PROTECTIVE SINK COVER

Abstract

A cover for a sink that has a faucet and spout comprises a sheet flexible material with top surface and bottom surfaces; one or more openings positioned near an edge of the cover, the sheet of flexible material sized to fit over the sink, the one or more openings sized to receive the faucet and the spout therein, and may include a waterproof backing Embodiments include elastic to form a secure fit, and closures such as adhesive tabs or handle ties. The cover fits over a sink to cover it, a faucet and a spout, so that waste from a grooming activity, or other action, is collected in the cover and not deposited in the sink, the adjacent area, and/or the floor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is a covering intended to fit over a sink or the like, and cover the sink and faucet, so that when an individual is engaged in personal grooming activities over the sink, such as trimming hair on the user's head, and/or facial hair, the clippings are collected in the cover and are not deposited in either the sink, adjacent counter space, and/or the floor. Once the grooming process has been completed, the cover can be removed, leaving a relatively clean sink and counter space. Embodiments of the present invention can be reused after emptying the clippings into a waste receptacle. Alternate embodiments can be disposed of after use. Embodiments can be manufactured from a sheet of paper, kraft paper, card stock, cardboard, plastics including polyethylene, polyester and polypropylene films, MYLAR® (registered trademark of DuPont Teijin Films, Wilmington, DE for a brand of polyester film), aluminum or other metallic foils, or other material, and may include, for example, a waterproof backing A drawstring, a handle tie, adhesive tabs, elastic bands, or the like, may be included on embodiments to facilitate disposal of the sink cover after use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Facial hair, such as beards ad/or mustaches generally require periodic trimming so that an individual can present a well-groomed appearance. Many men are shaving their heads entirely, while others are keeping their hair cut or cropped short. As the cost of haircuts done by a professional, such as a barber or stylist, increase, and economic conditions fluctuate, many people choose to groom their own hair, often with the use of commercially available hair trimming or clipping devices. The most common place in a home or business in which to perform these functions is the bathroom, where there is both a mirror, and a sink into which the clippings are often deposited. One side effect is that the counter top near the sink, and/or the floor also receive the clippings. The extent to which one cleans up after themselves can become a source of tension within the residence/business. Additionally, an accumulation of clippings that are washed down the drain rather than being removed from the sink could result in a drain blockage, and may require the services of a plumber to resolve.

A number of sink covers have been described in the prior art; some references describe drain boards that sit atop a sink, or a liner to sit on the sink bottom.

McKeehan et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,855) discloses a sink cover with panels that contain a recess in which foodstuffs can be positioned either for heating or cooling. The cover also includes an aperture for receiving a hose so that water dripping from a kitchen faucet may pass through the cover and into the sink beneath the cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,073 to Elsas discloses a safety net for sinks, to catch small items, such as contact lenses, that are dropped into the sink The net is placed within the sink, where it rests on the bottom and beneath the faucet. Rigid rods are positioned in the ends of the net to hold the net in place.

Rose (U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,166) discloses a reversible sink cover that fits over a double sink The cover includes an ornamental side and a utilitarian side The utilitarian side includes a cutting board and a dish rack. The cover contains perforations for permitting water to drain through the cover into the sink The decorative side of the cover is used to cover the sink when the utilitarian side is not being used.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,591,467 Rodefer discloses a wet clothes tray for receiving wet clothes after they have been squeezed from the wringer of a clothes washer. The tray includes a plurality of perforations for allowing water to drain into the tub. The tray is attached to the tub by hooks.

Thiermann (U.S. Pat. No. 2,535,967) disclose a device for washing vegetables and the like which is a wire basket with chains attached to its ends, or a perforated basket with chains that can be attached to or draped around a faucet.

In U.S. Pat. No. 2,367,321 Wheeler et al. disclose a drainboard with a plurality of grooves that lead to an opening. Spring clips secure the drain board around faucets. An alternate embodiment includes a flexible member (cord) which is permanently attached to one end of the drain board is passed under the bowl to secure the drain board to the lavatory.

In U.S. Pat. No. 1,641,061 Young discloses a kitchen tub cover and drainer that comprises a perforated metal basket with a hinged cover. The claim defines the cover as a single sheet structure with a hinged cover that covers a perforated basket that is suspended from the sheet of metal.

Eccleston (U.S. Pat. No. 916,283) discloses a sink stand or shelf comprised of a sheet of wire mesh and includes a supporting loop that is placed over faucets (hydrants). In a second embodiment, the shelf or supporting device includes apertures for the passage of the hydrants when the shelf is raised to an inactive position.

U.S. Pat. No. 160,540 to Murdock discloses a drain board or strainer (FIG. 1) which is a perforated table with hooks, that fit into slots. The device is intended to be used as a drain or strainer, for supporting dishes after being washed, and which can be moved out of the way when not in use.

Embodiment of the present invention comprise a covering to fit over a sink and the area surrounding or adjacent to it, and cover the sink and faucet, such that when an individual is engaged in personal grooming activities over the sink, such as trimming hair on the user's head, and/or facial hair, the clippings are collected in the cover and are not deposited in either the sink, the adjacent counter space, and/or the floor. Once the grooming process has been completed, the cover can be removed, leaving a relatively clean sink and counter space. Embodiments of the present invention can be reused after emptying the clippings into a waste receptacle. Alternate embodiments can be manufactured so as to be disposed of after use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the present invention is to provide a cover that fits over a sink and the area surrounding or adjacent to it, and cover the sink faucet spout and handle, such that when an individual is engaged in personal grooming activities over the sink, clippings are collected in the cover and can then be disposed, leaving a relatively clean sink and counter space. Embodiments of the present invention can be reused after emptying the clippings into a waste receptacle. Alternate embodiments can be manufactured that are intended to be disposed after use.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a sink cover with a waterproof backing

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide embodiments having a drawstring, a handle tie, adhesive tabs, elastic bands, or the like, to close the cover after use.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide embodiments having an elastic band, either along an edge of the cover, or surrounding one or more openings in the cover.

A cover for a sink that has a faucet and spout comprises a sheet flexible material with top surface and bottom surfaces; one or more openings positioned near an edge of the cover, the sheet of flexible material sized to fit over the sink, the one or more openings sized to receive the faucet and the spout therein, and may include a waterproof backing Embodiments include elastic to form a secure fit, and closures such as adhesive tabs or handle ties. The cover fits over a sink to cover it, a faucet and a spout, so that waste from a grooming activity, or other action, is collected in the cover and not deposited in the sink, the adjacent area, and/or the floor

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 positioned over a sink

FIG. 3 is an alternate embodiment where the area around the opening includes a perforated area allowing for enlargement of the opening.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein knockouts (bottom) or pushouts (top) allow for passage of faucet handles and faucet spouts.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment with an adhesive tabs.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate adhesive tab embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment with a drawstring.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment with an elastic band.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment with a built-in handle.

FIG. 10A is a side view of an embodiment containing different types of adhesive tabs, FIG. 10A showing a layer of adhesive, FIG. 10B showing spots of adhesive.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an embodiment with different shaped magnets.

FIG. 12 illustrates an elastic band attached to the covering and surrounding the openings.

FIG. 13 illustrates the drawstring within the cover.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of an embodiment with a waterproof bottom layer.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a reusable cover.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is a cover 100 intended to fit over a sink 10 or the like, and cover the sink 10, such that when an individual is engaged in personal grooming activities over the sink, such as trimming hair on the user's head, and/or facial hair, the clippings are collected in the cover 100 and are not deposited in either the sink, the adjacent counter space 20 (FIG. 2), and/or the floor (not shown).

The sink 10 can be any type of sink, such as, for example only, a bathroom or kitchen sink, a larger utilitarian sink such as a laundry sink or a “slop sink”, commonly found in most residences or businesses. Embodiments of the covering could also be manufactured in sizes to cover commercially-sized sinks, such as those used in the food-service industry.

The faucet and faucet handles shown are for illustration only, and is intended to include those found on sinks with either a single-handle faucet, or dual faucets. As stated in preceding paragraphs, embodiments of the present invention could also be manufactured in sizes for use in residential and business environments, or commercial sized sinks, such as those used in the food-service industry.

For most American sinks, the faucet handles are spaced either about 4 inches apart, or about 8 inches apart, with the spout centered between the handles of a dual handled faucet. The handle of a single-handle faucet is generally located along the base of the faucet, near the faucet spout.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, in which cover 100 is a sheet of a flexible material with a plurality of openings 102 and 104 therein. Along one side of cover 100 the openings 102 are spaced about 4 inches apart, to allow for passage of the faucet handles 12 therethrough. On another side of cover 100 the openings 102 are spaced about 8 inches apart, to allow for passage of the faucet handles 12 therethrough. Opening 104 allows for passage of the spout 14, for either a single-handled faucet, or the spout of a dual handled faucet. Another opening 106, larger than opening 104 can be included to accommodate single-handled faucets larger than those that will fit through opening 104. The cover 100 has a top (or inside or upper) surface 110 and a bottom (or outside or lower) surface 120. In this embodiment there is no difference between what is designated as the top and bottom surfaces; in other embodiments the designation of surfaces as top (inside or upper) or bottom (outside or lower) will become apparent further in this specification.

In an alternate embodiment (FIG. 3), the area of the cover around opening 104 may include a perforated area 108 such that instead of there being a larger opening in the cover, this portion 108 can be readily separated to widen opening 104 to accommodate a larger single-handle faucet. The means of separation could be either by perforation, rouletting or other means of paper or materials separation known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the cover 200 comprises a plurality of knockouts 202 (FIG. 4). One embodiment of knockout (FIG. 4, bottom) includes a knockout 202 having “sub-knockouts” 204a -204n (where n is an integer) that are of increasing diameter, ranging from, for example, sub-knockout 204a being about ½ inch diameter to sub-knockout 204c being about 3 inches in diameter, to accommodate different size faucets and spouts.

Each sub-knockout 204a -204n is designed to be removed either by insertion of an object such as, for example only, a tool, a finger, a knife, scissors or other sharp object, or to be punched out as the covering is positioned over the faucet or spout. Should the faucet or spout be larger than the knockout 202, the cover 200 surrounding the knockout can be cut to size provided that there is a sufficient amount of material available. If sufficient space on the cover 200 is not available, the user can rotate the cover 200 to another side, and cut out the needed size opening.

Another embodiment of cover 200 includes one or more pushouts 232 that comprise a set of fingers 234 separated by slits 236, such that when the covering 200 is passed over the faucet 12 and spout 14, the fingers 234 are separated and accommodate the inserted faucet 12 and spout 14. (FIG. 4, top).

In the embodiments illustrated, the openings are generally circular, but it is to be understood that openings of various sizes and shapes, such as triangular, square, oval, elliptical, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, rhomboid and the like are intended to be included as openings.

An embodiment of the covering 100 could include one or more adhesive tabs 250 on the bottom (outside) surface 120 to facilitate disposal of the covering and its contents after use. In one embodiment, there may be 2 adhesive tabs on the bottom, and positioned at opposite corners of the cove. The adhesive tab 250 can be similar to the type of adhesive tab used in disposable diapers, such as those manufactured by companies such as, but not limited to, either Proctor and Gamble or Kimberley-Clark Corporation

Adhesive tab 250 comprises a base 260 of plastic, cloth or comparable material, that has an adhesive 270 applied to portions of the base 260. The adhesive tab 250 is attached to the covering bottom surface 120 as shown (FIG. 5) where an adhesive-coated end 262 is attached to the cover bottom surface 120; the remainder of the adhesive tab 250 extends from the bottom surface 120. A portion of the base 264 distal from the attachment point to the bottom surface is coated with adhesive, and the adhesive is covered with a layer of a release material 280, which release material extends beyond the adhesive-coated base layer 272, forming a pull tab 282. For convenience in packaging, the adhesive tab 250 can be folded over and positioned proximate the cover bottom surface 120 (indicated by arrow A in FIG. 5.). When the user has finished the grooming process and the cover 100 removed from the sink, the cover and its contents can be gathered together, the pull tab 282 removed from the adhesive tab 250 to expose the adhesive, and the adhesive tab 250 secured to another portion of the cover (in the direction shown by arrow B in FIG. 5), and the cover can then be disposed of in a waste receptacle. Depending upon the material chosen to manufacture the adhesive tabs 250, the adhesive tabs may or may not be elastic.

Another embodiment of adhesive tab 350 comprises a base layer 360 of plastic, cloth or other comparable material, similar to that described for the first adhesive tab embodiment 250, which tab 360 is coated with an adhesive 270 at regions of one side of the base layer 360. An end 372 of the adhesive-coated base layer 370 is attached to the covering bottom surface 120 (FIG. 6). A portion of the base 364 distal from the attachment point to the bottom surface is coated with adhesive, and the adhesive is covered with a layer of a release material 380, which release material extends beyond the adhesive-coated base 360, forming a pull tab 382. The adhesive strip 350 can be folded over onto the release material 380 (FIG. 6), and the folded adhesive tab 350 can be positioned proximate the cover bottom surface 120 for packaging and shipping. Movement of the pull tab 382 from the adhesive tab will expose the adhesive, but the pull tab 382 remains with the adhesive tab 350, eliminating a separate disposal step.

When the user has finished the grooming process and the cover 100 removed from the sink, the cover and its contents can be gathered together, the pull tab 282 separated from the release layer 280 to expose the adhesive, and the end of adhesive strip 250 secured to another portion of the cover which can then be disposed of in a waste receptacle. This embodiment leaves no pull tab that requires disposal.

Embodiments of the cover could include an additional means to attach it to a sink and/or countertop surface, such means of attachment including, for example, an adhesive backing In such an embodiment, the adhesive could be a pressure-sensitive adhesive having properties similar to that used in POST-IT® Notes (Registered trademark of 3M Corporation, St. Paul Minneapolis, Mn. for stationery notes containing adhesive on one side for attachment to surfaces) or similar self-adhesive products. (Note that in these products, this adhesive is not covered by a release paper; the individual sheets are stacked, with the surface of one stationery piece functioning as a release paper for the sheet above it, and the bottom sheet in the stack is attached to a backing sheet). In such an embodiment, the stacking of multiple coverings in a package could function as a release coating to cover the adhesive spots, with the bottommost sheet being attached to a backing sheet. As will be described elsewhere in this specification in reference to an embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the adhesive could be distributed over the entire surface, or applied as either an adhesive strip 810, or spots 820 of adhesive distributed along on the covering (see FIG. 10). In embodiments, the adhesive could be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and covered with a strip of a removable release paper 830. Other types of adhesives known to those skilled in the art could also be employed.

Embodiments of the present invention can be reused after emptying the clippings into a waste receptacle. Alternate embodiments can be manufactured that are intended to be disposable after a single use. Embodiments can be manufactured from paper, plastic, cloth, fabric or other material or combinations thereof, and could include a waterproof backing Alternate embodiments could include one or more means for closing the cover after use. Examples of such means for closing the cover include structures such as a drawstring, a handle-tie, adhesive tabs or the like, as ways to facilitate closure and/or disposal of the sink cover.

A wire tie could also be used as a means for closing the cover after use. The wire ties could be distributed as strips from which one or more ties could be separated and then used, or a wire tie could be attached to the bottom surface of the cover, such as by an adhesive, and separated for use prior to disposal.

The adhesive tabs, described previously, are generally attached to the bottom side 120 of the cover.

Another means for closing the cover 400 can be a drawstring 430 positioned within the cover between top surface 410 and bottom surface 420, and at opposite ends of the cover (FIG. 7, shown without openings for simplicity). In one embodiment, the drawstring 430 is slidably retained within a passageway 440 formed between the top surface 410 and the bottom surface 420 (FIG. 13). The drawstring 430 can be attached to the covering by an adhesive, stitching, welding, heat-sealing, or a fastener (not shown) such as a staple, to prevent it from being completely withdrawn from the cover. Alternately, the drawstring may be knotted (not shown) near each end of passageway 440 to prevent the drawstring from being completely withdrawn from the cover.

An alternate embodiment 450 can include an elastic band 480 within the cover, and at opposite ends of the cover (FIG. 8). In this embodiment, the elastic band 480 can be retained within a passageway 490 formed between the top surface 460 and the bottom surface 470 of the cover (FIG. 9, the openings are not shown for simplicity). Alternately, the elastic band 480 can be attached to the cover by an adhesive, or by other methods known to those skilled in the art. The elastic band enables the cover to expand and to contract, expansion facilitating deployment of the cover around the sink, and contraction facilitating its removal and disposal.

In the embodiments shown, the elastic band 480 is positioned so that it is not stretched out, and can be stretched by the user when closing up the cover after use and prior to disposal. In another embodiment (not shown) the elastic band 480 can be positioned after being stretched out, such that the cover appears in a “collapsed” state and should be stretched out by the user prior to use.

The elastic band can be made from either a natural rubber, such as a latex rubber, or a synthetic rubber such as, but not limited to, styrene-butadiene, ethyelene/propylene/diene terpolymer (“EDPM”) rubber, polyurethane rubber, or comparable materials.

In another embodiment the drawstring 430 is slidably retained within a passageway 420 formed between the cover bottom surface 420 and a waterproof layer 600 . In this embodiment the waterproof layer 600 is longer than the cover, and a portion of the waterproof layer is folded over and attached to cover top surface 410 (FIG. 14). In other embodiments, the waterproof layer 600 may be coextensive with the covering layer, and the drawstring positioned between the cover and the waterproof layer 600 as described previously in the specification.

When the waterproof layer 600 is folded onto cover top surface 410, the waterproof layer portion is attached to cover top surface 410 either by an adhesive, heat-sealing, stitching, or other methods known to those skilled the art. The waterproof layer 600 is a liquid-impermeable back sheet, manufactured from a plastic such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or similar materials used as waterproof layers in goods such as disposable diapers, dental napkins, incontinence pads and the like, as known to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the cover could include an additional means to attach it to a sink and/or countertop surface, such means of attachment including, for example, an adhesive or a magnet. The adhesive could be distributed on the entire surface, or applied as either an adhesive strip 810 or spots 820 of adhesive distributed on the covering (see FIG. 10). In embodiments, the adhesive could be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and covered with a strip of a removable release paper 830. Other types of adhesives known to those skilled in the art could also be employed.

In an embodiment, the adhesive could be a pressure-sensitive adhesive having properties similar to that used in POST-IT® Notes (Registered trademark of 3M Corporation, St. Paul Minneapolis, Mn. for stationery notes containing adhesive on one side for attachment to surfaces) or similar self-adhesive products. (Note that in these products, this adhesive is not covered by a release paper; the individual sheets are stacked, with the surface of one stationery piece functioning as a release paper for the sheet above it, and the bottom sheet in the stack is attached to a backing sheet). In such an embodiment, the stacking of multiple coverings in a package could function as a release coating to cover the adhesive spots, with the bottommost sheet being attached to a backing sheet.

The magnet 860 can be any commercially available magnet, commonly a ferrite magnet, that can be attached to the cover, for example, proximate one or more corners (FIG. 11).

Examples of magnets include sheets of magnetic materials that are adhesive coated on one side, such as those used for preparing magnetic business cards, or smaller-sized adhesive magnets sold by various manufacturers. The magnets can be attached to the cover by an adhesive. FIG. 11 illustrates magnets of different shapes that could be attached to the cover.

In another embodiment, the region of the cover surrounding the openings for the faucet 12 and/or spout 14 can include an elastic band 482 to facilitate a snug fit of the covering against the faucet 12 and/or spout 14. FIG. 12 is a bottom view that illustrates an elastic band 482 attached to a surface of the cover that surrounds the openings. The elastic band 482 shown in FIG. 12 can be attached to either the top surface or bottom surface of the cover. Although not shown, the elastic band 482 can be positioned within the covering between the top and bottom surfaces, and surrounding the openings. In embodiments, the elastic bad copuld be attached to either the opening for the faucet handle, the spout, or in combinations (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the elastic band 482 is positioned so that it is not stretched out, and is stretched by the user when positioning the covering over the faucets and spout. In another embodiment (not shown) the elastic band 480 can be stretched out before being positioned in the cover, such that the cover appears in a “collapsed” state and is stretched out by the user as it is being placed over the faucet and/or spout .

When the user has completed the grooming process, and the cover removed from the faucet and spout, the cover 400 can be gathered by the user, the ends of the drawstring 430 tied together, and the cover 400 disposed of in a waste receptacle.

In another embodiment, the cover 500 may include a handle-tie that will tie the cover and function as a carrying handle 510. In this embodiment, the handle-tie 510 is contained in opposite ends of the cover 500 (FIG. 9). The ends 506 each include an opening 508 through which the handle portion 510\ passes. The handle-tie 510 is slidably retained within a passageway 520 formed between the top surface 502 and the bottom surface 504, and each end 512 of the handle-tie mechanism 510 is fastened to the cover, such that when the user pulls on the handle portion 510 the handle-tie is withdrawn from the cover 500 and the cover becomes gathered together, after which the handle portions 510 can be tied together, knotted and close the cover for disposal.

The passageway 520 can be formed between the top surface 502 and the bottom surface 504 as described previously for other embodiments

The handle-tie 510 can be, for example, a string, a rope, an elastic band, a strip of plastic, a strip of fabric, a strip of paper, or other material known to those skilled in the art for tying. In one embodiment the handle-tie could be a strip of plastic.

All embodiments of the present invention previously described may include a waterproof layer 600 as a bottom layer, so that the cover 100 could be used in an area that is moist or in which some moisture is present. An embodiment of the cover designed to be reusable will comprise a cover 100 and a waterproof layer 600 that are heavier than those utilized for embodiments intended for one-time use as a disposable item. The waterproof layer 600 may extend past the cover 100 , and then be folded back onto the cover layer, forming a seam 610 (FIG. 14). The waterproof layer and the cover layer can be attached to each other using such as adhesives, heat sealing, or other attachment means known to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments having the waterproof layer could include an additional means to attach it to a sink and/or countertop surface, such means of attachment including, for example, an adhesive or a magnet. The adhesive could be applied as either an adhesive strip 810 or spots 820 of adhesive distributed along an edge of the covering (see FIG. 10). In embodiments, the adhesive could be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and covered with a strip of a removable release paper 830. Other types of adhesives known to those skilled in the art could also be employed.

An embodiment of the cover 900 that is intended to be reusable comprises base 910 containing openings 912 and 914 for the faucet handle and faucet spout, respectively, to pass through (FIG. 15). A layer of waterproof material 920 is attached to the base layer 910 proximate the ends 916, 924 of each layer where the base 910 and waterproof 920 layers meet. The waterproof layer 920 can comprise any waterproof material, and in embodiments, can be manufactured from either a natural or synthetic rubber. The waterproof layer 920 comprises a plurality of openings 922 therethrough, and the waterproof layer 920 is opened and moved away from the base layer 900 (indicated by the arrow on the right in FIG. 16) the waterproof layer 920 functions like a collander or drainer, the openings sized to be small enough to retain items on the layer, yet large enough to allow liquids to flow therethrough and be drained away. This embodiment could be used for food preparation, processing or handling, such that cuttings, peelings or the like could be collected for disposal, or for use, and then this part of the cover used to wash the cut and/or peeled item.

A handle 950 attached to the cover 900 allows for transport of the cover, or the handle can be pivoted to engage the faucet handle and spout, hooks near the sink, or other nearby surface (movement shown by the arrow on the left side of FIG. 16.

Depending upon the type and combination of materials employed for the manufacturing of embodiments of the covering, embodiments could be used for purposes other than receiving hair clippings. Some additional uses can include being a receptacle during food preparation, such as, for example only, receiving potato or carrot peelings, fruit stems or peelings, meat or poultry trimmings, coffee grounds, or the like. A embodiment intended for reuse could either be manufactured from a rubber or similar material, or if manufactured from paper or fabric, include a rubber backing

Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by the way of illustration, and that numerous changes in construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cover for a sink comprising a faucet and a spout, the cover comprising:

a sheet of flexible material having

a top surface and a bottom surface;

one or more openings,

the openings positioned proximate an edge of the sheet of flexible material,

the sheet of flexible material sized to fit over the sink; and the one or more openings sized to receive the faucet and the spout therein.

2. The cover as described in claim 1, wherein the sheet of flexible material surrounding the one or more openings further comprises one or more knockouts to widen the opening.

3. The cover as described in claim 1, wherein the sheet of flexible material surrounding the one or more openings further comprises a plurality of fingers for retaining the faucet and spout therebetween.

4. The cover as described in claim 1, further comprising an elastic band, the elastic band attached to the sheet of flexible material between the edge and the one or more openings.

5. The cover as described in claim 2, further comprising an elastic band, the elastic band positioned in the sheet of flexible material proximate to and surrounding the one or more openings.

6. The cover as described in claim 2, further comprising an elastic band, the elastic band positioned in the sheet of flexible material proximate to and surrounding two or more of the openings.

7. The cover as described in claim 1, further comprising a means for closing the cover.

8. The cover as described in claim 7, wherein the means for closing comprises a drawstring, and the drawstring is disposed in opposite sides of the sheet of flexible material.

9. The cove as described in claim 7, wherein the means for closing comprises a handle tie, and the handle tie is disposed in opposite sides of the sheet of flexible material.

10. The cover as described in claim 7, wherein the means for closing comprises an adhesive tab, the adhesive tab being attached to the bottom surface of the sheet of flexible material.

11. The cover as described in claim 1, further comprising a means for attaching the cover to a surface.

12. The cover as described in claim 11, wherein the means for attaching is a magnet.

13. The cover as described in claim 11, wherein the means for attaching is an adhesive.

14. The cover as described in claim 1, further comprising a waterproof backing attached to the sheet of flexible material, the waterproof backing being coextensive with the sheet of flexible material.

15. The cover as described in claim 1, further comprising a waterproof backing attached to the top surface of the sheet of flexible material, the waterproof backing being larger than the sheet of flexible material, and a portion of the waterproof backing being attached to the top surface of the sheet of flexible material.

16. The cover as described in claim 15, further comprising an elastic band, the elastic band attached to the cover between the edge and the one or more openings, and between the cover bottom surface and the waterproof backing.

17. A cover for a sink comprising a faucet and a spout, the cover comprising:

a sheet of flexible material having

a top surface and a bottom surface;

one or more openings,

the one or more openings positioned proximate an edge of the sheet of flexible material,

the sheet of flexible material sized to fit over the sink, the one or more openings sized to receive the faucet and the spout therein, and

a waterproof backing attached to the sheet of flexible material.

18. The cover as described in claim 17, further comprising a waterproof backing attached to the bottom surface of the sheet of flexible material, the waterproof backing being larger than the sheet of flexible material, and a portion of the waterproof backing being attached to the top surface of the sheet of flexible material.