U.S. patent application number 11/347403 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for sink lining system and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Lydia Mohr, Paul Mohr.
Application Number | 20070180610 11/347403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38332492 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070180610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mohr; Lydia ; et
al. |
August 9, 2007 |
Sink lining system and method therefor
Abstract
A removable protective liner has a thin sheet of non-absorbent,
flexible material. The liner is used for lining the sink. A drain
hole liner is formed in the thin sheet. The drain hole liner
extends down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole
leading down to the drain pipe. A first tab member extends from the
thin sheet. The first tab member is used for covering a first area
around the sink.
Inventors: |
Mohr; Lydia; (Tempe, AZ)
; Mohr; Paul; (Tempe, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
38332492 |
Appl. No.: |
11/347403 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/655 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/186 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/655 |
International
Class: |
A47K 1/06 20060101
A47K001/06 |
Claims
1. A removable protective liner for use with a sink comprising: a
thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the
sink; a drain hole liner formed in the thin sheet, the drain hole
liner extending down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the
drain hole leading down to the drain pipe; and a first tab member
extending from the thin sheet for covering a first area around the
sink.
2. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 1 further comprising a second tab member for covering a
second area around the sink.
3. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 1 further comprising a drain hole cover to be placed in
a drain hole area of the sink, a bottom opening in the drain hole
cover aligned with the drain pipe.
4. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 3 wherein the drain hole cover is conical in shape.
5. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 1 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a plurality of
drain hole perforations, the plurality of perforations running from
have an outer perimeter towards a central area of the thin sheet,
wherein applying pressure to the plurality of perforations will
cause the drain hole liner to extend down from the thin sheet to
cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe.
6. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 1 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a circular
cut-out.
7. A removable protective liner for use with a sink comprising: a
thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the
sink; a drain hole liner formed in the thin sheet, the drain hole
liner extending down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the
drain hole leading down to the drain pipe; a first tab member
extending from the thin sheet for covering a faucet area of the
sink; and a second tab member for covering a neck rest support of
the sink.
8. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 7 further comprising a drain hole cover to be placed in
a drain hole area of the sink, a bottom opening in the drain hole
cover aligned with the drain pipe.
9. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 7 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a plurality of
drain hole perforations, the plurality of perforations running from
have an outer perimeter towards a central area of the thin sheet,
wherein applying pressure to the plurality of perforations will
cause the drain hole liner to extend down from the thin sheet to
cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe.
10. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 7 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a circular
cut-out.
11. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 7 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of faucet
hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over
the faucet.
12. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 11 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of knob
hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over
knobs of the faucet.
13. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 7 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible
material, for lining the sink is one of: metallized polyester film,
aluminum foil, tin foil, plastic wrap, or the like.
14. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 7 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible
material, for lining the sink comprises a plurality of thin sheets
coupled togther to form a roll, wherein each thin sheet will have a
perforation located along an edge of the thin sheet to separate the
thin sheet from an adjoining thin sheet.
15. A removable protective liner for use with a sink comprising: a
thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the
sink; a first tab member extending from the thin sheet for covering
a faucet area of the sink; a second tab member for covering a neck
rest support of the sink; a drain hole cover to be placed in a
drain hole area of the sink, a bottom opening in the drain hole
cover aligned with the drain pipe; and a drain hole liner formed in
the thin sheet, the drain hole liner extending down from the thin
sheet to cover an area of the drain hole cover.
16. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 15 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a plurality of
drain hole perforations, the plurality of perforations running from
have an outer perimeter towards a central area of the thin sheet,
wherein applying pressure to the plurality of perforations will
cause the drain hole liner to extend down from the thin sheet to
cover an area of the drain hole cover.
17. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 15 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of
faucet hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be
fitted over the faucet.
18. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 15 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of knob
hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over
knobs of the faucet.
19. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 15 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible
material, for lining the sink is one of: metalized polyester film,
aluminum foil, tin foil, plastic wrap, or the like.
20. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance
with claim 15 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible
material, for lining the sink comprises a plurality of thin sheets
coupled togther to form a roll, wherein each thin sheet will have a
perforation located along an edge of the thin sheet to separate the
thin sheet from an adjoining thin sheet.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a protective cover and, more
specifically, to an inexpensive lightweight disposable sink liner
and system which is used to protect the sink, and more
specifically, a hair salon sink and/or household sink and drain,
from stains which may result from chemicals used during a hair
styling process.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Different types of sink liners are well known in the art.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,800 discloses a pedicure basin
liner system for preventing transmission of pathogens between
pedicure clients when using a common pedicure basin. U.S. Pat. No.
6,338,171 discloses a removable protective liner for use with a
sink mounted in a counter top. The liner has a bottom panel of a
size conforming with the bottom of the sink, four upstanding side
panels which conform with the upstanding walls of the sink and an
adjacent portion of its peripheral flange. The side panels and
bottom panel are adapted to conform with the configuration of the
sink so that the liner completely covers the sink. The liner
further includes a side drain having an elevated outer end and a
bottom interconnecting with side walls and extending from the
elevated outer end to an inner end.
[0005] While the above liners do adequately work for there intended
purposes, they have several problems. First, neither one of the
above is designed to be used with a beauty salon sink. A beauty
salon sink has a unique design having a neck holding channel used
to cradle the neck and lower head. The neck holding channel needs
to be protected from the chemicals used during the hair styling
process to prevent staining of this area. Secondly, neither one of
the above liners will protect the drain area of a sink from being
damaged from hair styling products. U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,800 doesn't
even have an opening for a drain. Another problem with the prior
art is that U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,171 discloses a multi-piece liner
made of a heavy duty material. The heavy duty material increases
the cost on the liner. Furthermore, the liner disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,338,171 is not disposable.
[0006] Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved sink liner
system. The improved sink liner system must overcome the problems
associated with prior art sink liners. The improved sink liner
system must be designed to protect a hair salon sink and drain from
damages such as staining which may result from chemicals used
during the hair styling process. The improved sink liner system
must be light weight and disposable. The improved sink liner system
must further be inexpensive to produce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved
sink liner system.
[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved sink liner system that overcomes the problems associated
with prior art sink liners.
[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an improved sink liner system that is designed to protect a
hair salon sink and/or household sink and drain from damages such
as staining which may result from chemicals used during a hair
styling process.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an improved sink liner system that is light weight.
[0011] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an improved sink liner system that is light weight and
disposable.
[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an improved sink liner system that is inexpensive to produce.
[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular,
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a
removable protective liner for use with a sink is disclosed. The
removable protective liner has a thin sheet of non-absorbent,
flexible material. The liner is used for lining the sink. A drain
hole liner is formed in the thin sheet. The drain hole liner
extends down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole
leading down to the drain pipe. A first tab member extends from the
thin sheet. The first tab member is used for covering a first area
around the sink.
[0015] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular,
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use,
and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the
following detailed description of illustrated embodiment when read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top view of the sink liner used in the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of a roll of sink
liners.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of a first flap portion used in the
sink liner depicted in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a top view of a second flap portion used in the
sink liner depicted in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of the sink liner depicted in FIG. 1
showing the drain liner section.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of the drain cover
used in the sink liner system of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the drain cover used in the sink
liner system of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a beauty salon
sink.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of a beauty salon
sink with the sink liner system of the present invention
installed.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the beauty salon sink with the
sink liner system depicted in FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the drain
liner and drain cover used in the sink liner system of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drain liner and
drain cover used in the sink liner system installed in a sink
drain.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] Referring to the Figures, a sink lining system 10 is shown.
The sink lining system 10 is used to protect the sink and drain
area from being stained by any type of liquid. More specifically,
the sink lining system 10 is used to protect a hair salon sink and
drain from stains which may result from chemicals used during the
hair styling process.
[0030] The sink lining system 10 is comprised of a disposable sink
liner 12. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the sink liner 12 is a made of a
thin sheet 14 of flexible material. The material needs to be
semi-durable to prevent tearing. The material also needs to be made
out of a non-absorbent material so that any liquids that may fall
onto the sink liner 12 will not be adsorbed. The material also
needs to be fairly inexpensive. In general, a material such as
metallized polyester film, aluminum/tin foil, plastic wrap, or the
like may be used. It should be noted that the listing of the above
is given as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope
of the present invention.
[0031] The sink liner 12 may come in a plurality of different
sizes. In general, the sink liner 12 will come in an elongated
sheet 14. The sheet 14 will be of sufficient size to cover the
entire bowl area of a sink. When placed in a sink, the sink liner
12 will line the entire bowl area of the sink thereby preventing
any liquid from contacting the sink bowl. Thus, the sink liner 12
will prevent any liquids from staining any part of the sink.
[0032] The sink lining system 10 may come with individual sheets 14
or a roll of sheets 16. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, a roll of
sheets 16 is shown. The roll 16 will have a plurality of individual
sheets 14 coupled together. Each sheet 14 will have a perforation
located along an edge of the sheet 14. The perforation will allow
one to separate a sheet 14 from an adjoining sheet 14.
[0033] Referring back to FIGS. 1-5, each sheet 14 will have a drain
hole perforation/cutout 18 (Hereinafter drain hole perforation 18).
The drain hole perforation 18 will allow one to form an opening in
the sheet 14 to allow a liquid to flow off the sheet 14 and down
the drain. The drain hole perforation 18 will further cover the
area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe. The drain
hole perforation 18 is generally circular in shape.
[0034] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the drain hole perforation 18 will have an outer perimeter 20. A
plurality of perforations 22 are formed from the outer perimeter 20
towards a central area 24. In use, one presses down on the
perforations 22. The top of the perforations 22 will remain
connected to the sheet 14 along the outer perimeter 20. The
remainder of the perforation 22 will become separated from the
sheet 14 thereby forming an opening. The opening allows a liquid to
flow into the drain pipe. The perforations 22 that become separated
from the sheet 14 are used to line the area of the drain hole
leading down to the drain pipe thereby preventing this area from
becoming stained by a liquid.
[0035] The sheet 14 will have one or more flap portions 26. The
flap portions 26 are used to cover any exposed surfaces around the
sink bowl. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, a top flap portion 26A is used to cover a top area of
the sink where the faucet and knobs are located. The top flap
portion 26A will have one or more faucet perforations 28. The
faucet perforations 28 will allow the top flap portion 26A to be
fitted over the faucet and knobs used by the sink. The faucet
perforations 28 are similar to that described above. When one
presses down on the faucet perforations 28, the top of the
perforations 28 will remain connected to the sheet 14 along the
outer perimeter 29. The remainder of the perforation 28 will become
separated from the sheet 14 thereby forming an opening to allow the
top flap portion 26A to be fitted over the faucet and knobs.
[0036] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a bottom flap portion 26B is used to cover a bottom area
of the sink. The bottom flap portion 26B is designed to be used
with a beauty salon sink. The bottom flap portion 26B would be used
to cover the neck holding channel which cradles the neck and lower
head of a person who is having their hair styled. The neck holding
channel needs to be protected from the chemicals used during the
hair styling process to prevent staining of this area. As can be
seen in FIG. 2, if a roll of sheets 16 is provided, the flap
portions 26 will be folded onto the sheet 14 and rolled up.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, the sink lining system 10
will further have a drain cover 30. The drain cover 30 is used to
ensure that the drain hole area leading down to the drain pipe is
fully covered. The drain cover 30 is shaped similar to a funnel
having a top opening 32 and a bottom opening 34. The drain cover 30
will fit in the drain hole area so that the bottom opening 34 is
aligned with the drain pipe while completely covering the drain
hole area. The perforations 22 of the drain hole perforations 18
that become separated from the sheet 14 are used to line the drain
cover 30 thereby ensuring any liquids used will flow down the drain
pipe and will not stain the drain hole area.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, the use of the sink lining
system 10 will be discussed. The sink lining system 10 is used to
prevent staining of the sink area 40. In operation, the drain cover
30 is placed in the drain hole 42 of the sink area 40. The drain
cover 30 is aligned so that so that the bottom opening 34 is
aligned with the drain pipe 50 while completely covering the drain
hole 42. A single sheet 14 is removed from the roll 16. If the sink
area 40 has a faucet 44 and knobs 46, the faucet perforations 28
must be broken to form openings that will allow the top flap
portion 26A to be fitted over the faucet 44 and knobs 46 used by
the sink. If the area around the faucet 44 and knobs 46 do not need
protection, the top flap portion 26A may be removed from the sheet
14 if desired. The same is true for the bottom flap portion 26B. If
the sink area 40 does not have a neck holding channel 47, the
bottom flap portion 26B may be removed from the sheet 14.
[0039] The sheet 14 is then placed in the bowl 48 of the sink area
40. The sheet 14 needs to completely cover any area in the sink
bowl 48 which needs to be protected from stains. In order to keep
the sheet 14 from moving, an adhesive strip 50 may be placed on the
bottom surface of the sheet 14. As may be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG.
8, the adhesive strip 50 is placed around the outer perimeter of
the sheet 14. Once the sheet 14 is properly placed around the sink
area, one must press down on the sheet 14 to ensure that the
adhesive strip 50 firmly holds the sheet 14 in place.
[0040] Once in position, one presses down on the perforations 22 of
the drain hole perforation 18. The top of the perforations 22 will
remain connected to the sheet 14 along the outer perimeter 20. The
remainder of the perforation 22 will become separated from the
sheet 14 as shown in FIG. 5 thereby forming an opening to allow a
liquid to flow into the drain pipe. The perforations 22 that become
separated from the sheet 14 are used to line the drain cover 30 as
shown in FIG. 11 thereby preventing the drain area from becoming
stained by a liquid.
[0041] Alternatively, if the drain hole perforation 18 is a
cut-out, one will remove the drain hole perforation 18 from the
sheet 14. The opening formed in the sheet 14 allows materials to
flow off of the sheet 14 into the drain.
[0042] After one is done using the sink area 40, the sheet 14 may
be removed from the sink bowl 48. The sheet 14 may then be
discarded and thrown away. The drain cover 30 is removed and kept
for further use. When one needs to protect the sink area 40 again,
another sheet 14 is then placed over the sink bowl 48.
[0043] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *