Absorbent device and method for its use

Abstract

The apparatus according to the present invention comprises an absorbent, disposable matting in the vicinity of the base of a toilet. An optional cut-away region conferring a shape conforming to the base may include an adhesive collar for adhering the periphery of the cut-away region to the toilet base for creating a seal therebetween and for preventing the matting from slipping. In one embodiment, the absorbent matting comprises a wetness indicator for exhibiting a detectable indication in response to being contacted with moisture. In use, the liquid absorbent disposable matting is placed around the periphery of the toilet base, where it absorbs liquid spills and exhibits a perceptible indication in response to such absorption, signaling a need to replace the matting to maintain a hygienic condition.

1 . A toilet mat comprising matting, the matting comprising disposable, absorbent material, for being placed in proximity to a base of the toilet.  
   
   
       2 . The mat according to  claim 1 , further comprising a cut-away region along one side for abutting the toilet base, wherein the cut-away region comprises an adhesive collar for adhering the periphery of the cut-away region to the toilet base for creating a seal therebetween, and preventing the mat from slipping.  
   
   
       3 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent matting comprises a wetness indicator for exhibiting a detectable indication in response to being contacted with moisture.  
   
   
       4 . The mat according to  claim 3 , wherein the wetness indicator provides the person with an indication of urine spills associated with urinating in a toilet.  
   
   
       5 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the matting comprises indicia for communicating to a user.  
   
   
       6 . The mat according to  claim 5 , wherein the indicia comprise footprint-shaped indicia for encouraging a person to stand on during urination.  
   
   
       7 . The mat according to  claim 5 , wherein the indicia comprise a luminous material for visually enhancing the indicia.  
   
   
       8 . The mat according to  claim 7 , wherein the luminous material comprises a phosphorescent material.  
   
   
       9 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent matting comprises a plurality of layers.  
   
   
       10 . The mat according to  claim 2 , wherein the cut-away region is shaped to conform to a periphery of the toilet to which it abuts.  
   
   
       11 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the matting is treated with a substance that undergoes a color change upon hydration, the color change forming the detectable indication.  
   
   
       12 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the detectable indication comprises a change in color.  
   
   
       13 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the toilet comprises at least one of the group consisting of a toilet unit, a urinal, and a potty.  
   
   
       14 . The mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the matting comprises a shape complementary to an intended area of coverage.  
   
   
       15 . A toilet mat comprising matting formed of disposable, absorbent material, the absorbent matting comprising an indicator for exhibiting a detectable indication of a soiled condition.  
   
   
       16 . The mat according to  claim 15 , wherein the absorbent matting comprises a cut-away region along one side for abutting to a toilet base, the cut-away region having an adhesive collar for adhering the periphery of the cut-away region to the toilet base for creating a seal therebetween, and preventing the matting from slipping.  
   
   
       17 . A method for maintaining the hygiene of a floor area surrounding a toilet base, the method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) placing a disposable, liquid-absorbent matting, having a wetness indicator, in proximity to the toilet base, wherein the absorbent matting absorbs liquid spills and the absorption of liquid activates the wetness indicator;    (b) detecting a liquid spill on the absorbent matting by observing the wetness indicator in an activated state; and    (c) replacing the absorbent matting with an unused absorbent matting after the spill has been detected.    
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the wetness indicator, when activated is visually discernable,  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein visually discernable comprises a change in color.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the change in color comprises a change to a color having an intensity that varies directly with the volume of liquid contacting the matting.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the wetness indicator, when activated, comprises an olfactory indication.  
   
   
       22 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising the step of providing indicia on the disposable liquid absorbent matting.  
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein the indicia comprise footprint shaped indicia on the disposable, liquid-absorbent matting.  
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein standing on the indicia during urination facilitates use of the toilet.  
   
   
       25 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the foot print shaped indicia comprise a visually enhanced effect for encouraging the user to stand on the foot print shaped indicia.  
   
   
       26 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the visually enhanced effect comprises a fluorescent material.  
   
   
       27 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the visually enhanced effect comprises a phosphorescent material.  
   
   
       28 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the toilet comprises at least one of the group consisting of a toilet unit, a urinal, and a potty.  
   
   
       29 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the liquid-absorbent matting comprises a shape complementary to the intended area of coverage.