Patent Abstract:
The present application relates to an interwoven silicon pad utilizing individual silicone bands. The bands form a single seamless loop or may include a single strand of silicone. The silicone bands are interwoven into a preselected pattern having a selected dimension. Silicone bands are removable from the interwoven pad on an individual basis to facilitate customization by a user and also repair. Each pad is heat resistant, non-porous, and non-absorbent and configured to maintain elastic properties.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present application relates generally to hand crafted heat resistant pads and, more particularly, to a heat resistant potholder. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    The need to heat objects or work with heated objects is relatively common place in society. Society uses burners, pots and pans, irons, and other objects suitable for heating. Unfortunately, a large number of surfaces are unsuitable in contacting such heated objects. For example, not all counter tops are capable of withstanding the heat from a pot. Tables are another example where heat is possibly an issue. In order to protect surfaces from heated objects, barriers or pads have been developed to separate the heated object from the delicate surface. A blow drier is an example of a product in which a barrier was formed around the heated object. Barriers are not always possible however. 
         [0005]    The heated pot used in cooking a meal is a relatively simple example to illustrate the types of pads in present use. Wooden pads (pot holders) are used to separate the heated pot from the temperature susceptible surface. Another material is that of cloth, or a type of fabric based material. Each of these have some disadvantages however. Wooden and cloth based materials are relatively porous and are capable of absorbing cooking particles, moisture, and grease. Additionally, each have limited gripping ability on a table top or counter surface resulting in the chance that the items may slide. In the case with a wooden pad, wood has a chance of marring the surface of the table or counter if not kept sanded down smooth. When it comes to washing or cleaning, the wood material is not washable in dishwashers and is left to being wiped down with a rag and some cleaning solution. The cloth based fabric is able to be washed, but washing tends to break down the fabric over time, slowly decrease the fabric pad&#39;s ability to separate the heated object from the counter or table, and cause undesired shrinkage. Additionally, the mere use of the fabric pad in conjunction with the heat from the pot breaks down the fabric. Fabrics are not as durable as wood pads. 
         [0006]    A more sanitary, washable, and durable pad is needed. Although great strides have been made in heat resistant pads, considerable shortcomings remain. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a silicone band according to the preferred embodiment of the present application; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the silicone band of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the silicone band of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a silicone pad made of a plurality of the silicone bands of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portable loom and the silicone bands of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       
    
    
       [0013]    While the system and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0014]    Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0015]    In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. 
         [0016]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3  in the drawings, various embodiments of a silicone band are illustrated. The bands illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  are configured to be used to create an interwoven network of silicone bands to form a selectively sized pad as seen in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 1  illustrates a silicone band is a continuous and seamless loop.  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an alternative embodiment for a silicone band, wherein the silicone bands are formed as an elongated member having opposing ends. 
         [0017]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 1 , silicone band  101  is illustrated. Band  101  is a continuous member forming a loop. Band  101  is seamless preferably. The seam acting as a weakened location where the band was bonded to itself to form the loop. It is understood that band  101  may have seams and that such seams are capable of maintaining the flexibility, forces, and temperatures intended to be experienced. 
         [0018]    Referring now in particular to  FIG. 2 , silicone band  103  is illustrated. Band  103  differs from band  101  in that band  103  is an elongate silicone member having opposing ends  105 ,  107 . No loop is formed. Band  103  includes a center elongated silicone body  109 , a first loop portion  111 , and a second loop portion  113 . Loop portion  111  is integrally coupled or formed to end  105  while loop portion  113  is integrally coupled or formed to end  107 . Loop portions  111 ,  113  are made from silicone similar in function and features to that of body  109 . Loop portions  111 ,  113  are simplistic in nature and consist of a circular shape having a central aperture. It is understood that the shape of loop portions  111 ,  113  are not so limited to the depicted form. Other shapes are possible, including triangular, rectangular, oval, and so forth. Loop portions  111 ,  113  are configured to have any shape that permits body  109  to be attached in tension at ends  105  and  107 . Therefore, loop portion may be an aperture as seen in  FIG. 2  or may be a hook shape. 
         [0019]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 3 , a silicone band  115  is illustrated. Band  115  is similar in form and function to that of band  103 . Band  115  also includes a center elongated silicone body  117 , a first loop portion  119 , and a second loop portion  121 . However, band  115  primarily differs from band  103  in that loop portions  119  and  121  are releasably coupled to opposing ends  123  and  125  of body  117 . Loop portions  119 ,  121  are made from silicone similar in function and features to that of body  117 . Loop portions  119 ,  121  are similar in form and function to that of loop portions  111 ,  113  in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0020]    Each loop portion  119 ,  121  is configured to provide an attaching stem or portion (not shown) to permit coupling to body  117 . The stem has a matching circumference to that of body  117 . A compressive member  127  is used to grip around the stem of the loop and also to grip the end of body  115 . Compressive member  127  is a flexible heat resistant material having an open edge or two open ends, allowing for the insertion of the band and stem. When the band and stem are inserted through the opening(s), compressive member  127  may be compressed by a user upon application of the necessary external forces. Compressive member  127  is strengthen sufficiently to retain its shape and the corresponding compressive forces after application of the external forces. An example of compressive member  127  is a flexible “c” shaped clamp configured to pinch around the band and stem when a user applies the necessary external force. The compressive force binds loop portions  119 ,  121  to body  117 . Depending on the configuration of compressive member  127 , a seam  129  may be formed to indicate to the user a level of adequate compression. 
         [0021]    It is understood that other methods of joining loop portions  119 ,  121  to body  117  are contemplated. For example, and adhesive may be used. Alternatively, a heat treatment may be applied to fuse the two members together. It is understood that the shape of loop portions  119 , 121  are not so limited to the depicted form. Other shapes are possible, including triangular, rectangular, oval, and so forth. Loop portions  119 , 121  are configured to have any shape that permits body  109  to be attached in tension at ends  123  and  125 . Therefore, loop portion may be an aperture as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3  or may be a hook shape. Additionally, band  115  is configured to permit a user the ability to customize the cosmetic and ornamental appearance along with the function as recited between the hook shape and loop. The cosmetic and ornamental appearance relates to, but is not limited to the following: color, pattern, material, smell, print and so forth. It is important to note that band  115  is configured to permit the detaching and reattaching of loop portions  119 , 121  from body  117  in a repetitious manner. 
         [0022]    The silicone used in the bands of  FIGS. 1-3  are non-porous, non-absorbent, and heat resistant. Each band has elastic properties permitting the bands to flex and stretch. The non-porous and non-absorbent nature of the bands allows the bands to resist absorption of liquids and bacteria that may fester or breed if not cleaned. Furthermore, the bands of  FIGS. 1-3  are heat resistant. The bands are configured of a silicone based material that can resist weakening or the changing of chemical structure and composition when exposed to temperatures at least as high as 450 degrees Fahrenheit. An example would be the ability to tolerate direct contact from a heated cooking tool such as a pot or pan set to boil water or broil meat. 
         [0023]    It should also be noted that although silicone is the material of choice, it is understood that other non-silicone materials may be incorporated upon design preferences. The material should have minimal to no porosity and be heat tolerant as described above. An additional feature of the bands of  FIGS. 1-3  is the ability to withstand washing in a dishwasher and in a washing machine. 
         [0024]    Referring now also to  FIG. 4  in the drawings, a silicone pad  141  is illustrated. Pad  141  includes a first plurality of silicone bands aligned in a parallel manner along first orientation and a second plurality of silicone bands aligned in a parallel manner along a second orientation. The first orientation is orthogonal to the second orientation. The intersection of the silicone bands are selectively woven to form a tightly knit grouping. The pattern is preselected by a user to a pre-selected dimension. Other patterns may be used apart from the orthogonal orientations of the bands. Additionally, other shapes such as octagonal, pentagonal, or diamond may be selected. 
         [0025]    The bands used in pad  141  are any one of bands  101 ,  103 ,  115  as seen in  FIGS. 1-3 . An intermingling of bands  101 ,  103 ,  115  may also be used. This means that pad  141  is composed of silicone in the preferred embodiment. In order to limit slippage in the interwoven pattern, the bands include a surface texture configured to prevent the translation of bands  101 ,  103 ,  115  relative to one another within the pattern. Additionally, the surface texture enables pad  141  to adhere to or grip a surface (i.e., counter top). Silicone itself has an increased level of grip, therefore even without the surface texture, pad  141  is configured to maintain the interwoven pattern without the need for edge treatments around the perimeter  143 . 
         [0026]    Referring now also to  FIG. 5  in the drawings, a portable table top hand-held loom  151  is illustrated. Loom  151  forms a perimeter of a preselected shape and dimension. Upward protruding knobs  153  are located around the perimeter of loom  151 . There are equal numbers of knobs  153  on opposing sides of loom  151 . Bands  101 ,  103 , and or  115  are attached to corresponding knobs  153  across opposing ends of the perimeter. As seen in  FIG. 5 , bands  101  are used as well as one band  103 . 
         [0027]    To make pad  141 , a table top hand-held portable loom is to be located. The bands of choice are selected. The bands may be of differing cosmetic and ornamental appearance or may alternatively have a uniform appearance. Likewise bands of differing materials may also be used. The bands are interwoven across loom  151  to achieve a preselected pattern and size. Once the pattern is completed, the bands are removed from knobs  153 . Instead of needing to interlace the ends of the bands as seen in typical pads, the silicone material grips the neighboring bands in the interwoven pattern sufficiently to not require edge treatments. However, a user may elect to apply at least one edge treatment. 
         [0028]    An edge treatment is used to: 1) selectively ensure and maintain the interwoven pattern does not unweave and 2) selectively ornament and decorate the pad. Attachment member  145   a  are similar in function to that of loop portions of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . An attachment member is merely a more cosmetic and ornamental loop portion. Because the pattern is completed, the function of the actual loop or hook is not necessary any longer. If bands  101  were used to form pad  141 , the exposed ends of bands  101  may be cut and attachment members may be applied. Additionally, where bands  103  were used to form pad  141 , loop portions  111 ,  113 ,  119 ,  121  may be removed and replaced by a more decorative attachment member  145   a.  Attachment members  145   a  may be used to bind neighboring band ends around the perimeter of the pad to ensure the interwoven pattern does not unweave. 
         [0029]    The ability to repetitiously and repeatedly remove edge treatments allows a user the ability to customize and repair pad  141 . For example, if one band breaks or needs to be replaced, the attachment member (if used) can be removed from the body of the band to permit removal of the band from the pattern and the insertion or replacement with another band. Additionally, the edge treatment can serve a way to functionalize the pad by attaching accessories  145   b,  such as a large loop, to assist is the vertical hanging or storage of pad  141  against a wall. Pad  141  is versatile in permitting the attachment and removal of various accessories  145   b  and attachment members  145   a  or loop portions. It is to be understood that attachment members and accessories are releasably coupled to a band in a similar manner as described with the loop portions of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0030]    The current application has many advantages over the prior art including the following: (1) heat resistant material used in the pads that does not break down when exposed to direct heat; (2) non-porous material to resist absorption of liquids and food; (3) machine washable material; (4) releasably coupled attachment members or loop portions to permit customization and repair of the pad. 
         [0031]    The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3