Water-absorbing sink apron for bathroom counters

Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Wash receptacles – Attachments

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C004S245400, C004S245500, C004S245600, C004S245700, C004S245900

Reexamination Certificate

active

06223362

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a decorative sink apron, bib, guard, shroud or cover used to absorb excess water from the sink counter.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
A bathroom sink is a necessity used for performing daily hygienic rituals, such as: washing, toothbrushing or shaving. After normal use, excess water collects around the sink fixture and basin counter. Water residue also accumulates around bathroom accessories left on top of a sink counter, i.e.: shaving razors, soap dishes, liquid soap dispensers and toothbrush holder—to name few. There are many causes for the excess of water left on the sink counter. Commonly, most household washbasins are not deep enough and/or wide enough in diameter to retain water spillage that is produced from everyday use. In addition, people often leave toiletry items around the washbasin that collect residual water, such as: soap dishes, liquid soap dispenser, toothbrush holders, razors, et al. All of these items accumulate water when handled by wet hands. Sodden bathroom sink counters leave an unattractive and an uninviting appearance for guests, as for anyone else using the bathroom. Residual water that is left over the sink counter may also cause some toiletries to rust, erode or oxidize more quickly than if it were kept dry and sanitary.
As a result, people either use hand towels, sponges or toilet paper to wipe the water around the sink fixture and washbasin. Materials of this sort are good assets for cleaning since towels, sponges and toilet paper are excellent water absorbents. The problem lies within where these materials are stored or kept. Some people leave sponges or a rag towel in the cupboard below the sink. However this is an inconvenient location and is not readily accessible especially for guests who may not know the whereabouts of those items. Other people leave rags or towels on top of the counter for easy access. However, rags left randomly on top of the sink counter make an unpleasant scene in the bathroom. Some people use toilet paper out of convenience but are still intolerant of its friable material. While these are commonly used alternatives, none provide a clean, carefree solution.
Because wiping around a washbasin after each use is a time-consuming and pesky task, people may simply choose not to do it. Those who choose to do it, do so at the expense of valuable time wasted each trip to the bathroom. The first scenario ignores the problem and the second is inefficient and time-consuming.
Several types of sink covers have been proposed including U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,988,784 to Reedy (1976), and 3,915,524 to Langston (1975). However, neither of these covers were invented for the purpose described herein. A more similar U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,166 to Rose (1981) is a reversible sink cover that is adapted to fit into the well of a kitchen sink to cover the sink when not in use. The functionality and materials described in Rose's invention are in no relation to my invention, which serves as a water absorbing apron for bathroom sinks.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) To provide an inexpensive, carefree solution to maintaining the appearance of a well-groomed bathroom. Due to its low manufacturing and production costs, it is affordable for all consumers. Because it is affordable, it is easily disposable after normal wear and tear. Its disposability serves as a strong selling point in increasing repeat sales.
(b) To provide a portable, durable sink apron that offers convenience and timesaving benefits by eliminating “after wash fuss.” The sink apron is non-obtrusive so toiletries can be set on top. Sinks stay dry after each wash.
(c) To provide not only a practical, but also fashionable bathroom accessory. Sink aprons of all assorted designs and colors will be made as a decorative bathroom accessory and can be part of a complete bathroom set.
(d) To provide an easy-to-use, easy-to-clean protective sink cover. The sink apron can be removed and cleaned at any time using any conventional washer and dryer.
(e) To provide a hassle-free, “one size fits all” purchase decision that can accommodate most circular sinks.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a sink apron that will fit most circular sinks. The sink apron is adjustable b means of hook-and-loop fasteners that make the sink apron modular and flexible to most circular sinks. Since sinks vary in diameter size of the basin, the sink apron is adjusted to fit the largest standard circular sink. To customize fitting only smaller sinks, simply detach and re-attach the hook-and-loop fasteners. The advantage to having “one size fits all,” is that consumers are not required to measure the diameter of their sink basin before purchasing. This benefit lends itself to impulsive purchasing power.
Still further, the sink apron is removable and can be cleaned and dried at any time using any conventional laundry washer and dryer.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1264573 (1918-04-01), Stevens
patent: 1643413 (1927-09-01), Mahoney
patent: 1774217 (1930-08-01), Windsor
patent: 2817851 (1957-12-01), Barnwell
patent: 3915524 (1975-10-01), Langston
patent: 3988784 (1976-11-01), Reedy
patent: 4305166 (1981-12-01), Rose
patent: 5725933 (1998-03-01), Nishiyama
patent: 2625669 (1989-07-01), None
patent: 2658064 (1991-08-01), None
patent: 0021276 (1909-12-01), None
patent: 2169011 (1986-07-01), None

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