CABINET PROTECTOR FOR COUNTERTOPS

Abstract

A cabinet protectors protects cabinets from damage from liquids spilled on a countertop. The invention secures to the edge of a countertop or sink and acts as a barrier against liquid overflow to the cabinets, floor, or other surfaces below. The core components of the invention are a properly shaped and sized body, which, generally speaking, are configured as follows: The body secures over the edge of the countertop or sink with tensile or clamping force. The shape and design of the flexible or ridged body allow for this tensile or clamping force between the surfaces of the countertop or sink giving the invention purchase or grip to sustain its position. This clamping force holds the body in place. The design of the body creates an elevated or raised barrier, resisting water or liquid flowing over it to the cabinets or floor.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: This Utility Patent

Application claims priority back to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/446,894, also entitled Cabinet protector for countertops, with a filing date of 20 Feb. 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this utility patent application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a cabinet protector for countertops. The purpose of this invention is to contain liquids spilled on a countertop and prevent them from dripping over the edge of the countertop and damaging any cabinets or hardwood floors below the countertop.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are a number of solutions for cabinet protectors. Some of these solutions attempt to hold back water by attaching to the inside of a sink, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because the solution can intrude on the sink space not allowing the user to use the full confines of the sink. Other solutions attempt to protect the cabinets by the application of a protective cover along the top of each individual cabinet drawer or door, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because of the significant number of drawers or doors a cabinet system can have, becoming cost prohibitive and cumbersome for the user. Still, other solutions seek to use mechanical fasteners such as screws to attach a cabinet protector to a countertop, but these solutions also fail to meet industry needs because a mechanical fastener can damage countertops which can be a significant deterrent.

Prior Art. As stated, there are a number of patents and published patent applications that attempt to solve the problem that the Harris invention directly addresses: how to keep spilled liquids from spilling over the edge of a counter and ruining nearby cabinets and flooring.

For example, CN103815685A to Guangdong Margaret Home Furnishing Co. Ltd./Li Shuwen; Tang Bin describes a connecting structure that is basically a cover-up device to hide a gap between a cupboard top and a wall. As described in the abstract, the product covered by this patent “The invention provides a connecting structure for a cupboard top and a wall. The connecting structure comprises the horizontal cupboard top, the wall and a wall surface, a seam is formed between the wall surface and the cupboard top. The connecting structure further comprises an ‘inverted-Y-shaped’ member which is composed of an insert part and two covers. The insert body is inserted into the seam between the cupboard top and the wall surface and comprises a hard bar-shaped insert, a plurality of apiciform inverted teeth protrude out of the hard bar-shaped insert and are coated by adhesives. The cupboard top, the wall surface and the connecting member form an integral streamlined continuous surface, so that dust and oil stains in kitchens are less prone to accumulating on the cupboard top and the wall surface, or even are easy to clean when accumulated on the connecting member. Further, during mounting, the connecting member cannot fall into the seam.”

The Harris invention, on the other hand, is not intended to hide any gaps, but rather, to create a physical barrier to any liquids that are spilled on a countertop from dripping over the edge and marring the finish on a cabinet, or any hardwood or other types of flooring. The purpose of the two products is entirely different and the Tang Bin invention could not function in the method that the Harris invention functions.

Similarly, Chinese patents No. CN 103815667 for “[a] kind of attachment structure” to Chongqing Margaret Home Furnishing Co. Ltd., and CN 2035834846 to Chongqing Margaret Home Furnishing Co. Ltd./Tang Bin; Li Shuwen for a “Connecting Structure” describe “gap filling devices”, as opposed to the physical barrier created by the Harris invention. Again, different inventions that could not provide the liquid-containing abilities of the Harris invention.

Likewise, US Patent Publication No. 2016/032574 to Provencher for a “System and Method for Installing an Undermount Sink” and US Patent Publication No. 2021/10472160 to Franke Technology and Trademark Ltd for a “Connecting element for fastening a sink to a worktop” focus on support members and connectors which supports a sink during installation. Again, these products have no relevance to Harris' liquid containing product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to cabinet protectors for countertops. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure relates to a cabinet protector having a longitudinally extending primary member; a longitudinally extending bottom member secured along a bottom longitudinal edge of the primary member; and a longitudinally extending top member secured at a predefined level below a top longitudinal edge of the primary member, so as to form a raised segment above a junction of the top member and the primary member. This raised segment serves as a physical barrier to prevent any liquids spilled on a countertop to spill or drip over the side and discolour or damage cabinets, wood flooring or other items that can be damaged by liquids.

In an embodiment, the top member and the bottom member extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member.

In an embodiment, the primary member has a front face formed to face away from a countertop while implemented on the countertop.

In an embodiment, the top member and the bottom member extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member in an opposite direction of the front face.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member include bumps, ridges, or teeth on their surfaces facing each other.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member include adhesive substances on their surfaces facing each other.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member are comprised of statistically or electrically charged components or materials.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member are formed as a single-piece cabinet protector.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member are connected to each other through a spring, a hinge, or any other mechanical connection.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member have a length of approximately 34 inches. Further, the top member and the bottom member extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member up to one inch.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member have a length of approximately 34 inches. Further, the top member and the bottom member extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member greater than one inch.

In an embodiment, the predefined level is one by tenth of the width of the primary member.

In an embodiment, the raised segment is formed at the top edge of a junction of the top member and the primary member.

In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member include bumps, ridges, or teeth, along with adhesive substances, on their surfaces facing each other, for being mounted on the countertop.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure. The cabinet protector for countertops may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a three-quarter front view of a cabinet protector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a profile view of the cabinet protector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a three-quarter back view of the cabinet protector, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the number of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It would be desirable to have a cabinet protector that secures to a countertop or sink. Further, it would be desirable to have a cabinet protector that is secured to the countertop or sink using clamping or tensile force on the countertop or sink. Still, further, it would also be desirable to have a cabinet protector that provides a raised barrier resistant to water or liquid, such that if a user spills liquid on a countertop, the liquid would not spill or drip down any nearby cabinets.

To this, the present disclosure advantageously fills the abovementioned needs and addresses the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a cabinet protector that secures to a countertop or sink with clamping or tensile force and provides a water or liquid barrier resisting liquid or water from flowing over onto the cabinets or floor.

The present disclosure provides a cabinet protector, which is made up of a longitudinally extending primary member, a top member, and a bottom member. The top and bottom members are generally parallel to each other, and both are perpendicular to an inner surface of the primary member. When joined, the top member, the bottom member and the primary member form a component that can generally be described as “C” shaped single-piece cabinet protector. In an embodiment, the primary member, the top member and the bottom member include bumps, ridges, or teeth, along with adhesive substances, on their surfaces facing each other, for being mounted on the countertops or sinks.

The proposed cabinet protector may also have one or more of the following: (i) a mechanical spring mechanism that applies clamping force to the countertop or sink that secures the cabinet protector to the countertop or sink; (ii) removable and/or interchangeable absorbent components; (iii) a suction cup(s), sucker(s) or other negative pressure or vacuum system that secures the cabinet protector to the countertop or sink; (iv) a statically charged material that secures the cabinet protector to the countertop or sink; (v) an adhesive component that secures the cabinet protector to the countertop or sink; (vi) additional channels, grooves or bumps along the primary member, the top member, and the bottom member so as to capture, block, discard, or maneuverer liquid; (vii) additional grooves or “teeth” protruding from the primary member, the top member, or the bottom member so as to allow for more purchase or grip on the countertop or sink.

FIG. 1 shows a three-quarter view of a cabinet protector 5 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cabinet protector 5 includes a longitudinally extending primary member 10 having a front face 20 formed to face away from a countertop while implemented on the countertop. The cabinet protector 5 also includes a top member 30 and bottom member 40 attached to top and bottom longitudinal edges of the primary member 10.

In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending top member 30 is secured at a predefined level below a top longitudinal edge of the primary member 10, so as to form a raised segment 25 above a junction of the top member 30 and the primary member 10. In this embodiment, the predefined level is one by tenth of the width of the primary member 10.

In another embodiment, the raised segment is formed at the top edge of the junction of the top member 30 and the primary member 10.

Further, the top member 30 and the bottom member 40 extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member 10 in an opposite direction of the front face 20.

In an embodiment, the primary member 10, the top member 30, and bottom member 40 alternately include bumps, ridges or teeth on their surfaces facing each other so as to allow for more purchase or grip on the countertop or sink.

In an embodiment, the primary member 10, the top member 30, and the bottom member 40 also include absorbent substances on their surfaces facing each other.

In an embodiment, the primary member 10, the top member 30, and the bottom member 40 also include one or more suction cups, suckers or other negative pressure or vacuum system that secures the cabinet protector 5 to the countertop or sink.

Additionally, the primary member 10, the top member 30, and the bottom member 40 include or be comprised of statically or electrically charged components or materials that secure the cabinet protector 5 to the countertop or sink.

In an embodiment, the top member 30 and/or the bottom member 40 may be permanently connected to the primary member 10 and/or the raised segment 25. Alternately, the top member 30 and/or the bottom member 40 may be connected to the primary member 10 and/or the raised segment 25 by a spring, hinge or other mechanical connection.

Additionally, the primary member 10, the top member 30, and the bottom member 40 may include or be receptive of adhesive substances that secure the cabinet protector 5 to the countertop or sink.

In an embodiment, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the cabinet protector 5 may be substantially elongated in shape. In one particular and illustrative example, yet non-limiting, the cabinet protector 5 may at its longest section of the primary member 10 have a length of approximately 34 inches, and the top member 20 and/or the bottom member 30 may protrude one inch from the primary member 10. Of course, these measurements are merely illustrative and the cabinet protectors of any width and any length that include the features described herein are intended to be within this disclosure and make up the overall present disclosure, which has many different embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a profile view of the cabinet protector 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cabinet protector 5 includes the primary member 10 and the front face 20. The cabinet protector 5 may also include the top member 30 and the bottom member 40 attached to the primary member 10. The bump or raised segment 25 may also be included along the top member 30 and/or the front face 20.

FIG. 3 shows three-quarter back view of the cabinet protector 5 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cabinet protector 5 includes the primary member 10 and the front face 20. The cabinet protector 5 may also include the top member 30 and the bottom member 40 attached to the primary member 10. The bump or raised segment 25 may also be included along the top member 30 and/or the front face 20.

The proposed cabinet protector 5 when compared with other known devices and solutions provides technical advancements including, but not limited to, (i) easy application for the user requiring no mechanical fasteners; (ii) easy removal for cleaning or replacement; (iii) a single unit to be installed; and (iv) simple manufacturing process saving on costs.

The disclosed cabinet protector 5 is unique in that it is structurally different from other known devices or solutions. More specifically, the cabinet protector 5 is unique due to the presence of (i) a uniquely shaped primary member that provides grip or clamping force on a countertop or sink; (ii) a single application at the point where water or liquid is most present; and (iii) a low-profile and unobtrusive stature that does not interfere with the user.

Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out, techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art can choose suitable manufacturing and design details.

Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cabinet protector (5) comprising:

a longitudinally extending primary member (10);

a longitudinally extending bottom member (40) secured along a bottom longitudinal edge of the primary member (10); and

a longitudinally extending top member (30) secured at a predefined level below a top longitudinal edge of the primary member (10), so as to form a raised segment (25) above a junction of the top member (30) and the primary member (10).

2. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10).

3. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10) has a front face (20) formed to face away from a countertop while implemented on the countertop.

4. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 3, wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10) in an opposite direction of the front face (20).

5. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) include bumps, ridges, or teeth on their surfaces facing each other.

6. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) include adhesive substances on their surfaces facing each other.

7. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are comprised of statistically or electrically charged components or materials.

8. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are formed as a single piece cabinet protector (5).

9. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are connected to each other through a spring, a hinge, or any other mechanical connection.

10. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) have a length of approximately 34 inches, and wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10) up to one inch.

11. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the predefined level is one tenth of the width of the primary member (10).

12. A cabinet protector (5) for countertops, comprising:

a primary member (10);

a bottom member (40) secured along a bottom longitudinal edge of the primary member (10);

a top member (30) secured at a top longitudinal edge of the primary member (10); and

a raised segment (25) formed at the top edge of a junction of the top member (30) and the primary member (10).

13. The cabinet protector (5) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10) in an opposite direction of a front face (20) of the primary member (10), and wherein the front face (20) being formed to face away from a countertop while mounted on the counter top.

14. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) include bumps, ridges, or teeth, along with adhesive substances, on their surfaces facing each other, for being mounted on the countertop.

15. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are formed as a single piece cabinet protector (5).

16. A cabinet protector (5) consisting of:

a longitudinally extending primary member (10);

a longitudinally extending bottom member (40) secured along a bottom longitudinal edge of the primary member (10); and

a longitudinally extending top member (30) secured at a predefined level below a top longitudinal edge of the primary member (10), so as to form a raised segment (25) above a junction of the top member (30) and the primary member (10), wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10), wherein the primary member (10) has a front face (20) formed to face away from a countertop while implemented on the countertop, wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10) in an opposite direction of the front face (20).

17. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 16, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) include bumps, ridges, or teeth on their surfaces facing each other, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) include adhesive substances on their surfaces facing each other, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are comprised of statistically or electrically charged components or materials.

18. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 17, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are formed as a single piece cabinet protector (5), wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) are connected to each other through a spring, a hinge, or any other mechanical connection.

19. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the primary member (10), the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) have a length of approximately 34 inches, and wherein the top member (30) and the bottom member (40) extend substantially perpendicular to the primary member (10) up to one inch.

20. The cabinet protector (5) according to claim 1, wherein the predefined level is one tenth of the width of the primary member (10).