SHAPEABLE ABSORBENT MAT

Abstract

A shapeable absorbent mat having an absorbent layer and a forming layer secured to the absorbent layer is disclosed. The forming layer is made from a shapeable material, which may be liquid impermeable. The absorbent layer may be secured to the forming layer by an adhesive layer disposed between the absorbent layer and the forming layer. The shapeable absorbent mat formed fitted to almost any shape which makes the mat well suited be wrapped around pipes, fittings and other equipment. The shapeable absorbent mat may also be shaped into a pan to catch leaks and drips. Additionally, the shapeable absorbent mat may be used forming side up to form a trough to channel liquids away.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view shapeable absorbent mat according to one embodiment the present invention showing the absorbent layer on top and the forming layer on the bottom with an adhesive layer between the absorbent layer and forming layer.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of the shapeable absorbent mat according to one embodiment of the present invention showing the absorbent layer, adhesive layer and forming layer.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of a shapeable absorbent mat having the absorbent layer and forming layer secured by a taped edge.

FIG. 4 illustrates how a shapeable absorbent mat according to one embodiment of the present invention may be molded around a leaking pipe.

FIG. 5 illustrates how a shapeable absorbent mat according to one embodiment of the present invention may be folded into a pan shape for containing a leaking fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a shapeable absorbent mat molded into a trough to direct a leaking liquid into a container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a shapeable absorbent mat with an expanded metal forming layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a shapeable absorbent mat with a forming layer made of metallic strips according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a shapeable absorbent mat with a forming layer disposed between two absorbent layers according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the shapeable absorbent mat of FIG. 9 with a barrier layer to prevent leaching of absorbed liquid according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shapeable absorbent mat comprising: at least one absorbent layer; anda shapeable, forming layer secured to the absorbent layer.

2. The shapeable mat of claim 1 wherein the forming layer is liquid impermeable.

3. The shapeable mat of claim 1 wherein the forming layer is a metal foil.

4. The shapeable mat of claim 1 wherein the forming layer is an aluminum foil.

5. The shapeable mat of claim 4 wherein the forming layer has a thickness of about 1 mil to about 6 mils.

6. The shapeable mat of claim 4 wherein the forming layer has a thickness of about 3 mils.

7. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the absorbent layer and the forming layer.

8. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 7 wherein the adhesive layer comprises a water based spray on adhesive adhesive.

9. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 7 wherein the adhesive layer comprises a continuous layer of adhesive between the absorbent layer and the forming layer.

10. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 7 wherein the adhesive layer comprises discrete sections of adhesive disposed between the absorbent layer and the forming layer.

11. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 7 wherein the adhesive layer comprises two-sided tape.

12. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 1 wherein the shapeable absorbent mat can be cut by scissors.

13. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 1 further comprising a taped edge for securing the forming layer to the absorbent layer, wherein the taped edge comprises one-sided tape wrapped around a periphery of the shapeable absorbent mat.

14. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 1 wherein the absorbent layer comprises polypropylene.

15. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 14 wherein the absorbent layer has a thickness of about 0.01 inch to about 0.5 inch.

16. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 14 wherein the absorbent layer has a thickness of about 0.1 inch.

17. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 1 wherein the forming layer is expanded metal.

18. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 17 wherein the forming layer is disposed between and affixed to two absorbent layers.

19. The shapeable absorbent mat of claim 17 further comprising a liquid impervious barrier layer affixed to an exterior surface of one absorbent layer.

20. A method of using an absorbent mat to absorb a liquid comprising the steps of: providing a shapeable absorbent mat; anddeforming the shapeable absorbent mat to contain the liquid.

21. The method of using an absorbent mat of claim 20 wherein the absorbent mat is deformed around a pipe.

22. The method of using an absorbent mat of claim 20 wherein the absorbent mat is deformed into a pan, box or container.

23. A method of using a shapeable absorbent mat having an absorbent layer and a liquid impervious forming layer to divert a liquid comprising the steps of deforming the shapeable absorbent mat into a trough wherein the liquid impervious layer forms the interior of the trough which contacts the liquid.