IT202000032003A1 - REFRIGERATOR LINING MAT STRUCTURE - Google Patents

Description

Description of the industrial invention entitled ?COVERING MAT STRUCTURE FOR REFRIGERATORS?

DESCRIPTION

Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the structure of a lining mat for the vegetable drawer of refrigerators.

Brief hints on the prior art? Technical problem

[0002] As known, the fruit and vegetable drawer of a refrigerator serves to create a closed and separate compartment from the cooling surface present in the main compartment, to maintain a sufficient degree of humidity in the refrigerator. and prevent the contents from being rapidly dehydrated.

[0003] ? otherwise? I am aware of the drawback that a liquid film, containing water and vegetable exudates, easily forms on the bottom of the fruit and vegetable drawer. Contact with this liquid layer has the disadvantage of causing a much quicker deterioration of the vegetables. faster than an optimal storage time.

[0004] Furthermore, the liquid layer facilitates the growth of fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms, as well as organic compounds, which can then be transported by the saturated vapors present in the refrigerator and deposited on the vegetables and on all the food products present in the refrigerator, worsening their taste and conservation, and generating bad odours.

[0005] ? therefore a covering mat is desirable which prevents direct contact of the fruit and vegetables present in the appropriate drawer with the liquid which can accumulate helping to preserve them and avoid bad smells in the refrigerator.

[0006] There are refrigerator mats made of plastic or polyurethane foam, which for? they have various drawbacks. The plastic mats do not allow air to circulate under the food, creating a stagnation of vapors and condensates. Those in polyurethane foam allow for air circulation, but do not absorb moisture. Both do not allow you to reach an optimal shelf life of food stored in the refrigerator. In particular, if these mats are placed in the fruit and vegetable drawer, they do not produce any substantial benefit compared to the plastic bottom of the same drawers.

[0007] DE202018102487U1 discloses a refrigerator mat formed by two layers for storing food on refrigerator shelves, and in particular for the fruit and vegetable drawer. The mat comprises two overlapping layers of polyurethane foam which are glued together with a food grade adhesive. The top layer contains more perforated polyurethane foam. coarser and less dense, while the lower layer has holes much more? fine and more dense. This solution, while allowing all?humidity? of the drawer to migrate to the lower layer, which has many more? micro-holes, it does not prevent the vegetables from coming into contact with the liquid, which in any case can back up to the top layer. In addition, this lining mat does not prevent liquid from accumulating on the bottom of the drawer.

[0008] US9586745 discloses a flexible lining mat containing alpaca fibers and a flexible mesh pocket which contains the mat. The fibres, held together by an adhesive, have an absorbing power of the humidity which passes through the mesh. Thus, the humidity excess formed on the surface of food is absorbed. The mat and pocket can be washed and reused. However, despite the ability absorbent of the alpaca fibers, the vegetables in contact with the net remain moist, given that the liquid can? trace through the network.

[0009] US7662214 discloses a three-layer absorbent mat in which the upper and lower layers are made of absorbent paper, and the middle layer is made of absorbent paper. in cotton. Also in this case, while obtaining the result of retaining water with the central layer, this does not prevent the external paper layer from being constantly wet and in contact with the plants.

Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention therefore intends to provide a mat for lining the drawer for refrigerator vegetables which does not have the drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular is capable of absorbing the liquid that forms in the drawer without the absorbed liquid being able to come back into contact with the vegetables contained in the drawer.

[0011] The present invention also intends to provide a lining mat for the drawer for vegetables in refrigerators which can be easily applied to the bottom of the drawer.

[0012] The present invention also intends to provide a lining mat for the vegetable drawer of refrigerators which is adaptable to various possible shapes of the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.

[0013] The present invention also intends provide a refrigerator vegetable drawer liner mat that is easy and inexpensive to make.

[0014] The present invention also intends provide a refrigerator vegetable drawer liner mat to keep the bottom of the drawer dry when replacing the drawer.

[0015] These and other aims are achieved by the lining mat for the vegetable drawer of refrigerators comprising:

- a first layer configured to come into contact with the vegetables present in the drawer,

- a second layer, configured to absorb liquids,

- a third layer, configured to adhere to the bottom of the drawer;

the second layer being interposed between the first and third layers and being configured to receive liquids from the vegetables through the first layer,

characterized by the fact that:

- the first layer ? made of a permeable but non-absorbent material,

- the second layer comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP), capable of absorbing liquid and retaining it in the form of a gel;

- the third layer ? made of waterproof material.

[0016] In particular, the first layer ? configured to pass liquid from the vegetables present in the drawer, in one direction, but not to pass gel, in the opposite direction.

[0017] In this way, the absorbent mat is able to absorb large quantities of liquid turning it into gel, and the first layer remains substantially dry, since? the gel cannot cross it back in the opposite direction.

[0018] Advantageously, the second layer comprises super absorbent polymers (SAP) selected from: sodium polyacrylate, crosslinked polyacrylamide polymer, copolymer of maleic anhydride and ethylene, copolymers of butyl methacrylate, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol, crosslinked polyethylene oxide, and copolymer of cross-linked polyacrylonitrile. In particular, said SAPs can be copolymerized with cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxylated cellulose nanofibers and other cellulose-based components.

[0019] Thus, with these SAP ? Is it possible to reach a swelling ratio between 300:1 and 1000:1 of the second layer, as capacity? of liquid absorption and high compatibility? organic with foods.

[0020] Advantageously, the first layer ? a non-woven fabric (TNT) in synthetic fiber, or in cellulose or textile fiber treated so as not to absorb liquids, in particular an antibacterial TNT suitable for contact with food.

[0021] In this way, the first layer allows the liquid to quickly pass through it and reach the second layer, without remaining wet by it.

[0022] Advantageously, the third layer ? a waterproof film, such as a high density polyethylene film? or low density, or in bubble wrap, or in Mater-B.

[0023] This solution allows the mat according to the invention to be removed, finding the bottom of the drawer substantially dry, and therefore unable to create a place for the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and the formation of bad smells. The fact that the bottom of the drawer is dry allows for quick periodic replacement of the mat, without having to waste time drying the drawer.

[0024] In a possible embodiment, the third layer comprises portions of adhesive film. In particular, the adhesive film portions comprise a protective film, which can be removed at the time of use to reveal the adhesive film.

[0025] In this way, the mat can be fixed in a stable way to the bottom of the drawer, previously cleaned and made dry.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, the mat ? configured to be larger than the bottom of the drawer, and includes diagonal cutouts to allow perimetric flaps of the mat to lift and form a retaining edge.

[0027] In this way, a substantially tub-shaped shape of the mat is formed, so as to protect the vegetables from contact with the lower parts of the side walls, where they can accumulate condensate. In this way, moreover, the capacity is increased? of liquid containment of the mat. Furthermore, this solution allows the mat to be adapted, within certain limits, to drawer bottoms of different shapes and sizes.

Brief description of the drawings

[0028] The invention will illustrated below with the following description of its embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- figs. 1 shows a refrigerator drawer lining mat according to the invention;

- Fig. 2 shows the mat of Fig. 1 applied to the bottom of a refrigerator drawer;

- Fig. 3 shows a variant of the mat of Fig. 1 applied to the bottom of a refrigerator drawer;

- Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show two further variants of the mat of Fig.1, configured for a stable application on the bottom of a refrigerator drawer;

- Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show two further variants of the mat of Fig.1, configured for adaptation to the side walls of refrigerator drawers.

Description of preferred embodiments

[0029] With reference to figures 1-2, a lining mat 10 for the vegetable drawer 1 of the refrigerators comprises:

- a first layer 11 configured to come into contact with the vegetables (not shown) present in the drawer 1,

- a second layer 12, configured to absorb liquids,

- and a third layer 13, configured to adhere to the bottom 2 of said drawer 1.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, the second layer 12 ? interposed between the first layer 11 and the third layer 13 and ? configured to receive liquids 3a from the vegetables present in the drawer 1, through the first layer 11, and to retain the collected liquids 3b.

[0031] According to the invention, the first layer 11 is made of a permeable but non-absorbent material, so that liquids 3a can easily pass through it.

[0032] In particular, the first layer can be a non-woven fabric (TNT) in synthetic fiber, or in cellulose or textile fiber treated so as not to absorb liquids. In this way, the first layer 11 quickly allows the liquid 3a to pass through it and reach the second layer 12, without being wet by it. In particular, the first layer 11 can be an antibacterial non-woven fabric suitable for contact with foodstuffs, of a type known on the market.

[0033] As regards the second layer 12, again according to the invention, it comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP), capable of absorbing liquid and retaining it in the form of a gel. In this way, the absorbent mat 10 is able to absorb, retaining them in the second layer 12, large quantities of liquid 3b transforming it into a gel, in particular a hydrogel. At the same time, the first layer 11 remains substantially dry, since it is the gel 3b, being more? thick and viscous, it cannot cross it again in the opposite direction.

[0034] In fact, while the liquid 3a coming from the plants and from the condensate, being formed by water and exudates, of small molecular size, manages to pass through the first layer 11, the molecules of the polymer, much more? large, are unable to go back through the first layer 11 in the opposite direction even when they have absorbed large quantities? of liquid 3b. Furthermore, the SAPs are chemically stable, and do not release vapors or liquids, thus remaining confined between the first layer 11 and the third layer 13 both when the mat 10 is initially placed on the bottom 2 of the drawer 1, and when the SAPs have absorbed very liquid turning into hydrogel.

[0035] For example, the second layer can include super absorbent polymers (SAP) selected from polymers or copolymers based on: sodium polyacrylate, crosslinked polyacrylamide polymer, copolymer of maleic anhydride and ethylene, copolymers of butyl methacrylate, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol, crosslinked polyethylene oxide, and copolymer of polyacrylonitrile crosslinked. In particular, said SAPs can be copolymerized or cross-linked with cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxylated cellulose nanofibers and other cellulose-based components. Other SAPs may be used, in addition to those listed.

[0036] Thus, with these SAPs, or others that can be used, ? Is it possible to arrive in the second layer 12 at a swelling ratio between 300:1 and 1000:1 of the second layer, as capacity? of absorption of liquid.

[0037] As regards the third layer 13, again according to the invention, it is made of impermeable material, for example an impermeable film, such as high density polyethylene. or low density, or in bubble wrap, or in Mater-B. The fact that the third layer 13 is waterproof allows the mat 1 to be removed finding the bottom of the drawer substantially dry, and therefore unable to create a seat for the proliferation of bacteria, fungi and the formation of bad smells. Furthermore, the third impermeable layer 13 also serves to confine the SAP which remains between the first and third layer, and therefore when the mat is removed for its replacement, the bottom 2 of the drawer 1? totally dry and free of both humidity? that of hydrogel residues of the second layer 12, and ? ready to receive a new dry one.

[0038] The second layer 12 can be made exclusively in SAP, or the SAP pu? be sandwiched between two plies that contain it such as cotton, cellulose, fibers, paper, etc., which can also be needled or sewn together, to retain the SAP between them, while allowing it to swell as the liquid 3b is retained by it.

[0039] As shown in figures 4 and 5, the third layer 13 comprises portions of adhesive film 14. In particular, the portions of adhesive film comprise a protective film 15, which can be removed at the time of use to reveal the adhesive film 16. In this way, the mat 10 pu? be fixed in a stable way to the bottom of drawer 2, previously cleaned and made dry.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and in Fig. 3, in a possible embodiment, the mat 10 is configured to have a larger size than the surface of the bottom 2 of the drawer 1. This allows its perimeter flaps 18 to partially cover the side walls 4 adjacent to the bottom 2 of the drawer 1 (Fig. 3).

[0041] In one possible embodiment, the mat 10 can include diagonal notches 17 (Fig. 6) to allow the perimeter flaps 18 of the mat to rise and form a containment edge. The extremities? side 19 of the flaps 18 can be cos? overlapped and folded (Fig. 7).

[0042] Thanks to the diagonal notches 17, after the flaps 18 have been folded, the mat 10 takes on a substantially tub-shaped shape. Thus, there is the advantage of protecting the vegetables from contact with the lower portions of the side walls 4, where there may be contact. be more condensation descending along the walls themselves. Furthermore, the greater surface area of the mat 10 compared to one that covers only the bottom 2 allows to increase the capacity? liquid containment of the pad itself.

[0043] The diagonal notches 17 can be exploited in a variable way according to the surface of the bottom 2 of the drawer, allowing an adaptation of the mat 10, within certain limits, to the bottoms of the drawer 1 of different shapes and sizes or to the walls of the drawer 1 slightly curves.

[0044] Alternatively, the mat 10 can be preformed to allow the flaps 18 to lift even without notches, for example by means of shaped corner areas.

[0045] Similarly to Figs. 4 and 5, the solutions of Figs. 3, 6 and 7 can also be provided on the flaps 18 and on the ends? 19 portions of adhesive film 14 (not shown here), to facilitate overlapping and joining together and to the walls 4 of drawer 1.

[0046] The above description of embodiments of the invention? able to show the invention from a conceptual point of view so that others, using the prior art, will be able to modify and/or adapt these specific embodiments in various applications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and, therefore, intends that such adaptations and modifications will be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and materials for achieving the various functions described may be of various kinds without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terminology used are for purely descriptive purposes and, therefore, not limiting.

Claims (10)

1. A mat (10) for lining the drawer (1) for refrigerator vegetables comprising: - a first layer (11) configured to come into contact with the vegetables present in the drawer (1), - a second layer (12), configured to absorb liquids (3b), - a third layer (13), configured to adhere to the bottom (2) of said drawer (1); - said second layer (12) being interposed between said first layer (11) and third layer (13) and being configured to receive liquids (3a) from said vegetables through said first layer (11), characterized in that - said first layer (11) ? made of a permeable but non-absorbent material, - said second layer (12) comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP), capable of absorbing liquid (3a) and retaining it in the form of a gel (3b); - said third layer (13) ? made of waterproof material. 2. Coating mat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (11) is configured to pass liquid (3a) coming from the vegetables present in the drawer (1), in one direction, but not to pass gel (3b), in the opposite direction. 3. Covering mat (10) as per claim 1, wherein said second layer (12) comprises superabsorbent polymers (SAP) selected from: - sodium polyacrylate, cross-linked polymer of polyacrylamide, - copolymer of maleic anhydride and ethylene, - copolymers of butyl methacrylate, , - polyvinyl alcohol copolymers, - cross-linked polyethylene oxide, e - crosslinked polyacrylonitrile copolymer, in particular, said SAPs can be copolymerized or cross-linked with cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxylated cellulose nanofibers and other cellulose-based components. 4. Coating mat (10) as per claim 3, wherein said SAPs are structured to reach a swelling ratio of between 300:1 and 1000:1 of said second layer (12) due to gel formation (3b) following liquid absorption (3a). 5. Coating mat (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (11) is a non-woven fabric (TNT) in synthetic fiber, or in cellulose or textile fiber treated so as not to absorb liquids (3a). 6. Coating mat (10) as per claim 1, wherein said third layer (13) is a waterproof film. 7. Coating mat (10) as per claim 1, wherein said waterproof film of said third layer (13) is? a high density polyethylene film? or low density, or in bubble wrap, or in Mater-B. 8. Covering mat (10) as per claim 1, wherein said third layer (13) comprises portions of adhesive film (14), in particular the portions of adhesive film comprise a protective film (15), which can be removed at the time of ?use to uncover the adhesive film (16). 9. Covering mat (10) according to claim 1, wherein said mat (10) is configured to have a larger dimension than the bottom (2) of the drawer (1), and comprises perimeter flaps (18) of the mat (10) configured to fold and lift to form a containment edge capable of coming into contact with the side walls (4 ) of the drawer (1). 10. Covering mat (10) as per claim 8, wherein said mat (10) comprises diagonal notches (17) to allow said perimeter flaps (18) of the mat (10) to lift and form a containing edge, with end? sides (19) of the flaps (18) which can be cos? overlapped and folded.