U.S. patent application number 10/956399 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for bath mat.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lisa L. Bushman, Rebecca C. Mohr.
Application Number | 20060064814 10/956399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35056983 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060064814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bushman; Lisa L. ; et
al. |
March 30, 2006 |
Bath mat
Abstract
In one example form, the present invention relates to a bath mat
that includes a base layer which has an active ingredient. In
another example form, the bath mat includes a base layer, a first
layer and an active ingredient that is between the base layer and
first layer. Some example active ingredients that may be included
in the bath mat are one or more of a surfactant, effervescent
material, aromatic material and skin conditioner. In still another
example form, the bath mat includes a base layer and one or more
articles (e.g., wash cloth, pillow or absorbent pad) that are
detachably connected to the base layer. In yet another example
form, the bath mat includes a base layer and a temperature
indicator that forms part of the base layer.
Inventors: |
Bushman; Lisa L.; (Kaukauna,
WI) ; Mohr; Rebecca C.; (Appleton, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH
1600 TCF TOWER
121 SOUTH EIGHT STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35056983 |
Appl. No.: |
10/956399 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/583 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/583 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/02 20060101
A47K003/02 |
Claims
1. A bath mat comprising a base layer that includes an active
ingredient.
2. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the base layer is formed of a
film.
3. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the active ingredient includes a
surfactant.
4. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the active ingredient includes
an effervescent material.
5. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the active ingredient includes
an aromatic material.
6. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the active ingredient includes a
skin conditioner.
7. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the base layer is formed of a
non-skid material.
8. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the active ingredient is
suspended in the base layer.
9. The bath mat of claim 1 wherein the base layer is formed of the
active ingredient.
10. A bath mat comprising: a base layer; a first layer; and an
active ingredient between the base layer and first layer.
11. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the base layer is formed of a
film.
12. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the first layer is formed of a
nonwoven material.
13. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the base layer and the first
layer are the same size.
14. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the first layer includes at
least one opening that allows the active ingredient to be
distributed into bath water when the bath mat is placed into bath
water.
15. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the active ingredient includes
a surfactant.
16. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the active ingredient includes
an effervescent material.
17. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the active ingredient includes
an aromatic material.
18. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein the first layer is a porous
material such that bath water is able to contact the active
ingredient through the porous material and the active ingredient is
able to be dispersed into the bath water through the porous
material.
19. The bath mat of claim 10 wherein at least one of the base layer
and the first layer is formed of a non-skid material.
20. A bath mat comprising: a base layer; and an article detachably
connected to the base layer.
21. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the base layer is formed of a
film.
22. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the article is a
washcloth.
23. The bath mat of claim 22 wherein the washcloth includes an
active ingredient.
24. The bath mat of claim 23 wherein the active ingredient is a
surfactant.
25. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the article is a pillow.
26. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the article is an absorbent
pad.
27. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the base layer includes an
active ingredient.
28. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the article is attached to the
base layer by a perforated section such that the perforated section
may be torn to remove the article from the base layer.
29. The bath mat of claim 20 wherein the article is adhered to base
layer such that article may be peeled from the base layer.
30. A bath mat comprising: a base layer; and a temperature
indicator that forms part of the base layer.
31. The bath mat of claim 30 wherein the temperature indicator is
embedded in the base layer.
32. The bath mat of claim 30 wherein the temperature indicator is
detachably connected to the base layer.
33. The bath mat of claim 30 wherein the temperature indicator
provides alphanumeric information as to the temperature of the
bath.
34. The bath mat of claim 30 wherein the temperature indicator
changes color to provide information as to the temperature of the
bath.
35. The bath mat of claim 30 wherein the temperature indicator is a
thermochromic ink.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an article for bathing, and
in particular to a bath mat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are a variety of techniques that people use to relax
and alleviate stress. One common technique includes immersion in a
warm bath.
[0003] Bath tubs are continuously being designed with different
features in order to enhance the bathing experience. As an example,
many baths now include a whirlpool type feature that creates a
spa-like atmosphere to aid in relaxation. The drawback with adding
any type of feature to a tub is that such features typically add
significant cost and maintenance to the tub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to a bath mat that decreases
the amount of items which need to be gathered when preparing for a
bath. The bath mat allows an individual to simply grab the bath mat
and a towel in order to be ready for bathing. In addition, the bath
mat may be used in the home or readily transported for use while
traveling.
[0005] In some embodiments, the bath mat may include soap that gets
dispersed into bath water when water is added to a tub. In
addition, the bath mat may include a material that effervesces when
the bath mat is immersed in water to create a whirlpool type
experience within the tub.
[0006] Other embodiments of the bath mat may include one or more
disposable articles (e.g., washcloth, pillow, absorbent pad) that
are detachable from the rest of the bath mat. In addition, the bath
mat may provide an indication as to the temperature of the bath
water before an individual enters the bath. The bath mat may also
be disposable such that it could be discarded after each bath.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a top view of an example bath mat that is placed
in a tub.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a section of view of the bath mat shown in FIG. 1
taken along line 2-2.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a section view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating
another example bath mat.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a top view similar to FIG. 1 illustrating another
example bath mat that is placed in the tub.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a section of view of the bath mat shown in FIG. 4
taken along line 5-5.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view similar to FIGS. 1 and 4 illustrating
another example bath mat that is placed in the tub.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a section of view of the bath mat shown in FIG. 6
taken along line 7-7.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a top view of another example bath mat.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top view of the bath mat shown in FIG. 8 with a
detachable wash cloth partially removed from the rest of the bath
mat.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example bath mat that
includes a pillow.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of an example bath mat that includes a
detachable absorbent pad.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a top view of the bath mat shown in FIG. 11 with
the absorbent pad removed from the rest of the bath mat such that
the bath mat is placed inside the tub and the absorbent pad is
placed adjacent to the tub.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a top view of yet another example bath mat before
the bath mat is placed into a tub.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the bath mat shown in FIG. 13 with
the bath mat placed in the tub such that a temperature indicator on
the bath mat is activated to provide information as to a
temperature of water inside the tub.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a top view of an example bath mat that includes a
wash cloth which may be peeled from the rest of the bath mat.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a bath mat 10 that is placed into a tub
100. The bath mat 10 includes a base layer 12 that has an active
ingredient 14 which is dispersed into bath water when the tub 100
is filled with water. The bath mat 10 makes preparing for a bath
quicker and easier. In addition, the bath mat 10 may make clean up
after a bath quicker and easier.
[0023] Some example active ingredients that may be included in the
base layer 12 are a surfactant, an effervescent material, an
aromatic material and a skin conditioner (among others). It should
be noted that the bath mat 10 is not limited to include any one
particular type of active ingredient 14. In addition, the base
layer 12 may also include various combinations of active
ingredients.
[0024] As an example, the active ingredient may be a surfactant
(e.g., soap) that gets dispersed into bath water when the bath mat
10 is immersed in bath water. The surfactant may generate a bubble
bath that promotes relaxation for adults and/or amusement for
children.
[0025] As discussed above, the active ingredient 14 in the bath mat
10 may be an effervescent material. Many effervescent materials
combine carbonate salts (e.g., sodium carbonate and/or sodium
bicarbonate) with an acidic material such as citric, malic, or
fumaric acid to generate carbon dioxide gas. Carbon dioxide is gas
that is generated by a neutralization reaction that occurs when the
acid and carbonate come into contact with one another. The
neutralization reaction may be accelerated by dissolving the
materials in close proximity to each other.
[0026] In some embodiments, the bath mat 10 may incorporate a
design that simulates interaction with the effervescent material.
As an example, the effervescent bubbles may appear to come from the
mouth of a fish design on the bath mat 10.
[0027] It should be noted that the bath mat 10 may durable or
disposable (i.e., single use). The useful life of the bath mat 10
will depend on the types of materials that are used in the bath mat
10 and the commercial application for the bath mat 10 (among other
factors).
[0028] FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the bath mat 10 where
the active ingredient 14 actually forms the base layer 12, while
FIG. 3 shows that the active ingredient may be suspended in the
base layer 12. A range of materials can be used for base layer 12
and active ingredient 14 such that the active ingredient 14 is
released over time. Some example materials for the base layer 12
include one or more thermoplastics, organic polymers (e.g., natural
polysaccharides), starches, gums and alginate (among numerous other
materials).
[0029] The quantity of active ingredient 14 in the bath mat 10 will
be based on the properties that are desired within particular
commercial products. The type of base layer 12 will be selected
based on processing parameters, solubility and the type of active
ingredient 14 (among other factors). In addition, the type of base
layer 12 may be selected so that the bath mat 10 has non-skid
properties. As examples, the base layer 12 may be made of a film or
a meltblown, spunbond and/or nonwoven material. The base layer 12
may also be formed of combinations of these types of materials
depending on the application for the bath mat 10.
[0030] It should be noted that films may refer to a thermoplastic
film that is fabricated using an extrusion and/or foaming process
(e.g., cast film or blown film extrusion processes). In addition,
some films may include apertures, slits or other porous
configurations that may allow the base layer to transfer a
liquid.
[0031] In some example embodiments where the base layer 12 is a
non-skid material, the base layer 12 may be a film layer that
provides the bath mat 10 with a relatively large static coefficient
of friction. As an example, the static coefficient of friction of
the bath mat 10 may be at least 0.5.
[0032] In example embodiments where the base layer 12 is a
meltblown material, the meltblown material may be in the form of
fibers that are formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic material
through a plurality of die capillaries. These molten threads or
filaments may be converged with high velocity heated gas (e.g.,
air) streams which attenuate the filaments to reduce their diameter
(e.g. to microfiber diameter). Thereafter, the meltblown fibers may
be carried away by the high velocity gas stream and deposited on a
collecting surface to form a web of randomly dispersed meltblown
fibers.
[0033] It should be noted that the meltblown fibers may be
continuous or discontinuous and may be smaller than about 0.6
denier. In addition, the meltblown fibers may be self bonding such
that they are readily deposited onto a collecting surface.
[0034] In example embodiments where the base layer 12 is a spunbond
material, the spunbond material may be in the form of fibers that
are formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments
from a plurality of fine capillaries of a spinnerette.
[0035] As an example, the spunbond fibers may be continuous and
have average deniers larger than about 0.3, and more particularly,
have average deniers between about 0.6 and about 10.
[0036] Meltblowing differs from spunbonding in that the extruded
polymers are broken up and dispersed into individual fibers by a
forced air stream before being deposited onto a collecting surface.
In addition, meltblown fibers may be substantially cooled by air
such that they do not significantly crystallize and/or bond
together. It should be noted that any of the fibers described
herein may be oriented randomly or carded (i.e., combed to be
oriented in primarily one direction).
[0037] In some embodiments, the base layer 12 may be a nonwoven
material or a nonwoven web material. A nonwoven material may refer
to materials and webs of material which are formed without the aid
of a textile weaving or knitting process. Nonwoven materials may be
cellulose-based and/or thermoplastic-based (among others).
[0038] In some embodiments, the active ingredient 14 may be
dispersed into bath water over time as the bath mat 10 is exposed
to water. In other embodiments, the active ingredient 14 may be
dispersed into the bath water along with the base layer 12,
especially when the active ingredient 14 forms the base layer 12
(FIG. 2).
[0039] The properties of the base layer 12 and the active
ingredient 14 may be controlled to define the properties of the
bath mat 10 (e.g., melting temperature, shear strength, viscosity,
crystallinity, solid phase matrix, hardness, tackiness and heat
stability). The base layer 12 and the active ingredient 14 should
have properties that are required for a particular product and/or
process application.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates another example bath mat 30 that is
placed into tub 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the bath mat 30 includes a
base layer 32, a first layer 33 and an active ingredient 34 that is
between the base layer 32 and the first layer 33. The active
ingredient 34 is dispersed into bath water when the tub 100 is
filled with water.
[0041] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, base
layer 32 and first layer 33 are formed as separate layers. Although
base layer 32 and first layer 33 are shown as layers of the same
size, it should be noted that the base layer 32 and first layer 33
may be different sizes, shapes and/or materials.
[0042] In some embodiments, the first layer 33 is a limiting layer
that releases the active ingredient 34 over time. As an example,
first layer may 33 may be a porous material (e.g., foam) such that
the release rate of the active ingredient 34 will be determined in
part by the nature of the porous material and the form of the
active ingredient 34 (i.e., liquid, powder or solid).
[0043] In addition, when the active ingredient 34 is an
effervescent material, the porosity of the first layer 33 may
regulate the rate of effervescence. The rate of effervescence may
be regulated by controlling (i) the escape of gas from the bath mat
30; and/or (ii) the degree of contact between the bath water and
the active ingredient 34.
[0044] In alternative embodiments that are not illustrated in the
FIGS., the active ingredient 34 may be incorporated into the first
layer 33 where the first layer 33 dissolves away over time when the
bath mat 10 is exposed to water. Therefore, as the first layer 33
dissolves into the bath water, the active ingredient 34 is
dispersed into the bath water (or a shower).
[0045] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another example embodiment of the
bath mat 30 where the first layer 33 includes at least one opening
35 that allows the active ingredient 34 to be distributed into bath
water when the bath mat 30 is placed into bath water. As an
example, the first layer 33 may be an impermeable material that
includes multiple openings 35 such that the active ingredient 34 is
dispersed into the bath water through the openings 35. The number,
type and shape of the openings 35 that are in the first layer 33
will be based in part on the properties that are desired within
particular commercial products and the type of active ingredient 34
(among other factors).
[0046] The material for the base layer 32 and/or the first layer 33
may be selected so that the bath mat 30 has non-skid properties. In
addition, the active ingredient 34 may be similar to any of the
active ingredients described above and the base layer 32 and first
layer 33 may be similar to any of the materials described above for
base layer 12.
[0047] In some embodiments, the active ingredient 34 may be
included in one or more discreet pockets (not shown) that are
between the base layer 32 and the first layer 33. In addition, the
active ingredient 34 may be in the form of individual water-soluble
packets (not shown) that are situated between the base layer 32 and
the first layer 33.
[0048] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another example bath mat 40. The
bath mat 40 includes a base layer 42 and an article 43 that is
detachably connected to the base layer 42. In the example
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the article 43 is a wash
cloth 44 that may be detached from the base layer 42. The article
43 (e.g., wash cloth 44) may be attached to the base layer 42 by a
perforated section 45 such that the perforated section 45 may be
torn to remove the article 43 from the base layer 42 (see FIG. 9).
As shown in FIG. 15, the article 43 (e.g., wash cloth 44) may also
be adhered to base layer 42 such that article 43 may be peeled from
the base layer 42.
[0049] In some embodiments, the wash cloth 44 and/or the base layer
42 may include an active ingredient as discussed above. The type
and amount of active ingredient 14 in the wash cloth 44 and/or the
base layer 42 will be based on the properties that are desired
within particular commercial products.
[0050] It should be noted that the article 43 may be a variety of
items. FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of the bath mat 40 where
the article 43 is a pillow 46 that is detachably connected to the
base layer 42.
[0051] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another example embodiment of
bath mat 40 where the article 43 is an absorbent pad 47. FIG. 11
shows the absorbent pad 47 attached to the base layer 42. FIG. 12
shows the absorbent mat detached from the base layer 42 such that
the base layer 42 is placed inside tub 100 and the absorbent pad 47
is positioned adjacent to the tub 100.
[0052] Placing the absorbent pad 47 adjacent to the tub 100
provides an individual with a place to stand while they dry off
after a bath. The absorbent pad 47 absorbs the water that drips off
the individual as the individual dries off.
[0053] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate another example bath mat 50. The
bath mat 50 includes a base layer 52 and a temperature indicator 53
that is part of the base layer 52. In some embodiments, the
temperature indicator 53 may be embedded in the base layer 52 while
in other embodiments the temperature indicator 53 may be attached
(e.g., detachably connected) to the base layer 52.
[0054] The temperature indicator 53 provides information as to the
temperature of bath (or shower) water when the bath mat 50 is
placed into the bath water. The bath mat 50 therefore reduces the
possibility that an individual will be burned when they come into
contact with the bath water. Providing information as to the
temperature of the bath water may be especially important when
bathing children.
[0055] In the example embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14,
the temperature indicator provides alphanumeric information 55 as
to the temperature of the bath. FIG. 13 shows the bath mat 50 prior
to the bath mat 50 being immersed in bath water. As shown in FIG.
14, the example word "hot" becomes visible on bath mat 50 when the
bath mat 50 is immersed in sufficiently hot water within tub
100.
[0056] In other embodiments, the temperature indicator 53 may
include a portion that changes color to provide information as to
the temperature of the bath water. Some example temperature
indicators 53 include thermometers, thermal tapes and labels,
temperature color change indicators (reversible and non-reversible)
and thermochromic inks, pigments or dies. The type of temperature
indicator 53 that is used in the bath mat 50 will be based on
processing parameters, the type of base layer 52 and the properties
that are desired within particular commercial products (among other
factors).
[0057] As part of fabricating any of the bath mats described
herein, multiple bath mats may be cut from a sheet that is feed out
from a continuous roll. The multiple bath mats may then be stacked
for packaging or delivered as the continuous roll. In some forms,
multiple bath mats may be inter-folded, o-folded and/or compressed
into various geometric shapes. In addition, when the bath mats are
stacked, the bath mats may be separated by a substrate that serves
as a barrier between the bath mats. In addition, the bath mats may
be embossed with logos, use instructions or any other design or
information. There are also embodiments that are contemplated where
the bath mat has a clear and/or unobtrusive product form such that
the bath mat is discreet and does not interfere with the aesthetics
of the room where the tub 100 is located.
[0058] While the invention has been described in detail with
respect to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that there
are variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be
determined by the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.
* * * * *