Advanced Floor Mat System with Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfecting Capabilities
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present invention relates to an advanced floor mat system that incorporates various features to improve cleaning efficiency, durability, and overall hygiene, thereby providing a superior solution for maintaining clean and germ-free interior floors and carpets.
Background and Problem Solved
The original floor mat patent, while effective in cleaning shoe soles, has inherent limitations, such as water absorption, difficulty in cleaning, and lack of integrated disinfecting features. The present invention addresses these limitations by introducing a hydrophobic coating, silicone-based coatings, removable and washable top layers, integrated UV light disinfecting features, and self-cleaning surfaces, thereby providing a more efficient, convenient, and hygienic cleaning experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced floor mat system comprises a top layer with a hydrophobic coating, reducing water absorption and improving cleaning efficiency. The top layer can be made of a silicone-based material, enhancing durability and ease of cleaning. Additionally, the floor mat system features a removable and washable top layer, allowing for convenient cleaning and replacement. Furthermore, an integrated UV light disinfecting feature can be incorporated, reducing bacterial growth and improving overall hygiene. In another embodiment, the top layer can include micro-encapsulated cleaning agents that are released upon contact with dirt or debris, providing a self-cleaning surface and reducing maintenance.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several novel and non-obvious features, including the hydrophobic coating, silicone-based coatings, removable and washable top layers, integrated UV light disinfecting features, and self-cleaning surfaces, which significantly improve the original floor mat's performance and functionality.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the advanced floor mat system could include varying the type and thickness of the hydrophobic coating, using different silicone-based materials, or integrating other disinfecting features, such as heat or ozone generation. Additionally, the floor mat system could be designed for specific industries, such as healthcare or food service, with customized features and materials.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced floor mat system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including residential, commercial, healthcare, and food service, where maintaining clean and germ-free floors is essential. The system's enhanced cleaning and disinfecting capabilities, combined with its convenience and ease of use, make it an attractive solution for businesses and consumers seeking to improve their cleaning protocols and reduce the spread of germs and diseases.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47L23/266 |
| B | B32 | B32B7/12 |
| B | B32 | B32B25/20 |
| B | B32 | B32B2250/02 |
| B | B32 | B32B2307/7145 |
| B | B32 | B32B2307/7265 |
| B | B32 | B32B2307/744 |
| B | B32 | B32B2471/04 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Floor mat design and manufacturing, focusing on hygiene and cleaning technologies, with expertise in materials science, surface engineering, and antimicrobial treatments
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or industrial design, familiar with polymer chemistry, surface coatings, and hygiene product development, with 3-5 years of experience in designing functional surface treatments
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's foundational floor mat design with antimicrobial silicone materials provides a clear technological framework for incremental improvements. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of known techniques in surface engineering and hygiene technologies. The proposed modifications leverage standard design strategies for enhancing floor mat functionality through material science and surface treatment approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,136 |
|---|---|
| Title | Floor mat and method of use |