Epoxy rock coaster

Abstract

An epoxy rock coaster is provided that absorbs and contains the condensation from drinking glasses, bottles and cans and excess water from plant pots. The epoxy coaster includes a composition of different sized stone aggregates mixed with an epoxy resin system. The composition is added to an open top plastic vessel having a flat bottom and upwardly extending side wall, completely filling the vessel wherein the composition surface is tooled to a flat exterior finish and cured. The composition solidifies, bonding to the interior bottom and side of the vessel forming a porous structure therein which creates voids and pockets within the structure providing openings to contain condensation and excess water from the drinking containers and plant pots.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to coasters, and in particular, to an epoxy rock coaster composition of stone aggregate with an a epoxy resin system cured within plastic vessel which absorbs and contains condensation from the exterior of containers such as glasses, bottles and cans, and also catches and contains excess water from plant and flower pots. [0002] Coasters for liquid containers such as glasses, bottles and cans are well known in protecting the surfaces of furniture and other surfaces upon which the containers have been placed. Generally, most coasters are adequate in protecting the support surfaces for a period of time but eventually the coasters become saturated with the buildup of condensation and spillage which then overflow onto and soak the supporting surfaces. Many of these known coasters include soft absorbent material, such as a fabric or other absorbent material, or other supporting material in direct contact with the container which ini...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides an epoxy rock coaster that can absorb and contain the condensation and excess water formed on the exterior of glasses, bottles, and cans, as well as the excess water when placed under flower and plant pots. The coaster is made of small particles of stone aggregate mixed with an epoxy resin system, which solidifies to bond the composition to the interior bottom and side of a plastic vessel, creating a porous structure with air voids between the aggregates. This prevents the damaging liquid from contacting the furniture or other surface and protects delicate surfaces from abrasive damage. The hard surface of the coaster provides a solid and non-adhering support for large and small drink containers and heavy plant pots.

Problems solved by technology

Generally, most coasters are adequate in protecting the support surfaces for a period of time but eventually the coasters become saturated with the buildup of condensation and spillage which then overflow onto and soak the supporting surfaces.

Many of these known coasters include soft absorbent material, such as a fabric or other absorbent material, or other supporting material in direct contact with the container which initially often adheres to, and then, separates from the container when picked-up resulting in spillage and splashing of the drink.

There are also known coasters of open top trays having hard surfaces which collect and contain the condensation in order to overcome the adhering of the drinking container to the coaster but in many situations the tray remains wet resulting in dripping from the pool of condensation remaining on the surface of the tray.

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