Rapid drying absorption mat

Abstract

An absorption mat includes an absorbent substrate including diatomaceous earth and a textile layer for placement upon the absorbent substrate. The absorbent substrate includes diatomaceous earth which draws moisture from the textile layer when placed adjacent to the textile layer. Absorption mats created with a fabric layer from which water is drawn into a diatomaceous earth layer are both sustainable and designed to instantly remove water from the surface thereof. Unlike traditional synthetic mats that absorb moisture and generate bacteria, according to the rapid drying absorption mats disclosed herein do not produce mold. Similar to a natural stone, the diatomaceous earth layer is made from ceramic-like material that holds firm under feet. Such mats can include a rubberized bottom pad to prevent slipping and allow for 360-degree drying.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An absorption mat, comprising:
 an absorbent substrate including diatomaceous earth; and   a textile layer for placement upon the absorbent substrate, wherein the absorbent substrate including diatomaceous earth draws moisture from the textile layer when placed adjacent to the textile layer.   
     
     
         2 . The absorption mat according to  claim 1 , further comprising mechanical features affixed to the textile layer for holding the textile layer immediately adjacent to the absorbent substrate. 
     
     
         3 . The absorption mat according to  claim 2 , wherein the mechanical features include straps, corner pockets, and/or end pockets. 
     
     
         4 . The absorption mat according to  claim 2 , wherein the mechanical features include one or more corner and side pockets formed by the textile layer being wrapped around the absorbent substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The absorption mat according to  claim 4 , wherein the mechanical features include an elastic material affixed to a periphery of the textile layer. 
     
     
         6 . The absorption mat according to  claim 1 , wherein a top portion of the absorbent substrate is left uncovered by the textile layer when the textile layer is held against a top surface of the absorbent substrate. 
     
     
         7 . The absorption mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the absorbent substrate includes cuts or grooves disposed into a top surface of the absorbent substrate so as to increase surface area for evaporation of liquid absorbed by the absorbent substrate. 
     
     
         8 . The absorption mat according to  claim 1 , further comprising a non-slip layer for placement underneath the absorbent substrate. 
     
     
         9 . The absorption mat according to  claim 8 , the non-slip layer being shaped to correspond to mechanical features for affixing the textile layer to the absorbent layer and allow for air to circulate underneath the absorption substrate for evaporation therefrom. 
     
     
         10 . The absorption mat according to  claim 8 , wherein the non-slip layer includes a silicone material cured to the textile layer. 
     
     
         11 . The absorption mat according to  claim 8 , wherein the non-slip layer includes a silicone material cured to elastic material sewn to outer periphery of the textile layer. 
     
     
         12 . The absorption mat according to  claim 11 , wherein the elastic material is wrapped around the absorbent layer and holds the textile layer around a periphery of the absorbent layer. 
     
     
         13 . The absorption mat according to  claim 12 , wherein the elastic material includes an elastic band that spans a bottom corner of the absorbent layer when the textile layer is held to the absorbent layer. 
     
     
         14 . The absorption mat according to  claim 13 , wherein the elastic band and textile layer leave at least a corner of the absorbent layer uncovered. 
     
     
         15 . The absorption mat according to  claim 1 , wherein the textile layer includes a cotton woven material. 
     
     
         16 . A method of manufacturing an absorption mat, comprising:
 providing a relatively soft cushioning textile layer;   providing a relatively hard rapidly wicking and absorbent layer including diatomaceous earth adjacent to an underside of the textile layer; and   providing a non-slip layer for placement to an underside of the absorbent layer during use.   
     
     
         17 . The method of manufacturing the absorption mat according to  claim 16 , further comprising manufacturing mechanical features affixed to the textile layer for holding the textile layer immediately adjacent to the absorbent substrate. 
     
     
         18 . The method of manufacturing the absorption mat according to  claim 16 , further comprising forming a cut or groove into an otherwise planar top surface of the absorbent layer for increasing surface area for promoting evaporation of absorbed water. 
     
     
         19 . The method of manufacturing the absorption mat according to  claim 16  further comprising sewing, attaching, or melding an elastic material to the textile layer. 
     
     
         20 . A method of assembling an absorption mat, the absorption mat comprising:
 an absorbent substrate including diatomaceous earth; and   a textile layer for placement upon the absorbent substrate, wherein the absorbent substrate including diatomaceous earth draws moisture from the textile layer when placed adjacent to the textile layer, the method including wrapping the textile layer around a periphery of the absorbent substrate such that the textile layer covers a majority of an outer periphery of the absorbent substrate.