Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Convenience accessories
Reexamination Certificate
1997-08-15
2001-09-18
Fetsuga, Robert M. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Convenience accessories
C004S581000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289528
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a mat in the form of a liner or pad for sanitary facilities, such as bathtubs, shower stalls, washstands, or the like. In particular, the invention relates to such mats as are made of a carrier of flexible plastic with suction cups on its bottom and a layer of nonwoven fabric on its top. Additionally, the invention also relates to an injection mold comprised of at least two mold parts which can be moved towards and away from one another for producing such a mat.
2. Description of Related Art
A mat of the type to which the present invention is directed is known from German Patent Application DE 3028661 A1. This mat has a lattice-like carrier to which suction cups are attached on one side. On the side of the carrier opposite the suction cups, a layer of textile material, for example, a nonwoven fabric, is attached. As a result of the lattice-like nature of the carrier, there are openings which are covered by nonwoven fabric, but which enable easy, rapid sinking, for example, in a filled bath, as a result of the permeability of the nonwoven fabric. The openings are therefore covered by a layer to make the mat kind to the skin.
A mat with a network-like carrier is also known from German Patent Application DE 241294 A2. The network-like carrier of this mat is jacketed with a foamed plastic such that the openings remain open. This is intended to avoid subsequent production of openings and thus enable efficient manufacture.
Finally, German Utility Model DE-GM 7721240 discloses a mat with a rubbing or cleaning coating on its carrier in the form of flexible pegs or bristles. Thus, for example, cleaning or massaging of the back when showering or bathing will be enabled, the mat being attached by means of molded suction cups to the bathtub or the wall of the shower stall.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of this invention is to be able to efficiently produce a mat of the initially mentioned type.
In conjunction with foregoing object, it is a further object of the invention to, at the same time, obtain good adhesion between the nonwoven fabric and carrier to an extent which will be permanently ensured even under high squeezing stress.
These objects are achieved in accordance with embodiments of the invention by forming the carrier of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which has been back-injected onto a nonwoven fabric.
With the invention, the nonwoven fabric has such a high wear resistance that the carrier will tear before the nonwoven fabric will come loose from the carrier. This is due to the fact that the nonwoven fabric is covered over a very large surface by thermoplastic elastomer material. The elastic penetrates deep into the nonwoven fabric, but not through it, so that the anti-slip property of the nonwoven fabric is essentially preserved. Nor does the nonwoven fabric lose the ability to prevent formation of water puddles on its surface.
These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which, for purposes of illustration only, show several embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 24 14 294 (1975-10-01), None
patent: 77 21 240 (1977-12-01), None
patent: 30 28 661 (1982-02-01), None
patent: 3303993 (1984-08-01), None
patent: 2190404 (1987-11-01), None
Harper, Ed., Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites (2d. Ed. 1992) pp. 7.1, 7.2 and 7.37 to 7.41 (Handbook).
Hubinger Johannes
Ridder Jurgen
Fetsuga Robert M.
Nixon & Peabody LLP
Ridder GmbH
Safran David S.
LandOfFree
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