Self-Cleaning Entry Mat
A self-cleaning entry mat is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the self-cleaning entry mat includes a mat housing, a grate opening provided in the mat housing, a grate seated in the grate opening and at least one collecting drawer extendable from the mat housing and positional between closed and opened positions. The collecting drawer is positioned beneath the grate opening when in the closed position.
The present invention relates to entry mats. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-cleaning entry mat.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ARTEntry mats are commonly placed at the entrances of doors in homes and businesses. Over time, the mats become stained with dirt and grime, rendering necessary cleaning or replacement of the mats. Therefore, a self-cleaning entry mat is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is generally directed to a self-cleaning entry mat. An illustrative embodiment of the self-cleaning entry mat includes a mat housing, a grate opening provided in the mat housing, a grate seated in the grate opening and one collecting drawer extendable from the mat housing that is positional between closed and opened positions. The collecting drawer is positioned beneath the grate opening when in the closed position.
The above and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
The entry mat can be, but is not limited to, three configurations. The first is an entry mat unit that is approximately three to four inches in height from the base of the unit to the top platform; it can be either portable or permanently installed; and it does not have any type of vacuum unit either attached or remotely connected. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in
A grate opening 8 is provided in the housing top 7. A grate 9 is seated in the grate opening 8. Multiple bristles 10 may be incorporated into grate 9. As shown in
The second configuration is a portable unit that is approximately three to four inches in height from the base of the unit to the top platform, with a plug in power cord, a front opening drawer and an on/off switch installed on the unit itself. This unit is the generally the same as the unit described above; however, this unit has a vacuum.
The third configuration is a permanently installed unit that is preferably six to ten inches in height from the base of the unit to the platform of the unit, with a side drawer on either side or a front drawer, constructed in either existing or new construction porch/steps, and is generally hardwired to an electrical source. The on/off switch could either be installed on the unit or remotely installed on the door frame of the house or structure.
Referring to
A grate opening 8 is provided in the housing top 7. A grate 9 is seated in the grate opening 8. Multiple bristles 10 may be incorporated into grate 9. As shown in
As shown in
Typical application of the invention will be described with respect to the self-cleaning entry mat shown in the Figures. As shown in
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made in the invention and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A self-cleaning entry mat, comprising:
- a mat housing;
- a grate opening provided in said mat housing;
- a grate seated in said grate opening; and
- at least one collecting drawer extendable from said mat housing and positional between closed and opened positions, wherein said collecting drawer is positioned beneath said grate opening when in said closed position.
2. The self-cleaning entry mat of claim 1 wherein said collecting drawer is either a front collecting drawer or a side collecting drawer.
3. The self-cleaning entry mat of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of bristles provided on said grate.
4. (canceled)
5. The self-cleaning entry mat of claim 1 further comprising:
- a plurality of drawer rails carried by said mat housing and;
- a plurality of drawer slides carried by said at least one collecting drawer and slidably engaging said plurality of drawer rails, respectively.
6. The self-cleaning entry mat of claim 1 wherein said mat housing comprises:
- a pair of housing sides;
- a housing front and a housing rear extending between said pair of housing sides; and
- a housing bottom and a housing top carried by said pair of housing sides, said housing front and said housing rear, and wherein said one collecting drawer comprises
- a front collecting drawer extendable from said housing front or a side collecting drawer extendable from one of said pair of housing sides.
7. The self-cleaning entry mat of claim 1 further comprising a vacuum device interfacing with said collecting drawer.
8. A self-cleaning entry mat, comprising:
- a mat housing having a pair of housing sides, a housing front and a housing rear extending between said pair of housing sides and a housing bottom and a housing top carried by said pair of housing sides, said housing front and said housing rear;
- a grate opening provided in said housing top of said mat housing;
- a grate seated in said grate opening;
- a drawer opening provided in said housing front or side of said mat housing;
- a collecting drawer extendable from said drawer opening and positional between closed and opened positions, said collecting drawer positioned beneath said grate opening when in said closed position;
- a filter screen provided on said drawer; and
- a vacuum device provided in said mat housing and having an inlet interfacing with said filter screen when said collecting drawer is in said closed position.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 5, 2008
Publication Date: Mar 11, 2010
Inventor: Peter J. Tafil (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 12/205,726
International Classification: A47B 88/00 (20060101); A47B 81/00 (20060101); A47L 5/38 (20060101);