Patent Application
20080272261
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to coasters, and in particular to a multi-layer coaster comprising one or more materials with liquid-absorptive properties.
2. Description of the Related Art
Drinking vessels, such as bottles, cans, glasses, cups and the like are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and materials. However, in uninsulated vessels, chilled beverages and other contents typically cause condensation from exposure to the ambient atmosphere. Among the factors affecting surface condensation are the ambient humidity level and the temperature of the liquid contents. Generally speaking, higher ambient humidity levels and colder liquid content temperatures tend to increase condensation volume.
Drink coasters are commonly used for absorbing condensation and protecting furniture on which they are placed. Coasters have previously been made of various materials, including cellulose compositions (e.g., paper and fibreboard), plastic, cork, wood and leather. In addition to absorbing moisture, coasters are commonly imprinted with various graphic indicia, including text, designs, logos and commercial material. Commercial printing processes are in common use for mass producing such printed materials.
Another functional criteria for drink coasters relates to resisting sliding on hard surfaces, such as countertops, tabletops, etc. Spillage and other mishaps can thus be minimized. Still further, coasters can provide impact-absorbing protection for furniture pieces on which they are placed.
Heretofore there has not been available a multi-layered absorptive coaster with the advantages and features of the present invention.
In the practice of the present invention, a multi-layer coaster is provided for absorbing moisture and placing a vessel on a hard surface in an anti-slip, protective relationship. The coaster comprises a bottom layer of a waterproof, anti-slip material, such as neoprene, and at least one upper layer of fabric, such as a polyester and cotton blend.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as oriented in the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.
Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 2 generally designates a coaster embodying an aspect of the present invention. Without limitation on the generality of useful constructions, the coaster 2 is shown with a neoprene bottom layer 4, an intermediate cotton and polyester blend layer 6 and a top layer 8, also comprising a blend of cotton and polyester. The specific ratio of cotton and polyester in the intermediate and top layers 6, 8 is preferably chosen for its suitability for the particular application of the coaster 2. For example, a 50%-50%, blend is generally suitable for providing moisture absorption and entrapment, in addition to providing a printable surface material adapted for various printing processes, such as screen printing. Various subject matter 10 can be printed on the top layer 8, including digital images provided by individual customers for customized sets of coasters and logos for commercial establishments.
The bottom layer 4 is preferably waterproof in order to avoid saturation and to minimize the possibility of water damage to the underlying structure from liquids soaking through the bottom layer 4. The bottom layer 4 is also preferably resilient and impact resistant, with a certain thickness (e.g. in the range of about ⅛″ to ⅜″) in order to protect the underlying surface. Still, further, the bottom layer 4 preferably as a relatively high coefficient of friction in order to avoid sliding on hard, smooth surfaces, such as tabletops and countertops. In addition to the functional features described above, the coaster 2 is preferably capable of being washed in an automatic dishwasher for reuse indefinitely.
It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above and shown in the drawings. Other materials and components can be utilized. For example, it will be appreciated that a wide range of compatible materials may be utilized. Moreover, they can be bonded together using various suitable techniques, such as adhesives, pressure bonding, stitching, mechanical fasteners and the like. Still further, the coaster 2 can be formed in various configurations, such as basic geometrical shapes and fanciful configurations.
