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. 
         [0065]    The upper surface of the elevated platform  312  can support an absorbent pad  324 . When the clean-spot apparatus  300  is attached to the lower portion of the wall-mounted urinal  302 , the absorbent pad  324  can intercept splashing/dripping urine before it contacts the restroom floor. The absorbent pad  324  can include an impermeable film  328  arranged between the absorbent pad  324  and the elevated platform  312 . The impermeable film  328  can provide a seal between the absorbent pad  324  and the elevated platform  312  preventing transmission of fluid onto the elevated platform  312 . In one non-limiting example, the absorbent pad  324  may be pre-treated with a deodorizer. 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 3F , the absorbent pad  324  can include a pair of lift tabs  332  attached on opposing sides of the absorbent pad  324 . The lift tabs  332  may be used to install the absorbent pad  324  onto the elevated platform  312  and/or remove the absorbent pad  324  from the elevated platform  312 . A printed advertisement  336  may be displayed on the absorbent pad  324 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 4A-4C  show another non-limiting example of a clean-spot apparatus  400 . The basic design, purpose, and function of the clean-spot apparatus  400  is substantially similar to the previously described clean-spot apparatus  300  mounted to the lower portion of the wall-mounted urinal  302 . The similar features between the two non-limiting examples are identified with like reference numerals. The clean-spot apparatus  400  differs from the previously described clean-spot apparatus  300  in that the elevated platform  312  can be fabricated integrally with or designed as a mating component of the wall-mounted urinal  302 . It is contemplated that the apparatus  400  can be made from the same material as the urinal (for example, ceramic or metal) and may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 5A-5E  show another non-limiting example of a clean-spot apparatus  500 . As shown in  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B ,  FIG. 5C , and  FIG. 5D , the clean-spot apparatus  500  can be configured to be mounted on a restroom floor and received by a lower portion of a floor level urinal  502 . Since the clean-spot apparatus  500  can be received on the restroom floor, no tools are required for installation, and the clean-spot apparatus  500  can be easily moved for cleaning of the restroom floor. 
         [0069]    The clean-spot apparatus  500  can include a pair of recessed areas  504 , an extended portion  508 , an elevated platform  512 , a support structure  516 , and a cutout portion  520 . The recessed areas  504  can be formed on separate ends of a forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  512  and can define a substantially concave shape. The forwardly-facing side can be opposed to a rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  512 . The rearwardly-facing side can be in engagement with the restroom wall. The recessed areas  504  can be dimensioned to receive a person&#39;s feet thereby enabling the person to stand close to the floor level urinal  502  and covering the person&#39;s feet with the elevated platform  512 . The elevated platform  512  can include an upper surface that when the clean-spot apparatus  500  is arranged in a usage position, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the upper surface can be arranged substantially parallel to the restroom floor. The elevated platform  512  can enable the clean-spot apparatus  500  to intercept splashing/dripping urine while keeping the person&#39;s feet and the restroom floor clean. The elevated platform  512  can also include ramped portions  524  ramping downwardly from the elevated platform  512  towards the lower portion of the floor level urinal  502 . The ramped portions  524  can direct any splashing/dripping urine towards the lower portion of the floor level urinal  502 . The extended portion  508  can be arranged between the recessed areas  504  on the forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  512  and can extend forwardly beyond the recessed areas  104 . The extended portion  508  can provide a large area between the person&#39;s feet for intercepting splashing/dripping urine. The cutout portion  520  can be formed on the rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  512  and can be dimensioned to frame the lower portion of the floor level urinal  502 . Although the cutout portion  520  in the illustrated non-limiting example is shown faming a lower portion of a floor level urinal, it should be appreciated that the cutout portion  520  could be dimensioned to receive any portion of any restroom receptacle. 
         [0070]    The upper surface of the elevated platform  512  can support an absorbent pad  528 . The absorbent pad  528  can be configured to conform to the shape of the elevated platform  512  including the ramped portions  524 . When the clean-spot apparatus  500  is positioned substantially below the floor level urinal  502 , the absorbent pad  528  can intercept splashing/dripping urine before it contacts the restroom floor. 
         [0071]    The elevated platform  512  can be mounted on the support structure  516  that supports the elevated platform  512  above the restroom floor. As shown in  FIG. 5D , the elevated platform  512  can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the support structure  516 . In the illustrated, non-limiting example, the support structure  516  can support the elevated platform  512  approximately 6 inches above the restroom floor. In other non-limiting configurations, the support structure  516  can support the elevated platform  512  at any distance from the restroom floor, as desired. 
         [0072]    The support structure  516  and the elevated platform  512  may be integrally formed as in a monolithic form, or they may be provided by separable components, as desired. The support structure  516  may be a continuous panel section framing the elevated platform  512  or, in other non-limiting configurations, the support structure  516  may include at least one discrete column type support. 
         [0073]    The elevated platform  512  and the support structure  516  can be fabricated from a plastic material, for example, a high impact resistant plastic material. In other non-limiting examples, the elevated platform  512  and/or the support structure  516  may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. The support structure  516  can include at least one elastic pad (not shown) arranged between support structure  516  and the restroom floor aiding in preventing the clean-spot apparatus  500  from sliding along the restroom floor. 
         [0074]    With reference to  FIG. 5E , the absorbent pad  528  can include a pair of lift tabs  532  attached on opposing sides of the absorbent pad  528 . The lift tabs  532  may be used to install the absorbent pad  528  onto the elevated platform  512  and/or remove the absorbent pad  528  from the elevated platform  512 . A printed advertisement  536  may be displayed on the absorbent pad  528 . 
         [0075]    The absorbent pad  528  can include an impermeable film (not shown) arranged between the absorbent pad  528  and the elevated platform  512 . The impermeable film can provide a seal between the absorbent pad  528  and the elevated platform  512  preventing transmission of fluid onto the elevated platform  512 . In one non-limiting example, the absorbent pad  528  may be pre-treated with a deodorizer. 
         [0076]      FIGS. 6A-6D  show another non-limiting example of a clean-spot apparatus  600 . As shown in  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6B , and  FIG. 6C  the clean-spot apparatus  600  can be configured to be mounted on a restroom floor and received by a lower portion of a toilet  602 . Since the clean-spot apparatus  600  can be mounted on the restroom floor, no tools are required for installation, and the clean-spot apparatus  600  can be easily moved for cleaning of the restroom floor. 
         [0077]    The clean-spot apparatus  600  can include a pair of recessed areas  604 , an extended portion  608 , an elevated platform  612 , a support structure  616 , and a cutout portion  620 . The recessed areas  604  can be formed on separate ends of a forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  612  and can define a substantially concave shape. The forwardly-facing side can be opposed to a rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  612 . The rearwardly-facing side can be in close proximity or engagement with the toilet. The recessed areas  604  can be dimensioned to receive a person&#39;s feet, thereby enabling the person to stand close to the toilet  602  and covering the person&#39;s feet with the elevated platform  612 . The elevated platform  612  can include an upper surface that when the clean-spot apparatus  600  is arranged in a usage position, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the upper surface can be arranged substantially parallel to the restroom floor. The elevated platform  612  can enable the clean-spot apparatus  600  to intercept splashing/dripping urine while keeping the person&#39;s feet and the restroom floor clean. The extended portion  608  can be arranged between the recessed areas  604  on the forwardly-facing side of the elevated platform and can extend forwardly beyond the recessed areas  604 . The extended portion  608  can provide a large area between the person&#39;s feet for intercepting splashing/dripping urine. The cutout portion  620  can be formed on the rearwardly-facing side of the elevated platform  612  and can be dimensioned to receive a portion of the toilet  602 . Although the cutout portion  620  in the illustrated non-limiting example is shown receiving a portion of a toilet, it should be appreciated that the cutout portion  620  could be dimensioned to receive any portion of any restroom receptacle. 
         [0078]    The upper surface of the elevated platform  612  can support an absorbent pad  624 . When the clean-spot apparatus  600  is positioned substantially below the toilet  602 , the absorbent pad  624  can intercept splashing/dripping urine before it contacts the restroom floor. 
         [0079]    The elevated platform  612  can be mounted on the support structure  616  that supports the elevated platform  612  above the restroom floor. As shown in  FIG. 6C , the elevated platform  612  can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the support structure  616 . In the illustrated non-limiting example, the support structure  616  can support the elevated platform  612  approximately 6 inches above the restroom floor. In other non-limiting configurations, the support structure  616  can support the elevated platform  612  at any distance from the restroom floor, as desired. 
         [0080]    The support structure  616  and the elevated platform  612  may be integrally formed as in a monolithic form, or they may be provided by separable components, as desired. In the illustrated non-limiting example, the support structure  616  can include a plurality of discrete column type supports. In other non-limiting examples, the support structure  616  may be a continuous panel section framing the elevated platform  612 . 
         [0081]    The elevated platform  612  and the support structure  616  can be fabricated from a plastic material, for example, a high impact resistant plastic material. In other non-limiting examples, the elevated platform  612  and/or the support structure  616  may be fabricated from any suitable material known in the art. The support structure  616  can include at least one elastic pad (not shown) arranged between support structure  616  and the restroom floor aiding in preventing the clean-spot apparatus  600  from sliding along the restroom floor. 
         [0082]    With reference to  FIG. 6D , the absorbent pad  624  can include a pair of lift tabs  628  attached on opposing sides of the absorbent pad  624 . The lift tabs  628  may be used to install the absorbent pad  624  onto the elevated platform  612  and/or remove the absorbent pad  624  from the elevated platform  612 . A printed advertisement  632  may be displayed on the absorbent pad  624 . 
         [0083]    The absorbent pad  624  can include an impermeable film (not shown) arranged between the absorbent pad  624  and the elevated platform  612 . The impermeable film can provide a seal between the absorbent pad  624  and the elevated platform  612  preventing transmission of fluid onto the elevated platform  612 . In one non-limiting example, the absorbent pad  624  may be pre-treated with a deodorizer. 
         [0084]    It should be appreciated that various other modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the invention, the following claims should be referenced.