Fluid-collecting receptacle having hinged upper sheet
OwnerKevin M. Williamsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluid-collecting receptacle includes a fluid-impervious base sheet having an upstanding perimeter lip, a sloping floor, and a fluid outlet in the floor. A porous support member is disposed atop the upper surface of the base sheet and a porous, flexible mat is disposed atop the porous support member. Openings in the mat and the porous support member permit fluid to be discharged onto the sloping floor where removal through the fluid outlet can be accomplished by means of a suction device. The device can be equipped with suction cups to prevent slippage or a rigidified foam core to strengthen the device and prevent slippage. In an alternative embodiment, the porous support member and the mat are replaced by a hinged sheet formed of a plurality of small basins each having a drain opening.
Claims8
A fluid-collecting receptacle for collecting fluid, comprising:
- a base sheet formed of a fluid-impervious material having upper and lower surfaces, an upstanding perimeter lip, a sloping floor, and a fluid outlet in the floor;
- an upper sheet formed of a fluid-impervious material spaced from the upper surface of the base sheet so as to define a reservoir therebetween;
- and
- the upper sheet including a plurality of small basins each with a drain opening at the lowest point thereof through which fluid can be discharged into the reservoir, the upper sheet being hingedly connected to the perimeter lip along one edge, the upper sheet resting atop the remaining portions of the lip, the upper sheet being movable from a first, closed position where a user can stand on the upper sheet to a second, open position where access can be had to the underside of the upper sheet and the upper surface of the base sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.