US20220042235A1 - Method of Hanging Shower/Bath Mats - Google Patents

Method of Hanging Shower/Bath Mats Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220042235A1
US20220042235A1 US17/158,206 US202117158206A US2022042235A1 US 20220042235 A1 US20220042235 A1 US 20220042235A1 US 202117158206 A US202117158206 A US 202117158206A US 2022042235 A1 US2022042235 A1 US 2022042235A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
shower
mat
bath
holes
bath mat
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US17/158,206
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English (en)
Inventor
Trevor Herny
Kassie Herny
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US16/988,625 external-priority patent/US20210079585A1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US17/158,206 priority Critical patent/US20220042235A1/en
Priority to CN202110268234.4A priority patent/CN114052455A/zh
Publication of US20220042235A1 publication Critical patent/US20220042235A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F57/00—Supporting means, other than simple clothes-lines, for linen or garments to be dried or aired 
    • D06F57/12—Supporting means, other than simple clothes-lines, for linen or garments to be dried or aired  specially adapted for attachment to walls, ceilings, stoves, or other structures or objects
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G27/00—Floor fabrics; Fastenings therefor
    • A47G27/02—Carpets; Stair runners; Bedside rugs; Foot mats
    • A47G27/0212—Carpets; Stair runners; Bedside rugs; Foot mats to support or cushion
    • A47G27/0225—Carpets; Stair runners; Bedside rugs; Foot mats to support or cushion for bathrooms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
    • A47K3/001—Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00 ; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
    • A47K3/002—Non-slip mats for baths
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
    • A47K2201/00—Details of connections of bathroom accessories, e.g. fixing soap or towel holder to a wall
    • A47K2201/02—Connections to a wall mounted support

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to bath tub and shower mats and has particular reference to an elastomeric bath mat having associated therewith novel means whereby the same may be supported when not in use in a flat unfolded condition on the inner surface of the inside or outside side wall of a bath tub where it may be dried by a drip action.
  • Bathtubs and shower stalls are frequently provided with rubber or plastic safety mats to prevent the bather from slipping therein and to avoid any possible resultant injuries.
  • the mats are usually left in a wet condition on the bottom of the tub or the floor of the shower stall with the result that the mat may soon develop bacteria, mold and/or mildew or deteriorate in a way that causes an unsightly appearance.
  • a framework including suitable linkage is secured to the wall of the bathtub, and the mat is pivotally connected to the linkage, whereby the linkage and associated mat are swung to an inoperative position when not in use.
  • the mat is provided with a plurality of suction cups and/or magnets, whereby the mat is adapted to tightly grip the wall of the tub.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,663 comprises, essentially, a mat having hanger means integrally connected to one end of the mat whereby the mat may be freely suspended from a towel rack, or other suitable support, positioned in proximity to the tub or shower.
  • the hanger means comprises a pair of key-hole slots provided adjacent one end of the mat and a pair of straps formed integrally with the mat and extending from the end of the mat in alignment with the key-hole slots, a head or button member being provided on the end of each strap, whereby the mat, when not in use, may be hung to dry on a towel rack by wrapping the straps around the rack and inserting the button members into the slots.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,512,044 comprises An improved portable shower and bath mat including a non-absorbent mat having a non-slip bottom surface and having a channeled bottom surface and a plurality of drain holes through said pad to permit water to drain through said pad to the channels in the bottom surface of said pad and into the shower or bath drain.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,020,562 comprises an elastomeric bath mat having associated therewith novel means whereby the same may be supported when not in use in a flat unfolded condition on the inner surface of the outside side wall of a bath tub where it Will be substantially concealed from view and where it may automatically be dried by a drip action.
  • a patent application US20140138508 is also relevant, though it deals with an exercise mat. It comprises a baseboard or mounting portion connected to a clip or securing portion, which together gently but firmly exert compression across the width of an exercise mat.
  • the securing portion (“clip”) may consist of one or more clips, clamps or cams positioned along the width of the mat.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an improved shower/bath mat hanging combination for freely suspending the mat from a set of hooks or similar device to facilitate the drying of the mat when not in use.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an improved shower/bath mat drying system that leaves the shower/bath mat freely suspended, versus being doubled up over a towel rack while drying.
  • Another object of the present invention for the shower/bath mat is to have antibacterial and mildew resistant properties, which may be included in the material used to manufacture the shower/bath mat.
  • Another object of the invention is to have a method to strongly adhere the hook to the wall so the mat does not fall down.
  • the hook device in this method has a rotating hinge, that when the hinge is pulled from the up to the down position the suction cup is secured against the wall and forces the air out between the suction cup and wall, in effect creating a vacuum, forcing the air out and creating a tight seal. This prevents a common occurrence with suction cups, when air works under the edge of the suction or vacuum cup, the seal will break and the suction cup will fall off.
  • a preferred embodiment comprises a bathmat having a top surface and a bottom surface with high friction gripping material or suction cup, side edges, a top edge, with at least two holes spaced a distance apart so that the weight of the bathmat is evenly distributed across the two hooks. In order not to damage the bathmats the holes may be reinforced.
  • the shower/bath mat may have antibacterial and mildew resistant properties, which may be included in the material used to manufacture the shower/bath mat.
  • the hooks or similar holding devices offer various hanging solutions enable hanging the holder and mat from a shower/bath wall, bathroom wall or door, or other structure, with a hook base length sufficient to space a mat from a wall to allow free flowing air on all sides of the shower/bath mat.
  • the hanging solution When hung over a door or affixed to a wall, the hanging solution enables spacing the mat from the door or wall to permit air to flow along, and dry, both sides.
  • the mat dries in its normal deployed shape and avoids being curled or cracked.
  • the method also includes the use of hook with a hinge component that secures the suction cup to the wall for a tight fit. Moving the hinge from the up position to the position bottom secures the suction cup to the wall which creates a tight seal.
  • a second embodiment of the method is to use an overlay hook to go over towel rank or top of shower/bath drawer, rather than hooks that attach to the wall, to suspend the shower/bath mat for drying.
  • the main embodiment of this method has the shower/bath mat hanging down with the shortest side parallel to the floor, and the longest side perpendicular to the floor.
  • a third embodiment of this method places three holes along the longest side of the shower/bath mat so that the shower bath mat can hang with the shortest side perpendicular to the floor, and the longest side parallel to the floor.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shower/bath mat with holes hanging from hooks according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectioned view taken along lines L 2 in FIG. 1 and shown thickness L 1 of the shower/bath mat.
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view showing lines L 2 and L 3 , and distances D 1 , D 2 and D 3 .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hook.
  • FIG. 5 is a view of the shower/bath hook base with hinge in the up-position before engaging the suction cup.
  • FIG. 6 is a view of the shower/bath hook base with hinge in the mid-position toward engaging the suction cup.
  • FIG. 7 is a view of the hinge with the hook in the downward position, engaging the suction cup.
  • FIG. 8 is a view of the second hook for the second embodiment, which has on one end a rounded section to go over a towel rack and a hook on the other end.
  • FIG. 9 is a view of the shower/bath mat with additional holes along the longest side so that the longest end can be parallel to the floor.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates components of the preferred embodiment of this method invention, a shower/bath mat 10 that that includes holes 26 for hanging the shower/bath mat 10 , and a hook 30 that is attached to a surface so that the holes in the mat will fit over the hook.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shower/bath mat 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the shower/bath mat 10 has a main body 20 having a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24 that extend outwardly to a perimeter 25 .
  • the bottom surface 24 may be a high friction gripping material or suction cups.
  • the perimeter 25 includes side edges 25 a and a top edge 25 b.
  • the main body 20 is generally shaped to fit in and substantially cover a shower/bath or tube (rectangular, oval etc.) and includes at least two holes 26 being spaced a distance from the perimeter 25 described in greater detail below.
  • the holes 26 are also spaced a distance apart so that the width of the shower/bath mat 10 may be evenly distributed on the hooks 30 while hanging.
  • the hooks 30 may be included with the shower/bath mat 10 or separately and are described in greater detail below.
  • the holes 26 may be reinforced with extra material or an insert with hole attachment.
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the shower/bath mat 10 taken along lines L 2 in FIG. 1 .
  • the bottom surface includes suction cups 28 , but in other embodiments the bottom surface 24 may be in the form of any high-friction/non-slip material or structures such as silicone, soft-foam, rubber etc.
  • the suction cups 28 may be the form of cups or suction channels, or the shower/bath mat 10 may be lined with material to suction the entire shower/bath mat 10 in place.
  • the main body 20 having the top surface 22 and bottom surface 24 further has a thickness 1 . 1 .
  • 1 . 1 may be between 1 and 3 mm, in this example, the thickness 1 . 1 is approximately 2.1 mm (not including the suction cups 28 ).
  • An object of the present invention for the shower/bath mat 10 is to have antibacterial and mildew resistant properties, which may be included in the material used to manufacture the shower/bath mat 10 .
  • FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the showerbath mat 10 , showing the placement of the holes 26 relative to the main body 20 .
  • a line 1 . 2 measures the length of the main body 20
  • a line 1 . 3 measures the width of the main body 20 .
  • 1 . 2 may be between 27-32 inches, and 1 . 3 may between 12 and 17 inches, In this example, 1 . 2 is approximately 30 inches, and 1 . 3 is approximately 15 inches. However in other examples, 1 . 2 and 1 . 3 may vary within an appropriate range.
  • “approximately” is hereby defined to mean +/ ⁇ 15% of the given measurement.
  • FIG. 3 further shows the holes 26 each laterally spaced a distance D 1 From each other, a distance D 2 from the side edges 25 a and spaced a distance D 3 from the top edge 25 b.
  • D 1 is approximately 11.5 inches
  • D 2 is approximately 2 inches
  • D 3 is approximates 1.3 inches. In other embodiments these distances may be greater or less that the provided examples, as long as holes 26 are located in the upper 10% of the mat 10 .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the hook 30 , which align with the shower/bath mat holes when hanging the shower/bath mat 10 to dry.
  • the hook 30 includes a hook portion 32 connected to a base portion 34 by a hinge 32 .
  • the hook 30 may be connected to the hook base 34 without the hinge 32 .
  • the hooks 30 are sized and adapted to fit through the holes 26 of the shower/bath mat 10 and support the weight of the shower/bath mat 10 .
  • the dimension of the holes 26 may be approximately between five and 10 mm, this embodiment 8 mm. However, in other embodiments the holes 26 may have larger or smaller dimensions, as deemed suitable by those in the art.
  • hook base 34 of the hook 30 is in the form of a suction cup for securing to a shower/bath wall, but in other embodiments the hook base 34 may be secured to a wall or mounting surface using other means, e.g, a strong adhesive, apertures for receiving nails, etc.
  • the base 34 is in the form of a second hook which may be hung from a towel bar or other similar structure.
  • the hook 30 may be lightweight and constructed of plastic, vinyl or other material known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, each hook 30 is 9.7 grams, but on other embodiments' the hooks 30 may weigh more or less than this.
  • FIG. 5 is a view of the hook base with the hook in the up position.
  • the hinge has a pin 35 that the hook rotates around, an L shaped space 37 , post 47 that connects the hook base 34 and the suction cup 39 , and that retracts into the hook base as the hinge is pulled down.
  • FIG. 6 is a view of the hook base with the hook in the middle.
  • the hinge has a pin 35 that the hook rotates around, an L shaped space 37 , post 47 that connects the hook base 34 and the suction cup 39 , and that retracts into the hook base as the hinge is pulled down.
  • FIG. 7 is a view of the hook base with the hook in the middle.
  • the hinge has a pin 35 that the hook rotates around, an L shaped space 37 , post 47 that connects the hook base 34 and the suction cup 39 , and that retracts into the hook base as the hinge is pulled down.
  • FIG. 8 is a view of the second hook, which has an overlay section 43 to go over a towel rack or the top of a shower, a base 11 and a bottom hook 45 to hold the shower/bath mat.
  • FIG. 9 is a view of the third embodiment, showing the two extra holes in the long of the shower/bath mat, so that the long side can hang parallel to the floor.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Bathtub Accessories (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
US17/158,206 2020-08-08 2021-01-26 Method of Hanging Shower/Bath Mats Abandoned US20220042235A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17/158,206 US20220042235A1 (en) 2020-08-08 2021-01-26 Method of Hanging Shower/Bath Mats
CN202110268234.4A CN114052455A (zh) 2020-08-08 2021-03-12 淋浴垫和钩组件及用于悬挂淋浴垫的方法

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/988,625 US20210079585A1 (en) 2019-09-12 2020-08-08 Method of Hanging Shower Mats
US17/158,206 US20220042235A1 (en) 2020-08-08 2021-01-26 Method of Hanging Shower/Bath Mats

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/988,625 Continuation-In-Part US20210079585A1 (en) 2019-09-12 2020-08-08 Method of Hanging Shower Mats

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US20220042235A1 true US20220042235A1 (en) 2022-02-10

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US17/158,206 Abandoned US20220042235A1 (en) 2020-08-08 2021-01-26 Method of Hanging Shower/Bath Mats

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US (1) US20220042235A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN114052455A (zh)

Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1613158A (en) * 1925-03-28 1927-01-04 Frederick C Brewer Bath mat and the like
US1759348A (en) * 1929-11-13 1930-05-20 Fishman Morris Bathtub cushion and mat
US2081992A (en) * 1936-03-12 1937-06-01 Joseph G Gavlak Bathtub mat
US3091779A (en) * 1961-06-16 1963-06-04 Homer C Lucas Mat
US3408663A (en) * 1966-02-10 1968-11-05 Edison E. Bunting Bath mat
US6308923B1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-10-30 Herman S. Howard Suction support assembly
US20030201369A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2003-10-30 Interdesign, Inc. Suction cup with rivet cap assembly
US6814335B2 (en) * 2002-04-09 2004-11-09 Interdesign, Inc. Embedded connection member
US20060208142A1 (en) * 2005-03-17 2006-09-21 Adams William E Iv Slotted suction cup with transverse bore and holding device
US20070022527A1 (en) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-01 Jessica Russo Foot scrubbing and massaging assembly
US20080054674A1 (en) * 2006-09-05 2008-03-06 Atmosphere Creative Inc. Portable privacy shield for an automobile
US20080083064A1 (en) * 2006-10-05 2008-04-10 Carla Elizabeth Litwhiler Splash-guard towel
US20080185353A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-08-07 Interdesign, Inc. Utility items made with rods of oval construction
US20100122961A1 (en) * 2008-11-20 2010-05-20 Leslie Wayne Moreau Sports equipment hanger
US8056153B2 (en) * 2007-09-19 2011-11-15 Javier Fernando Ruedas Multipurpose urinal attachment
US20120005821A1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2012-01-12 Doug Fowkes Cushion with double stacked off-set honeycomb
US8387783B2 (en) * 2009-10-13 2013-03-05 Skip Hop, Inc. Device for holding bath toys
US20140127449A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 Yu-Chieh Wang Suction Floor Mat
US9015877B2 (en) * 2006-10-05 2015-04-28 Carla Elizabeth Litwhiler Splash guard towel
US20150240862A1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2015-08-27 Zhongshan Taili Household Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Suction Cup with Flat Framework
US20150330438A1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2015-11-19 Zhongshan Taili Household Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vacuum suction cup having bowl-shaped framework
US9758350B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2017-09-12 Harry Miller Co., Inc. Elevator pad hanging apparatus and method
US20170280941A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2017-10-05 Chun-Fu Kuo Anti-slip mat

Patent Citations (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1613158A (en) * 1925-03-28 1927-01-04 Frederick C Brewer Bath mat and the like
US1759348A (en) * 1929-11-13 1930-05-20 Fishman Morris Bathtub cushion and mat
US2081992A (en) * 1936-03-12 1937-06-01 Joseph G Gavlak Bathtub mat
US3091779A (en) * 1961-06-16 1963-06-04 Homer C Lucas Mat
US3408663A (en) * 1966-02-10 1968-11-05 Edison E. Bunting Bath mat
US6308923B1 (en) * 1999-12-10 2001-10-30 Herman S. Howard Suction support assembly
US6814335B2 (en) * 2002-04-09 2004-11-09 Interdesign, Inc. Embedded connection member
US20030201369A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2003-10-30 Interdesign, Inc. Suction cup with rivet cap assembly
US20060208142A1 (en) * 2005-03-17 2006-09-21 Adams William E Iv Slotted suction cup with transverse bore and holding device
US20070022527A1 (en) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-01 Jessica Russo Foot scrubbing and massaging assembly
US20080054674A1 (en) * 2006-09-05 2008-03-06 Atmosphere Creative Inc. Portable privacy shield for an automobile
US20080083064A1 (en) * 2006-10-05 2008-04-10 Carla Elizabeth Litwhiler Splash-guard towel
US9015877B2 (en) * 2006-10-05 2015-04-28 Carla Elizabeth Litwhiler Splash guard towel
US20080185353A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-08-07 Interdesign, Inc. Utility items made with rods of oval construction
US8056153B2 (en) * 2007-09-19 2011-11-15 Javier Fernando Ruedas Multipurpose urinal attachment
US20100122961A1 (en) * 2008-11-20 2010-05-20 Leslie Wayne Moreau Sports equipment hanger
US8387783B2 (en) * 2009-10-13 2013-03-05 Skip Hop, Inc. Device for holding bath toys
US20130193014A1 (en) * 2009-10-13 2013-08-01 Skip Hop, Inc Device for Holding Bath Toys
US8827102B2 (en) * 2009-10-13 2014-09-09 Skip Hop, Inc. Device for holding bath toys
US20120005821A1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2012-01-12 Doug Fowkes Cushion with double stacked off-set honeycomb
US20140127449A1 (en) * 2012-11-08 2014-05-08 Yu-Chieh Wang Suction Floor Mat
US20150240862A1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2015-08-27 Zhongshan Taili Household Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Suction Cup with Flat Framework
US20150330438A1 (en) * 2012-11-19 2015-11-19 Zhongshan Taili Household Products Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Vacuum suction cup having bowl-shaped framework
US9758350B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2017-09-12 Harry Miller Co., Inc. Elevator pad hanging apparatus and method
US20170280941A1 (en) * 2014-09-12 2017-10-05 Chun-Fu Kuo Anti-slip mat

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Publication number Publication date
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