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This application is preceded by provisional patent U.S. Ser. No. 60/592,771 filed on Aug. 2, 2004 which embodies the present design.
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
This invention pertains to devices that: (a) protect work surfaces such as bathroom vanities; and (b) hold cosmetics during application. Past inventions have demonstrated a variety of table covers and table-top caddies. Stepanek U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,539 discloses a self-adhering ceremonial table mat that is rolled for storage. Rahe U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,167 shows a table mat that wraps around the top and bottom surfaces of a table. Sussman U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,430 shows a tray with replaceable modules containing make-up. Donnell U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,312 discloses a manicure mat consisting of a foam mat with slots designed to receive nail polish bottles. None of these references provide an attractive double-layered protective surface for countertops during the use of cosmetics, while allowing cosmetics to be conveniently organized and moved.
This invention consists of the following components as depicted in FIGS. 1 through 4. Tray shell 2 consists of a molded platform featuring a plurality of side compartments 8 disposed along its sides and a plurality of rear compartments 10 disposed along its rear edge. The flat central portion of tray shell 2 forms tray 6, which accommodates disposable protective mat 4 that can be dispensed from mat refill 14. Elevated edge of said tray's front edge forms lip 12. Tray shell also features a flat face 20 along the top of its rear or side walls, and/or the dividing wall between tray and rear compartments, which is of sufficient width to allow emblazoning of graphics. The design of tray shell 2 allows it to be easily fabricated from vacuum-formed or injection molded plastic. Protective mat 4 consists of a flat sheet of flexible, absorbent material such as paper, which can be textured, imprinted and produced in single sheets or as length of multiple sheets separated via perforations. Mat 4 may also be produced with a secondary layer of moisture impervious material. The description herein is intended to present the preferred embodiment of this invention and should not be construed as imposing limitations on the scope of said invention.
FIG. 1 depicts an overhead view of the component parts of the invention.
FIG. 2 depicts an overhead view of the invention while in use.
FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the tray with mat installed.
FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional rear view of the tray without mat installed.
This device is used by placing tray shell 2 onto a horizontal surface and dispensing a protective mat 4 from mat refills 14. Protective mat 4 is placed onto tray 6 and cosmetics are placed onto said mat while in use. Cosmetics 16 and related supplies 18 can be stored in side compartments 8 and rear compartments 10. Protective mat 4 is held in place on tray 6 via elevated inner walls of said side and rear compartments and lip 12, which together extend around the periphery of tray 6. Tray shell 2 and protective mat 4 can also be used independently of each other to protect a work surface.