WO2022167851A1

WO2022167851A1 - Self – sanitizing prayer carpet

Info

Publication number: WO2022167851A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moosa Eisa Al Amri; Amin Husain Hasan AL AMIRI
Original assignee: Moosa Eisa Al Amri
Priority date: 2021-02-04
Filing date: 2021-05-07
Publication date: 2022-08-11

Abstract

A self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) for use as a Muslim prayer mat comprises an outer surface layer (20) and a cushionary pad layer (30). The outer surface layer is made of compacted fibrous material coated with a metallic film (13) having disposed thereover an array of through openings (22) extending through the outer surface layer for draining of water or moisture through the outer surface layer (20) which does not retain water or moisture on its outer surface. The cushionary pad layer (30) underlies the outer surface layer, and is made of water or moisture absorbent material that is shock absorbent and is made of sponge or padding material containing sanitizing substances preventing the reproduction of germs, bacteria and viruses, as well as carbon based material to combat bad odors.

Description

Self - Sanitizing Prayer Carpet

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a self-sanitizing and self-cleaning prayer carpet. This type of carpet has become especially important in recent times due to the coronavirus pandemic, known as (Covid- 19), in order to reduce infection due to the spread of the virus.

Background of the Invention

All aspects of use by members of the community and the places where they are present must be well sanitized and precautionary measures must be taken. In particular, worshippers flock regularly to places of worship such as mosques during prayer times to pray in mosques. One of the conditions of performing prayer in a mosque is ablution of the user, in such a way as to: wash the face at least once; wash the hands up to the elbows, only once; wipe the head once - all the head; and wash the feet to the ankles only once.

Ablution with water makes the worshippers noticeably wet, and during prayer Muslims must prostrate on the ground. Considering that the current moquette in mosques and prayer spaces is made of unhealthy materials, this is regarded as a source of germs that are reproduced and infect other worshippers.

This has led us to the present invention of a carpet/moquette that is made with good and healthy materials to prevent the reproduction of viruses and germs, so that this moquette is self-sanitizing.

Prior Art

CN 207236608 relates to a waterproof carpet. This is a high density waterproof carpet, which aims to provide an anti-slip and waterproof carpet with a high density and that includes an intertwined soft bristle, sponge layer and non-slip foam The soft bristle layer includes a layer of interwoven fiber attached to knitting wool. The interwoven fiber includes a set of warp and weft yarns forming spaced rows extending transversely to the set of warp yarns in which they are arranged in pairs and woven in a way that makes the pairs of warp yarns twist between each weft yarn. This is carried out by inserting interwoven fiber into a first hole then inserting the other interwoven fiber into a next hole. The knitting wool comes in U-shape and is inserted in a hole. The interwoven fiber is inserted from one side with one-color thread layer and heat sealed by an applied adhesive. A second adhesive is applied to the sponge layer, and this second adhesive adheres to the first adhesive. In summary this is a high density waterproof carpet.

CN248953889 describes a carpet equipped with an absorbent bag. The carpet structure consists of an absorbent layer, backing layer and protective layer. The absorbent layer, nonslip layer and protective layer are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The absorbent layer is provided internally with an absorbent sponge, and both sides of the internal part of the backing layer are provided with separating layers. Opposite sides of the layers are provided with slippery grooves internally provided with slippery blocks that match with the slippery grooves. A feature of the carpet equipped with an absorbent bag is that improving the internal part of the placement layer and arranging the adsorption bag affects absorption of the internal part of the carpet, as well as removing odors through arranging the layers with the slippery grooves. The effect of the slippery blocks drags away the placement layer and facilitates the replacement of the adsorption bag. This improves the absorption effect of the preventive layer to preserve the carpet more effectively. In summary, this carpet has an external sponge absorbent layer.

CN248605640 concerns a dust-absorbing carpet. The carpet structure is the main backbone of a carpet. Adsorption holes are formed in the upper part of the carpet structure, in which a protective layer is arranged at the top of the internal part of the carpet structure. A sponge layer is arranged on the underside of the protective layer, as well as an activated carbon absorption layer on the underside of the sponge layer, a nonflammable layer being arranged at the bottom. An insulating layer is arranged on the underside of the nonflammable layer. An anti - slip layer is arranged on the underside of the insulating layer. Also, a suction cup is arranged on the underside of the anti-slip layer. The dust-absorbing carpet is thus equipped with a sponge layer and an activated carbon absorption layer, in which the sponge layer can absorb dust that comes from the carpet, and the activated carbon absorption layer can take up harmful gases in the air, purify the indoor air during prayer and protect people. A magnetic field can be created to enhance absorbing dust from the air.

CN2429427 provides antibacterial nanometric substances to an automotive trim carpet, as well as a preparation method for antibacterial nanometric substances. It is related to the technical field of high-resistance polymer materials to bacteria. Antibacterial nanometric substances for the automotive trim carpet is prepared from the following raw materials: Modified nylon, PP resin, nanometer titania powder, modified plant fibers, antibacterial agent, copper abietate, tightening agent and UV-absorbing agent. Antibacterial nanometric substances in the carpet have anti-germ and sanitizing properties, heat resistance, ultraviolet resistance, stiffness, a gloss surface and antibacterial effects. They are simple to prepare and suitable for industrial production. The automotive trim carpet made from antibacterial nanometric substances features antibacterial and antioxidant materials.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a self-sanitizing prayer carpet comprising a plurality of layers comprising an outer surface layer and a cushionary pad layer.

The outer surface layer is made of compacted fibrous material including plant and/or plastic fibers or other compact material, the outer layer having disposed thereover an array of through openings extending through the outer surface layer for draining of water or moisture through the outer surface layer which does not retain water or moisture on its outer surface. The outer surface layer optionally contains sanitizing substances preventing the reproduction of germs, bacteria and viruses.

The cushionary pad layer underlies the outer surface layer, the cushionary pad layer being made of water or moisture absorbent material that is shock absorbent and is made of sponge or padding material containing sanitizing substances preventing the reproduction of germs, bacteria and viruses.

The compact material of the outer layer is coated with a metallic film, for example of silver. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet of the invention furthermore optionally comprises one or more supplementary cushionary pad layers that retain water or moisture transferred from the outer surface layer through the cushionary pad layer(s) and that may release sanitized water or moisture from under the carpet.

Preferably at least one of the outer surface layer or a cushionary pad layer is made of cotton, palm branches, coconut leaves, plastic or other elements used in the moquette industry.

Usually, at least one cushionary pad layer and optionally the outer surface layer contains as sanitizing substances nanometric substances resistant to bacteria. In this case, the nanometric sanitizing substances can be prepared from modified nylon, PP resin, nanometer titania, modified plant fibers, antibacterial agent, copper abietate and antibacterial nanometric substances.

Usually also, at least one cushionary pad layer contains at least around its periphery a carbonbased material that can take up gases for controlling bad odours.

In an embodiment of the inventive self-sanitizing prayer carpet, the array of through openings in the outer surface layer are disposed in a regular or irregular pattern over part or all of the overall surface area. For example the array of through openings in the outer surface layer are disposed in parallel rows with the openings of any one row offset relative to the openings in each adjacent row.

To implement this embodiment, the outer surface layer can be made up of rows of generally rectangular compact pieces each having a central opening wherein the rectangular pieces of adjacent rows are offset to the rectangular pieces in the next row, so the array of openings is made up of the central openings in the compact pieces and the spacings between the adjacent compact pieces.

The main application of the invention is as a Muslim prayer carpet that in use is subject to ablution of the user. In one embodiment, the Muslim prayer carpet adapted for individual prayer use by a single user. Another embodiment is a moquette-type carpet adapted for group prayer use by multiple users, the moquette type carpet comprising multiple prayer units each adapted for use by a single user. In the case of a carpet for multiple users, the moquette-type carpet can be provided in the form of a roll that can be rolled out to deploy the multiple prayer units.

General Description of the Invention

The innovative moquette according to the invention is intended for mosques, prayer spaces and/or other places and is made of special materials such as cotton, palm branches, coconut leaves, plastic or other elements used in moquette industry. While manufacturing this new type of moquette, adequate, appropriate and homogeneous or inhomogeneous holes and pores must be considered.

When manufacturing the moquette, special materials can be added that are capable of mixing with the materials from which moquette is made, and the modified moquette can have many benefits. Materials may be mixed with the basic ingredients of the moquette structure or added to its structure as an additional layer as follows:

First the moquette can be manufactured using good and healthy materials to prevent the reproduction of viruses and germs, so that the moquette is self-sanitizing. The innovative moquette made for mosques, prayer spaces and/or other places can be made of special materials used in the moquette industry such as cotton, palm branches, coconut leaves, plastic or other elements. While manufacturing this new type of moquette, as mentioned adequate, appropriate and homogeneous or inhomogeneous holes and pores must be considered.

The new moquette has several benefits, and includes several materials and fittings in its manufacturing, such as : The moquette structure is provided with a waterproof material that will transfer water from the top to the bottom. Beneath the outer moquette layer, there is an absorption layer and/or pad and preventive layer to preserve the carpet more effectively. This is a real comfort for people with different weights while bowing or prostrating. Thus, prayer will be more comfortable by compensating for floor roughness. Beneath the moquette, as well as at all its edges, there can also be a carbon substance that controls bad odors. This activated carbon absorption layer can take up harmful gases in the air and purify indoor air. This new invented moquette can be finished with a nanometric substance resistant to bacteria in the carpet and/or moquette. Nanometric substances are prepared from the following raw materials: Modified nylon, PP resin, nanometer titania powder, modified plant fibers, antibacterial agent and copper abietate. Antibacterial nanometric substances in the carpet have anti-germs and sanitizing properties, high efficiency, heat resistance, ultraviolet resistance and antibacterial.

Detailed Description of Aspects of the Invention

As mentioned earlier, this novel innovation is related to moquette and/or carpet that is in particular laid in mosques and prayer spaces. What makes this innovative type of moquette special is that it is water resistant in order to prevent moisture that could be a fertile ground for bacteria, germs and viruses, hence, particularly epidemic and contagious diseases. Therefore, the new moquette should be made of specific dampproof materials. Moreover, a material is added to slide off water sprayed into worshippers’ faces and their entire bodies which become wet due to ablution and which come to contact moquette surfaces while the worshippers perform prayers.

Moquette and/or Carpet Advantages for Worshippers :

Beneath the moquette, there is an absorbent layer and protective layer that provides comfort for people when using such carpet, especially in that worshippers’ weights are different which may affect their mobility while praying. Thus, the lower part of the moquette is a sponge layer for the users comfort when bowing and prostrating. So, prayer will be comfortable with no strain or stress as the floor roughness is no longer a factor. The moquette has also a carbon material for controlling bad odors. An activated carbon absorption layer can take up harmful gases in the air and purify indoor air. This new invented moquette is finished with a nanometric substance resistant to bacteria in the moquette and/or carpet. Nanometric substances are prepared from the following raw materials: modified nylon, PP resin, nanometer titania powder, modified plant fibers, antibacterial agent, copper abietate and antibacterial nanometric substances. The carpet has anti-germ and sanitizing properties, high efficiency, heat resistance, ultraviolet resistance and antibacterial effect.

The new carpet/moquette may be manufactured in various forms and colors, with available materials provided that it meets certain specifications. For example, it must be waterproof, wetness and odor resistant due to anti-odor carbon material, provide sliding of water from to bottom and have a sponge layer to absorb weights and protect from floor roughness.

Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of a mat according to the invention for individual prayer use;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a moquette roll according to the invention, partly rolled out to provide a plurality of individual prayer areas;

Fig. 3 is a photograph showing one example of the top surface of a moquette/carpet according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-section of an embodiment of the moquette/carpet according to the invention; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a worshipper praying on a moquette/carpet according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 is a top view of a mat (10, 11) according to the invention for individual prayer use. It is generally rectangular in shape and has a central area (20) on which a worshipper can prostrate when praying, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The central area is surrounded by a peripheral border (13) and the narrow ends of the mat are provided with decorative tufts (14). At least the central area (20), and possibly the entire surface, has a specific composition and structure that will be described for example in connection with Fig. 4. Preferably the peripheral border (13) has a different composition designed for antibacterial activity and gas absorption, as will be described later. The peripheral border (13) and optionally a head part (15) of the central prayer area (20) are provided with decorative motifs that can vary from matt to mat.

Fig. 2 illustrates a moquette roll (13) according to the invention, mainly for use in mosques, shown partly rolled out to provide a plurality of side-by-side generally rectangular individual prayer areas (19) on which worshippers can prostrate when praying. The individual prayer areas are similar to that of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a photograph showing on an enlarged scale one example of the perforated compact top surface of a moquette/ carpet according to the invention. In this case, the array of through openings 22 in the outer surface layer are disposed in a regular pattern over at least the central prayer area, and usually over part or all of the overall surface area. In this example of Fig. 3, the array of through openings (22) in the outer surface layer are disposed in parallel rows with the openings of any one row offset relative to the openings in each adjacent row.

More particularly, in this example, the rows are made up of generally rectangular compact pieces (24) each having a generally rectangular central opening (26) surrounded by a wall of given thickness. The rectangular pieces (24) of adjacent rows are offset to the rectangular pieces in the next row and their spacing (28) corresponds to the thickness of the rectangular pieces (24) in the adjacent row. The array of openings (22) is thus made up of the rectangular central openings (26) in the compact pieces (24), and the spacings (28) between the adjacent compact pieces (24).

Fig, 4 is a schematic cross-section across an embodiment of the layered central area of a moquette/carpet (10) according to the invention. The moquette/carpet comprises an upper perforated compact layer (20) one or more cushioning layers (30), and a rear surface or back layer (40).

As shown, the upper perforated compact layer (20) comprises the array of openings (22) and it is covered by a thin metallic foil (23), preferably of silver, over its outer surface and optionally also inside the openings (22). The upper perforated compact first layer (20) forms the carpet/moquette’s external surface. It can be made of compact plant and/or plastic fibers, a blend of both and/or other compact materials. This compact external layer (20) is coated with a silver film, or another metallic film (23) for diverting water and moisture.

The compact outer surface layer (20) optionally contains sanitizing substances preventing the reproduction of germs, bacteria and viruses.

The second or cushioning layer (30) constitutes the padding and/or sponge foam of the carpet and/or moquette. It is a shock absorbent element. It contains ingredients combating germs, virus and bacteria reproduction. Moreover, further layers are preferably added to reinforce the spongy or sanitizing layer in the carpet or moquette.

The moquette/carpet of Fig. 4 optionally has double or more cushioning layers arranged laterally to add further spongy and sanitizing materials.

The rear surface or back layer (40) is usually made from the same compact materials as the upper perforated compact layer (20). It optionally encloses a space or reservoir (42) and its thin upper surface (44) preferably acts as a valve, allowing passage of moisture from the cushioning layer(s) (30) to penetrate into the reservoir (42) but preventing moisture in the reservoir (42) from returning into the cushioning layer(s) (30). On its lower surface, the back layer (40) can be provided with tufts (46) or other protrusions for resting on the ground.

As mentioned, Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a worshipper (48) prostrated and praying on a moquette/carpet (10) according to the invention. For this reason, antibacterial and antivirus element have been provided as well as enlarged the holes, so water will slide from top to the bottom of the layered moquette in order to protect worshippers against any harmful infection.

Generally speaking, the inventive moquette and/or carpet has engineering shapes and holes for ventilation and prevention of germs, virus and bacteria reproduction. The innovative moquette/carpet is intended for mosques, prayer spaces and/or other places and is made of special materials such as cotton, palm branches, coconut leaves, plastic or other elements used in the moquette industry. Adequate, appropriate and homogeneous or inhomogeneous holes and pores must be provided. Furthermore, special antibacterial and/or anti-infection materials must be added to its manufacturing elements so that the moquette and/or carpet complies with sanitary requirements that must be fulfilled in new mosques and prayer spaces. The moquette/carpet could be produced from modified plant fibers, antibacterial agent, copper abietate, antibacterial nanometric substances and anti-odor carbon substance. An activated carbon absorption layer can absorb harmful emissions in the air and purify the interior air inside mosques and/or houses of worship.

Legend

10 self-sanitizing prayer carpet/moquette

11 mat for individual prayer use

12 central area

13 peripheral border

14 tufts

15 head part

16 moquette for group use

17 multiple prayer units

18 roll

19 individual prayer areas

20 outer surface layer

22 through openings

23 metallic film, preferably silver

24 rectangular compact pieces

26 rectangular central opening

28 spacing(s)

30 cushionary pad layer

40 rear surface/back layer

42 opening/reservoir

44 thin top surface

46 tufts

48 worshipper

Claims

CLAIMS A self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) comprising a plurality of layers: an outer surface layer (20) made of compacted fibrous material including plant and/or plastic fibers or other compact material, the outer layer having disposed thereover an array of through openings (22) extending through the outer surface layer for draining of water or moisture through the outer surface layer which does not retain water or moisture on its outer surface, the outer surface layer (20) optionally containing sanitizing substances preventing the reproduction of germs, bacteria and viruses; a cushionary pad layer (30) underlying the outer surface layer (20), the cushionary pad layer being made of water or moisture absorbent material that is shock absorbent and is made of sponge or padding material containing sanitizing substances preventing the reproduction of germs, bacteria and viruses; wherein the compact material of the outer layer (20) is coated with a metallic film (23), for example of silver, and - furthermore optionally comprising one or more supplementary cushionary pad layers (30) that retain water or moisture transferred from the outer surface layer through the cushionary pad layer(s) and that may release sanitized water or moisture from under the carpet.

2. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the outer surface layer (20) or a cushionary pad layer (30) is made of cotton, palm branches, coconut leaves, plastic or other elements used in the moquette industry.

3. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one cushionary pad layer (30) contains as sanitizing substances nanometric substances resistant to bacteria.

4. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the nanometric sanitizing substances are prepared from modified nylon, PP resin, nanometer titania, modified plant fibers, antibacterial agent, copper abietate and antibacterial nanometric substances.

5. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one cushionary pad layer contains at least around its periphery a carbon-based material that can take up gases for controlling bad odors.

. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the array of through openings (22) in the outer surface layer (20) are disposed in a regular or irregular pattern over part or all of the overall surface area. . The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the array of through openings (22) in the outer surface layer are disposed in parallel rows with the openings of any one row offset relative to the openings in each adjacent row.

8. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet as claimed in claim 7, wherein the outer surface layer (20) is made up of rows of generally rectangular compact pieces (24) each having a central opening (26) wherein the rectangular pieces (24) of adjacent rows are offset to the rectangular pieces in the next row, and the array of openings (22) is made up of the central openings (26) in the compact pieces (24) and the spacings (28) between the adjacent compact pieces (24).

9. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, which is a Muslim prayer carpet that in use is subject to ablution of the user.

10. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 9, which is a Muslim prayer carpet (11) with an individual prayer area (19) adapted for individual prayer use by a single user.

11. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 9, which is a moquette-type carpet (17) adapted for group prayer use by multiple users, the moquette type carpet comprising multiple prayer units (19) each adapted for use by a single user.

12. The self-sanitizing prayer carpet (10) as claimed in claim 12 wherein the moquette-type carpet (17) is provided in the form of a roll (18) that can be rolled out to deploy the multiple prayer units (19).