US20120167294A1

US20120167294A1 - System for catching grooming waste

Info

Publication number: US20120167294A1
Application number: US12/980,428
Authority: US
Inventors: Aviv Ben-Menachem
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-29
Filing date: 2010-12-29
Publication date: 2012-07-05

Abstract

One example embodiment includes a system for catching grooming waste. The system includes a sheet. The sheet includes a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is configured to cover a bathroom fixture. The system also includes an adhesive, where the adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the sheet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are many areas that get dirty or messy in the course of use. For example, sinks, in particular bathroom sinks, receive a high amount of debris in the normal course of grooming. The debris might include shaving debris (i.e., whiskers), other hair clippings, nail clippings, makeup, skin or other debris. This debris is often simply washed down the drain of the sink.
Nevertheless, this can lead to a number of problems. In particular, the debris can often clog the sink drain. This can be expensive and/or time consuming to correct. The drain may need to be taken apart or a device, such as a plumber's snake, may need to be inserted into the drain or harsh chemicals capable of dissolving the debris may need to be poured down the drain in order to remove any clogs.
Chemicals, in particular, may cause additional problems in the drains. For example, the chemicals are often quite harsh and may dissolve part of the drain pipes. This can lead to other problems that need to be corrected eventually, some of which may be quite expensive to fix. For this reason, many plumbers and other professionals recommend that these chemicals only be used infrequently or not be used.
Additionally, there are other areas that are likely to get dirty. For example, entry ways into homes or other areas often collect a large amount of debris. This can include debris that is on the user's feet or shoes or debris that blows in from the outside when doors are opened. The dirt in this area is likely to be tracked to many different areas, leading to a large cleanup project if not taken care of quickly.
Another example of an area that frequently gets dirty is a haircut area or other areas where high amounts of hair or pet fur are present. In particular, hair clippings or pet fur is not often easily collected. For example, vacuuming or other cleaning methods may fail to adequately clean these areas.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system that is capable of collecting grooming and other waste. Additionally, there is a need in the art for a system that can allow this waste to be easily disposed of. Further, there is a need in the art for the system to be easily cleaned and/or changed when enough waste has accumulated.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
One example embodiment includes a system for catching grooming waste. The system includes a sheet. The sheet includes a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is configured to cover a bathroom fixture. The system also includes an adhesive, where the adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the sheet.
Another example embodiment includes a system for catching grooming waste. The system includes a sheet. The sheet includes a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is configured to cover a bathroom fixture. The system also includes a first layer of adhesive, where the first layer of adhesive covers at least a portion of the first surface and allows the sheet to adhere to the bathroom fixture. The system further includes a second layer of adhesive, where the second layer of adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the sheet.
Another example embodiment includes a system for catching grooming waste. The system includes a board and a first sheet. The first sheet includes a first surface, wherein the first surface is attached to the board and a second surface. The system also includes a second sheet, where the second sheet includes a first surface and a second surface. The system further includes a first layer of adhesive, where the first layer of adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the first sheet and attaches the first surface of the second sheet to the second surface of the first sheet. The system also includes a second layer of adhesive, where the second layer of adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the second sheet and is configured to adhere grooming waste.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for catching grooming waste;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an adhesive sheet;

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative system for dispensing adhesive sheets; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of manufacturing a system for catching grooming waste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.
FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for catching grooming waste. In at least one implementation, the system 100 can be used to prevent a mess in a bathroom or other environments where waste or debris is likely to gather. For example, the system 100 can be placed near or in a sink, around a hair cutting chair, in an entry area to clean shoes or any other area. In particular, the system 100 is capable of catching and retaining the waste such that the waste is prevented from spreading.
FIG. 1 shows that the system 100 can include an adhesive sheet 105. In at least one implementation, the adhesive sheet 105 can be used to adhere anything which comes in contact with the adhesive sheet 105. I.e., the adhesive sheet 105 will retain some or all debris 110 or other objects which contact the adhesive sheet 105. This can prevent messes which would otherwise occur. For example, the adhesive sheet can catch grooming waste or other debris 115 before the debris can be spread or washed down a drain, as described below.
FIG. 1 shows that the adhesive sheet 105 can be placed over a sink 115. In at least one implementation, the sink 115 includes a basin. The basin can include a bowl shaped fixture that can receive and hold water or other materials. The basin can be circular, oval, square, rectangular or any other shape according to the preferences of the manufacturer and user. The basin can be made of stainless steel, enamel over steel or cast iron, ceramic, marble, plastic, soapstone, concrete, terrazzo, totianota, wood, stone, copper, glass, granite or any other material suitable for receiving and retaining water.
In at least one implementation, the user 120 will groom near or over the sink 115. In particular, the user 120 can shave, apply make-up, trim hair, trim nails or any other desired grooming. This grooming may produce debris 110, such as hair or nail clippings. Without the adhesive sheet 105, the debris 110 would enter the basin of the sink 115. The debris 110 will then either be removed or washed down the drain. If washed down the drain, the debris 110 can clog the drain. In contrast, the adhesive sheet 105 is able to catch the debris 110 before it enters the drain and can cause a clog.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an adhesive sheet 105. In at least one implementation, the adhesive sheet 105 is configured to catch any debris which contacts the adhesive sheet 105. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive sheet 105 can retain the debris which contacted the adhesive sheet 105 for easy disposal. In particular, the adhesive sheet 105 can be easily removed and disposed of, as described below.
In at least one implementation, the adhesive sheet 105 can allow a user to remove an adhesive sheet 105 while retaining a new adhesive sheet 105 in place for use once the old adhesive sheet 105 is removed. In particular, the adhesive sheets 105 can be stacked on one another or placed in some manner which allows one adhesive sheet 105 to be removed while leaving other adhesive sheets 105.
FIG. 2 shows that the adhesive sheet 105 can include a backing 205. In at least one implementation, the backing 305 can allow for the attachment of adhesive sheets 105. In particular, the backing 305 can be cardboard, paper, plastic, wood or any other material that allows for a number of adhesive sheets 105 to be attached.
FIG. 2 shows that the adhesive sheet 105 includes a sheet 210. In at least on implementation, the sheet 210 can be used as a surface for catching the debris. The sheet 210 can include paper, fabric or any other material for placing the adhesive sheet 105 easily and allowing the sheet 210 to be easily removed. The sheet 210 can be flexible or solid, as desired by the user, for use in different areas.
In at least one implementation, the sheet 210 can include a first surface 215 a and a second surface 215 b. The second surface 215 b can be opposite the first surface 210. In at least one implementation, the first surface 215 a can be used to cover a bathroom fixture, while the second surface 215 b is used to catch the debris falling onto the adhesive sheet 105.
FIG. 2 also shows that the adhesive sheet 105 can include a first layer of adhesive 220. In at least one implementation, adhesive 220 can include a sticky substance that adheres debris to the sheet 210. I.e., the layer of adhesive 220 can be applied to the second surface 215 b of the sheet 105 in order to retain the debris. In particular, without the layer of adhesive 220, moving or disturbing the sheet 210 can cause the debris to be dislodged from the sheet 210.
In at least one implementation, the adhesive 220 can be waterproof. I.e., the adhesive 220 can be impervious to water. A waterproof adhesive 220 can allow the adhesive paper 105 to be placed in a sink or other location where it is likely to get wet or otherwise come in contact with water. Waterproof adhesive 220 can allow the user to use water at the location of the adhesive paper 105 in order to catch debris or other materials without ruining the adhesive sheet 105 and blocking the drain.
In at least one implementation FIG. 2 further shows that the adhesive sheet 105 can include a second layer of adhesive 220. In at least one implementation, the second layer of adhesive 220 can be applied to the first surface 215 a to adhere the first surface 215 a in place. In particular, the second layer of adhesive 220 can adhere the adhesive sheet 105 to any area that the user desires to keep clean. For example, the second layer of adhesive 220 can adhere the first surface 210 to a bathroom fixture, such as a sink, a countertop or any other area. Additionally or alternatively, the second layer of adhesive 220 can be used to place the adhesive sheet 105 near a doorway, in high traffic areas, where haircuts are performed or any other area that the user desires to keep clean.
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative system 300 for dispensing adhesive sheets 105. In at least one implementation, the system 300 can allow a user to place the adhesive sheets 105 without affixing the sheets to the location. In particular, the system 300 allows the user to place the adhesive sheets 105 without leaving adhesive residue or allows the user to use an adhesive sheet 105 multiple times over a period of time without changing the adhesive sheet 105.
FIG. 3 shows that the system 300 can include a substrate 305. In at least one implementation, the substrate 305 is configured to hold the one or more adhesive sheets 105. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate 305 can provide a base for the system 300. For example, the substrate 305 can allow the system 300 to be placed in an area that is not flat or that is not solid. For example, the substrate 305 can be placed over a sink or other area to provide a base for the system 300.
In at least one implementation, the substrate 305 can include any material that can support the system 300. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate 305 can include any material meant to protect the surface to be protected. For example, the substrate 305 can include wood, metal, cardboard, cloth or any other material.
FIG. 3 also shows that the system 300 can include one or more connectors 310. In at least one implementation, the one or more connectors 310 can allow the substrate 305 to be attached to the surface to be protected. Fox example, the one or more connectors 310 can be used to attach the substrate 305 to a countertop or to another surface.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 of manufacturing a system for catching grooming waste. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the method 400 can be used to produce the system 100 of FIG. 1; however, the method 400 can be used to produce a system other than the system 100 of FIG. 1.
In at least one implementation, the system can be used to prevent a mess in a bathroom or other environments where waste or debris is likely to gather. For example, the system can be placed near or in a sink, around a hair cutting chair, in an entry area to clean shoes or any other area. In particular, the system is capable of catching and retaining the waste such that the waste is prevented from spreading.
In at least one implementation, the system can include an adhesive sheet. The adhesive sheet can be used to adhere anything which comes in contact with the adhesive sheet. I.e., the adhesive sheet will retain some or all debris or other objects which contact the adhesive sheet. This can prevent messes which would otherwise occur. For example, the adhesive sheet can catch grooming waste or other debris before the debris can be spread or washed down a drain, as described below.
In at least one implementation, the adhesive sheet is configured to catch any debris which contacts the adhesive sheet. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive sheet can retain the debris which contacted the adhesive sheet for easy disposal. In particular, the adhesive sheet can be easily removed and disposed of, as described below.
In at least one implementation, the adhesive sheet can be placed over a sink. The basin of the sink can include a bowl shaped fixture that can receive and hold water or other materials. The basin can be circular, oval, square, rectangular or any other shape according to the preferences of the manufacturer and user. The basin can be made of stainless steel, enamel over steel or cast iron, ceramic, marble, plastic, soapstone, concrete, terrazzo, totianota, wood, stone, copper, glass, granite or any other material suitable for receiving and retaining water.
In at least one implementation, the user will groom near or over the sink. In particular, the user can shave, apply make-up, trim hair, trim nails or any other desired grooming. This grooming may produce debris, such as hair or nail clippings. Without the adhesive sheet, the debris would enter the basin of the sink. The debris will then either be removed or washed down the drain. If washed down the drain, the debris can clog the drain. In contrast, the adhesive sheet is able to catch the debris before it enters the drain and can cause a clog.
FIG. 4 shows that the method 400 can include providing a sheet 405. The sheet can be used as a surface for catching the debris. The sheet can include paper, fabric or any other material for placing the adhesive sheet easily and allowing the sheet to be removed. The sheet can be flexible or solid, as desired by the user, for use in different areas.
In at least one implementation, the sheet can include a first surface and a second surface. The second surface can be opposite the first surface. In at least one implementation, the first surface can be used to cover a bathroom fixture, while the second surface is used to catch the debris falling onto the adhesive sheet.
FIG. 4 also shows that the method 400 can include providing a first layer of adhesive 410. In at least one implementation, the adhesive can include a sticky substance that adheres debris to the sheet. I.e., the layer of adhesive can be applied to the second surface of the sheet in order to retain the debris. In particular, without the layer of adhesive, moving or disturbing the sheet can cause the debris to be dislodged from the sheet.
In at least one implementation, the adhesive can be waterproof. I.e., the adhesive can be impervious to water. A waterproof adhesive can allow the adhesive paper to be placed in a sink or other location where it is likely to get wet or otherwise come in contact with water. Waterproof adhesive can allow the user to use water at the location of the adhesive paper in order to catch debris or other materials without ruining the adhesive sheet and blocking the drain.
FIG. 4 also shows that the method 400 can include providing a second layer of adhesive 415. In at least one implementation, the second layer of adhesive can be applied to the first surface to adhere the first surface in place. In particular, the second layer of adhesive can adhere the adhesive sheet to any area that the user desires to keep clean. For example, the second layer of adhesive can adhere the first surface to a bathroom fixture, such as a sink, a countertop or any other area. Additionally or alternatively, the second layer of adhesive can be used to place the adhesive sheet near a doorway, in high traffic areas, where haircuts are performed or any other area that the user desires to keep clean.
In at least one implementation, the method 400 can further include providing a dispensing system for dispensing adhesive sheets. In at least one implementation, the system can be allow a user to remove an adhesive sheet while retaining a new adhesive sheet in place for use once the old adhesive sheet is removed. In particular, the adhesive sheets can be stacked on one another or placed in some manner which allows one adhesive sheet to be removed while leaving other adhesive sheets.
In at least one implementation, the dispensing system can include a backing. The backing can allow for the attachment of adhesive sheets. In particular, the backing can be cardboard, paper, plastic, wood or any other material that allows for a number of adhesive sheets to be attached.
In at least one implementation, the dispensing system can include adhesive sheets placed on one another. I.e., the first adhesive sheet includes a layer of adhesive which is on the second surface of the first adhesive sheet and the first surface of the second adhesive sheet. I.e. the adhesive on the first adhesive sheet which will be used to adhere grooming waste is also used to attach the second adhesive sheet to the system.
In at least one implementation, the method 400 can further include providing an alternative dispensing system for dispensing adhesive sheets. In at least one implementation, the system can allow a user to place the adhesive sheets without affixing the sheets to the location. In particular, the system allows the user to place the adhesive sheets without leaving adhesive residue or allows the user to use an adhesive sheet multiple times over a period of time without changing the adhesive sheet.
In at least one implementation, the alternative dispensing system can include a substrate. The substrate is configured to hold the one or more adhesive sheets. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate can provide a base for the system. For example, the substrate can allow the system to be placed in an area that is not flat or that is not solid. For example, the substrate can be placed over a sink or other area to provide a base for the system.
In at least one implementation, the substrate can include any material that can support the system. Additionally or alternatively, the substrate can include any material meant to protect the surface to be protected. For example, the substrate can include wood, metal, cardboard, cloth or any other material.
In at least one implementation, the alternative dispensing system can include one or more connectors. The one or more connectors can allow the substrate to be attached to the surface to be protected. Fox example, the one or more connectors can be used to attach the substrate to a countertop or to another surface.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A system for catching grooming waste, the system comprising:

a sheet, wherein the sheet includes:

a first surface; and

a second surface;

wherein the first surface is configured to cover a bathroom fixture; and

adhesive, wherein the adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the sheet.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sheet includes a sheet of paper.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is waterproof.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the bathroom fixture includes a sink.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the sheet is configured to cover at least a portion of the basin of the sink.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the sheet is configured to cover the drain of the sink.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the bathroom fixture includes a counter top.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a board, wherein the sheet is attached to the board.

9. The system of claim 8 further comprising a layer of adhesive between the board and the sheet.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a layer of adhesive covering at least a portion of the first surface, wherein the layer of adhesive is configured to adhere the first surface to the bathroom fixture.

11. A system for catching grooming waste, the system comprising:

a sheet, wherein the sheet includes:

a first surface; and

a second surface;

wherein the first surface is configured to cover a bathroom fixture;

a first layer of adhesive, wherein the first layer of adhesive covers at least a portion of the first surface and allows the sheet to adhere to the bathroom fixture; and

a second layer of adhesive, wherein the second layer of adhesive covers at least a portion of the second surface of the sheet.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sheet includes a sheet of paper.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the first layer of adhesive is waterproof.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the second layer of adhesive is waterproof.

15. A system for catching grooming waste, the system comprising:

a board;

a first sheet, wherein the first sheet includes:

a first surface, wherein the first surface is attached to the board; and

a second surface;

a second sheet, wherein the second sheet includes:

a first surface; and

a second surface;

a first layer of adhesive, wherein the first layer of adhesive:

covers at least a portion of the second surface of the first sheet; and

attaches the first surface of the second sheet to the second surface of the first sheet; and

a second layer of adhesive, wherein the second layer of adhesive:

covers at least a portion of the second surface of the second sheet;

is configured to adhere grooming waste.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the board includes a connector.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the board includes a second connector.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the connector and the second connector are configured to attach the board to a bathroom fixture.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the bathroom fixture includes a countertop.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the board is configured to cover a basin opening in a sink when attached to the countertop.