Under cabinet base protector

Abstract

A base protector for under cabinet structure that will protect the bottom and sides of the cabinet structure from chemical staining of cleaning supplies, rust staining from containers stored in the cabinet, and possible spills from chemicals stored in the cabinet, and/or leaks from overlying plumbing. The base protector will cover the base and sides of the cabinet 2″ from the base, such base will be fitted to the size of the cabinet (in this case a standard measurement cabinet) with a ¼″ lip for stability, and a taper outward from bottom to top at ¼″ angle to secure any type of spillage or leak inside, the taper also allows for breathing room between the protector and the wood or wood product that makes up the cabinet structure allowing for natural changes in wood or wood product, such as expansion, retraction or condensation. The material used will be a temperature/fluid resistant silicone with a high degree of elasticity and flexibility, such as those used in baking, available in a variety of colors and will be pre-fit to standard size cabinets.

Description

A protective base for under cabinet structure that will protect the bottom and sides up to 2″ high inside the cabinet structure from chemical staining of cleaning supplies, rust or other metal product staining from containers stored in the cabinet, water damage and small leaks from overlying plumbing in the case of an under sink cabinet. The base protector will cover the 22″ by 34″ at the bottom with 2″ high sides, tapered out at a ¼″ angle from the base with a ¼″ lip around the perimeter. The sides and lip will be utilized to prevent base and exterior damage in the case of any pooling of a cleaning supply spill or leak in plumbing overlying the cabinet structure. The material used will be a temperature/fluid resistant silicone such as those used in baking, and offer a high degree of elasticity and flexibility for ease in installation. The material used for the base protector will come in various colors, and may be pre-fit to any standard sized cabinet. In the event of custom cabinets, a separate mold would have to be used. For purposes of this application, we are using standard sized cabinet measurements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PHOTOGRAPHS

FIG. 1—Top View: The standard cabinet in the drawing measures 36″ W by 24″ D exterior measurements, interior measurements are 34½″ W by 23½″D, the base protector would equal 34½″ W at the inside top margin and 33½″ W at the inside bottom margin, the difference equaling at total of 1″ comprised of ¼″ taper all around and a ¼″ lip on the circumference of both sides. The base protector would be set back ½″ from the front of the cabinet to prevent interference with closing the cabinet door.

FIG. 2—Front View: The standard cabinet in the drawing measures 36″ W by 24″ D, the sides of the base protector equal 2″ high from top to bottom tapering out at ¼″ degree angle seamlessly merging into ¼″ lip around the top, equaling 34½″ W at the top and 33½″ W at the bottom, and 23½″ D at the top and 22½″ D at the bottom.

FIG. 3—Alternate View: The standard cabinet in the drawing measures 36″ W by 24″ D exterior measurements. The interior measurements are 34½″ W by 23½″ D, the base protector would equal 34½ W at the inside top margin and 33½″ W at the inside bottom margin, the difference equaling at total of 1″ comprised of ¼″ taper all around and a ¼ lip on the circumference of both sides. The base protector would be set back ½″ from the front of the cabinet to prevent interference with closing the cabinet door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A—Top View: The standard cabinet in the drawing measures 36″ W by 24″ D exterior measurements, interior measurements are 34½″ W by 23½″ D, the base protector would equal 34½″ W at the inside top margin and 33½″ W at the inside bottom margin, the difference equaling at total of 1″ comprised of ¼″ taper all around and a ¼″ lip on the circumference of both sides. The base protector would be set back ½ from the front of the cabinet to prevent interference with closing the cabinet door.

FIG. 2A—Front View: The standard cabinet in the drawing measures 36″ W by 24″ D, the sides of the base protector equal 2″ high from top to bottom tapering out at ¼″ degree angle seamlessly merging into ¼″ lip around the top, equaling 34½″ W at the top and 33½″ W at the bottom, and 23½″ D at the top and 22½″ D at the bottom.

INSTALLATION

Due to the high degree of elasticity and flexibility, the base protector would be easy to install. No tools are needed. The product would bend in half to be inserted into the front of the cabinet and then pop open so it would line the bottom and sides of the cabinet without the need to be permanently affixed to the cabinetry.

MARKETING

The base cabinet protector has many advantages to any marketing campaign because it is easy to install, comes in a variety of colors for diversity in style, is easy for bulk storage because of the tapered design and is washable, durable and elastic.

Claims

1. The base protector is designed for an inner cabinet structure, through which possible damage would be eliminated by its placement, damages including chemical container stains, water damage, metal damage from pots and pans, and overall scratch and dent protection from every day use and would be comprised of a silicone based material which will be securely and snugly fitted inside the cabinet structure with interior measurements at the top base equal to 34½″ W by 23½″ D with sides equal to 2″ high tapered at a ¼″ angle from bottom to top with a ¼ inch lip all around the outer edge. The placement would not compromise the structure of the existing cabinet as it would not be permanently fixed to the structure.

2. The base protector of claim 1 would measure 33½″ W by 22½″ D at the bottom of the base seamlessly connected to the 2″ sidewalls.

3. The base protector of claim 2, whereby the material used would be soft and pliable to form, will be made from a silicone based substance to unfurl into place inside the structure of the cabinet.

4. The base protector of claim 3 would cover the base area of the cabinet and form a fluid tight system in the case of small plumbing leaks or spillage of cleaning supplies and chemicals stored in the cabinet.

5. The base protector of claim 4 would allow a protective barrier between the stored containers in the cabinet and the cabinet structure itself.

6. The base protector of claim 5 would be removable in the event it needed to be changed, washed by hand or in the dishwasher, or discarded.

7. The base protector of claim 6 will have a ¼″ lip of thicker silicone around the exterior of the cabinet base protector on top and be angled out from bottom to top at ¼″ taper on the insides, to insure a complete seal at the top insertion into the cabinet but allow space for the natural changes in wood product (expansion, retraction, condensation, etc.), while securing the safety of the bottom of the cabinet and insuring a barrier for small spills or plumbing leaks.

8. The base protector of claim 7 will be set back ½″ from the front of the cabinet so it would not impose upon the open and close action of the door.

9. The base protector of claim 8 will be 2″ tall all around the planar base of the cabinet, 33½ inches wide at the bottom and 34½ inches wide at the top of the base protector, the difference allowing for the 1″ total, made up of the ¼″ taper and ¼″ lip on both sides of the exterior of the base protector.

10. The base protector of claim 9 would be made of a silicone agent that could not be wet by water, would resist damage by oil and greases and other agents such as cleaning supplies.

11. The base protector of claim 10 would be characterized by its high degree of elasticity and flexibility and resilience.

12. The base protector of claim 11, due to its flexibility, would enhance simplicity in installation.