Modular drink mat system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular drink mat system comprising at least one primary mat and at least one secondary mat. The modular drink mat system has a unique design that serves as a functional platform for placing beverages and drinks as well as being an aesthetically pleasing object to hold the individual mats when they are not in use. The object of the present invention has been to create a mat system that not only protects surfaces but also transforms the way mats are organized on the surface that they will be used.

Description

[0001] MODULAR DRINK MAT SYSTEM

[0002] Technical Field of The Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a modular drink mat system having a unique design that serves as a functional platform for placing beverages and drinks as well as being an aesthetically pleasing object to hold the individual mats when they are not in use. This unique design of the present invention allows for multiple units to be interconnected in order to form the shape of an animal, thereby enables holding of the individual mats together in one place to make them ready for the user to employ anyone of them whenever it is needed and at the same time enhances the user’s experience and offers a visually appealing and customizable arrangement with the animal shape of the user’s preference.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Drink mats have long been used to protect especially sensitive surfaces from moisture and spills caused by beverages. At the same time, they also serve as a barrier between the container holding the drink, such as glasses or bottles, and the table or any kind of other surface that the drink is placed on. However, the conventional approach to drink mats has predominantly overlooked the organization of the mats when they are not in use. This has been causing several problems, one of the most common of these problems being the loss of individual mats followed by a constant decrease in the number of total mats. Nevertheless, the conventional approach only focused on the functional aspects of the individual mats. Even if elements that address the user’s desire for aesthetics and personalization are incorporated, these have only been applied on the individual mats. As social gatherings and events increase everyday, the outside places to meet such as restaurants, cafe and bars with special concepts also grow at an unprecedented rate. As the design and decoration trends for such places continue to evolve, there has also been a growing need for drink mat solutions that not only serve their main purpose but also contribute to the design, ambiance and theme of the environment. Furthermore, in the prior art, various materials are used for such products. In particular use of rigid materials such as glass, ceramics and marble in products developed to interlock with each other can cause some problems. One of these problems is that, since they are rigid materials, there can be an issue of not fitting perfectly during the interlocking of the two pieces. This issue will lead to an abrasion problem over time with use, causing material of the drink mats to wear out. This will create problems both visually and functionally.

[0006] Another problem can be that it produces an unpleasant noise during the interlocking process, which is related to the previous one. Therefore, there is a need to select one or more materials that will ensure easy and quiet placement of the drink mats into the object or there is a need to solve the problems caused when rigid materials are used.

[0007] In the prior art, there are already several mat systems for beverages. Some of the example patent documents are described as follows.

[0008] W00013559 discloses a mat for glasses, whose position can be changed in a simple manner and in which the changed position is maintained under normal conditions without using special measures. The disclosed mat comprises a blank made from paper-containing material and provided with a fold line in order to change the position of part of the said blank along this line, so that this blank extends essentially in a first, unchanged direction and a second, changed direction.

[0009] EP0230008A1 discloses a beer mat stand for holding beer mats, with side parts on whose outer surfaces advertising messages are printed. The beer mat stand is disclosed to have a rectangular shape.

[0010] NL2015010 discloses a device for creating a shadow on a liquid container, such as a glass or a bottle, comprising an elongated upright, first coupling means for coupling a base plate to a first end of the upright and second coupling means for coupling a first shadow-forming surface near a second end of the upright remote from the first end. According to the disclosure, a beer mat can be clamped in both the first and second coupling means as base plate and first shadow forming surface.

[0011] EP1603102A1 discloses a beer mat with a new design wherein it has many circumferential predetermined breaking points in the form of at least 2 circular discs and these circular discs have at least one radial slot extending approximately half the diameter or predetermined breaking points for such a slot, such that the circular discs can be plugged together transversely to one another when they are removed from the beer mat. According to the disclosure, in this way a ball-like structure can be produced from the beer mat by separating and then connecting the two circular discs along the slits, which allows completely new play possibilities.

[0012] NL1013042 discloses a mat that can be joined to another mat on three sides, each side having a series of cut-away sections (2, 3) and tongues (4, 5) that cooperate with corresponding profiles in the adjoining side of the next mat. The three sides have 120 deg. rotation symmetrical positions on the mat, and after the profiles have interlocked the two mats can be pivoted relative to one another, enabling the mats to be used to form polyhedral structures such as octahedral or icosahedral shapes.

[0013] When the documents in the prior art are examined, it is seen that these documents do not contain any developments for solving aforementioned problems. Therefore, there is still a need for a drink mat system to be developed to overcome the disadvantages present in the prior art. The invention subject to the present application is based on the principle of containing different mats that interlock with each other, using different materials and / or coatings to solve the problems. It also combines both functional and aesthetic aspects. Furthermore, the object of the present invention has been to create a mat system that not only protects surfaces but also transforms the way mats are organized on the surface that they will be used.

[0014] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to a modular drink mat system having a unique design that serves as a functional platform for placing beverages and drinks as well as being an aesthetically pleasing object to hold the individual mats when they are not in use.

[0016] The object of the present invention has been to create a mat system that not only protects surfaces but also transforms the way mats are organized on the surface that they will be used.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new holding device for drink mats which may be easily and efficiently manufactured, used and marketed.

[0018] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new holding device for drink mats which is of a durable and reliable construction. This object is achieved in a modular drink mat system which holds the mats together when they are not in use and which while holding the mats forms the shape of an animal, so that it can be used not only for placing under drinks but also for decorative purposes.

[0019] The modular nature of the present invention, allowing multiple mats to be put together and configured into the form of an animal, adds a layer of personalization that is absent in prior art drink mat designs.

[0020] The modular drink mat system of the present invention implements a unique synthesis of form and function, introducing a new way of organization in the realm of drink mats. The convenience of a reliable protection for surfaces while simultaneously inviting users to partake in the creative process of arranging mats into the shape of an animal is offered to the users. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific shapes exemplified herein, such as the shapes of animals. The subject matter of the present invention can as well be implemented in the shapes of daily objects, toys, vases, sculptures, lamps or even in a 3D amorphous shape, which refers to a form that lacks a definite, regular structure and may exhibit an irregular, organic, or fluid appearance.

[0021] In general, the modular drink mat system of the invention comprises; at least one primary mat (1 ) and at least one secondary mat (2), wherein each primary mat (1 ) comprises at least one groove (3) on its at least one side and each secondary mat (2) contains at least one groove (3) configured to interlock with the groove (3) of the primary mat(1 ).

[0022] The angle between the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mat (2) is 90 degrees, at the interlocked state.

[0023] In one embodiment, the system has one primary mat (1 ). In one embodiment, the primary mat (1 ) contains multiple grooves (3) arranged side by side on its single edge. In another embodiment, the primary mat (1 ) has grooves (3) on both of its opposite sides, enabling interlocking with secondary mats (2) from either side.

[0024] In one embodiment, the system has more than one secondary mat (2). The secondary mat (2) contains one groove (3) on its single side. To ensure the system stands upright, at least one secondary mat (2) includes at least one support leg (4) on the opposite edge to where the grooves (3) are located. In another embodiment, the support leg or legs (4) may be located on the primary mat (1 ). In another embodiment, both the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mats (2) may include support legs (4). Structurally, the support legs (4) are located on the side of the mats (1 ,2) that will make contact with the floor.

[0025] In one embodiment, where the primary mat (1 ) has grooves (3) on both sides and the secondary mats (2) are equipped with support legs (4), the bottom side of the primary mat (1 ) fits into the grooves (3) of the secondary mats (2) with support legs (4), thereby enabling the system to stand upright.

[0026] In one embodiment, where the primary mat (1 ) has support legs, the support legs (4) are located on the bottom side of the primary mat (1 ), opposite to the side where the grooves (3) are situated.

[0027] The modular drink mat system according to the present invention has many possible applications. This system can be used under various containers such as glasses containing hot or cold beverages, as well as larger containers, for example, dishes and pots. In other words, the mats(1 ,2) in the system of the present invention may be serving mats or drink coasters. It can also be placed under potted plants to provide protection. In this way, it can offer protection against solar rays, moisture and heat.

[0028] It has a groove-based configuration for interlocking between primary mat (1 ) and secondary mats (2). When the mats (1 ,2) are interlocked, they create a product that can also be used decoratively.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the modular drink mat system is animal shaped. This system may be in the shape of any animal or other shapes / forms.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, the modular drink mat system is shaped like a cat. Figures 1 -4 belongs to this embodiment. In this embodiment, there is one primary mat (1 ) containing a total of eight grooves (3), with four on the upper side and two on the bottom side, two of the head part of the cat. In another embodiment, there is one groove (3) on the head part of the cat. To fit into these grooves (3) on the upper side and the bottom side of the primary mat (1 ), there are a total of six secondary mats (2). Among these secondary mats (2), there are two secondary mats (2) with support legs (4) that fit into the grooves (3) on the bottom side of the primary mat (1 ). There may be at least one cover element (5) to fit into any groove (3) of the head part of the cat shaped system.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, the primary mat (1 ) may be serving mat and / or the secondary mats (2) may be drink coasters. In this embodiment, the coasters place in the grooves (3) on the serving mat can be removed and used as needed. If all the coasters are removed, the resulting serving mat can be placed under larger containers such as pots, oven dishes, pitchers or teapots.

[0032] When the need for use has ended, the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mats (2) can be interlocked by aligning the grooves (3) of the primary mat (1 ) with the grooves (3) of the secondary mats (2) and at the same time positioning them at a ninety -degree angle to each other.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the materials that can be used for the mats (1 ,2) include marble, wood, paper, cardboard, slate, stone, silicone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, cork, metal, leather, felt, or plastic. The primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mat (2) can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0034] The selection of these materials is crucial to ensure that there is no noise, unpleasant friction, or difficulty during the interlocking of the primary and secondary mats, and that the interlocking occurs smoothly.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the primary mat (1 ) is made of wood while the secondary mats (2) are made of a different material such as metal, silicone, plastic, leather.

[0036] In another embodiment of the invention, both the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mats (2) are made of glass, marble or ceramic, and the edge portions of the mats (1 ,2), including the part with the grooves (3), are made of a different material such as silicone, polymer, cork, leather or any other plastic. In this way, the friction and wear of the rigid material, such as glass, are prevented. Additionally, the unpleasant noise that might occur during attachment and detachment is also avoided.

[0037] In other words, the edges of the primary mat (1 ) and / or secondary mats (2) are coated with different material from the main material of the mats (1 ,2). In a more preferred embodiment, both the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mats (2) are made of glass and the edge portions of the mats (1 ,2), including the part with the grooves (3), are made of silicone.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the primary mats (1 ) and / or secondary mats (2) are made of a material different from their main materials. In one embodiment, the main material of the primary and secondary mats (1 ,2) can be paper or cardboard, while a polymer can be preferred as the coating material. Coating can be applied on entire edges and surfaces of the primary and secondary mats (1 ,2) as a whole, as well as only to the edges or only to the surfaces.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises at least one cover element (5) to cover the grooves of the primary mat (1 ) when secondary mats (2) are not placed.

[0040] To sum up, the present invention relates to a modular drink mat system comprising at least one primary mat (1 ) and at least one secondary mat (2) characterized in that; each primary mat (1 ) comprises at least one groove (3) on its at least one side and each secondary mat (2) comprises at least one groove (3) configured to interlock with the groove (3) of the primary mat (1 ),-and at least one primary mat (1 ) and / or secondary mat (2) comprises at least one support leg (4) on an side, wherein the primary mat (1 ) and secondary mat (2) are made of same material or different material from each other and at least one part of the primary mat (1 ) and / or secondary mats (2) are coated with a different material.

[0041] The present invention is specific in that it combines more features than there are currently known in the prior art. It is also characterized by its own unique compactness, convenience of use and in still being comfortable to carry and use.

[0042] Reference List:

[0043] 1 .Primary mat

[0044] 2. Secondary mat

[0045] 3. Groove

[0046] 4. Support leg

[0047] 5. Cover element

[0048] Description of the Figures:

[0049] Figure 1 shows the separated state of the primary mat (1 ) of the modular drink mat system according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 shows the separated state of the secondary mats (2) of the modular drink mat system according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 3 shows the cover element (5) of the modular drink mat system according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the interlocked state of the primary mat (1 ) and secondary mats (2) of the modular drink mat system according to the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A modular drink mat system comprising at least one primary mat (1 ) and at least one secondary mat (2) characterized in that; each primary mat (1) comprises at least one groove (3) on its at least one side and each secondary mat (2) comprises at least one groove (3) configured to interlock with the groove (3) of the primary mat (1 ), and at least one primary mat (1 ) and / or secondary mat (2) comprises at least one support leg (4) on a side, and the primary mat (1 ) and secondary mat (2) are made of same material or different material from each other and at least one part of the primary mat (1 ) and / or secondary mat (2) are coated with a different material.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the angle between the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mat (2) is 90 degrees, at the interlocked state.

3. The system according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the primary mat (1 ) comprises multiple grooves (3) arranged side by side on its single edge.

4. The system according to anyone of claim 1 to 3, wherein the primary mat (1 ) comprises multiple grooves (3) on both of its opposite edges.

5. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein it comprises one primary mat (1 ) and six secondary mats (2).

6. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 5, wherein the primary mat (1 ) and secondary mat (2) are made of at least one material selected from the group of marble, wood, paper, cardboard, slate, stone, silicone, ceramic, porcelain, glass, cork, metal, leather, felt, granite, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymer or any plastic.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the primary mat (1) is made of wood while the secondary mats (2) are made of a different material of at least one selected from the group of metal, silicone, plastic, leather.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the primary mat (1 ) comprises polytetrafluoroethylene while the secondary mats (2) are made of at least one material selected from the group of silicone, wood or plastic.

9. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein the edges of the primary mat (1) and / or secondary mats (2) are coated with different material from the main material of the mats (1 ,2).

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein both the primary mat (1 ) and the secondary mats (2) are made of glass, ceramic or marble, and the edge portions of the mats (1 ,2), including the part with the grooves (3), are made of silicone, polymer, cork, leather or any other plastic material.

11. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 6, wherein entire surfaces of the primary mat (1) and secondary mats (2) are coated with a material different from their main materials.

12. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the main material of the primary and secondary mats (1 , 2) are selected from at least paper or cardboard, while the coating material is a polymeric material.

13. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 12, wherein it comprises at least one cover element (5) to protect the grooves (3) of the primary mat when secondary mats are not placed.

14. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 13, wherein it is animal-shaped.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein it is cat-shaped.

16. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 15, wherein the primary mat is a serving mat.

17. The system according to anyone of claims 1 to 16, wherein each secondary mat is a drink coaster.

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