Advanced Floor Mat System with Removable and Disposable Disinfecting Mat
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative floor mat system that improves upon existing doormat designs by incorporating a removable and disposable disinfecting mat, providing enhanced cleanliness, hygiene, and convenience.
Background and Problem Solved
The original floor mat patent, while effective in cleaning and disinfecting shoe soles, has limitations in terms of reusability and maintenance. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a floor mat system with a reusable primary mat and a removable, disposable secondary mat that contains an antimicrobial agent, ensuring a more efficient and hygienic solution.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced floor mat system comprises a primary mat with a top surface and a bottom surface, and a secondary mat with a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surfaces of both mats are designed to clean and disinfect shoe soles at the door. The secondary mat is removable and disposable, containing an antimicrobial agent that enhances its disinfecting capabilities. The primary mat can be reused and washed, reducing waste and maintenance costs. In some embodiments, the primary mat may include a built-in UV light to disinfect the secondary mat, or the secondary mat may contain a replaceable and disposable disinfecting pad. The two mats can be connected by a hinge, allowing for easy replacement of the secondary mat.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel, non-obvious improvement over the original patent by incorporating a removable and disposable secondary mat, which provides a more efficient, convenient, and hygienic solution. The combination of a reusable primary mat and a disposable secondary mat with antimicrobial properties represents a significant inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the advanced floor mat system could include varying materials, shapes, and sizes of the primary and secondary mats. The system could also be adapted for use in different environments, such as hospitals, restaurants, or offices, where enhanced cleanliness and hygiene are critical. Additionally, the secondary mat could be designed with different antimicrobial agents or disinfecting mechanisms, such as heat, light, or chemical treatments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced floor mat system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and food service, where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount. The system's ease of use, convenience, and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive solution for businesses and households seeking to improve their cleanliness and hygiene standards.
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 hygiene technologies, focusing on antimicrobial surface treatments, cleaning systems, and modular mat configurations with expertise in materials science, surface engineering, and sanitation technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or industrial design, familiar with surface treatment technologies, antimicrobial materials, and modular product design principles, with 3-5 years of experience in developing cleaning and hygiene solutions
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents a predictable combination of known floor mat technologies, extending the source patent's core concepts of disinfecting doormat surfaces through modular design and enhanced antimicrobial capabilities. The proposed variations leverage standard engineering design approaches to improve functionality while maintaining the fundamental cleaning and disinfection principles established in the original patent. The incremental improvements, such as removable secondary mats and integrated disinfection mechanisms, would be considered obvious modifications within the existing technological framework.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,136 |
|---|---|
| Title | Floor mat and method of use |