BIODEGRADABLE SURFACE PROTECTION SYSTEM MAT

• US 20110123761A1
• Filed: 02/07/2011
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rickie J. Wright
• Original Assignee: Rickie J. Wright
• Inventors: Wright, Rickie J.
• Application Number:
  US13/021,973
• Publication Number:
  US 20110123761A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 428/116
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 27/0206 to protect the underlying surface, e.g. temporary covers, disposable carpets, absorbent pads, wheelchair pads, hearth rugs
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 27/0225 for bathrooms A47G27/0218 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 23/266 Mats
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/7163 Biodegradable
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/7246 Water vapor barrier
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2307/728 Hydrophilic
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2471/04 Mats
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 3/266 characterised by an apertured layer, the apertures going through the whole thickness of the layer, e.g. expanded metal, perforated layer, slit layer regular cells B32B3/12
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/044 of removable mats B60N3/046, B60N3/048 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 3/048 characterised by their structure
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24149 Honeycomb-like

Abstract

A mat for protecting surfaces from the accumulation of liquids is disclosed. The mat comprises a molded polymeric grid layer made of an elastomeric material having several openings and an absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a moisture absorbent layer and a moisture barrier layer. The grid layer has a surface engaging perimeter, and the moisture barrier comprises a skid resistant material. The various layers and materials used are either inherently biodegradable or rendered biodegradable through the use of one or more additives.

Claims

1. A biodegradable surface protection mat, comprising:

an elastomeric grid layer having a plurality of openings and a surface engaging perimeter;

an absorbent core layer adhered to the elastomeric grid, the absorbent core including a moisture absorbing layer in fluid communication with the openings and a moisture barrier layer; and

wherein at least the elastomeric grid layer includes an additive to enhance biodegradability.

2. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein:

the elastomeric grid layer includes a polymeric material; and

the additive includes a microbe which can digest the polymeric material.

3. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein:

the elastomeric grid layer includes a polymeric material; and

the additive includes a microbe which senses hydrocarbons within the polymeric material, turning the plastic products into CO₂ (aerobically), CH₄ (anaerobically), biomass and water.

4. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein the openings are hexagonal shaped.

5. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein the mat is flexible.

6. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core is adhered to the elastomeric grid layer by overmolding.

7. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric grid layer defines a recess bounded by the surface engaging perimeter, and the absorbent core is disposed in the recess.

8. The biodegradable surface protection mat of claim 1, wherein:

the absorbent core further comprises a deformable support layer between the moisture absorbent layer and the moisture barrier layer; and

both the absorbent core and moisture barrier layer are biodegradable.

9. A method of preventing the accumulation of liquid on a restroom floor comprising the step of placing the mat of claim 1 on the restroom floor proximate one selected from a commode and a urinal.