阅读说明：本技术 吸收性干燥工具 (Absorbent drying tool ) 是由 詹森·查尔斯·克卢格 阿龙·巴兹尔·尼尔森 于 2020-04-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文公开的干燥工具可以为放置在该干燥工具上的新洗过的厨具提供装在编织的硅保护件中的最小的、可折叠的餐具干燥垫。这种干燥工具包括快速吸收和干燥用的硅藻土面板,硅藻土面板使排水快速消散。这有助于通过消除霉菌滋生的潮湿环境来防止细菌生长。网状硅层或外壳使餐具得到保护,并让厨房看起来清新现代。干燥工具展示了从餐具到产品的所有干燥工作类型的各种改进。干燥工具以该干燥工具的连接部分折叠以进行较小量的工作,并且便于在不使用时进行储存。(The drying implement disclosed herein can provide a minimal, collapsible dish drying mat encased in a woven silicon protector for freshly washed cookware placed on the drying implement. Such drying means include a diatomaceous earth panel for rapid absorption and drying, which dissipates drainage water rapidly. This helps prevent bacterial growth by eliminating the moist environment in which mold can grow. The mesh silicon layer or shell protects the dishware and makes the kitchen look fresh and modern. Drying appliances exhibit various improvements from all types of drying work from dishes to products. The drying tool is folded with the attachment portion of the drying tool for a small amount of work and is convenient for storage when not in use.)

1. A drying tool, comprising:

a flexible layer for supporting an object as the object dries, the flexible layer comprising a series of apertures therethrough allowing liquid to drain from the object and through the flexible layer; and

an absorbent layer disposed below the flexible layer, the absorbent layer absorbing the liquid expelled from the object through the orifice of the flexible layer onto the absorbent layer.

2. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the absorbent layer comprises diatomaceous earth.

3. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the absorbent layer is at least partially substantially rigid.

4. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the absorbent layer comprises a plurality of panels.

5. The drying tool according to claim 1, wherein the flexible layer is formed of a molded polymeric material.

6. The drying tool according to claim 5, wherein the molded polymeric material comprises a molded silicone material.

7. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the substantially rigid absorbent layer comprises at least two substantially rigid panels.

8. The drying tool of claim 7, wherein the substantially rigid absorbent layer comprises at least three substantially rigid panels.

9. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the substantially flexible layer includes a plurality of portions corresponding to a plurality of panels of the absorbent layer.

10. The drying tool of claim 9, wherein the portions of the substantially flexible layer are connected by one or more flexible joints.

11. Drying tool according to claim 9, wherein the parts of the drying tool are foldable or stackable.

12. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the aperture of the substantially flexible layer includes a void extending through a width of the flexible layer, the aperture of the flexible layer being sized smaller than the object being dried to support the object on the flexible layer.

13. The drying tool of claim 1, the flexible layer including one or more peripheral lips for securing the absorbent layer to the flexible layer.

14. The drying tool of claim 1, the flexible layer being integrally molded with one or more straps for securing the absorbent layer to the flexible layer.

15. The drying tool of claim 1, the flexible layer being integrally molded with one or more end pockets for securing the absorbent layer to the flexible layer.

16. The drying tool of claim 1, a bottom surface of the absorbent layer being exposed to allow evaporation from opposite surfaces of the absorbent layer.

17. The drying tool of claim 1, wherein the flexible layer extends partially around the top, sides, and bottom of the absorbent layer.

18. The drying tool of claim 17, the flexible layer including protrusions extending from a bottom of the flexible layer for supporting the absorbent layer above a support on which the absorbent layer is disposed and allowing air to circulate below the absorbent layer.

19. The drying tool of claim 1, further comprising a joint between portions of the flexible layer, the joint including an upwardly extending lip to retain water on the joint when water is placed on the joint without allowing the water to spill onto a counter.

20. A method of manufacturing a collapsible drying implement, the method comprising: forming a plurality of ridged absorbent panels comprising diatomaceous earth;

molding a silicone rubber cover having an array of voids therethrough to allow water to drain through the silicone rubber cover;

wrapping the silicone rubber cover around the plurality of ridged absorbent panels;

the silicone rubber cover is flexibly connected to the ridged absorbent panel so that the ridged absorbent panel can be placed flat or folded to rest on an adjacent panel.

Background

Fig. 1A shows two conventional drying racks 1A and 1b, the drying racks 1A and 1b typically being constructed of rubber or plastic polymer (see fig. 1A) or typically polymer coated metal wire (see fig. 1 b). In use, the conventional drain tray 10 locates the shelves 1a and 1b below, and the drain tray 10 generally comprises a central platform region 13, the central platform region 13 being bounded by the raised side walls 11, the shelves 1a and 1b being supported on the central platform region 13. Water dripping from the resting dishes collects on the flat area 13 of the drain tray 2, coming out of contact with the dishes, thereby accelerating the draining and drying of the dishes. Some conventional drain trays 10 provide an outlet passage 12 at one end of a land area 13. The outlet channel 12 or recess is typically directed above the sink. In this way, excess water collected by the drain tray 10 may be transferred to the sink. Other drain trays 10 may only collect water in the platform area 13 for final disposal by evaporation or manual emptying. Such conventional drying racks 1a and 1b are bulky and have an unattractive appearance.

Referring to fig. 1B, a conventional drying blanket for a kitchen appliance may include a conventional dish towel. Conventional drying blankets are placed on countertops for placement of freshly cleaned dishes, cookware, glassware and other cookware, or even products for evaporation of any remaining rinse water. As shown in fig. 1B, some drying blankets may even include a conventional towel or other absorbent blanket to absorb water from the dishes, cookware, and glassware. Some drying blankets are machine washable, whether washed in a dishwasher where the cutlery pad is made of plastic or rubber mat, or for washing microfiber or cotton cutlery blankets, such as in a conventional washing machine.

In particular, conventional drying blankets have a number of disadvantages. For example, such conventional drying often becomes wet out or otherwise prone to accumulation of moisture and bacteria. In kitchens where food is prepared and cleanliness is a health necessity, the accumulation of moisture, concentration (sauration) and bacteria is particularly troublesome. This accumulation of moisture, concentration and bacteria is also visually unappealing to family members and guests. Conventional rubber blankets and dish racks are also bulky, take up space when stored, and are visually unappealing and bulky as a whole.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate one exemplary technical field in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drying tools are disclosed herein that include a flexible layer for supporting an object while the object is being dried. According to various exemplary embodiments, such objects include kitchen utensils, such as cups, bowls, utensils, and glasses. However, such objects may include fruits, vegetables and other household cooking or work facilities where the objects are washed or rinsed and allowed to dry.

The flexible layer is elastic and cushions the object when placed, while the absorbent layer may be substantially rigid, stiff, and possibly abrasive. The flexible layer includes a series of apertures therethrough to allow liquid from the object being dried to pass through the flexible layer and drain onto the absorbent layer. The drying tool further includes an absorbent layer disposed below the flexible layer. The absorbent layer absorbs liquid that drains from an object through the orifice of the flexible layer onto the absorbent layer. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible layer is disposed directly on the absorbent layer, although intermediate layers and other configurations may be used. Further, in many embodiments, the flexible layer has integral or attached straps, end pockets, or other means for securing and in some cases partially surrounding the absorbent layer.

The absorbent layer may comprise diatomaceous earth, and the absorbent layer is at least partially substantially rigid. The absorbent layer may be in the form of a plurality of panels, for example in some illustrative embodiments the absorbent layer may be in the form of three panels. The flexible layer may be formed from a molded polymer material. The molded polymeric material may include a molded silicone material. In some embodiments, the silicon material may have a hardness between 30 and 60 or about 45. The substantially rigid absorbent layer includes at least two panels that are substantially rigid to allow the absorbent drying implement to have a length that is half the length of the extended unfolded plane length of the drying implement. According to some embodiments, the substantially rigid absorbent layer comprises at least three substantially rigid panels to allow the panels to be folded to about one third of their unfolded planar length. Folding the absorbent drying means may facilitate reducing the storage size, but it is also possible to use the absorbent drying means by using only one of the parts of the absorbent drying means when the two parts are folded on top of each other.

The substantially flexible layer may include a plurality of portions corresponding to the plurality of panels of the absorbent layer. Portions of the substantially flexible layer are connected by one or more flexible joints. Portions of the drying tool may be foldable or stackable.

The apertures of the substantially flexible layer include voids that extend through the thickness of the flexible layer, and the array of apertures of the flexible layer may extend along the length and width of the flexible layer and be sized smaller than an intended object to be dried to support the object on the flexible layer. The flexible layer may include one or more peripheral lips for securing the absorbent layer to the flexible layer. The flexible layer may be integrally molded with one or more straps used to secure the absorbent layer to the flexible layer. The flexible layer may be integrally molded with one or more end pockets, sleeves, straps, VELCRO, fasteners, corner caps, or other means for securing the absorbent layer to the flexible layer.

The bottom surface of the absorber layer may be exposed to allow evaporation from the opposite surface of the absorber layer. The flexible layer extends partially around the top, sides, and bottom of the absorbent layer. The flexible layer may include protrusions extending from a bottom of the flexible layer for supporting the absorbent layer on a mesa disposed below the absorbent layer and allowing air to circulate below the absorbent layer, which may also be exposed on both sides.

The drying tool may provide a joint between adjacent portions of the flexible layer, which may include an upwardly extending lip to retain water on the joint when water is placed on the joint without allowing the water to spill onto the counter top.

Methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using the drying tool may include forming one or more rigid absorbent panels. The absorbent panel may comprise diatomaceous earth. The method may further include molding a silicone rubber cover having an array of voids that allow water to drain through the silicone cover. The method may further comprise wrapping a silicone rubber cover around the plurality of ridged absorbent panels. A silicone rubber cover flexibly connects the ridged absorbent panel so that the ridged absorbent panel can be placed flat or folded to rest on an adjacent panel.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

Drawings

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which

In the figure:

fig. 1A shows a conventional drying rack according to the prior art.

FIG. 1B shows a conventional drying blanket in the form of a towel or other fabric, with dishware placed on the drying blanket;

FIG. 2 shows a drying tool according to a first embodiment placed on a counter top adjacent to a sink;

FIG. 3 shows the drying appliance with the dishware disposed therein;

figure 4 shows the drying tool folded after use.

Fig. 5 shows the drying tool in a folded state from a top view and a bottom view.

Fig. 6 shows the drying tool from a top view and a bottom view.

FIG. 7 shows the drying tool in an unassembled state;

fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of the drying tool in a disassembled state.

FIG. 9 shows the second embodiment in a folded state;

fig. 10 shows the second embodiment from a top view and a bottom view.

Fig. 11 shows the second embodiment from two perspective views.

Fig. 12 shows the second embodiment in a disassembled state; and

fig. 13 provides a close-up view of the joint between adjacent portions of the drying tool.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the drying implements disclosed herein may provide an adaptable, minimal, stackable dish drying mat. The drying tool is encased in a woven silicon protector for placing newly washed kitchen utensils thereon. Such drying means include fast absorbing and drying diatomaceous earth panels that rapidly dissipate the drainage. This helps prevent bacterial growth by eliminating the moist environment in which mold can grow. The mesh silicon layer or shell protects the dishware and makes the kitchen look fresh and modern. Drying appliances exhibit various improvements from all types of drying work from dishes to products. The drying tool is folded to perform a small amount of work at the connecting portion of the drying tool, and is convenient to store when not in use.

The drying appliance is well suited for use when a complete rack such as those discussed in the background with reference to fig. 1A is not required but merely provides a sanitary space to dry the dishes while protecting the deck. The collapsible drying appliance disclosed herein provides an adaptable and reasonably priced drying system that eliminates standing water immediately. According to some embodiments, the silicon wrap helps to facilitate 360 degree air flow while protecting fragile items. Upon completion of drying, the drying tool may be folded and stored in even a relatively small drawer or under a sink.

Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to improvements in countertop drying blankets, devices or mats referred to herein as drying tools. Such drying tools may be made of multi-layered, composite, modular, or multi-component constructions or assemblies. The quick dry absorbent countertop drying tool may include a plurality of layers. The first layer of the drying implement may include a layer of a wicking soil element. The second layer of the drying tool may comprise a flexible, resilient, porous and/or tie layer.

The composite components, elements and the core soil-receiving element portion may be assembled with a flexible, resilient, porous, mesh connecting layer to produce the combined advantages of the absorbent table drying tools disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the assembled drying tool may also be disassembled so that one or more portions of the drying tool may be individually cleaned and/or replaced. Further, one or more portions or assembled drying tools may be stackable, foldable, or otherwise capable of reducing in size or shape for improved storage or limited use.

In some advantageous embodiments, the drying tool may be foldable and/or stackable. The drying tool may include two or more substantially rigid wicking soil element portions, which are joined together by one or more relatively flexible joints, also referred to as panels. The joint between the substantially rigid portions may allow the rigid portions to remain connected to adjacent portions even when the portions are folded over each other in a stack-like manner.

When the drying tool is folded, the parts of the drying tool may be arranged on top of each other such that the parts of the drying tool are parallel and vertically stacked on top of each other. The layers may be sequentially joined to be connected at opposite ends from one inner portion to an adjacent outer portion, and any number of connecting (connectable) portions may be used.

The flexible joint may be a rubber connection between adjacent wicking soil element portions. According to some embodiments, the flexible portion may be made of a flexible and resilient molded rubber or silicon layer. The flexible portion may be molded to include a plurality of voids therethrough to allow water to drip through the resilient portion onto the substantially rigid one or more wicking soil elements portions or panels.

As previously mentioned, the drying tool may comprise substantially rigid sections separated by flexible joints. The substantially rigid section may be a section that is inserted into, attached to, or affixed to the substantially flexible portion due to the substantially rigid absorbent diatomite element panel. The substantially flexible portion may be made of a cushioned silicon pad that slides around and holds together the panels of substantially rigid elemental earth. The cushioning properties of the flexible portion may cushion dishware and glassware placed in the flexible portion and may also prevent the substantially rigid panels from scratching or abrading cookware and other cookware. One or more joints formed in the silicon mat are provided between the panels, the joints holding one panel to one or more adjacent panels that absorb the earth elements, such as panels made of diatomaceous earth.

The soil portion for rapid wicking and drying may include a material known as diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth, also known as d.e., diatom ooze or brownmillerite, is a naturally occurring, soft siliceous sedimentary rock that is conventionally readily comminuted into fine white to off-white powders. The fine powder has a particle size ranging from less than 3 μm to more than 1mm, but usually 10 μm to 200 μm. Depending on the particle size, such powders may have a grinding feel, similar to pumice, and have a low density due to their high porosity. Typical chemical compositions of the baked diatomaceous earth are 80% to 90% silica with 2% to 4% alumina (mainly due to clay minerals) and 0.5% to 2% iron oxide.

Diatomaceous earth is made up of fossil remains of diatoms, a hard shell protist (chrysophyceae). As disclosed herein, the layer or composition of diatomaceous earth of the blanket serves as an absorbent for the liquid and a flash evaporator. The thermal properties of the diatomaceous earth also enable the diatomaceous earth to be used as a barrier material according to several embodiments disclosed herein.

For example, several embodiments disclosed herein include a diatomaceous earth component that forms part of a counter top drying blanket. In several embodiments, the diatomaceous earth component may be a lower layer disposed below the following upper layer: the upper layer has a flow-out (pours), voids, grooves, reticulated configuration or other channels for liquid to flow through and be absorbed by the diatomite layer. Placing a layer of diatomaceous earth or diatomaceous earth components directly beneath a blanket on which tableware, cookware, and glassware are placed allows the diatomaceous earth to quickly wick and absorb moisture from the tableware, glassware, and cookware, thereby quickly removing saturated water from the dry environment immediately adjacent to the tableware, cookware, and glassware. When absorbed by the diatomite layer, the repeatedly saturated drainage blanket evaporates and dries more rapidly than conventional drying blankets and other drainage assemblies. The run-outs, voids, grooves and other passages through the resilient polymer portion also allow air to circulate under the dishes, glassware, cookware and any other clean but moist implements to evaporate water therefrom.

According to some embodiments, the resilient layer may be referred to as a flexible mesh portion comprising a plurality of ribs separated by channels and voids to allow water to drip onto the substantially rigid diatomaceous earth panel. The outer periphery of the web portion may include a series of downwardly extending ribs that extend under the resilient layer and around the periphery of the panel when the panel is inserted in the web portion. The ribs may include vertical locating projections for securing the diatomaceous earth panel in the ribs. In addition, one or more straps or end caps may be provided on the underside of the resilient layer to further secure the panels of absorbent earth elements to the underside of the resilient mesh layer.

The bottom side of the flexible layer may be wrapped around the diatomite panel and have protrusions or molded legs extending from the diatomite panel in order to lift the bottom of the tool above the countertop, providing additional circulation under the tool. This nearly 360 degree exposure of the diatomite panel allows the drainage absorbed by the diatomite panel to evaporate more rapidly.

Referring to fig. 2, an example of a drying tool 100 is shown. The drying tool 100 is in an unfolded state and placed adjacent to the water bath. Referring to fig. 3, the drying appliance 100 is shown to house various dishes for drying. Also, fig. 4 shows the drying tool 100 being folded into the compact configuration shown in fig. 5 from an angle of both the top and bottom. As can be appreciated by comparing fig. 2-5, the utility of collapsible drying implement 100 is significantly increased because of the ability of collapsible drying implement 100 to quickly absorb drainage from dishes, while the manner in which collapsible drying implement 100 can be collapsed into a stacked position is versatile.

Figure 4 shows a folding pattern in which one side panel is folded over the inside of the opposite side panel and on top of the central side panel. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment in which the panels of the drying tool 100 are folded in a "Z-shaped" folding pattern, with the center panel folded over the left side panel and the right side panel folded over the center panel.

Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a drying tool 100, the drying tool 100 comprising a substantially elastic and flexible layer 105 and a plurality of substantially rigid absorbent layers in the form of one or more absorbent panels 110. Fig. 7 shows the drying tool 100 with the face sheet 110 detached from the flexible layer 105. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the drying tool 100 may include three parts: a first portion 105a of the resilient flexible layer 105, a second portion 105b of the resilient flexible layer 105, and a third portion 105c of the resilient flexible layer. Corresponding to the portions of the resilient, flexible layer 105, the substantially rigid absorbent layer 110 may include three portions: a first partial panel 110a of the absorbent layer 110, a second partial panel 110b of the absorbent layer 110, and a third partial panel 110c of the absorbent layer 110.

The resilient layer 105 may be formed of a molded polymer, such as a silicone material that is compression molded or liquid silicone molded to protect cookware placed thereon. In some embodiments, the inventors of this patent application have found that LSR molding results in less flash of material, particularly in locations such as voids 120. The elastic layer 105 may be divided into sections connected by one or more flexible and foldable regions 115. For example, as shown in fig. 6, three portions 105a, 105b, and 105c of the elastic layer 105 are joined to adjacent portions by connecting joints 115. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the first portion 110a of the resilient flexible layer 110 is connected to the second portion 110b by a first flexible joint 115 of the first flexible layer 110. The second portion 110b is connected to the third portion 110c of the flexible layer 110 by a second flexible joint 115.

The resilient layer 105 may include upper and lower pockets 136 for securing end portions of the underlying layer 110 to the overlying layer 105. The paired end pockets 136a, 136b and 136c respectively secure the outer peripheral edges of the respective absorbent panels 110 a-110 c. And, each absorbent panel 210 a-210 c is inserted into the end pockets 136a, 136b, and 136c and held by the end pockets 136a, 136b, and 136c to the bottom of the resilient upper layer 205. The pocket 236 may be integrally formed with the upper layer of the resilient layer 205 and molded with the upper layer of the resilient layer 205.

Referring to fig. 8-12, a second embodiment of a drying tool 200 is shown. The drying tool 200 includes a plurality of absorbent panels 205 and a flexible layer 210 having a plurality of portions corresponding to the absorbent panels. Each portion 205 a-205 c of the elastic layer 205 may include a plurality of voids 220, holes, perforations, or grooves molded, cut, or otherwise formed through the portion 205 a-205 c to allow water to drip through each portion of the elastic layer 205 a-205 c to the panels 210 a-210 c of the substantially rigid absorbent material 210. The size of voids 220 a-220 c corresponding to portions 205 a-205 c may be selected to allow moisture to drip onto absorbent layer 210. For example, each portion 205 a-205 c of the resilient flexible layer 205 may have ribs or spacers 225 separating the voids 220 and defining the voids 220. The array of ribs or spacers 225 may extend in the X and Y directions as shown in fig. 10. The ribs or dividers 125 can also have a depth or thickness that extends in the Z-direction.

Referring to fig. 10, the elastic layer 205 may include a lower circumferential end cap 236 for securing an end portion of the absorbent panel 210 to the overlying flexible layer 205 according to the second embodiment. As shown in fig. 11, lips 230a to 230c respectively fix the outer peripheral edges of the respective absorbent panels 210a to 210 c. Also, each absorbent panel 210a to 210c is inserted into the strips 135a to 135c in the second embodiment or the cap or sleeve 126 according to the first embodiment and held by the strips 135a to 135c or the cap or sleeve 126, respectively, to the bottom of the overlying elastic layer 205 and 105. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 10, the end caps 136 and straps 235 may be integrally formed with and molded with the upper layers of the elastic layers 105 and 205, respectively.

Referring to fig. 9, a second embodiment of a drying implement 100, for example for drying kitchen utensils, is shown in a folded state. A third layer 205c, which is substantially elastic and flexible, is shown as the top layer folded over the second layer 205b of the drying tool 200. The third panel 225c is shown held by the lip of the third portion 205c of the substantially elastic layer 205. As shown in fig. 11, the first portion 205b and the second portion 205c are connected by a joint 215 b. The ribs 225c and voids 220c of the third portion 205c of the resilient flexible layer 205 are shown. The drying tool 200 may be folded for storage as shown in fig. 9 or unfolded for use as shown in fig. 10. The folded state of the drying appliance for kitchen ware shown in fig. 8 can also be used for drying kitchen ware.

Fig. 12 illustrates the substantially flexible layer 205 detached from the substantially absorbent layer 210 of the drying tool 200. As shown, the absorbing portions 205a, 205b, and 205c in the form of substantially rigid panels comprising diatomaceous earth may be assembled with and disassembled from corresponding portions 205a, 205b, and 205c of a substantially rigid layer 205 comprising a polymeric material, such as molded silicon.

The assembly of the panels 205a, 205B, and 205C may include inserting the panels 205a, 205B, and 205C into respective sleeves 235a, 235B, and 235C of respective portions 205a, 205B, and 205C of the substantially elastic layer 205. The portions 205a, 105b, and 105c are connected by joints 115a and 115 b. Some examples of materials and dimensions for drying tools 100 and 200 comprising a substantially elastic and flexible layer 2 and an absorbent layer 1 according to embodiments of the disclosed invention are shown in fig. 14. Referring again to fig. 12, a second example of a drying tool 200 is shown to include a substantially resilient and flexible layer 205 and a plurality of substantially rigid absorbent panels 210.

As further shown in fig. 13, the illustrated second embodiment 200 has a size and shape with a joint 215 recessed from only one of the flex layers 205. The resilient layer 205 may be formed of a molded polymer, such as a compression molded or LSR silicone material, and the resilient layer 205 may be divided into sections connected by one or more flexible and foldable regions 215. As previously noted, in some embodiments, the inventors of the present patent application have found that LSR molding results in less flash of material, particularly at locations such as voids 220 and 220. For example, as shown in fig. 12, three portions 205a, 205b, and 205c of the elastic layer 105 are connected to adjacent portions by the connection joints 115. As shown in fig. 12, a first portion 205a of the resilient flex layer 205 is connected to a second portion 205b by a first flex joint 215a of the first flex layer 205. The second portion 205b is connected to a third portion 205C of the flex layer 205 by a second flex joint 215 b. Example dimensions may include: a length of 19.91 inches/50.57 cm, a width of 15.21 inches/38.63 cm, and a height of 0.52 inches/1.32 cm. Additional dimensions are shown in fig. 14. The inventors have found that in some embodiments, a 45 durometer silicon pad that slides around the faceplate is preferred depending on the application. The panel may have a thickness of 0.35 inches and an end radius of 0.12 inches. The length may be about 20 inches and the width about 15.25 inches. As shown in some embodiments, each panel may be about 15 inches wide and 6 inches long. Three panels and one silicone rubber pad may be used as shown, however according to other embodiments, a single panel and silicone rubber panel or any number of panels and silicone rubber panels may be implemented.

Referring to fig. 13, a close-up view of the joint 215a is shown with an upwardly extending lip 216a for retaining water on the joint 215a during use and substantially preventing water from spilling onto a countertop disposed below. In these embodiments, the lips remain collapsible at the joint and water is allowed to dry on the silicon joint, as previously discussed and illustrated.

Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein provide for the rapid drying of dishware or other items subjected to repeated saturated or humid environments while providing a flexible soft surface for the cookware and the replaceable and stackable parts of the cookware.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be performed in a different order. Further, the structure of the device may be rearranged or altered for achieving a given feature or function. Further, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without deviating from the essence of the disclosed embodiments.

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described in this application, which are intended as illustrations of various aspects. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. Various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

As will be understood by one of skill in the art, for any and all purposes, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges, such as in providing a written description. Any listed range can be readily identified as fully descriptive and permitting decomposition of the same range into at least equal halves, thirds, fours, fifths, tenths, quadrants, thirds, and the like. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein may be readily broken down into a lower third, a middle third, an upper third, and so on. As will also be understood by those of skill in the art, all languages such as "up to," "at least," and the like include the recited number and refer to ranges that may be subsequently resolved into the sub-ranges set forth above.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.