Patent Application
20250057367
In recent years, the industry catering to cleanliness and personal hygiene has seen a significant growth, reflecting the collective consciousness of consumers towards health, sanitation, and the environment. The market for such products has not only burgeoned in terms of volume but also in terms of value, with consumers demonstrating a willingness to invest in innovative products that cater to their specific needs. Within this realm, there has been a growing demand for tools and devices that effectively clean and dry the feet and paws of both humans and pets, especially after engaging in outdoor activities, prior to entering a clean space such as an indoor dwelling. This demand has culminated in a landscape brimming with various products. However, many of these existing products fall short in terms of versatility, portability, or efficiency.
A salient need exists for a device that not only fulfills its primary role of cleaning and drying but also offers additional features like portability and modularity, while also being environment-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Most of the prevalent solutions fail to comprehensively address the intricacies associated with debris like sand, grass, or dirt that often stubbornly cling to feet or paws. Furthermore, post-cleaning, there is a pronounced need to effectively dry the feet or paws to prevent discomfort or slipping, a function many current devices inadequately perform.
Versatility has emerged as a paramount concern in the domain of cleanliness and personal hygiene, especially with regards to products designed for the efficient cleaning of feet and paws. Consumers today are confronted with an array of activities, terrains, and conditions that demand adaptability in the tools they use. Existing products often display a narrow scope of function, optimized perhaps for a singular type of debris or a specific surface texture. This limitation mandates users to procure multiple products to address different cleaning challenges. For instance, a device ideal for removing wet mud might falter when dealing with dry sand or fine gravel.
Furthermore, the rapidly changing lifestyles of contemporary consumers see them frequently transitioning between different environments, from beaches to hiking trails to urban parks. Such shifts necessitate a product that can transition just as effortlessly, offering effective cleaning solutions regardless of the context. In addition, users increasingly seek a balance between thorough cleaning and gentle care, especially when it concerns the sensitive paws of pets or the delicate skin of children. Thus, there's an evident need for devices that are not just multifunctional but also modular, allowing for the interchanging of components to match the exact nature of the cleaning challenge at hand. The industry, recognizing this gap, yearns for innovations that can seamlessly blend effectiveness, adaptability, and care, ensuring a one-stop solution that negates the need for multiple specialized tools.
Additionally, portability has become a fundamental attribute, notably in products designed for cleanliness and personal hygiene targeting feet and paws. As individuals and families continue to engage in varied outdoor activities, from casual beach outings to adventurous hikes, the necessity for lightweight, compact, and easily transportable cleaning tools has surged. Traditional cleaning products often suffer from bulky designs or the requirement of auxiliary components, rendering them cumbersome for on-the-go scenarios. Transporting these tools for spontaneous trips, vacations, or even a simple day out often becomes a logistical challenge, forcing users to compromise on cleanliness or, alternatively, to seek makeshift solutions which might not be as effective.
Moreover, as urban spaces become denser, residents are often limited in terms of storage space, necessitating products that are easy to stow away after use. Products with an emphasis on portability not only need to have a compact design but also be durable enough to withstand the rigors of frequent transport and varied environmental conditions. A significant gap exists for innovations that prioritize both form and function, catering to the needs of modern users who seek effective cleaning solutions without being encumbered by weight and volume. The industry, recognizing this lacuna, is in search of pioneering solutions that can deftly combine effectiveness with the convenience of portability.
Efficiency stands as a paramount criterion in the world of products meant for cleanliness and personal hygiene, especially those targeting the unique challenges posed by feet and paws. Users seek solutions that not only provide a thorough cleaning but also do so in a timely and resource-conserving manner. Regrettably, a myriad of current products in the market necessitates prolonged usage times, or excessive water and energy resources, leading to wastage and increased costs over time. This inefficiency often stems from outdated designs, suboptimal material choices, or mechanisms that haven't evolved in tandem with modern needs.
In an era where time is a precious commodity, individuals are less inclined to spend extended periods on tasks like cleaning; they desire swift, yet effective solutions. Furthermore, as environmental consciousness rises globally, there's an escalating demand for products that minimize wastage of natural resources. Efficiency, in this context, translates not just to speed but also to the optimal utilization of resources, reducing the overall ecological footprint. The industry is thus poised at a juncture where there's a pressing need for innovations that harmonize rapid action with resource conservation, meeting the dual expectations of speed and sustainability that modern users demand.
In light of the highlighted industry shortfalls, it would be advantageous to provide a portable cleaning mat device that seamlessly integrates versatility, portability, and efficiency. Ideally, such a device would advantageously offer a multifunctional design, enabling users to address a range of cleanliness challenges across various scenarios, thereby negating the need for multiple dedicated tools. Its form factor would be compact and lightweight, making it an easy travel companion when engaging in daily outings to places like the beach or even more extended travels where it's desirable to clean feet or shoes before entering a premises. Most importantly, the integration of advanced materials and cleaning mechanisms would ensure optimal resource utilization, ensuring thorough cleaning without the unnecessary waste of time or resources. By providing a portable means of efficiently and effectively cleaning both human feet and animal paws, the device would advantageously satisfy a plurality of use cases in preventing outdoor dirt, debris, mud and similar materials from entering a premises.
In response to the market needs, it would be advantageous to provide a portable cleaning mat device that is engineered to cater to both human feet and animal paws and to collect common outdoor detritus like dirt and sand from the feet and paws, to the more elusive grass clippings and miscellaneous debris. Specifically, it would be advantageous to utilize a bifurcated cleaning mat arrangement that serves different types of dirt and debris such as liquids and solids. Further, it would be advantageous to utilize a coupling mechanism that not only robustly secures the mats into place but also allows selective removability of the mats therefrom in order to promote modularity of the mats for meeting specific user needs and to promote ease of cleaning of each of the cleaning mats. Further, it would also be advantageous to provide, among many other aspects, a means of self-cleaning to the cleaning mats given it is intended to be used by both humans and animals to remove dirt and debris therefrom.
Before describing the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to any one of the particular embodiments, which of course may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and therefore is not necessarily intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, terms in the singular and the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a portable cleaning mat device” also includes a plurality of portable cleaning mat devices and the like.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying figures. As shown in
Each of the first hinge elements 116 may comprise a flange having a plurality of first rotatable engagement members extending therefrom as shown in
The second half portion 120 of the portable cleaning mat device 100 may comprise a left wall 122a, a bottom wall 122b, a right wall 122c and a top wall 122d which collectively form a shallow recessed cavity which retains a second cleaning substrate 124 therein. The bottom wall 122b may comprise a plurality of first hinge elements 126 extending therefrom. Each of the second hinge elements 126 may comprise a flange having a plurality of second rotatable engagement members extending therefrom which are structured to engage with the plurality of first rotatable engagement members in a selective removable manner.
The interaction between the first and second hinge elements 116, 126, as illustrated in
The first cleaning substrate 114, as depicted in
Additionally, the first cleaning substrate 114, purposed as a drying mat for a user's feet, can be composed of a variety of alternative highly absorbent materials to ensure optimal drying efficacy. Cotton, particularly in its terry cloth form, is a conventional choice recognized for its intrinsic absorbency and plush texture. Bamboo-derived fibers offer both superior softness and absorbency, with the added advantage of natural anti-bacterial properties. Linen, sourced from the flax plant, not only excels in absorbency but also showcases rapid drying capabilities, biodegradability, and inherent resistance to bacteria. Hemp, another sustainable alternative, is distinguished by its robust absorbency, strength, and natural anti-bacterial attributes. Modal, derived from beech tree pulp, is esteemed for being approximately 50% more absorbent than cotton, and its soft, breathable nature is resistant to shrinking and fading. Suede microfiber offers exceptional absorbency with a refined finish. Additionally, absorbent polymers, synthetic materials designed for vast water retention, present a modern solution, having been successfully employed in products such as diapers and sanitary napkins. The selection of these materials for the drying mat prioritizes not only effective moisture absorption but also factors like user comfort, material longevity, maintenance simplicity, and environmental considerations.
Similarly, the second cleaning substrate 124, when in the embodiment as a scrubbing mat, may be designed to proficiently remove particulate matter, such as dirt, sand, mud, grass etc., from a user's feet. An advantageous material in this context is the fibrous tissue of the loofa gourd, commonly referred to technically as “Luffa aegyptiaca” or “Luffa cylindrica.” Its natural, reticulated structure provides an effective medium for scrubbing off stubborn dirt and debris. Not only is the loofa biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but its unique texture also affords a gentle exfoliating effect on the skin.
Beyond the loofa, there are other suitable materials and structures that can be integrated into the substrate. Stiff nylon or polypropylene bristles are prized for their resistance to wear and their robust scrubbing capabilities. Eco-friendly alternatives like coarse coir or sisal fibers, sourced from coconut husks and agave plants, respectively, bring forth a natural stiffness and durability. Rubber, especially when molded with ridges or grooves, is adept at capturing and brushing off tenacious particles. Furthermore, silicone-based materials, with their delicate balance of flexibility and firmness, can be fashioned with numerous small protrusions to enhance the particulate removal process. These materials can be utilized either individually or in a composite manner to ensure optimal scrubbing efficacy.
As shown in
Each of the left, top, right and bottom wall curvature portions 212a-212d may terminate into a planar bottom surface of the outer body housing 210 of the portable cleaning mat device 200 over which the anti-slip layer 218 may be disposed as shown in
In terms of fabrication materials, the anti-slip layer 218 may be fabricated from one or more materials providing anti-slip properties including natural rubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), polyurethane coatings with granulated additives and the like or any combination thereof. Natural rubber, with its inherent grip, offers a reliable solution and can be further enhanced with patterned designs or textures to amplify its anti-slip nature. Silicone, another versatile material, provides both grip and resilience against moisture, making it particularly apt for wet environments. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) merge the best of rubber and plastic properties, offering durability and traction simultaneously. Furthermore, polyurethane coatings with granulated additives can also be employed, providing a roughened surface that resists slippage. Beyond the material choices, the layer can be fabricated with ridges, grooves, or other geometric patterns to optimize its grip capabilities.
The inclusion of the anti-slip layer 218, as visualized in
As shown in
The outer body housing 310 may further comprise a perimeter lip curvature portion 316 having a left ridge curvature portion, a top ridge curvature portion, a right ridge curvature portion and a bottom ridge curvature portion extending downward therefrom which all collectively terminate into a planar bottom floor 318. Together, the perimeter lip curvature portion 316 and the planar bottom floor 318 define an inner cavity within which the first cleaning substrate 320a is disposed. The inner cavity may comprise an opening defined by the interior of the perimeter lip curvature portion 316. Specifically, a bottom side 320b of the first cleaning substrate 320a may be disposed directly adjacent the planar bottom floor 318. Further, complimentary first and second coupling element portions 322a, 322b may be utilized to removably couple the first cleaning substrate 320a to the planar bottom floor 318.
In the embodiment of
This detachable design negates the need for frequent replacement of the entire mat device due to wear or accumulation of dirt in one substrate. Additionally, a removable substrate provides adaptability, allowing users to potentially swap between different substrates based on specific cleaning needs or preferences. Such modularity not only maximizes the utility of the device but also makes it economically efficient, as users can maintain peak cleaning performance without recurrently incurring the cost of a brand-new cleaning mat device.
As shown in
As opposed to the complimentary patch structure utilized with respect to
Each of
As shown in
In the closed configuration, the first and second handle depressions 440a, 440b provide a place for the fingers of a user's single hand to grasp the entirety of the portable cleaning mat device 400. Thereby, the first and second handle depressions 440a, 440b indirectly form a grasping area 442 when the device 400 is in the closed configuration. Similarly, a plurality of clasp elements may be disposed within a coupled state when the device 400 is disposed in the closed configuration. Each of the plurality of clasp elements may comprise a flanged coupling mechanism 450a, 450b and an actuator release mechanism 452a, 452b in order to allow the clasp elements to robustly retain the device 400 in the closed configuration while also allowing the user to selectively decouple the clasp elements and place the device into an open configuration as illustrated in
As shown in
The interior cavity 512a of the first half outer body housing 510a may comprise a plurality of coupling elements 514 securely retained along a planar bottom floor 516a which are designed to removably couple a first cleaning substrate 522a to the planar bottom floor 516a of the first half outer body housing 510a of the device 500. The interior cavity 512b of the second half outer body housing 510b may not comprise any coupling elements to secure a second cleaning substrate 522b within the interior cavity 512b and against a planar bottom floor 516b of the second half outer body housing 510b. The second cleaning substrate 522b may comprise structural and material characteristics that, when stepped upon by a human or animal foot, does not cause the substrate 522b to be removed from the interior cavity 512b and so a coupling element would be disadvantageous as it would only serve to increase production cost and complexity without adding any residual benefit to the user.
The second half outer body housing 510b may further comprise a self-cleaning module disposed within the structure thereof as illustrated. The self-cleaning module may comprise a cleaning solution actuation area 518a, a fluid supply line 518b, and a cleaning solution reservoir 518c all of which may be formed into the structure of the second half outer body housing 510b as shown in
The integration of the self-cleaning module with the second cleaning substrate 522b offers distinct utilitarian advantages, particularly when specific characteristics are applied to each substrate. For example, in some embodiments, the second cleaning substrate 522b may be designed with a scrubbing characteristic, similar to a loofah material, which is primarily tasked with removing particulate matter such as dirt, sand, mud, and grass from a user's feet. Given the abrasive nature of this cleaning process, the difficulty in removing these types of particulate matter from feet, and the textured surface of the substrate 522b, the self-cleaning module, when utilizing one or more cleaning solutions therein, provides a convenient mechanism to aid in the removal of this particulate matter from the user's feet while also making the scrubbing action less abrasive upon the user's feet and further providing an aspect of cleansing to the substrate 522b itself by assisting in the process of removing particulate matter therefrom and helping it settle at the planar bottom floor 516b or in the actuation area 518a.
On the other hand, the first cleaning substrate 522a which in some embodiments may be fashioned as a drying mechanism after use of the scrubbing second cleaning substrate 522b, inherently doesn't accumulate as much debris and is less susceptible to the kind of soiling that requires regular intensive cleaning. Further, use of cleaning solutions within the first cleaning substrate 522a would not allow it to function as a drying mechanism but would instead keep the user's feet wet. Consequently, a self-cleaning module for the first substrate 522a might be deemed superfluous and counter to the intention of the device 500 overall, given its primary role in drying, rather than scrubbing. This strategic placement of the self-cleaning module not only optimizes the cleaning efficiency of the device 500 but also avoids unnecessary complexities and costs associated with outfitting both substrates with such a feature. Ultimately, this design choice underscores a commitment to both user convenience and product efficacy, ensuring a high-quality cleaning experience while maximizing device 500 longevity.
The portable cleaning mat device 500 may exist within three distinct configurations when the first and second outer body housings 510a, 510b are coupled together including an open configuration, a closed configuration and a transitional configuration. First, the open configuration exists when both the first and second outer body housings 510a, 510b aligned in a flat orientation, achieving a 180-degree separation, resulting in both housings 510a, 510b lying parallel within the same plane. This layout offers a broad surface area, making it ideal for users to comfortably access both cleaning substrates 522a, 522b concurrently. Conversely, the closed configuration represents the device 500 at its most compact, where the first and second outer body housings 510a, 510b are stacked directly atop one another, maintaining a 0-degree separation. In this state, the housings 510a, 510b occupy parallel but distinct planes, facilitating easy storage and transportation due to its minimized footprint. Between these two extremes lies the transitional state, where the angle between the two housings 510a, 510b ranges anywhere between 0 and 180 degrees, noninclusive. The transitional state allows the user to rotate the first and second outer body housings 510a, 510b from the open to the closed configuration and vice versa.
Additionally, the first cleaning substrate 522a may be dimensionally smaller than the first interior cavity 512a such that first and second air gaps within the first interior cavity 512a are disposed above and below the first cleaning substrate 522a, respectively, as shown in
The strategic design of the cleaning substrates 522a, 522b, having dimensions smaller than their respective interior cavities 512a, 512b, introduces air gaps both above and below them, as illustrated in
In some embodiments of the portable cleaning mat device, attention has been devoted to ensuring both durability and user convenience in the design and material selection of the cleaning substrates. Specifically, the first cleaning substrate may be constructed with flexibility in mind, facilitating the contours of a user's foot to engage thoroughly. Despite its flexible nature, it exhibits a remarkable structural robustness that can withstand the repeated abrasion that typically arises during cleaning processes. This ensures an extended life of service and consistent performance over time. Beyond its physical characteristics, the material choice for the first cleaning substrate prioritizes user maintenance needs. Recognizing the routine requirement to clean such devices, the substrate's material has been specifically chosen to be machine washable and dryable. This feature not only simplifies care but also ensures the mat remains hygienic and effective. Furthermore, taking into account the issues often associated with fabric-based products, the material has been tested and ensured not to experience significant shrinkage. In rigorous evaluations, the first cleaning substrate demonstrated that, even after numerous wash cycles, its dimensions did not reduce by more than 5% of its original size, ensuring consistency in its fit and function.
Similarly, the second cleaning substrate also boasts these advantageous features. Like its counterpart, it is designed to be both flexible and structurally robust, capable of enduring repeated abrasive actions during use. Its material composition mirrors the properties of the first cleaning substrate, being safe for both machine washing and drying. Importantly, users can expect minimal shrinkage from this substrate as well, with tests revealing a dimensional reduction no greater than 5% of its original size post washing. Further, the first and second set of ridge curvature portions may all be arranged symmetric about an axis along which the first outer body housing portion is removably coupled to the second outer body housing portion.
As shown in
The self-cleaning module of the device 600 may comprise a cleaning solution actuation area 622 fluidically coupled to a cleaning solution supply line 624. The cleaning solution supply line 624 may comprise a proximal end port or valve 626a between it and the actuation area 622 in order to selectively feed one or more cleaning solutions into the actuation area 622. Further, the cleaning solution supply line 624 may comprise a distal end port or valve 626b between it and the external environment in order to selectively add one or more cleaning solutions therein without any external environmental contaminants being allowed to passively enter the supply line 624 and degrade its functionality. Both of the actuation area 622 and the supply line 624 may act both as cleaning solution reservoirs and also cleaning solution fluid conduits to be pumped by the manual pump 628 disposed over the actuation area 622.
The manual pump 628, as illustrated in
In some embodiments of
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The specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. However, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure.
Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
All features disclosed in the specification, claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise.
Throughout this disclosure, the phrase ‘modularly coupled’ and similar terms and phrases are intended to convey that any element of a given class of elements may be coupled to another given element and vice versa with equal effect. For example, any extension cord of a plurality of extension cords may be modularly coupled to another extension cord and vice versa with equal effect. Further, throughout this disclosure, the phrase ‘removably coupled’ and similar terms and phrases are intended to convey that a given element may be iteratively coupled to and removed from another given element as desired. For example, a male plug of a first extension cord may be removably coupled to a female plug of a second extension cord as desired.
The use of the terms “a,” “an,” “the,” and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “coupled” or“connected,” where unmodified and referring to physical connections, is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited. The use of the term “set” (e.g., “a set of items”) or “subset” unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, is to be construed as a nonempty collection comprising one or more members. Further, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “subset” of a corresponding set does not necessarily denote a proper subset of the corresponding set, but the subset and the corresponding set may be equal.
Conjunctive language, such as phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B and C,” is understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either A or B or C, or any nonempty subset of the set of A and B and C, unless specifically stated otherwise or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. For instance, in the illustrative example of a set having three members, the conjunctive phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “at least one of A, B and C” refer to any of the following sets: {A}, {B}, {C}, {A, B}, {A, C}, {B, C}, {A, B, C}. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C each to be present. In addition, unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “plurality” indicates a state of being plural (e.g., “a plurality of items” indicates multiple items). The number of items in a plurality is at least two, but can be more when so indicated either explicitly or by context.
The use of any examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Embodiments of this disclosure are described, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend for embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, although above-described elements may be described in the context of certain embodiments of the specification, unless stated otherwise or otherwise clear from context, these elements are not mutually exclusive to only those embodiments in which they are described; any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/398,862, entitled “Portable Cleaning Mat Device,” filed Aug. 18, 2022 and U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/235,788, entitled “Portable Cleaning Mat Device,” filed Aug. 18, 2023. The contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18235788 | Aug 2023 | US |
| Child | 18427850 | US |
