Patent Publication Number: US-2003221253-A1

Title: Basin counter liquid absorption safety device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to devices for absorbing liquids spilled from a basin.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] 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.  
       [0003] 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  
       [0004] 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  
     [0005]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a counter mat according to the present invention, placed in front of a basin.  
     [0006]FIG. 2 is a top view of a counter mat according to the present invention.  
     [0007]FIG. 3 is a bottom view a counter mat according to the present invention.  
     [0008]FIG. 4 is a cut-away view, along lines  4 - 4  of FIG. 2, of a counter mat according to the present invention 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0009] The present invention is a 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.  
     [0010] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and  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.  
     [0011] As depicted in FIG. 2, the top side of the mat absorbs the water or other liquid before it spills on the floor. 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.  
     [0012] As depicted in FIG. 3, the 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.  
     [0013] The top side and bottom are joined together by stitching  18  or adhesive, as shown in FIG. 4.  
     [0014] 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.  
     [0015] 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.  
     [0016] 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.