Patent ID: 6886271

Claim:
A surface drying system having a vacuum source comprising: a water-impermeable membrane having an upper side, a lower side, and a perimeter, the lower side being configured to be positioned proximate to the surface to be dried; a port within to membrane, the port configured to allow water and air to pass from the lower side to upper side of the membrane and the vacuum source; and a grid associated with the lower side of the membrane, the grid further comprising a lattice-work formation, the lattice-work formation being created from a plurality of superimposed strands, such that when the grid is applied to the surface, a plurality of passageways is provided that permit the travel of air and water between the surface and the membrane from locations distant from the port toward the port when the membrane is placed adjacent the surface, wherein the vacuum source creates an enclosure of negative pressure within the perimeter of the membrane and urges water to flow trough the passageways towards the vacuum source to effect moisture removal.