Abstract:
A method for temporarily protecting a hard surface by selecting a surface, applying a dose of liquid solution on the selected surface, waiting for the dose of liquid solution to solidify into a sheet, and removing the sheet from the surface. At least one dose of liquid solution is stored in a solid form in a container, and the sheet of solidified material can be removed by peeling.

Description:
GRANT OF NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHT 
       [0001]    This application was prepared with financial support from the Saudia Arabian Cultural Mission, and in consideration therefore the present inventor(s) has granted The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a non-exclusive right to practice the present invention. 
       FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The invention generally relates to a method for temporarily protecting a hard surface by forming a solid sheet on the surface, specifically a method that includes spraying a liquid compositon onto the surface to quickly form a removable sanitary sheet. The invention further relates to a container for applying the liquid solution. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0003]    The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention. 
         [0004]    This application relates to a method of protecting surfaces. In day-to-day usage of kitchens and restrooms, people may wipe unclean surfaces with paper towels before and/or after they have finished using the surface. Wiping unclean surfaces is an obvious way of protecting the users from dirt or germs, e.g., by cleaning these surfaces. 
         [0005]    Alternatively, surfaces may be protected or coated before use. For toilets for example, a disposable piece of plastic, attached to the toilet seat or located above the toilet seat, may be placed on a surface of the toiler and/or adjusted prior to use, and discarded after use. 
         [0006]    However, public facilities may not always provide paper or plastic covers to protect surfaces, since these solutions may be expensive and wasteful. Furthermore, people with busy schedules may find it time consuming to wipe surfaces clean, or may decide not to do so. In another instance, counters or surfaces may become dirty, and the next person to use the surface may find it difficult to clean. 
         [0007]    In other situations a person may wish to protect the surface coating or appearance of an item. Newly purchased articles are sometimes at least partially covered with a removed thermoplastic film. The film adheres to a surface of the article that the user desires to protect. The film provides scratch resistance and protects the surface from soiling and/or accumulation of dust and debris. Once such a protective film has been removed from a surface it is very difficult to replace it without substantially compromising the cosmetic appearance of the article. A composition or method that provides a means to newly cover a surface with a protective disposable film is desirable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A method for temporarily protecting a hard surface by selecting a surface, applying a dose of liquid solution on the selected surface, waiting for the dose of liquid solution to solidify into a sheet, and removing the sheet from the surface after use. At least one dose of liquid solution is stored in solid form in a container, and the sheet of solidified material can be removed by peeling. 
         [0009]    In a first exemplary embodiment, a device may be mounted to a wall or integrated with a toilet, and used to protect a toilet seat. 
         [0010]    In a second exemplary embodiment, a device may be portable and used to protect surfaces such as kitchen counters. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment the device and a composition contained in the device provides a means for applying a removable protective film on a surface for which cosmetic surface protection is desired. 
         [0012]    The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of a first variant of an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  depicts a schematic cross-sectional view of a second variant of an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    It is an object and feature of an exemplary embodiment described herein to protect users from contamination and skin infections. A non-limiting exemplary embodiment protects users from germs, and reduces over-cleaning. One advantage of an exemplary embodiment described herein is the ability for households, businesses, and individuals to save time, energy and money. 
         [0017]    The device can also be used to cover a surface to protect the cosmetic appearance of the surface and/or to protect the surface for soiling. Durable and non-durable household goods may be protected with the device and film described herein. For example, in a dusty climate an individual may wish to protect a piece of furniture from soiling or from collecting dust. Conventionally this is accomplished by covering the furniture with a thick protective plastic film (often made of polyvinyl chloride). Such plastic films may, however, severely affect the appearance and comfort of the furniture. The plastic tends to degrade upon exposure to sunlight and thereby becomes discolored or brittle. The present invention provides a way to quickly and easily spray a thin protective film on the furniture at a cost that is much lower than the costs of a conventional plastic protective film. The protective film of the invention closely matches the surface contours of the furniture and is highly flexible allowing an individual to use the furniture without consciously being aware of the presence of the protective film. The protective film also serves to exclude the accumulation of pet hairs and other common household dirt on furniture. 
         [0018]    Another advantage of an exemplary embodiment described herein is the ability to conveniently carry and store the product, and to cover a larger surface area with a smaller amount of material. It is yet another advantage of an exemplary embodiment to be able to use the product repeatedly. 
         [0019]    These and other objects, advantages, and features of the exemplary embodiments described herein will be apparent to one skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification, including the attached drawings. 
         [0020]    Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         [0021]    In a first non-limiting exemplary embodiment, referring to  FIG. 1 , the device may be fixedly mounted on a wall. 
         [0022]    In other embodiments the device is so positioned to permit discharge or spray of a liquid onto cars to protect them when they are shipped overseas and thereby protect the cars&#39; paint and exterior surfaces from getting damaged. The device may also be so positioned or arranged to be used by health or government inspectors when closing or restricting the operations of a store or a restaurant. For example, the liquid may be sprayed around the store or the restaurant&#39;s door edges with special color to make sure that no one enters. 
         [0023]    In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the device may be located in a bathroom, e.g., mounted on a wall next to a toilet paper dispenser. In an alternative embodiment, the device may be integrated with the toilet seat. 
         [0024]    In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 , a cylindrical bottle  100  contains a product. In an exemplary embodiment this product may be stored as a solid when the device is off, but may be a liquid when the device is on. The device is on when it is activated by a user. The bottle  100  may be inserted into a slot  200 , which encases the bottle  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bottle  100  may be pressurized. A tubular element  105  located on the bottle  100  may be connected to a tubular element  300 . When the user activating a handle  302 , carries the contents of the bottle  100  to a surface where they are applied. A tubular element may include a rigid portion  300  located inside the casing  600 , and a flexible portion  301 . In an exemplary embodiment, flexible portion  301  of the tubular element may be partially protected from the outside environment by a cover element  400 , and partially exposed to the environment, such that the user can twist the tubular element  301  and easily cover the desired surface with the contents of the bottle  100 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the tubular element or hose  300  may be at least long enough to reach the toilet bowl edges. 
         [0025]    In an exemplary embodiment, the casing  600  which holds the bottle  100  and tubular distribution system  300  may also include devices  500  located around the slot  200  encasing the bottle. In an exemplary embodiment the devices  500  may be heating elements. The heating may alternately be provided by a chemical reaction that provides heat to the contents of the device. For example, the device may be surrounded by a cavity which contains a reaction medium. Upon activation the reaction medium quickly generates heat which is transferred to the contents of the device to thereby warm and/or melt the contents of the device. In an exemplary embodiment, the casing  600  may also include an on/off switch  800 , and a device  900  which can roll the tubular element  301  inside the protector element  400 , such that when the device is not being used, the tubular element is coiled inside element  900 , with the end piece  303  resting at the bottom of the protector element  400 . 
         [0026]    In a non-limiting example, a bathroom user is faced with a toilet seat. The user may press the on/off button  800 , thereby turning on the device, with the heating elements  500  generating heat and heating the solid stored in the bottle  100  to the point that the contents of the bottle  100  become liquid. In another embodiment the device automatically adjusts the temperature and the liquid/solid state of its contents. For example, the device includes circuitry and operable instructions such that the device begins heating as soon as someone enters the bathroom. Alternately the device may include operable instructions to maintain specific temperature at which the contents are help in liquid form. Further operable instructions may include keeping the device contents liquid only at times of the day during which the toilet is most frequently used. 
         [0027]    In an exemplary embodiment, the device may not have a thermostat but instead the at least one heating element  500  may be programmed to reach the melting point of the material inside the bottle  100  once the user activates the on/off button. The device may release enough heat to quickly melt the material inside the bottle, and allow the user to proceed by spraying a liquid. The device may include a visual signaling device whereby users are visually clued that the device is ready for dispensing. For example, the device may include an LED or other signal such as a colored light source that illuminates when the material inside the device is liquid or fully molten. The device may also include safety relay preventing discharge until the material within the device is fully molten. 
         [0028]    The user may pull the tubular element  301  out of the protector case  400 , to the desired length, and apply the end piece  303  to the toilet seat. When the user presses the release handle  302 , liquid may be aspirated from the bottle  100  through tubular elements  300  and  301 , and sprayed onto the desired hard surface, e.g., the toilet seat, where the contents solidify, thereby providing the user with a protective coating. The length of the tubular is preferably be between 3-4 feet and the handle is preferably 2-3 inches in size with a pressing handle that is preferably 1-1½ inch. The dimensions are so selected to permit the user to reach all the toilet bowl&#39;s edges and for to also allow the kitchen user to reach all counter surfaces. The diameter of the tubular is preferably about ½ inches or less. When the user stops pressing the release handle, liquid is no longer aspirated from the bottle  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, pressurization of the bottle  100  may help with distribution of the liquid through the tubular elements. The tubular elements  300 - 301  preferably retract into the device subsequent to use. Retraction returns the tubular elements to an environment in which heat may be applied such that any remaining liquid present after initial discharge is in a liquid state. 
         [0029]    In a non-limiting example, the end piece  303  may be shaped to match the width and height of a toilet seat cover. In an exemplary embodiment the end piece  303 , handle  302  and tube  301  may be integral to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle  302  and end piece  303  may be made of hard plastic, with the tube  301  being made of semi-rigid plastic. 
         [0030]    In a non-limiting example, the time between the user pressing the on-off button and the ability for the user to spray the toilet seat is short, between 30 and 60 seconds. It is however not necessary for the device to be turned on/off every time a user wants to use the device. For example, the device may be turned on at all time during business hours and shut off by janitors when not needed for example during the end of a day business office at a company&#39;s office. 
         [0031]    In a non-limiting example, dependent on the temperature difference between the melted liquid sprayed by the end piece  303 , and the temperature of the surface and surroundings, the solidification process of the sprayed layer may take between 30 and 60 seconds. 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment, the device may be plugged in to derive power. The device can be powered by using the same power source as the toilet bowl sensor. Batteries may be used in place of direct electrical power. The batteries may be used as a back-up power for electricity or the batteries may be used in a device that is mobile and not permanently connected to electrical power. Such mobility may ease use of the device in areas such as kitchens 
         [0033]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, there may be a scraper element allowing the user, once done, to scrape off the coating layer from the surface, allowing the next user to spray a new layer. In a non-limiting example, the scraper element may be a separate piece affixed to the casing  600 , or the end piece  303  may double as a scraper element. After peeling the material from the toilet bowl edges, the discarded layer of material may be light and thin enough to be flushed without causing any backups and flood risks. In another embodiment the liquid material contains a dye or pigment that colors the material. This permits easy identification for the user to confirm that the surface is effectively covered with the peelable membrane or material. 
         [0034]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the bottle  100  is empty, it can be replaced by janitors. 
         [0035]    In a second non-limiting exemplary embodiment, referring to  FIG. 2 , the device may be small enough and light enough to be carried in a pocket or a purse. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the casing  610  may have a cylindrical shape, such that the entire device is comfortable and easy to carry for the user. In this embodiment the device may be powered with one or more batteries, preferably a single AAA battery. Preferred dimensions are about 5-6 inches in length and the replaceable bottle is between 3-4 inches tall having a diameter of between 1-1½ inches. The device preferably has the shape of a paper spray. In another exemplary embodiment, the versatile device provides portable storage of a material in a solid form, and fast transformation from solid to liquid material, such that a user may spontaneously decide to spray any solid or semi-solid surface to provide protection from germs, dirt or contaminants. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the device may be smaller and lighter than the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    In the non-limiting example of  FIG. 2 , the bottle  110  contains the product to be sprayed, and is inserted into a slot  210 , which encases the bottle  110 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bottle  110  may be pressurized. A tubular element  115  located on the bottle  110  is connected to a tubular element  310  which upon the user activating a handle  312 , carries the contents of the bottle  110  to a surface where they are applied. Tubular element  310  may include a rigid portion  310  located inside the casing  610 , and a flexible portion  311 . In an exemplary embodiment, flexible portion  311  of the tubular element may be partially protected from the outside environment by a cover element  410 , and partially exposed to the environment, such that the user can twist the tubular element  311  and easily cover the desired surface with the contents of the bottle  110 . 
         [0037]    The casing  610  which holds the bottle  110  and tubular distribution system  310  may also include heating elements  510  located around the slot  210  encasing the bottle. In an exemplary embodiment, the casing  610  may also include an on/off switch  810 , and a device  510  which can roll the tubular element  311  inside the protector element  410 , such that when the device is not being used, the tubular element is coiled inside element  910 , with the end piece  313  resting at the bottom of the protector element  410 . In an exemplary embodiment, once the user is done spraying the desired surface, .e.g. the kitchen counter, the hose  311  rolls back in the machine, coiled by element  910 . In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the casing  610  may also include an on/off switch  810 , which is powered by batteries, located in a battery compartment  710 . 
         [0038]    In a non-limiting example, a user is faced with a dirty or unclean surface. In another application the device may be used to secure an area from trespass or disturbance. For example, at a crime scene the police may use the device to make sure that no evidence is removed or tampered with. This also serves to protect the police office/investigators working at the crime scene. For example, police officers can spray the crime sense with the product after they do the initial investigation to make sure no one comes at the crime senses and change the evidence. The police or investigators may spray areas or surfaces including any of the floor, bodies, prints, and surrounding areas. When they spray the surrounding area, they know if anyone try to enter the crime sense by their footprints. The user may press the on/off button  810 , thereby turning on the device, with the heating elements  510  generating heat. The bottle  110  may contain a material which is stored as a solid. Upon the user turning on the device, the heating elements  510  heat up the contents of the bottle  110 , such that it becomes liquid. The user may then pull the tubular element  311  out of the protector case  410 , to the desired length, and apply the end piece  313  to the desired surface, such as a kitchen counter. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the end piece  313  may have a wide and flat opening, adapted to large flat surfaces such as kitchen counter. When the user presses the release handle  312 , liquid is aspirated from the bottle  100  through tubular elements  310  and  311 , and sprayed onto the desired surface, e.g. the kitchen counter, bank counter, or post-office counter, where the contents solidify, thereby providing the user with a protective coating. Other surfaces that may be targeted for protection include bank counters and post office counters. 
         [0039]    In an exemplary embodiment the end piece  313 , handle  312  and tube  311  are integral to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle  312  and end piece  313  are made of hard plastic, with the tube  311  being made of semi-rigid plastic. 
         [0040]    In an exemplary embodiment, the machine may not have a thermostat but instead the at least one heating element  510  may be programmed to reach the melting point of the material inside the bottle  110  once the user activates the on/off button. The machine may release enough heat to quickly melt the material inside the bottle, and allow the user to proceed. In a non-limiting example, the time between the user pressing the on-off button and the moment when the user is first able to spray the desired surface is short, between 30 and 60 seconds. 
         [0041]    In a non-limiting example, dependent on the temperature difference between the melted liquid sprayed by the end piece  313 , and the temperature of the surface and surroundings, the solidification process of the sprayed layer may take between 0.5 and 60 seconds. Preferably solidification is complete within 1 to 10 seconds, even more preferably within 3 to 5 seconds. 
         [0042]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, there may be a scraper element allowing the user once done to scrape off the coating layer from the surface, allowing the next user to spray a new layer. In a non-limiting example, the scraper element may be a separate piece affixed to the casing  610 , or the end piece  313  may double as a scraper element. After peeling the material from the used surface, the discarded layer of material may not be bio hazardous or toxic, such that it can safely be discarded in a standard trashcan or waste container. The scraper element may be placed within the U shaped  303  in the figure. Preferably the scraper is not a separate piece from the device. 
         [0043]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the bottle or cartridge  110  is empty, a user can replace it to continue using the device. 
         [0044]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1  or  2 , a material may be stored as a solid within a bottle  100 ,  110 , and sprayed as a liquid, after being heated to a liquid state by resistance heating elements  500 ,  510 . 
         [0045]    In an exemplary embodiment, the sprayed solution solidifies quickly, adheres to the surface, and can easily be removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the sprayed liquid solution may be a premixed solution comprising a liquid medium and solid particles. 
         [0046]    In an exemplary embodiment, the material used may be selected from plastic or rubber materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the material used may be a synthetic wax, such as a polymer wax with a narrow melting point. Wax materials may not require high temperatures to transition from solid to liquid states, and require only a few seconds to transition from liquid to solid state. In an exemplary embodiment, the material used may be selected from non-hazardous materials within the cyanoacrylate family of adhesives, which provide a quick curing time. In an exemplary embodiment, a material used may be one that dissolves in contact with water, i.e. hydrophilic. In an exemplary embodiment, the material to be sprayed may be a low melting synthetic polymer which is safe for human contact, and safe to dispose in the trash. 
         [0047]    In alternate exemplary embodiment, the material sprayed may be a mixture of a volatile compound containing rubber or plastic materials, such that when the material is sprayed the mixture dissipates, leaving a coating of rubber or plastic materials. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, elements  500  and  510  may be elements other than heating elements or may not be required. For example,  500  is preferably the heating element that may alternately be a thin piece of metal that gives enough heat to melt the material inside the bottle.  510  is preferably not a heating element but instead functions to roll the tubular portion back inside the machine to keep the materials inside the hose in liquid form. 
         [0048]    In an alternate embodiment an agent may be mixed in the solution stored in bottle  100  to accelerate solidification of the product on the desired surface. 
         [0049]    In an exemplary embodiment, a material for the casing  600 ,  610  may be a stainless steel or hard plastic to provide protection for the interior elements, and to keep the heat inside. In an exemplary embodiment, a material for the bottle  100  may be safe when exposed to heat such that there is no risk of explosion when the contents of the bottle are heated. 
         [0050]    Thus, the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of the invention, as well as other claims. The disclosure, including any readily discernible variants of the teachings herein, define, in part, the scope of the foregoing claim terminology such that no inventive subject matter is dedicated to the public.