Diatomaceous earth mat

Abstract

To provide a diatomaceous earth mat which can maximize water absorption while ensuring convenience during storage etc. [Solution] The product comprises a plurality of approximately plate-shaped mat portions 1 formed from diatomaceous earth and arranged adjacent to one another, and approximately sheet-shaped hinge portions 2 that foldably connect each mat portion 1, each having a first surface S1 on which diatomaceous earth is exposed over its entire surface, and a second surface S2 opposite the first surface S1, each second surface S2 including an exposed surface S21 on which diatomaceous earth is exposed and a covered surface S22 to which the hinge portion 21 is attached, and the hinge portion 2 is suspended from and attached to each covered surface S22.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to diatomaceous earth mats. [Background technology]

[0002] Diatomaceous earth is produced through the fossilization process of diatoms over millions of years, and because of its porous structure, it has excellent water absorption and deodorizing properties.

[0003] In the early days, diatomaceous earth was widely used in building materials and industrial products, particularly for its water absorption and insulating properties. As a building material, it was used in wall and ceiling materials, providing humidity control and insulating properties. As an industrial product, it is used as a filter material and adsorbent, and has played an important role in water treatment and chemical processes.

[0004] In recent years, household products that utilize the properties of diatomaceous earth have been attracting attention, and diatomaceous earth mats are particularly popular. In particular, diatomaceous earth mats are commonly used as bath mats. Their high absorbency and quick-drying properties allow them to quickly absorb moisture from the feet after bathing and prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, thereby maintaining a hygienic environment and eliminating the need for washing, which is a major advantage.

[0005] Additionally, trays and coasters made from diatomaceous earth that absorb moisture around the kitchen are also becoming popular. These quickly absorb water droplets and help dry dishes and cookware, maintaining a clean environment. Furthermore, these can also be used to absorb water dripping from shoes and umbrellas and dry them by placing them at the bottom of shoe racks and umbrella stands, which is expected to have the effect of reducing humidity and odors in entryways and storage spaces.

[0006] As described above, diatomaceous earth mats have evolved from their traditional industrial uses and are now widely used in various places around the home as products that take advantage of their properties.

[0007] Regarding the above-mentioned diatomaceous earth mat, for example, the product described in Non-Patent Document 1 has been developed. The product described in Non-Patent Document 1 is made up of two diatomaceous earth mats connected together in a foldable manner, and can be stored in the folded state when not in use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Amazon.co.jp, "Diatomaceous Earth Bath Mat," [online], [Searched May 23, 2024], Internet<https: / / amzn.asia / d / fSaGTdC> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, the diatomaceous earth mat described in Non-Patent Document 1 has one surface entirely covered with a flexible vinyl sheet, so the user only uses the other surface as the water-absorbing surface. In this case, for example, if the absorbency of the other surface becomes poor, the user cannot use the other surface as an absorbent surface, and the inherent absorbency of the diatomaceous earth mat cannot be fully utilized.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide a diatomaceous earth mat that can maximize its water absorption capacity while ensuring convenience during storage, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a folding folding device comprising a plurality of substantially plate-shaped mat sections formed of diatomaceous earth and arranged adjacent to each other, and a substantially sheet-shaped hinge section that foldably connects the mat sections, Each of the mat portions has a first surface on which diatomaceous earth is exposed over the entire surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, Each of the second surfaces includes an exposed surface on which the diatomaceous earth is exposed and a covered surface to which the hinge portion is attached, The hinge portion is attached to each of the covering surfaces in a suspended manner.

[0012] According to the present invention, each second surface includes an exposed surface and a covered surface, making it possible to fold each mat portion via the hinge portion, while the exposed surface ensures a certain level of water absorption even on the second surface opposite the first surface. Therefore, if the absorbency of the first surface becomes poor due to aging or other reasons, the user can use the second surface (exposed surface) as the absorbent surface. In other words, the user can use both sides of the diatomaceous earth mat to absorb water.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface area of ​​the exposed surface is larger than the surface area of ​​the covered surface.

[0014] With this configuration, the water absorption capacity of the second surface (exposed surface) is improved.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a distance from each of the covered surfaces to each of the first surfaces along a direction perpendicular to the surface is configured to be shorter than a distance from each of the exposed surfaces to each of the first surfaces along the direction perpendicular to the surface, The hinge portion is attached to each of the covered surfaces so that its surface and each of the exposed surfaces are positioned on approximately the same plane.

[0016] By adopting such a configuration, the water absorption capacity of the second surface (exposed surface) can be maintained while stabilizing the placement state when the second surface is placed on the bottom, and an anti-slip effect can be imparted depending on the material of the hinge portion, etc.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the hinge portion and each of the exposed surfaces are connected to each other.

[0018] With this configuration, there is no gap between the periphery of the hinge portion and each exposed surface, making it possible to prevent the hinge portion from accidentally peeling off.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the mat portions is formed by stacking a first plate-like body constituting the first surface, a second plate-like body constituting the exposed surface, and a third plate-like body arranged between the first plate-like body and the second plate-like body, Each of the coated surfaces is a surface of the third plate-like body.

[0020] With this configuration, each covering surface can be formed by stacking each plate-shaped body, improving the manufacturability of the diatomaceous earth mat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a diatomaceous earth mat that can maximize its water absorption capacity while ensuring convenience during storage, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view seen from the second surface, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a partially enlarged view of (b). [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a method of using a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of use of a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a diatomaceous earth mat according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. In these figures, the symbol X indicates the diatomaceous earth mat according to this embodiment.

[0024] <Configuration> The structure of the diatomaceous earth mat X will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the diatomaceous earth mat X is made of diatomaceous earth and comprises two approximately plate-shaped mat portions 1 arranged adjacent to each other, and a hinge portion 2 that connects each mat portion 1 in a foldable manner. Furthermore, due to the above-described structure, the diatomaceous earth mat X has an overall substantially rectangular outer shape.

[0026] Each mat member 1 has a substantially rectangular outer shape with rounded corners, and has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 opposite to the first surface S1. In this embodiment, the mat members 1 are arranged so that their long sides are adjacent to each other. Each mat member 1 has the same shape, size, thickness, and the configuration of the second surface S2, which will be described later.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, each first surface S1 is a surface on which diatomaceous earth is exposed over its entire surface.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, each second surface S2 includes an exposed surface S21 where the diatomaceous earth is exposed, and a covered surface S22 to which the hinge portion 2 is attached.

[0029] Each covering surface S22 is an elongated area formed on one long side of each mat member 1, extending over the entire length of that long side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the distance d1 along the plane perpendicular to the surface from each covering surface S22 to each first surface S1 is configured to be smaller than the distance d2 along the plane perpendicular to the surface from each exposed surface S21 to each first surface S1. In other words, the height of each covered surface S22 is configured to be lower than the height of each exposed surface S21.

[0030] As a result, a step is formed on one long side of each mat member 1 between the exposed surface S21 and the covered surface S22. By arranging each mat portion 1 so that their respective coated surfaces S22 are adjacent to each other, a recessed portion including each coated surface S22 is formed in the approximate center of the long side direction of the diatomaceous earth mat X as a whole.

[0031] Furthermore, the surface area of ​​each exposed surface S21 is larger than the surface area of ​​each covered surface S22. In this embodiment, the ratio of the surface area of ​​each exposed surface S21 to the surface area of ​​each covered surface S22 is approximately 12:1, but this is not limited to this and can be flexibly changed depending on the size of each mat portion 1, etc. (for example, it may be approximately 6:1).

[0032] Here, as shown particularly in Figure 3, each mat portion 1 is formed by stacking a first plate-like body 11 that forms the first surface S1, a second plate-like body 12 that forms the exposed surface S21, and a third plate-like body 13 that is arranged between the first plate-like body 11 and the second plate-like body 12. Each of the coated surfaces S22 is the surface of the third plate-like body 13.

[0033] In more detail, the first plate-like body 11 and the third plate-like body 13 have approximately the same length in the long side direction and short side direction, except for the rounded corner portions, but the second plate-like body 12 is configured so that its length in the short side direction is shorter than these. With the above configuration, the second plate-like body 12 and the third plate-like body 13 are stacked so that one long side and both short sides thereof are aligned, thereby exposing the surface of the third plate-like body 13 facing the second plate-like body 12.

[0034] This exposed surface is then formed as the covering surface S22. The plates 11 to 13 are bonded and integrated together by applying an adhesive to their contact surfaces, for example.

[0035] The hinge portion 2 is a flexible rectangular sheet-like body, and as shown in FIG. 3 in particular, is attached to and suspended from each of the adjacently arranged covering surfaces S22. Furthermore, the hinge portion 2 is attached to each of the covered surfaces S22 so that its surface and each of the exposed surfaces S21 are disposed on approximately the same plane, and its surface is connected to each of the exposed surfaces S21.

[0036] More specifically, the length of the hinge portion 2 in the long side direction is approximately the same as the length of each mat portion 1 in the long side direction, and the thickness thereof is approximately the same as the thickness of the second plate-like body 12 . The length of the hinge portion 2 in the short side direction is slightly longer than twice the length of the covering surface S22 in the short side direction.

[0037] As a result, the hinge portion 2 is attached to each covering surface S22 so as to fit (fit) exactly into the recessed portion including each covering surface S22, while connecting the mat portions with a slight gap between them. That is, the hinge portion 2 is attached so as to cover the entire surface of each covering surface S22.

[0038] It is preferable that the hinge portion 2 be formed from a lightweight and durable foam such as polyolefin, but by forming it from an elastic material, the hinge portion 2 can provide the diatomaceous earth mat X with an anti-slip effect. The hinge portion 2 may be attached by providing an adhesive layer in advance on the surface that contacts each of the covered surfaces S22, or by applying an adhesive to each of the covered surfaces S22.

[0039] <Usage example> Hereinafter, examples of use of the diatomaceous earth mat X configured as above will be described with reference to Figs.

[0040] Due to the above-described structure, the diatomaceous earth mat X can be folded as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the user can fold the mat members 1 via the hinge portions 2 so that the second surfaces S2 of the mat members 1 face each other. In order to prevent peeling due to tension on both long sides of the hinge portion 2, it is preferable to fold it as described above rather than folding it so that the first surfaces S1 face each other, but it may also be folded so that the first surfaces S1 face each other.

[0041] The diatomaceous earth mat X can also be used in environments such as those shown in FIGS.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows an example in which the diatomaceous earth mat X is placed at the entrance to a bathroom and used as a bath mat. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the diatomaceous earth mat X is placed next to a kitchen sink and used as a draining mat for placing washed dishes and the like.

[0043] In Figures 5 and 6, the diatomaceous earth mat X is placed at each use location with the first surface S1 facing up, but if the water absorption of the first surface S1 deteriorates, the user can simply turn it over and place the second surface S2 on top, which will then become the water-absorbing surface. When used as shown in FIG. 6, the overall size of the diatomaceous earth mat X may be smaller than when used as shown in FIG.

[0044] In this way, the overall size of the diatomaceous earth mat X can be varied in various ways to suit the environment in which it is used, and its uses are not limited to those mentioned above. Furthermore, when not in use, the diatomaceous earth mat X can be folded and stored in a desired location without taking up space, and as shown in Figure 6, it can be placed upright on a specified surface with its end face facing downwards.

[0045] <Effects> According to this embodiment, each mat portion 1 can be folded via the hinge portion 2, and the exposed surface S21 allows both sides of the diatomaceous earth mat X to be used for water absorption.

[0046] Furthermore, since the surface area of ​​the exposed surface S21 is larger than the surface area of ​​the covered surface S22, the water absorption capacity of the second surface S2 (exposed surface S21) is improved.

[0047] Furthermore, the hinge portion 2 is provided in a recessed portion including each covered surface S22, and its surface and each exposed surface S21 are arranged on approximately the same plane, thereby stabilizing the placement state when the second surface S2 is the lower surface while maintaining the water absorption capacity of the exposed surface S21, and providing an anti-slip effect depending on the material of the hinge portion 2, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, since the surface of the hinge portion 2 is connected to each exposed surface S21, there is no gap between the periphery (each long side) of the hinge portion 2 and each exposed surface S21, which prevents the hinge portion 2 from accidentally peeling off from each long side.

[0049] Furthermore, since each of the coated surfaces S22 can be formed by stacking the plates 11 to 13, the productivity of the diatomaceous earth mat X is improved.

[0050] <Example of change> The shapes and dimensions of the components shown in the above-described embodiment are merely examples and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc.

[0051] For example, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which each covering surface S22 is the bottom surface of a recessed portion and the hinge portion 2 is attached thereto, but it is also possible to not form a recessed portion and make each second surface S2 a flat surface, and to partially attach the hinge portion 2, so that the area where the hinge portion 2 is attached becomes the covering surface S22.

[0052] In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which each covering surface S22 is formed by stacking each plate-like body 11 to 13, but each mat part 1 may be made into a single plate-like body and each covering surface S22 may be formed by partially cutting out one surface of this.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, each mat portion 1 is rectangular, but this is not limited to this and may be circular, for example, or may have different shapes and sizes, such as one being rectangular and the other being circular.

[0054] Furthermore, the number of mat portions 1 is not limited to two, and three or more mat portions may be connected by a plurality of hinge portions 2.

[0055] The word "abbreviated" in the application documents is a concept that means that the shape that follows has been chamfered or rounded, and that the elements that make up the shape have been deformed or changed in length within a range that does not impede the purpose of the shape. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] X Diatomaceous Earth Mat 1 Mat section 11 First plate-shaped body 12 Second plate-shaped body 13 Third plate 2 Hinge part S1 first surface S2 second surface S21 Exposed surface S22 Covered surface

Claims

1. The mattress comprises a plurality of substantially plate-shaped mat portions formed of diatomaceous earth and arranged adjacent to each other, and a substantially sheet-shaped hinge portion that foldably connects the mat portions, Each of the mat portions has a first surface on which diatomaceous earth is exposed over the entire surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, Each of the second surfaces includes an exposed surface on which the diatomaceous earth is exposed and a covered surface to which the hinge portion is attached, Each of the mat portions is formed by stacking a first plate-like body constituting the first surface, a second plate-like body constituting the exposed surface, and a third plate-like body arranged between the first plate-like body and the second plate-like body, each of the coated surfaces is a surface of the third plate-like body, The hinge portion is suspended from and attached to each of the covering surfaces of the diatomaceous earth mat.

2. The diatomaceous earth mat of claim 1 , wherein the surface area of ​​the exposed surface is greater than the surface area of ​​the covered surface.

3. a distance from each of the covered surfaces to each of the first surfaces along a plane perpendicular to the surface is shorter than a distance from each of the exposed surfaces to each of the first surfaces along the plane perpendicular to the surface, The diatomaceous earth mat according to claim 2 , wherein the hinge portion is attached to each of the covered surfaces so that its surface and each of the exposed surfaces are positioned on approximately the same plane.

4. The diatomaceous earth mat according to claim 3 , wherein the surface of the hinge portion and each of the exposed surfaces are connected to each other.

Images