Methods of protecting surroundings of sinks and related devices

Abstract

Disclosed are methods of protecting surroundings of sinks. In some embodiments, methods of protecting surroundings of sinks comprise positioning an absorbent material over a leading edge, attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with a retaining clip, and folding the absorbent material back over the retaining clip so as to cover the retaining clip. In some embodiments, the leading edge comprises an edge of a countertop in front of a sink or the top edge of the front wall of a farmhouse sink. Related devices are also disclosed.

Description

METHODS OF PROTECTING SURROUNDINGS OF SINKS AND RELATED DEVICES RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 777,846, filed on March 26, 2025, and titled “Methods of Protecting Surroundings of Sinks and Related Devices”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to sinks and their surrounding areas and, more specifically, to methods of protecting surroundings of sinks and related devices.BACKGROUND

[0003] In many residential and commercial environments, sinks serve as fixtures for tasks such as washing dishes, hands, and various utensils. Sinks are often integrated into countertops that sit above cabinetry or other storage units. In the course of using a sink, it is common for water to splash the surrounding area, such as cabinetry below the sink, the person using the sink, and / or the clothing of the person using the sink. Some sinks are located within a flat surface or countertop. Some sinks and countertops are located above cabinetry. When in use and when splashing occurs, it is common for water to accumulate in the area between the front of the sink and the person using the sink, near the edge of the countertop. This accumulated water can drip on the cabinetry and transfer to the person or the person’s clothing. Countertops, cabinetry finishes, and surrounding flooring can be exposed to repeated moisture contact, leading to staining, swelling, or long-term degradation of materials. Moreover, water that travels beyond the countertop edge can come into contact with persons standing at the sink, resulting in wet clothing and discomfort. At the same time, it is often desirable for the sink area to be free of obstacles that could interfere with use of the sink. And because many sinks are located within finished living areas, it is often desirable to maintain appearance and not detract from the finished aesthetics of the sink, countertop, and / or cabinetry.

[0004] Various absorbent materials, such as towels and cloths, have been utilized to intercept migrating water near sink edges. Typically, these materials are laid across the countertop edge in front of the basin, relying on their absorbent properties to capture drips and splashes. In practice, however, such loose arrangements lack reliable attachment, and the edge of a damp cloth often becomes heavier than its other regions. As a result, gravity pulls the saturated portion into the sink, while routine motions or water disturbances shift the cloth out of its intended position. Periodic1 Attorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1repositioning is required to maintain coverage, and even then, the material may bunch or leave gaps that allow water to pass underneath.

[0005] Other attempts at securing absorbent fabrics involve clips or clamps originally designed for table linens and similar applications. These devices tend to be relatively small, spaced at intervals around a tabletop’s edge, and remain fully visible when in use. Their limited axial length and periodic placement can cause the fabric to pucker between atachment points, compromising both performance and appearance. Additionally, the protruding clips may detract from the finished look of countertops and cabinetry. As a result, there is a need for an improved approach that holds an absorbent barrier securely in place along a sink’s front edge, minimizes water migration, and preserves the visual integrity of the surrounding surfaces without introducing obstructive hardware.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one implementation, the present disclosure is directed to a method of protecting surroundings of sinks. The method includes positioning an absorbent material over a leading edge; attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with at least one retaining clip; and folding the absorbent material back over the at least one retaining clip so as to cover the at least one retaining clip.

[0007] In another implementation, the present disclosure is directed to a system for protecting surroundings of sinks. The system includes an absorbent material; and at least one retaining clip; wherein: the at least one retaining clip is configured to releasably attach the absorbent material to a leading edge; and the absorbent material is configured to be folded over the retaining clip so as to cover the retaining clip.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a sink surrounded by a countertop and cabinets, with a retaining clip and an absorbent material according to aspects of the present disclosure installed on the leading edge of the countertop in front of the sink;FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the retaining clip and absorbent material of FIG. 1;FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-section of the retaining clip of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2;2 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a retaining clip according to aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a front view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3;FIG. 5 is a rear view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3;FIG. 6 is a first side view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3;FIG. 7 is a second side view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3;FIG. 8 is a top view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3;FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3;FIG. 10 is another isometric view of the retaining clip of FIG. 3, with dotted lines indicating that the retaining clip may vary in length;FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a sink surrounded by a countertop and cabinets, with a series of retaining clip segments and an absorbent material according to aspects of the present disclosure installed on the leading edge of the countertop; andFIG. 12 is an isometric view of a farmhouse sink surrounded by a countertop and cabinets, with a retaining clip and an absorbent material according to aspects of the present disclosure installed on the top of the front edge of the farmhouse sink.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] The present detailed description provides illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject mater, which generally pertains to methods and devices for protecting the surroundings of sinks and related areas. Specifically, the disclosed subject matter addresses the challenges associated with water splashing and accumulating near sinks, countertops, and cabinetry, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and promoting unobstructed use of the sink. The described embodiments include solutions such as absorbent materials and retaining clips designed to secure the absorbent material in place, prevent water migration, and enhance the overall functionality and appearance of the sink area.

[0010] The examples and embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the described subject matter. Certain details, such as common manufacturing techniques or well-understood design principles, may be omitted for clarity and brevity, as they are readily understood by those skilled in the art. Furthermore, various3 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1modifications, substitutions, or rearrangements of the described components and methods may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described subject matter.

[0011] Methods of protecting surroundings of sinks and related devices according to aspects of the present disclosure solve the problems described above by providing a retaining clip that securely clamps an absorbent material to the edge of a countertop or the front wall of a farmhouse sink using spring tension. The tension of the retaining clip pushes over the absorbent material on the top and bottom of the counter surface or on the inside and outside of the front wall of a farmhouse sink. The absorbent material protects the counter or farmhouse sink from direct abrasion from the tension of the retaining clip, and the tension of the retaining clip securely keeps the system in place and prevents it from dislodging during normal sink use activities, such as washing hands, washing dishes and / or utensils, rinsing food items, filling containers with water, draining liquids, cleaning household items, disposing of small amounts of wastewater, bathing infants or small pets, hand-washing laundry, and personal hygiene tasks (such as brushing teeth, shaving, and face washing). Unlike conventional clips, retaining clips according to aspects of the present disclosure provide substantially consistent and even lay of the absorbent material without puckering. Furthermore, the absorbent material may be folded back over the retaining clip, the retaining clip from view, thereby preserving the finished aesthetics of the sink area. This low-profile system is unobtrusive, aesthetically pleasing, and remains securely in place during typical sink use activities, minimizing the risk of dislodgment or water migration.

[0012] The solutions described herein enhance previous methods and devices by integrating functionality and aesthetics within a unified system. Retaining clips according to aspects of the present disclosure support a range of countertop thicknesses and materials, such as natural stone, granite, and laminate, along with vertical surfaces like farmhouse sink walls. In some embodiments, a plurality of retaining clip segments are installed in a series, which permits adjustments in length and configuration, promoting adaptability to various sink sizes and user preferences. By securely positioning the absorbent material and preventing water migration, the disclosed methods and devices safeguard cabinetry, countertops, and users’ clothing while preserving a visually appealing and unobstructed sink area.

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods of protecting surroundings of sinks. In some embodiments, methods of protecting surroundings of sinks comprise placing an absorbent material over a leading edge, such as an edge of a countertop in front of a sink or the top4 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1edge of the front wall of a farmhouse sink, securing the absorbent material to the leading edge with a retaining clip, and folding the absorbent material back over the top of the retaining clip so as to cover the retaining clip.

[0014] In some embodiments, the edge of the countertop in front of the sink is between the sink and cabinetry. In some embodiments, the retaining clip is axially the full length or nearly the full length of the absorbent material, which minimizes puckering of the absorbent material and promotes a consistent and even lay of the absorbent material. In embodiments wherein a plurality of shorter retaining clips are used, each of the plurality of retaining clips still has an axial length of at least one inch.

[0015] Folding the absorbent material back over the top of the retaining clip so as to cover the retaining clip prevents the retaining clip from being visible to users of the sink, which minimizes any detraction from the finished aesthetics of the sink and its surrounding area. This is in contrast to clips used to secure tablecloths to tabletops, which remain visible to users. Tablecloth clips are also often less than one inch long, and do not minimize movement or puckering of the tablecloth due to their periodic positioning and short axial length. Retaining clips according to aspects of the present disclosure are greater than one inch in axial length, thereby minimizing puckering of the absorbent material and promoting a consistent and even lay of the absorbent material.

[0016] Methods of protecting surroundings of sinks described herein also address the abovedescribed problems by protecting cabinetry, clothing, and other surroundings of sinks with an absorbent material that is secured in place, minimizing any risk of the absorbent material falling into the sink. The devices used also do not interfere with normal use of the sink, as described above.

[0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a sink 10 integrated into a countertop 12, with associated cabinetry 14 positioned below the countertop 12. The figure illustrates an arrangement designed to address the challenges of water splashing and accumulation in the area surrounding the sink 10. The sink 10 is positioned within the countertop 12, which provides a substantially flat surface extending around the sink 10. The cabinetry 14 is located directly beneath the countertop 12, forming a storage area that is susceptible to water damage if water drips from the countertop 12.

[0018] A retaining clip 16 is shown attached to the front edge of the countertop 12, near the sink 10. The retaining clip 16 is configured to secure an absorbent material 18 in place, and the retaining clip is shown in dotted lines because it is covered by the absorbent material, as described below.5 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1The absorbent material 18 is first positioned to drape over a leading edge 20 of the countertop 12, extending both above and below the retaining clip 16. The retaining clip 16 may then be installed by moving the retaining clip along an installation axis toward the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12 until the retaining clip 16 releasably engages the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12.

[0019] This configuration promotes the absorbent material 18 remaining securely in place during normal use of the sink, preventing the absorbent material 18 from falling into the sink 10 or shifting out of position during normal sink use activities, such as washing hands, washing dishes and / or utensils, rinsing food items, filling containers with water, draining liquids, cleaning household items, disposing of small amounts of wastewater, bathing infants or small pets, hand-washing laundry, and personal hygiene tasks (such as brushing teeth, shaving, and face washing). At the same time, the average adult is able to install and uninstall the retaining clip 16 without undue force. In some embodiments, it takes about 5 pounds to about 15 pounds of force to dislodge the retaining clip 16 from the countertop 12, when force is being measured with a line tension measuring device pulling on a string that is wrapped either around the axial length of the retaining clip or around the center of the retaining clip, wherein the pulling is done in a direction that is substantially parallel to the installation axis of the retaining clip. In other embodiments, it takes about 7 pounds to about 13 pounds or about 10 pounds to about 12 pounds of force to dislodge the retaining clip 16 from the countertop 12 when force is being measured with a line tension measuring device pulling on a string that is wrapped either around the axial length of the retaining clip or around the center of the retaining clip, wherein the pulling is done in a direction that is substantially parallel to the installation axis of the retaining clip. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how the length and tension of the retaining clip 16 can be changed to maintain the amount of force required for dislodging. For example, as length of the retaining clip 16 decreases, spring tension should increase because a shorter retaining clip has less contact length over which to grip the countertop 12 and absorbent material 18.

[0020] The absorbent material 18 serves to capture and absorb water that may splash or accumulate near the edge of the countertop 12, thereby protecting the cabinetry 14 and the user’s clothing from water damage. In FIG. 1, the absorbent material 18 is longer than the retaining clip 16, allowing the retaining clip to be substantially obscured from vision. The retaining clip 16 is also in one piece, which allows the absorbent material 18 to maintain a substantially consistent and even lay across the retaining clip, minimizing puckering. In FIG. 1, the absorbent material 18 is folded back over the retaining clip 16 to conceal the retaining clip, preserving the aesthetic appearance of 6 Attorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1the sink 10 and countertop 12 area. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 18 is stylized and matches other stylized absorbent materials in the area surrounding the sink 10 and countertop 12.

[0021] The absorbent material 18 is at least about 2 mm longer than the retaining clip 16. In some embodiments, the absorbent material 18 is about 13 mm to about 39 mm longer than the retaining clip 16. For example, in an embodiment, the retaining clip 16 is about 406 mm long, the absorbent material is 18 is about 432 mm long, and the retaining clip is positioned on the absorbent material such that there is about 13 mm of an overhang of absorbent material on each end of the retaining clip. In other embodiments, the retaining clip 16 and absorbent material 18 may be shorter or longer to adapt to different sizes of sinks. For example, in some embodiments, the retaining clip 16 is about 300 mm to about 1,000 mm long and the absorbent material 18 is about 302 mm to about 1,050 mm long.

[0022] The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 provides a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for managing water splashes and protecting the surroundings of the sink 10, while maintaining the usability and appearance of the sink 10 and its surrounding area.

[0023] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the retaining clip 16 and absorbent material 18 of FIG. 1, configured to secure the absorbent material to the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12. In some embodiments, the leading edge 20 is about 20 mm thick, about 30 mm thick, or about 38 mm thick at its thickest portion. In other embodiments, the leading edge is about 12.7 mm, about 19 mm, about 25.4 mm, about 50.8 mm, or any other thickness at its thickest portion. Retaining clips according to aspects of the present disclosure can be made in different sizes to accommodate any countertop thickness.

[0024] In FIG. 2A, the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12 defines a half bullnose profile. In other embodiments, the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12 may define any edge profile, including, for example, a square profile, an eased profile, a beveled profile, a rounded profile, a bullnose profile, an ogee profile, a chamfered profile, or an irregular profile, and the retaining clip 16 may be dimensioned and configured to releasably engage countertops having any edge profile.

[0025] The retaining clip 16 includes a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24 that together form a general C-shape. The top portion 22 of the retaining clip 16 is substantially smooth and free of inflection points, while the bottom portion 24 incorporates a bump 26 that introduces an inflection point. When the retaining clip 16 is installed, there is a spring force between the bump 26 of the 7 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1bottom portion 24 and an end 28 of the top portion 22. The spring force maintains the absorbent material 18 in a secure position on the leading edge 20, preventing movement or dislodgement during regular sink use, as described above. In some embodiments, the spring force between the bump 26 and the end 28 is about 12 pounds of force per linear inch to about 21 pounds of force per linear inch, or about 14 pounds of force per linear inch to about 19 pounds of force per linear inch, measured along the axial length of the retaining clip 16. Other examples are discussed below.

[0026] When the retaining clip 16 is installed, a first height hl between a first plane pl extending along the upper surface of countertop 12 and a second plane p2 is less than about 10 mm, wherein the second plane p2 is substantially parallel to the first plane pl, and extends through the uppermost portion of the outer surface of the absorbent material 18. In some embodiments, hl is less than about 8 mm when the retaining clip 16 is installed, and is preferably about 6 mm when the retaining clip is installed. Keeping hl less than about 10 mm when the retaining clip 16 is installed contributes to the retaining clip 16 providing a low profile and not interfering with normal sink use. When the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled, hl is greater than when the retaining clip is installed, since the top portion 22 slightly deforms to accommodate the countertop 12. Terminology for the positions of components (e.g. “upper”, etc.) are, for convenience, relative to the positions of such components when the components are in a reference orientation and are not to be taken as relating to any absolute frame of reference.

[0027] FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-section of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. A second height h2 extending between a third plane p3 extending through the lowermost surface of the end 28, and a fourth plane p4 extending through the uppermost surface of the bump 26 varies depending on countertop thickness and whether the retaining clip is installed or uninstalled. The third plane p3 and the fourth plane p4 are substantially parallel to one another and to the first plane pl and the second plane p2.

[0028] When the retaining clip 16 is installed, the second height h2 comprises the thickness of the leading edge 20 and twice the thickness of the absorbent material 18, since the retaining clip clamps the absorbent material on both sides of the leading edge. In some embodiments, the second height h2 is less than or equal to the thickness of the leading edge 20 when the retaining clip 16 is not installed. For example, in an embodiment, the leading edge is about 30 mm thick, the absorbent material is about 0.75 mm thick, the second height h2 is about 31.5 mm when the retaining clip 16 is installed, and the second height h2 is about 29 mm when the retaining clip is uninstalled.8 Attorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1

[0029] In some embodiments, when the leading edge 20 is about 29 mm to about 31 mm thick and the absorbent material 18 is about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm thick (about 1 mm to about 2 mm for two layers), the second height h2 is about 29 mm when the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled and about 30 mm to about 33 mm when the retaining clip is installed. In other embodiments, the absorbent material 18 is about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm (about 0.2 mm to about 6 mm for two layers), the second height h2 is about 27 mm to about 33 mm or about 28 mm to about 30 mm when the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled, and the second height h2 is about 29.2 mm to about 37 mm or about 29.5 mm to about 34 mm when the retaining clip is installed.

[0030] In some embodiments, when the leading edge 20 is about 19 mm to about 21 mm thick and the absorbent material 18 is about 1 mm to about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm thick (about 1 mm to about 2 mm for two layers), the second height h2 is about 19 mm when the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled and about 20 mm to about 23 mm when the retaining clip is installed. In other embodiments, the absorbent material 18 is about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm (about 0.2 mm to about 6 mm for two layers), the second height h2 is about 17 mm to about 23 mm or about 18 mm to about 20 mm when the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled, and the second height h2 is and about 19.2 mm to about 27 mm or about 19.5 mm to about 24 mm when the retaining clip is installed.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the leading edge 20 is about 37 mm to about 39 mm thick and the absorbent material 18 is about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm thick (about 1 mm to about 2 mm for two layers), the second height h2 is about 37 mm when the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled and about 38 mm to about 41 mm when the retaining clip is installed. In other embodiments, the absorbent material 18 is about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm (about 0.2 mm to about 6 mm for two layers), the second height h2 is about 35 mm to about 41 mm or about 36 mm to about 38 mm when the retaining clip 16 is uninstalled, and the second height h2 is about 37.2 mm to about 45 mm or about 37.5 mm to about 42 mm when the retaining clip is installed.

[0032] A table of example embodiments is provided below. Examples were tested on a 2 cm countertop, a 3 cm countertop, and a 11 inch countertop. Standard countertops typically have a tolerance of + / - 1 mm, so countertop thicknesses were about 19 mm to about 21 mm, about 29 mm to about 31 mm, and about 37 mm to about 39 mm, respectively.

[0033] EXAMPLES9 Attorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1Retaining Countertop Retaining Thickness of Retaining Spring clip length thickness clip h2 when two layers of clip h2 force uninstalled absorbent whenmaterial installedExample 16 inches About 19 About 19 About 1 mm About 20 14.95 1 mm to about mm to about 2 mm to about Ibf / linear 21 mm mm 23 mm inch Example 16 inches About 29 About 29 About 1 mm About 30 18.1 2 mm to about mm to about 2 mm to about Ibf / linear 31 mm mm 33 mm inch Example 16 inches About 37 About 37 About 1 mm About 38 17.35 3 mm to about mm to about 2 mm to about Ibf / linear 39 mm mm 41 mm inch

[0034] As can be seen in FIG. 2B, the top portion 22 of the retaining clip 16 is wider than the bottom portion 24. The outermost / leftmost surface of the end 28 of the top portion 22 lies in a fifth plane p5 and the outermost / leftmost surface of an end 30 of the bottom portion 24 lies in a sixth plane p6, with a first a first width wl extending between the fifth plane p5 and the sixth plane p6. The fifth plane p5 and the sixth plane p6 are substantially parallel to one another, and are both substantially perpendicular to the first plane pl, the second plane p2, the third plane p3, and the fourth plane p4. The fifth plane p5 and the sixth plane p6 are also substantially perpendicular to the installation axis of the retaining clip 16, whereas the first plane pl, the second plane p2, the third plane p3, and the fourth plane p4 are substantially parallel to the installation axis. In some embodiments, the first width wl is at least about 1 mm, at least about 10 mm, or at least about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the first width wl is selected based on the profile of the leading edge 20. For example, when the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12 defines an ogee profile, the first width wl is at least about 10 mm or at least about 20 mm in some embodiments. Having the top portion 22 be wider than the bottom portion 24 allows the top portion 22 to account for various edge profiles while allowing the bottom portion 24 to account for various lengths of counter overhang. Taking an ogee profile as an example, if the top portion 22 and the bottom portion 24 were the same width, then the top portion may not be wide enough for the end 28 to extend to a substantially flat gripping surface, or the bottom portion 24 may be too wide for the available overhang space.

[0035] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the retaining clip 16 according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a front view of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the 10 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a first side view of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a second side view of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a top view of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is another isometric view of the retaining clip 16 of FIG. 3, with dotted lines indicating that the retaining clip may vary in length.

[0036] The retaining clip 16 may comprise any material that can maintain the spring force / tension described above and substantially resist cracking or fracture. In some embodiments, the retaining clip 16 comprises polymeric material, plastic, metal (such as steel), or a wood composite. The versatility of the retaining clip 16 allows it to be used in different configurations, including modular sections or continuous lengths, depending on the specific requirements of the sink and countertop setup.

[0037] FIG. 11 shows the same arrangement of the sink 10, the countertop 12, and the cabinetry 14 as described with respect to FIG. 1. The absorbent material 18 is also positioned in the same manner as previously described. However, instead of a single retaining clip 16, FIG. 11 illustrates a plurality of retaining clip segments 16’ installed in a series along the leading edge 20 of the countertop 12.

[0038] The retaining clip segments 16’ are positioned to abut each other, forming a substantially continuous clamping surface for the absorbent material 18. This configuration minimizes puckering of the absorbent material 18 and promotes a consistent and even lay, similar to the effect achieved with a single retaining clip 16. The use of multiple retaining clip segments 16’ allows for modularity and adaptability to different sink widths and user preferences, while still ensuring that the absorbent material 18 remains securely in place during normal sink use and that each of the plurality of retaining clip segments 16’ are concealed from view when the absorbent material 18 is folded back over them. In some embodiments, each retaining clip segment 16’ is about 3 inches long to about 5 inches long, and any number of retaining clip segments 16’ could be used. For example, when each retaining clip segment 16’ is about 4 inches long, two may be installed in a series to clamp about 8 inches of the absorbent material 18, three may be installed in a series to clamp about 12 inches of the absorbent material, four may be installed in a series to clamp about 16 inches of the absorbent material, or five may be installed in a series to clamp about 20 inches of the absorbent material.

[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 1, with the distinction that a farmhouse sink 32 is utilized with no portion of countertop 12 positioned in front of the sink. In this 11 Attorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1embodiment, the retaining clip 16 and the absorbent material 18 are installed on a leading edge 34 of the front wall of the farmhouse sink 32. In this configuration, the retaining clip 16 secures the absorbent material 18 to a vertical leading edge 34, rather than to a horizontal leading edge 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Consequently, the installation axis of the retaining clip 16 is vertical rather than horizontal. The absorbent material 18 is arranged to drape over the leading edge 34 and may be folded back over the retaining clip 16 to conceal the retaining clip from view, in the manner previously described. This arrangement enables the system to deliver comparable functional and aesthetic benefits for farmhouse sinks as those provided for conventional sinks with countertops in front of the sink.

[0040] While farmhouse sink 32 is shown as being surrounded by countertop 12, in other embodiments, retaining clips and absorbent materials according to aspects of the present disclosure may be installed on other sinks that are freestanding or otherwise not surrounded by a countertop. In some other alternative embodiments, the retaining clip 16 is adhered to the absorbent material 18.

[0041] The methods of protecting surroundings of sinks and related devices described herein are novel methods and devices to control migration of splashing water between a sink and its surroundings in ways that are free of obstacles and that do not detract from the finished aesthetics of the sink, countertop, and / or cabinetry.

[0042] The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It is noted that in the present specification and claims appended hereto, conjunctive language such as is used in the phrases “at least one of X, Y and Z” and “one or more of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated or indicated otherwise, shall be taken to mean that each item in the conjunctive list can be present in any number exclusive of every other item in the list or in any number in combination with any or all other item(s) in the conjunctive list, each of which may also be present in any number. Applying this general rule, the conjunctive phrases in the foregoing examples in which the conjunctive list consists of X, Y, and Z shall each encompass: one or more of X; one or more of Y; one or more of Z; one or more of X and one or more of Y; one or more of Y and one or more of Z; one or more of X and one or more of Z; and one or more of X, one or more of Y and one or more of Z.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Features of each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate in order to provide a12 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1multiplicity of feature combinations in associated new embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present disclosure. Additionally, although particular methods herein may be illustrated and / or described as being performed in a specific order, the ordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.13 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of protecting surroundings of sinks, comprising:positioning an absorbent material over a leading edge;attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with at least one retaining clip; and folding the absorbent material back over the at least one retaining clip so as to cover the at least one retaining clip.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the leading edge is an edge of a countertop in front of a sink.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the leading edge is an upper edge of a front wall of a sink.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with the at least one retaining clip comprises moving the retaining clip along an installation axis toward the leading edge until the retaining clip releasably engages the leading edge.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein after attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with the at least one retaining clip, it takes about 5 pounds to about 15 pounds of force to dislodge the at least one retaining clip from the leading edge, when force is measured with a line tension measuring device pulling on a string that is wrapped around an axial length of the at least one retaining clip in a direction that is substantially parallel to the installation axis.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent material is at least about 2 mm longer than the at least one retaining clip.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein:the retaining clip comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that together define a C-shape; the bottom portion comprises a bump; andafter attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with the at least one retaining clip, there is a spring force between the bump of the bottom portion and an end of the top portion.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the spring force is about 12 pounds of force per linear inch to about 21 pounds of force per linear inch measured along an axial length of the at least one retaining clip.14 Attorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU19. The method of any preceding claim, wherein after folding the absorbent material back over the at least one retaining clip so as to cover the at least one retaining clip, a first height between a first plane and a second plane is less than about 10 mm, wherein:the first plane extends along an upper surface of the leading edge;the second plane extends through an uppermost portion of an outer surface of the absorbent material; andthe first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane.

10. The method of any of claims 7-9, wherein:a second height extends between a third plane and a fourth plane;the third plane extends through a lowermost surface of the end of the top portion;the fourth plane extends through an uppermost surface of the bump in the bottom portion; after ataching the absorbent material to the leading edge with the at least one retaining clip, the second height comprises a thickness of the leading edge and twice a thickness of the absorbent material.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the second height is less than or equal to the thickness of the leading edge prior to attaching the absorbent material to the leading edge with the at least one retaining clip.

12. The method of any of claims 7-11, wherein the top portion of the at least one retaining clip is at least about 1 mm wider than the bottom portion of the at least one retaining clip.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one retaining clip comprises at least one of a polymeric material, a plastic, a metal, or a wood composite.

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one retaining clip comprises a plurality of retaining clip segments each at least one inch in length, wherein the plurality of retaining clip segments are positioned to abut each other so as to form a substantially continuous clamping surface for the absorbent material.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of retaining clip segments is about 3 inches long to about 5 inches long.

16. A system for protecting surroundings of sinks, comprising:an absorbent material; and15 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1at least one retaining clip;wherein:the at least one retaining clip is configured to releasably attach the absorbent material to a leading edge; andthe absorbent material is configured to be folded over the retaining clip so as to cover the retaining clip.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the absorbent material is at least about 2 mm longer than the at least one retaining clip.

18. The system of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein:the retaining clip comprises a top portion and a bottom portion that together define a C-shape; the botom portion comprises a bump;a second height extends between a third plane and a fourth plane;the third plane extends through a lowermost surface of an end of the top portion;the fourth plane extends through an uppermost surface of the bump in the bottom portion; the retaining clip is configured to have the second height comprise a thickness of the leading edge and twice a thickness of the absorbent material when the at least one retaining clip releasably attaches the absorbent material to the leading edge.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the top portion of the at least one retaining clip is at least about 1 mm wider than the bottom portion of the at least one retaining clip.

20. The system of any of claims 16-19, wherein the at least one retaining clip comprises a plurality of retaining clip segments each at least one inch in length.16 Atorney Docket No. 20974-002WOU1

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