Non-skid protective cloth or pad

Abstract

A two-layer, non-skid protective cloth or pad for use as a painter's drop cloth or as a protective pad for surfaces such as boat decks, airplane wings or other surfaces where a non-skid pad is essential. The pad has a woven upper member, typically of a cotton canvas-like material, and a lower, resilient member. The two layers are typically stitched together. The lower, resilient member typically comprises downward-projecting dimples, often of two or more different sizes. The dimples are joined by a grid of resilient material. In alternate embodiments, an impervious member may be inserted between the upper and lower members.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to protective cloths or pads and, more particularly, to a protective cloth or pad that has a non-skid backing to hold the cloth or pad in position during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Protective cloths and pads are well known and widely used. Such items range from simple thin polyethylene sheets used to protect surfaces during painting or similar operations to woven fabric drop cloths to quilted protective pads used by furniture movers and the like. For simplicity, the term drop cloth as used herein refers to any and all such cloths and pads, regardless of material or construction.

In a typical use, drop cloths are placed on floors to provide protection. A common and serious problem is that frequently the drop cloths of the prior art may slip and slide relative to the floor upon which they are laid. Such slippage may range from a mild annoyance to a serious safety hazard when a drop cloth is placed upon a level floor. However, once such a drop cloth is used on a surface other than a level floor, the consequences of such slippage become much more serious. For example, drop cloths are commonly used to protect stairs. If the drop cloth slips, it is not uncommon for a person ascending or descending the stairs to slip and potentially tumble to the bottom of the stairs. Serious injuries frequently result from such a fall.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Several attempts have been made in the prior art to provide a non-slip surface for drop cloths and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 152,451 for IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER-PROOF FABRICS, issued Jun. 17, 1874 to George M. Allerton discloses a woven woolen cloth having one surface covered with a rubber film.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,728,545 for LINEMAN'S BLANKET, issued Sep. 17, 1929 to Fred L. Haushalter provides a dielectric structure formed by a rubber insulating sheet and a fabric backing sheet to prevent stretching of the rubber.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,928,943 for MATTRESS PROTECTOR, issued Oct. 3, 1933 to John L. McKay teaches a waterproof sheet having eyelets disposed near its corners. Loops attached to the eyelets are used to secure the mattress protector, thereby preventing the slipping pf the mattress protector on the mattress it is protecting.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,488,684 for FLOOR COVERING, issued Jan. 6, 1970 to John C. Wrightson shows a quilted, three-layer construction having a non-skid bottom layer for use as decorative rug.

Published United States Patent Application No. 2001/0002615 for PROTECTIVE COVER SYSTEM, published Jun. 7, 2001 upon application by Reginald Michael Lacross et al. discloses a covering system in which a cover constructed of a flexible sheet material is suitable for placement on a floor between a door frame and a room.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,407 for NON-SLIP ABSORBENT ARTICLE, issued Jun. 28, 2005 to Earle H. Sherrod et al. shows a multi-layer absorbent article suitable for use as a bed pad, a baby changing pad, a table cloth, etc. A non-adhesive, skid-resistant coating is applied to the bottom layer of the article.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,961,969, 7,069,607, and 7,137,157, each for ABSORBENT TOWEL WITH PROJECTIONS, issued Nov. 8, 2005, Jul. 4, 2006, and Nov. 21, 2006, respectively, to Susan Nichols each provide a towel having a base layer with raised projections to provide a higher coefficient of static friction relative to an external surface relative to other bottom surfaces common in the prior art.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2006/0162073 for ABSORBENT TOWEL WITH PROJECTIONS, published Jul. 27, 2006 upon application by Susan Nichols shows a towel having a base layer with raised projections to provide a higher coefficient of static friction relative to an external surface relative to other bottom surfaces common in the prior art.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2007/0220673 for CLOTHING ARTICLE HAVING RAISED PROJECTIONS, published Sep. 27, 2007 upon application by Susan Nichols shows a towel having a base layer with raised projections to provide a higher coefficient of static friction than the base layer relative to an external surface.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2007/0275209 for NON-SKID DROP CLOTH, published Nov. 29, 2007 upon application by Anal Netravali et al. discloses a single layer plastic sheet having raised dimples on one or both sides.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2008/0131680 for ABSORBENT NON-SKID DROP CLOTH, published Jun. 5, 2008 upon application by Richard James Bliton et al. teaches a multi-layer article having a lofted, non-woven layer and a non-skid barrier layer bonded thereto.

United States Published Patent Application No. 2009/0068431 for ONE-SIDED TACKY POLYOLEFIN FILM, published Mar. 12, 2009 upon application by Martin F. Hoenigmann provides a plastic sheet with a tacky surface designed to prevent slippage of the sheet

None of the patents and published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel non-skid protective cloth or pad of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a two-layer, non-skid protective pad for use as a painter's drop cloth or as a protective pad for surfaces such as boat decks, airplane wings or other surfaces where a non-skid pad is essential. The pad has a woven upper member, typically of a cotton canvas-like material, and a lower, resilient member. The two layers are typically stitched together. The lower, resilient member typically comprises downward-projecting dimples, often of two or more different sizes. The dimples are joined by a grid of resilient material. In alternate embodiments, an impervious member may be inserted between the upper and lower members.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a protective cloth or pad that includes a resilient, non-skid surface to prevent movement of the cloth or pad on the surface upon which it is placed.

It is another object of the invention to provide a protective cloth or pad which is conformable to irregular surfaces such as stairs and remains in position once placed thereupon.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a protective cloth or pad that has a resilient lower member having a grid of downward protruding, interconnected dimples.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a protective cloth or pad having a woven fabric upper member.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a protective cloth or pad that, optionally, may contain an interposed impervious member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side, elevational, cross-sectional, schematic view of a portion of the non-skid protective cloth or pad in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the resilient layer of the non-skid protective cloth or pad of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the resilient layer of the non-skid protective cloth or pad of FIG. 1 but containing an interposed impervious layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides non-skid protective cloth or pad for a variety of applications.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a side, elevational, cross-sectional, schematic view of a portion of the non-skid protective cloth or pad in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number 100.

Pad 100 has two layers—a woven upper layer 102 and a lower, resilient layer 104. Woven upper layer 102 is typically an absorbent, woven cotton material such as canvas or another canvas-like material. For purposes of disclosure, an 8-ounce material has been chosen. Canvas may be treated with a waterproofing material, if desired. Such a treatment, however, renders the upper woven layer 102 non-absorbent which may impair the function of upper woven layer 102 to absorb paint or other material spilled thereupon. It will, however, be recognized by those of skill in the art that other weight materials may be chosen depending upon the desired application in which cloth 100 is to be utilized. It will further be recognized that woven materials other than cotton may be selected to meet a particular operating circumstance or environment. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the 8-ounce canvas chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather the invention covers any suitable material and weight.

A lower, resilient layer 104 is bonded to woven upper layer 102, typically by through stitching 112. It will be recognized that methods and/or materials other than stitching may be utilized to secure upper woven layer 102 to lower, resilient layer 104. Some possible choices include, but are not limited to adhesive fastening, hook-and-loop fasteners, mechanical fasteners, etc.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, Lower resilient layer 104 has a plurality downward-projecting dimples 106a, 106b. Dimples 106a are typically larger than dimples 106b. As shown in FIG. 1, larger dimples 106a are shown having a greater height than smaller dimples 106b. In alternate embodiments, larger and smaller dimples 106a and 106b, respectively, may have a substantially identical height. In still other embodiments, smaller dimples 106b may have a height larger than larger dimples 106a.

Dimples 106a, 106b are interconnected by resilient web segments 108. An inter-dimples space 110 remains between dimples. As seen in FIG. 1, inter-dimple space is shown schematically to be between a larger dimple 106a and a smaller dimple 106b. However, inter-dimple space 110 may be between any two larger dimples 106a or between any two smaller dimples 106b as well as between larger dimple 106a and smaller dimple 106b as shown for purposes of disclosure.

In operation, cloth 100 is placed on a surface to be protected, not shown, resilient layer 104 towards the surface. Dimples 106a, 106b grip the surface, especially when compressed by the weight of a person, not shown, directly over a particular portion of cloth 100.

One exemplary use of cloth 100 is to protect a surface from paint, varnish, stain, etc. The choice of material for upper woven layer 102 allows paint or other material to be at least partially absorbed by the layer. Unlike impervious drop cloths (i.e., thin plastic sheets), the partially absorbed paint is typically less prone to tracking by a person stepping in the spilled paint than is paint spilled on a non-absorbing cloth of the prior art. In addition, cloth 100 may be laundered to remove soluble paint or other materials.

Cloth 100 may also be utilized to protect a delicate surface from being scratched or marred. One environment where cloth 100 is particularly useful is on a set of stairs. Once positioned, cloth 100 remains in place, thereby providing a safe, stable surface on the stairs as workmen ascend and descend the stairs. It will be recognized that the choice of materials, weights, thicknesses, etc. will determine the overall flexibility of cloth 100 for applications such as stairs.

An example of the use of cloth 100 as a protective pad, maintenance routines periodically require mechanics to walk on the upper surface of an airplane wing. The use of cloth 100 on the wing not only protects the delicate wing surface but provides a much more secure surface upon which the mechanic may walk or stand. Even though the surface of the wing is typically curved, the novel construction of cloth 100 greatly improves the security of the mechanic.

Another exemplary use of cloth 100 is to protect delicate surfaces of boat decks in an environment where they frequently become wet and slippery. Cloth 100 remains in place on the deck, even wet, and provides a non-slip upper surface (i.e., the upper surface of upper woven layer 102) upon which boat passengers may walk. Because cloth 100 typically lacks an impermeable membrane, air may flow though cloth 100, thereby allowing the cloth and the surface therebelow to dry.

In an alternate embodiment, a third layer, typically an impermeable layer 114 may be interposed between woven upper layer 102 and resilient layer 104. This is shown in FIG. 3.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A non-skid protective cloth or pad, consisting of:

a) a single, absorbent, plain woven upper layer free from any projecting cut pile and having an upper and a lower major surface;

b) a single lower, resilient layer having an upper and a lower major surface, said upper major surface of said single lower resilient layer being disposed adjacent said lower layer of said single, absorbent, woven upper layer; and

c) means for fastening said single, absorbent, upper, woven layer to said single lower resilient layer.

2. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said single, absorbent, woven, upper layer comprises a plain woven cotton fabric.

3. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said single, absorbent, woven, upper layer comprises canvas.

4. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said single lower, resilient layer comprises a network of downward projecting dimples interconnected by a resilient grid.

5. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 4, wherein said downward projecting dimples comprise dimples of at least two different diameters.

6. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 4, wherein said downward projecting dimples comprise dimples of at least two different heights.

7. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 4, wherein said downward projecting dimples are separated one from another by an inter-dimple space.

8. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for fastening comprises at least one from the group: stitching, adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, and mechanical fasteners.

9-16. (canceled)

17. A non-skid protective cloth or pad, consisting of:

a) a single, absorbent, plain woven upper layer free from any projecting cut pile and having an upper and a lower major surface;

b) a single lower, resilient layer having an upper and a lower major surface, said upper major surface of said single lower resilient layer being disposed adjacent said lower layer of said single, absorbent, plain woven upper layer;

c) an impervious member interposed between said single, absorbent, plain woven upper layer and said single lower, resilient member;

d) means for fastening said single, absorbent, upper, woven layer to said interposed impervious member and said single lower resilient layer.

18. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 17, wherein said single, absorptive woven, upper layer comprises a woven cotton fabric.

19. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 17, wherein said woven, single, absorbent upper layer comprises canvas.

20. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 17, wherein said single lower, resilient layer comprises a network of downward projecting dimples interconnected by a resilient grid.

21. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 20, wherein said downward projecting dimples comprise dimples of at least two different diameters.

22. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 20, wherein said downward projecting dimples comprise dimples of at least two different heights.

23. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 20, wherein said downward projecting dimples are separated one from another by an inter-dimple space.

24. The non-skid protective cloth or pad as recited in claim 17, wherein said means for fastening comprises at least one from the group: stitching, adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, and mechanical fasteners.