Coaster with a structure that promotes condensation water drainage

Abstract

This coaster prevents condensation from beverage containers from adhering to the bottom of the container, providing excellent liquid handling and cleaning capabilities. [Solution] The coaster consists of a coaster body 10 with a dome-shaped raised top surface and a base frame 20 on which it rests and is held. By providing radial grooves 12 that extend from the center outward on the top surface of the body, condensation water is quickly guided and diffused to the outer edge, suppressing the formation of a water film between the coaster and the bottom surface of the container. In addition, the surface is stain-resistant, preventing dirt from sticking and making cleaning easier.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coaster that efficiently guides condensed water generated on the outer surface of a beverage container to the outer periphery and prevents the container from sticking to the bottom surface (adsorption phenomenon due to a water film).

Background Art

[0002] Conventional coasters have a flat upper surface, so when a large amount of condensed water occurs, the bottom surface of the container and the surface of the coaster adhere due to a water film, and there is a problem that the coaster is lifted together when the container is lifted. Also, even in the prior art with grooves, there are problems such as the width of the grooves being constant or water staying at the corners of the grooves, resulting in drainage being hindered by surface tension and the anti-adsorption effect being insufficient. <00000!1> Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7643823 Patent Document 2: Utility Model Registration No. 3248679 Patent Document 3: Utility Model Registration No. 3248405

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to dramatically prevent the retention of condensed water and always smoothly attach and detach the container by combining a dome shape, radial grooves having a specific geometric shape, and surface characteristics.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The coaster according to claim 1 of the present invention is a coaster used by being placed under a beverage container, and includes a coaster body having a dome-shaped upper surface with a central portion bulging upward, and a plurality of grooves radially extending from the central portion to the outer periphery provided on the upper surface, and a base frame for placing, supporting, and holding the coaster body. The plurality of grooves are characterized in that their cross-sectional shape has a U-shape without corners and the groove width expands from the center to the outer periphery.

[0006] Furthermore, at least the surface of the grooves on the coaster body is coated with a water-repellent and stain-resistant coating layer, or the material used to form the coaster body itself contains a water-repellent and stain-resistant agent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this invention, the dome-shaped upper surface allows condensation water to escape to the outer periphery by gravity, while grooves that continuously widen towards the outer periphery create a pressure gradient due to capillary action. As a result, the condensation water is rapidly guided and diffused, as if being drawn out from the center towards the outer periphery.

[0008] Furthermore, the U-shaped cross-section of the groove makes cleaning easy and eliminates water stagnation in corners and water stiffness due to surface tension, as is the case with square grooves, ensuring smooth flow. The synergistic effect of the dome shape, continuous widening structure, and U-shaped cross-section minimizes water stagnation at the bottom of the container and completely prevents coaster adhesion.

[0009] Furthermore, the water-repellent and stain-resistant properties inherent in the surface or material itself allow condensation to form droplets (spherical) inside the grooves and roll easily, dramatically improving drainage speed. At the same time, even if beverages such as coffee or juice accidentally spill onto the surface, the dirt is less likely to stick, making cleaning easy with just running water. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the coaster according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the coaster body and base frame separated. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the coaster of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid flow under operating conditions along line AA in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a coaster according to one embodiment of the present invention consists of a coaster body 10 having a dome-shaped upper surface with a raised central portion, and a base frame 20 on which the coaster body is placed, supported, and held. Suitable materials for the dome of the coaster body 10 include metal, plastic, wood, and ceramic. Suitable materials for the base frame 20 include multilayered paper, porous plastic, and cork.

[0013] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper surface of the coaster body 10 is provided with a plurality of radially extending grooves 12. These grooves 12 have a smooth U-shape (or semicircular shape) in cross-section, without any sharp corners. Furthermore, the grooves 12 are formed so that their width continuously widens from the center outwards.

[0014] Furthermore, at least the surface of the grooves 12 of the coaster body 10 is coated with a water-repellent and stain-resistant coating layer. However, the coaster body 10 is not limited to this configuration, and the material used to form it may also have a water-repellent and stain-resistant agent incorporated into it (molded into the material). [Explanation of symbols]

[0015] 10 Coaster body 12 grooves 20 Base frame

Claims

1. A coaster used by being placed under a beverage container, comprising: a coaster body having a dome shape with an upwardly bulging upper surface, and a plurality of grooves extending radially from the center outward from the upper surface of the dome shape; and a base frame for supporting and holding the coaster body, wherein the plurality of grooves have a U-shape in cross-section without corners, and are formed so that the groove width continuously widens from the center outward.

2. The coaster according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the surface of the groove of the coaster body has a coating layer having water-repellent and stain-resistant properties, or the material used to form the coaster body itself has a water-repellent agent and a stain-resistant agent built into it.

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