Sink lining system and method therefor

Abstract

A removable protective liner has a thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material. The liner is used for lining the sink. A drain hole liner is formed in the thin sheet. The drain hole liner extends down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe. A first tab member extends from the thin sheet. The first tab member is used for covering a first area around the sink.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a protective cover and, more specifically, to an inexpensive lightweight disposable sink liner and system which is used to protect the sink, and more specifically, a hair salon sink and/or household sink and drain, from stains which may result from chemicals used during a hair styling process.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Different types of sink liners are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,800 discloses a pedicure basin liner system for preventing transmission of pathogens between pedicure clients when using a common pedicure basin. U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,171 discloses a removable protective liner for use with a sink mounted in a counter top. The liner has a bottom panel of a size conforming with the bottom of the sink, four upstanding side panels which conform with the upstanding walls of the sink and an adjacent portion of its peripheral flange. The side panels and bottom panel are adapted to conform with the configuration of the sink so that the liner completely covers the sink. The liner further includes a side drain having an elevated outer end and a bottom interconnecting with side walls and extending from the elevated outer end to an inner end.

While the above liners do adequately work for there intended purposes, they have several problems. First, neither one of the above is designed to be used with a beauty salon sink. A beauty salon sink has a unique design having a neck holding channel used to cradle the neck and lower head. The neck holding channel needs to be protected from the chemicals used during the hair styling process to prevent staining of this area. Secondly, neither one of the above liners will protect the drain area of a sink from being damaged from hair styling products. U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,800 doesn't even have an opening for a drain. Another problem with the prior art is that U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,171 discloses a multi-piece liner made of a heavy duty material. The heavy duty material increases the cost on the liner. Furthermore, the liner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,171 is not disposable.

Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved sink liner system. The improved sink liner system must overcome the problems associated with prior art sink liners. The improved sink liner system must be designed to protect a hair salon sink and drain from damages such as staining which may result from chemicals used during the hair styling process. The improved sink liner system must be light weight and disposable. The improved sink liner system must further be inexpensive to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sink liner system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved sink liner system that overcomes the problems associated with prior art sink liners.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved sink liner system that is designed to protect a hair salon sink and/or household sink and drain from damages such as staining which may result from chemicals used during a hair styling process.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved sink liner system that is light weight.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved sink liner system that is light weight and disposable.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved sink liner system that is inexpensive to produce.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a removable protective liner for use with a sink is disclosed. The removable protective liner has a thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material. The liner is used for lining the sink. A drain hole liner is formed in the thin sheet. The drain hole liner extends down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe. A first tab member extends from the thin sheet. The first tab member is used for covering a first area around the sink.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.

FIG. 1 is a top view of the sink liner used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of a roll of sink liners.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a first flap portion used in the sink liner depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second flap portion used in the sink liner depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the sink liner depicted in FIG. 1 showing the drain liner section.

FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of the drain cover used in the sink liner system of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the drain cover used in the sink liner system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a beauty salon sink.

FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of a beauty salon sink with the sink liner system of the present invention installed.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the beauty salon sink with the sink liner system depicted in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the drain liner and drain cover used in the sink liner system of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the drain liner and drain cover used in the sink liner system installed in a sink drain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the Figures, a sink lining system 10 is shown. The sink lining system 10 is used to protect the sink and drain area from being stained by any type of liquid. More specifically, the sink lining system 10 is used to protect a hair salon sink and drain from stains which may result from chemicals used during the hair styling process.

The sink lining system 10 is comprised of a disposable sink liner 12. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the sink liner 12 is a made of a thin sheet 14 of flexible material. The material needs to be semi-durable to prevent tearing. The material also needs to be made out of a non-absorbent material so that any liquids that may fall onto the sink liner 12 will not be adsorbed. The material also needs to be fairly inexpensive. In general, a material such as metallized polyester film, aluminum/tin foil, plastic wrap, or the like may be used. It should be noted that the listing of the above is given as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention.

The sink liner 12 may come in a plurality of different sizes. In general, the sink liner 12 will come in an elongated sheet 14. The sheet 14 will be of sufficient size to cover the entire bowl area of a sink. When placed in a sink, the sink liner 12 will line the entire bowl area of the sink thereby preventing any liquid from contacting the sink bowl. Thus, the sink liner 12 will prevent any liquids from staining any part of the sink.

The sink lining system 10 may come with individual sheets 14 or a roll of sheets 16. Referring specifically to FIG. 2, a roll of sheets 16 is shown. The roll 16 will have a plurality of individual sheets 14 coupled together. Each sheet 14 will have a perforation located along an edge of the sheet 14. The perforation will allow one to separate a sheet 14 from an adjoining sheet 14.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-5, each sheet 14 will have a drain hole perforation/cutout 18 (Hereinafter drain hole perforation 18). The drain hole perforation 18 will allow one to form an opening in the sheet 14 to allow a liquid to flow off the sheet 14 and down the drain. The drain hole perforation 18 will further cover the area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe. The drain hole perforation 18 is generally circular in shape.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the drain hole perforation 18 will have an outer perimeter 20. A plurality of perforations 22 are formed from the outer perimeter 20 towards a central area 24. In use, one presses down on the perforations 22. The top of the perforations 22 will remain connected to the sheet 14 along the outer perimeter 20. The remainder of the perforation 22 will become separated from the sheet 14 thereby forming an opening. The opening allows a liquid to flow into the drain pipe. The perforations 22 that become separated from the sheet 14 are used to line the area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe thereby preventing this area from becoming stained by a liquid.

The sheet 14 will have one or more flap portions 26. The flap portions 26 are used to cover any exposed surfaces around the sink bowl. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a top flap portion 26A is used to cover a top area of the sink where the faucet and knobs are located. The top flap portion 26A will have one or more faucet perforations 28. The faucet perforations 28 will allow the top flap portion 26A to be fitted over the faucet and knobs used by the sink. The faucet perforations 28 are similar to that described above. When one presses down on the faucet perforations 28, the top of the perforations 28 will remain connected to the sheet 14 along the outer perimeter 29. The remainder of the perforation 28 will become separated from the sheet 14 thereby forming an opening to allow the top flap portion 26A to be fitted over the faucet and knobs.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bottom flap portion 26B is used to cover a bottom area of the sink. The bottom flap portion 26B is designed to be used with a beauty salon sink. The bottom flap portion 26B would be used to cover the neck holding channel which cradles the neck and lower head of a person who is having their hair styled. The neck holding channel needs to be protected from the chemicals used during the hair styling process to prevent staining of this area. As can be seen in FIG. 2, if a roll of sheets 16 is provided, the flap portions 26 will be folded onto the sheet 14 and rolled up.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, the sink lining system 10 will further have a drain cover 30. The drain cover 30 is used to ensure that the drain hole area leading down to the drain pipe is fully covered. The drain cover 30 is shaped similar to a funnel having a top opening 32 and a bottom opening 34. The drain cover 30 will fit in the drain hole area so that the bottom opening 34 is aligned with the drain pipe while completely covering the drain hole area. The perforations 22 of the drain hole perforations 18 that become separated from the sheet 14 are used to line the drain cover 30 thereby ensuring any liquids used will flow down the drain pipe and will not stain the drain hole area.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, the use of the sink lining system 10 will be discussed. The sink lining system 10 is used to prevent staining of the sink area 40. In operation, the drain cover 30 is placed in the drain hole 42 of the sink area 40. The drain cover 30 is aligned so that so that the bottom opening 34 is aligned with the drain pipe 50 while completely covering the drain hole 42. A single sheet 14 is removed from the roll 16. If the sink area 40 has a faucet 44 and knobs 46, the faucet perforations 28 must be broken to form openings that will allow the top flap portion 26A to be fitted over the faucet 44 and knobs 46 used by the sink. If the area around the faucet 44 and knobs 46 do not need protection, the top flap portion 26A may be removed from the sheet 14 if desired. The same is true for the bottom flap portion 26B. If the sink area 40 does not have a neck holding channel 47, the bottom flap portion 26B may be removed from the sheet 14.

The sheet 14 is then placed in the bowl 48 of the sink area 40. The sheet 14 needs to completely cover any area in the sink bowl 48 which needs to be protected from stains. In order to keep the sheet 14 from moving, an adhesive strip 50 may be placed on the bottom surface of the sheet 14. As may be seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the adhesive strip 50 is placed around the outer perimeter of the sheet 14. Once the sheet 14 is properly placed around the sink area, one must press down on the sheet 14 to ensure that the adhesive strip 50 firmly holds the sheet 14 in place.

Once in position, one presses down on the perforations 22 of the drain hole perforation 18. The top of the perforations 22 will remain connected to the sheet 14 along the outer perimeter 20. The remainder of the perforation 22 will become separated from the sheet 14 as shown in FIG. 5 thereby forming an opening to allow a liquid to flow into the drain pipe. The perforations 22 that become separated from the sheet 14 are used to line the drain cover 30 as shown in FIG. 11 thereby preventing the drain area from becoming stained by a liquid.

Alternatively, if the drain hole perforation 18 is a cut-out, one will remove the drain hole perforation 18 from the sheet 14. The opening formed in the sheet 14 allows materials to flow off of the sheet 14 into the drain.

After one is done using the sink area 40, the sheet 14 may be removed from the sink bowl 48. The sheet 14 may then be discarded and thrown away. The drain cover 30 is removed and kept for further use. When one needs to protect the sink area 40 again, another sheet 14 is then placed over the sink bowl 48.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A removable protective liner for use with a sink comprising:

a thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink;

a drain hole liner formed in the thin sheet, the drain hole liner extending down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe; and

a first tab member extending from the thin sheet for covering a first area around the sink.

2. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a second tab member for covering a second area around the sink.

3. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a drain hole cover to be placed in a drain hole area of the sink, a bottom opening in the drain hole cover aligned with the drain pipe.

4. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 3 wherein the drain hole cover is conical in shape.

5. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 1 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a plurality of drain hole perforations, the plurality of perforations running from have an outer perimeter towards a central area of the thin sheet, wherein applying pressure to the plurality of perforations will cause the drain hole liner to extend down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe.

6. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 1 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a circular cut-out.

7. A removable protective liner for use with a sink comprising:

a thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink;

a drain hole liner formed in the thin sheet, the drain hole liner extending down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe;

a first tab member extending from the thin sheet for covering a faucet area of the sink; and

a second tab member for covering a neck rest support of the sink.

8. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 7 further comprising a drain hole cover to be placed in a drain hole area of the sink, a bottom opening in the drain hole cover aligned with the drain pipe.

9. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 7 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a plurality of drain hole perforations, the plurality of perforations running from have an outer perimeter towards a central area of the thin sheet, wherein applying pressure to the plurality of perforations will cause the drain hole liner to extend down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole leading down to the drain pipe.

10. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 7 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a circular cut-out.

11. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 7 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of faucet hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over the faucet.

12. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 11 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of knob hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over knobs of the faucet.

13. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 7 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink is one of: metallized polyester film, aluminum foil, tin foil, plastic wrap, or the like.

14. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 7 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink comprises a plurality of thin sheets coupled togther to form a roll, wherein each thin sheet will have a perforation located along an edge of the thin sheet to separate the thin sheet from an adjoining thin sheet.

15. A removable protective liner for use with a sink comprising:

a thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink;

a first tab member extending from the thin sheet for covering a faucet area of the sink;

a second tab member for covering a neck rest support of the sink;

a drain hole cover to be placed in a drain hole area of the sink, a bottom opening in the drain hole cover aligned with the drain pipe; and

a drain hole liner formed in the thin sheet, the drain hole liner extending down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole cover.

16. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 15 wherein the drain hole liner comprises a plurality of drain hole perforations, the plurality of perforations running from have an outer perimeter towards a central area of the thin sheet, wherein applying pressure to the plurality of perforations will cause the drain hole liner to extend down from the thin sheet to cover an area of the drain hole cover.

17. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 15 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of faucet hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over the faucet.

18. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 15 wherein the first tab member has a plurality of knob hole perforations to allow the first flap portion to be fitted over knobs of the faucet.

19. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 15 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink is one of: metalized polyester film, aluminum foil, tin foil, plastic wrap, or the like.

20. A removable protective liner for use with a sink in accordance with claim 15 wherein the thin sheet of non-absorbent, flexible material, for lining the sink comprises a plurality of thin sheets coupled togther to form a roll, wherein each thin sheet will have a perforation located along an edge of the thin sheet to separate the thin sheet from an adjoining thin sheet.