VORTEX-CREATING MAT

Abstract

This invention relates to a product comprising a bath mat having a leading surface and a major axis perpendicular to the leading surface; and plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the bath mat, wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the bath mat are oriented at an angle at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat are oriented in the same deviation from parallel with respect to the upper surface of the bath mat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-FUNDED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OF COMPUTER REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION THEREOF

[0004] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Bath mats are used in bath tubs and showers to keep people from slipping and hurting themselves. The present invention relates generally to an article for use in bath facilities such as bathtubs and shower stalls, and, more particularly, to a bath mat that is capable of creating an imbalance of water flow towards the bathtub or shower stall that may result in increased efficiency in water flow through the bathtub or shower stall drain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one embodiment, the invention is a product comprising a bath mat having a leading surface and a major axis perpendicular to the leading surface; and a plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the bath mat, wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the bath mat are oriented at an angle at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat are oriented in the same deviation from parallel with respect to the upper surface of the bath mat.

[0007] In another embodiment, a bath mat is configured to assume at least one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygon shape.

[0008] In another embodiment, a bath mat comprises a length of 16 inches and a width of 13.5 inches.

[0009] In another embodiment, a bath mat comprises a length of 38.5 inches and a width of 20 inches.

[0010] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction at least 1 degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0011] In another embodiment, the angle at least 1 degree from parallel is determined clockwise relative to the major axis.

[0012] In another embodiment, the angle at least 1 degree from parallel is determined counterclockwise relative to the major axis.

[0013] In another embodiment, the drainage direction at least 1 degree from parallel is determined counterclockwise relative to the major axis.

[0014] In another embodiment, the drainage direction at least 1 degree from parallel is determined counterclockwise relative to the major axis.

[0015] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are comprised of broken ridges.

[0016] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are substantially rectangular in shape.

[0017] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are substantially parallel relative to one another.

[0018] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are substantially elliptical in shape.

[0019] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are substantially wedge-shaped.

[0020] In another embodiment, the bath mat is comprised of a rubber material.

[0021] In another embodiment, the bath mat is comprised of a silicon material.

[0022] In another embodiment, the bath mat is comprised of a vinyl material.

[0023] In another embodiment, the ridges are disposed on the upper surface of the bath mat.

[0024] In another embodiment, the ridges are disposed on the lower surface of the bath mat.

[0025] In another embodiment, the ridges project at least 0.125 inches (0.3 cm) relative to the surface of the bath mat.

[0026] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat substantially populate the entirety of the bath mat surface, wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction that is at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a uniform drainage direction disposed to either the left or the right of a drain.

[0027] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat substantially populate a portion of the bath mat surface, wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction that is at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a uniform drainage direction disposed to either the left or the right of a drain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention is further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

[0029] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material to which a claim for copyright is made. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but reserves all other copyright rights whatsoever.

[0030] From the perspective of the design elements of this invention, any broken line depiction of the design in any of FIGS. 1-8 is for illustrative purposes only and form no part of the claimed design.

[0031] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a bath mat 1 is depicted, having a leading surface 2 to be oriented closest to a tub or shower stall drain (not shown). The bath mat further has an upper surface 3, a lower surface 4, and a major axis perpendicular to the leading surface 5. A plurality of ridges 6 are disposed on the upper surface 3 of the bath mat 1 and are, in one embodiment, projecting outwardly from the upper surface 3 and/or the lower surface 4 of the bathmat 1. In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges 6 are operatively capable of draining water disposed on the bath mat or the floor of the tub or shower stall to a drainage direction at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface 5. As depicted in FIG. 1, the plurality of ridges 6 are oriented at an clockwise angle at least 30 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat 5.

[0032] FIG. 2 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a bath mat 1 is depicted, having a leading surface 2 to be oriented closest to a tub or shower stall drain (not shown). The bath mat further has an upper surface 3, a lower surface 4, and a major axis perpendicular to the leading surface 5. A plurality of ridges 6 are disposed on the upper surface 3 of the bath mat 1. As depicted in FIG. 2, the plurality of ridges 6 are oriented at an clockwise angle at least 30 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat 5.

[0033] FIG. 3 depicts a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the length of the bath mat 1 is greater relative to the width of the bath mat 1, and wherein the length of the bath mat 1 is greater than the length of the bath mat 1 depicted in FIG. 2.

[0034] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of ridges 6 are comprised of broken ridges with breaks 7 between adjacent portions of ridges.

[0035] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of ridges 6 are wedge-shaped.

[0036] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of ridges 6 are oriented at an counterclockwise angle at least 30 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat 5.

[0037] FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of ridges 6 are substantially rectangular.

[0038] FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the plurality of ridges 6 are substantially elliptical.

[0039] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 1.

[0040] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 2.

[0041] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 3.

[0042] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 4.

[0043] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 5.

[0044] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 6.

[0045] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 7.

[0046] In one embodiment, the characteristic feature of the design resides in the shape and/or orientation of the ridges 6 as shown and depicted in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the like shown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

[0048] It is a further object of this invention to provide a mat which is convenient and easy to use for anyone, including the elderly and obese, which does not require assembly, and is inexpensive.

[0049] It is a further object of this invention to provide a mat which may be used at in any private or public shower facility, including those in homes, schools, locker rooms, gyms, motels and hotels.

[0050] Other objects and advantages will be more fully apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims.

[0051] The term "at least one degree from parallel" means: oriented at an angle that is at least one degree from parallel with respect to a given reference point (in one embodiment, a major axis).

[0052] The term "deviation from parallel" means: oriented at an angle that is not parallel with a given reference point (in one embodiment, a major axis).

[0053] The term "drainage direction" means: The direction at which water draining off of a bath mat leaves the surface of the bath mat, relative to the major axis perpendicular to the leading edge.

[0054] The term "is determined clockwise" means: Angle relative to a major axis perpendicular to the leading edge, moving clockwise away from a parallel orientation.

[0055] The term "is determined counterclockwise" means: Angle relative to a major axis perpendicular to the leading edge, moving counterclockwise away from a parallel orientation.

[0056] The term "leading surface" means: The surface of a bathmat (whether an edge (in the case of a rectangular bathmat) or rounded edge or point (in the case of an elliptical or circular bathmat) oriented closest to a drain when the bathmat is placed in a bathtub or shower stall.

[0057] The term "major axis perpendicular" means: The axis perpendicular to the leading surface of a bathmat, as exemplified in the drawings herein by reference numeral 5.

[0058] The term "ridges" means: Structures that project outward from the upper and/or lower surface.

[0059] The term "uniform drainage direction" means: Orientation of drainage of water from a bath mat that is either consistently clockwise or consistently counterclockwise with respect to deviation from a major axis.

[0060] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction clockwise from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0061] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction counterclockwise from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0062] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 1 and 89 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0063] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 0 and 5 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0064] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 5 and 10 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0065] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 10 and 15 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0066] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 15 and 20 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0067] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 20 and 25 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0068] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 25 and 30 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0069] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 30 and 35 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0070] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 35 and 40 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0071] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 40and 45 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0072] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 45 and 50 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0073] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 50 and 55 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0074] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 55 and 60 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0075] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 60 and 65 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0076] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 65 and 70 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0077] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 70 and 75 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0078] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 75 and 80 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0079] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 80 and 85 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0080] In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction between 85 and 90 degrees from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0081] In another embodiment, the plurality of ridges are substantially parallel with respect to each other.

[0082] In one embodiment, each ridge forms an essentially unbroken structure across its entirety.

[0083] In another embodiment, each ridge forms an essentially unbroken structure across its entirety but for at least one break in structure.

[0084] In another embodiment, each ridge forms an essentially unbroken structure across its entirety but for a plurality of breaks in structure.

[0085] In another embodiment, each ridge forms an essentially unbroken structure across its entirety but for at least one break in structure, and, when a plurality of ridges are employed, the breaks in the ridges are substantially axially oriented so as to allow for a flow of material through successive ridge breaks, substantially parallel to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0086] In one embodiment, the ridges are rectangular in shape.

[0087] In another embodiment, the ridges are wedge-shaped in shape.

[0088] In another embodiment, the ridges are elliptical in shape.

[0089] In another embodiment, the ridges are a mixture of any of rectangular, circular and/or wedge-shaped in shape.

[0090] In another embodiment, the ridges are substantially uniform in height.

[0091] In another embodiment, the ridges vary in height.

[0092] In another embodiment, the ridges project approximately 1/8'''' (approximately 0.3 cm) from the surface of the bath mat.

[0093] In another embodiment, the ridges project approximately 1/4'''' (approximately 0.6 cm) from the surface of the bath mat.

[0094] In another embodiment, the ridges project approximately 1/2'''' (approximately 1.3 cm) from the surface of the bath mat.

[0095] In another embodiment, the ridges project sufficiently from the surface of the bath mat so as to be are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction deviated from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

[0096] In another embodiment, the bath mat is comprised partially and/or entirely of rubber.

[0097] In another embodiment, the bath mat is comprised partially and/or entirely of silicon.

[0098] In another embodiment, the bath mat is comprised partially and/or entirely of vinyl.

[0099] Further, the disclosed bath mat may be configured in a variety of shapes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the disclosed bath mats, such as the bath may be configured to assume a square shape. It will be, however, evident to a person skilled in the art that the bath mat may be configured to have any other shape, such as a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a rectangular shape, or any other polygonal shape.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bath mat may be configured to have a length of about 16 inches (about 40.6 cm), a width of about 13.5 in (about 34.3 cm), and a thickness of about 1/2 in to 1 in. (about 1.3 to 2.6 cm).

[0101] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bath mat can be of any dimension suitable to fit within a portion or the entirety of the floor space of a tub or shower stall, and may have ridges disposed on the entirety of the bath mat surface; a portions of the bath mat surface; the portion of the bath mat surface closest to the leading surface; the portion of the bath mat surface farthest from the leading surface; or any combination thereof.

[0102] In one embodiment, the bath mat is configured to be used in a bathtub while taking a bath or shower.

[0103] In another embodiment, the bath mat is configured to be used in a shower stall while taking a bath or shower.

[0104] In another embodiment, the bath mat is adapted to be placed on a floor of a bathtub or shower stall or other location proximate to a drain for partially or fully covering the floor of the bathtub, shower stall, or other location proximate to a drain .

[0105] In another embodiment, the bath mat is adapted to be placed on a floor of a bathtub or shower stall or other location proximate to a drain for partially or fully covering the floor and to form a surface which may be occupied while standing, sitting or otherwise being disposed within the bathtub, shower stall, or other location proximate to a drain.

[0106] In another embodiment, the bath mat is adapted to be placed on a floor of a shower stall for partially or fully covering the floor and to form a surface separate from the surface which may be occupied while standing, sitting or otherwise being disposed within the bathtub or shower stall.

[0107] In one embodiment, the bathmat may be used to direct water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction deviant from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, so as to direct water flow from the bath mat to the drain to one side of the shower or tube and thus create an unbalanced water flow towards the drain.

[0108] In another embodiment, creation of an unbalanced water flow and subsequent vortex may enable creation of a "vortex" around the drain and thus contribute to improved drainage.

[0109] While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications and /or alterations may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, any steps may be performed in any desired order (and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may be deleted). Therefore, it is understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments that come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A product comprising: A bath mat having a leading surface and a major axis perpendicular to the leading surface; and A plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the bath mat, Wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on a surface of the bath mat are oriented at an angle at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and Wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat are oriented in the same deviation from parallel with respect to the upper surface of the bath mat.

2. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the bath mat is configured to assume at least one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and a polygon shape.

3. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the bath mat comprises a length of 16 inches and a width of 13.5 inches.

4. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the bath mat comprises a length of 38.5 inches and a width of 20 inches.

5. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat.

6. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the angle at least one degree from parallel is determined clockwise relative to the major axis.

7. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the angle at least one degree from parallel is determined counterclockwise relative to the major axis.

8. The bath mat of claim 5, wherein the drainage direction at least one degree from parallel is determined counterclockwise relative to the major axis.

9. The bath mat of claim 5, wherein the drainage direction at least one degree from parallel is determined counterclockwise relative to the major axis.

10. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are comprised of broken ridges.

11. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are substantially rectangular in shape.

12. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are substantially parallel relative to one another.

13. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are substantially elliptical in shape.

14. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges are substantially wedge-shaped.

15. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat substantially populate the entirety of the bath mat surface, wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction that is at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a uniform drainage direction disposed to either the left or the right of a drain.

16. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ridges disposed on the surface of the bath mat substantially populate a portion of the bath mat surface, wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a drainage direction that is at least one degree from parallel with respect to the major axis perpendicular to the leading surface of the bath mat, and wherein the plurality of ridges are operatively capable of directing water disposed on the bath mat to a uniform drainage direction disposed to either the left or the right of a drain.

17. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the ridges are disposed on the upper surface of the bath mat.

18. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the ridges are disposed on the lower surface of the bath mat.

19. The bath mat of claim 1, wherein the ridges project at least 0.125 inches relative to the surface of the bath mat.