Foldable Bathmat Drying Apparatus with Grooved Edges

Abstract

A bathmat holder having a first side and a second side, each having a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximate edge, and a distal edge. A hinge assembly connecting the first side and the second side, the hinge assembly being configured to permit rotation of the first side and the second side between a non-planar configuration and a planar configuration. And at least one of an edge lock aperture, a two mat clamping slots, or a curved slot disposed proximate the distal edge of at least one among the first side and the second side, the features being configured to retain a textile extending across the first side and the second side.

Claims

1. A bathmat holder comprising: a first side and a second side, each having a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximate edge, and a distal edge; a hinge assembly connecting said first side and said second side, said hinge assembly being configured to permit rotation of said first side and said second side between a non-planar configuration and a planar configuration; and at least one of an edge lock aperture, a two mat clamping slots, or a curved slot disposed proximate said distal edge of at least one among said first side and said second side, said features being configured to retain a textile extending across said first side and said second side.

2. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein each among said first side and said second side comprises a plurality of airflow channels extending between said top surface and said bottom surface to permit convective air exchange for drying said textile.

3. The bathmat holder of claim 1, further comprising one or more grips affixed to said bottom surface to increase traction when said bathmat holder is positioned on a wet floor surface.

4. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said hinge assembly comprises a hinge body and one or more rods extending through a first rod support flange set and a second rod support flange set, each having a plurality of rod bearing apertures aligned with said hinge assembly to permit rotation of a two sides.

5. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said edge lock aperture comprises a teeth slot having top teeth and bottom teeth configured to interlock with fibers of said textile.

6. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said two mat clamping slots comprise a first mat clamping slot and a second mat clamping slot disposed respectively on said first side and said second side, each configured to hold an end of said textile by compression.

7. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said curved slot defines an insertion path having opposed bearing surfaces that compress said textile as it is slid into place.

8. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said two sides are configured such that movement from said non-planar configuration to said planar configuration tensions said textile across said top surface.

9. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said hinge assembly comprises only a single rod extending through aligned apertures of a two sides, omitting a hinge body.

10. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said two sides further comprise a lower pinning aperture and one or more pinning extensions configured to secure ends of said textile in cooperation with said two mat clamping slots.

11. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said one or more grips comprise a material selected from elastomeric pads, textured friction elements, or compliant traction surfaces adapted for wet environments.

12. The bathmat holder of claim 1, wherein said one or more grips are configured to increase a coefficient of friction between said bathmat holder and a wet floor surface to reduce slip risk for a user.

13. A bathmat holder comprising: a first side and a second side, each having a top surface, a bottom surface, a proximate edge, and a distal edge; a hinge assembly connecting said first side and said second side, said hinge assembly permitting rotation of said first side and said second side between a non-planar configuration and a planar configuration; said first side and said second side each comprising a plurality of airflow channels extending between said top surface and said bottom surface; and one or more grips affixed to said bottom surface of each among said first side and said second side.

14. The bathmat holder of claim 13, wherein said hinge assembly comprises a hinge body and one or more rods extending through a first rod support flange set and a second rod support flange set, each having a plurality of rod bearing apertures.

15. The bathmat holder of claim 13, wherein said one or more grips comprise a first traction pad, a second traction pad, the third grip, a fourth traction pad, a fifth traction pad, and a sixth traction pad disposed in spaced relation along said bottom surface.

16. The bathmat holder of claim 13, wherein said plurality of airflow channels are distributed to promote convective drying of a textile supported across said first side and said second side.

17. A method of installing a textile on a bathmat holder comprising: arranging said bathmat holder in a non-planar configuration; inserting a first end of said textile into an edge lock aperture or a curved slot disposed proximate a distal edge of a first side; inserting a second end of said textile into the edge lock aperture or the curved slot disposed proximate said distal edge of a second side; and rotating said first side and said second side toward a planar configuration such that said textile is tensioned and retained across said first side and said second side.

18. The method of installing a textile on said bathmat holder of claim 17, further comprising sliding said textile out of said edge lock aperture or said curved slot for laundering.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective overview of a bathmat holder 100 in a non-planar configuration 102.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates said bathmat holder 100 in a planar configuration 200.

[0016] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an elevated top view and side view of a second side 104b.

[0017] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a hinge assembly 108 with a portion of a two sides 104, and a perspective overview of a hinge body 400.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective overview of an edge lock aperture 500.

[0019] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a towel installation method 600 for said bathmat holder 100.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded elevated bottom view of said bathmat holder 100.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective overview of a first side 104a in a horizontal cross-section view.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective overview of a first alternative embodiment 900 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0023] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an elevated top view and elevated side view of said first side 104a of said first alternative embodiment 900 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective overview of a second alternative embodiment 1100 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0025] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a perspective top side and lower view of said second alternative embodiment 1100 with textile 602.

[0026] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate two perspective lower side views of said second alternative embodiment 1100 with and without said textile 602 installed, respectively.

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective overview of said second alternative embodiment 1100 of said bathmat holder 100 in said planar configuration 200 with said textile 602 installed.

[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective overview and detailed call out of a third alternative embodiment 1500 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective cross-section overview of said third alternative embodiment 1500 showing said edge lock aperture 500 having a curved slot 1502.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective overview of a bathmat holder 100 in a non-planar configuration 102.

[0032] In one embodiment, said bathmat holder 100 can comprise a first side 104a, a second side 104b, and a hinge assembly 108. Said hinge assembly 108 can comprise two rotating axes 110. Said two rotating axes 110 can comprise a first rotating axis 110a and a second rotating axis 110b.

[0033] In one embodiment, said second side 104b and said first side 104a are referred to as two sides 104.

[0034] In said non-planar configuration 102, said two sides 104 can be oriented to form a trough-like geometry that facilitates user access during installation and establishes clearance beneath a textile to promote airflow when initially placed. This configuration can also provide temporary lateral support that resists sliding while the textile is being seated.

[0035] In one embodiment, said two sides 104 are integrally molded from a polymeric material selected from polypropylene, ABS, or equivalent moisture-resistant plastics.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates said bathmat holder 100 in a planar configuration 200.

[0037] In one embodiment, said bathmat holder 100 can be configured to transition between said non-planar configuration 102 and said planar configuration 200 by rotating said two sides 104 relative to one another along said two rotating axes 110 using said hinge assembly 108.

[0038] When moved into said planar configuration 200, the opposing edges of said two sides 104 can tension a supported textile, flattening the drying surface for user stance while reducing bunching and improving contact for moisture transfer and evaporative drying.

[0039] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an elevated top view and side view of said second side 104b.

[0040] Each among said two sides 104 can comprise a top surface 202, a bottom surface 204, a proximate edge 206, a distal edge 208. Further, said two sides 104 can comprise a plurality of airflow channels 210, and a hinge receiver 212.

[0041] Said plurality of airflow channels 210 can extend between said bottom surface 204 and said top surface 202 so that ambient air circulates through the side, thereby accelerating drying of a supported textile by increasing convective exchange at both faces. Said hinge receiver 212 can be configured to receive a portion of said hinge assembly 108.

[0042] In one embodiment, said plurality of airflow channels 210 are non-linear in shape to facilitate cleaning and airflow distribution.

[0043] In one embodiment, said hinge receiver 212 can hold a portion of said hinge assembly 108, as discussed below.

[0044] Said two sides 104 can further comprise one or more grips 300. As illustrated, said one or more grips 300 can comprise a first traction pad 300a, a second traction pad 300b, a third traction pad 300c, a fourth traction pad 300d, a fifth traction pad 300e and a sixth traction pad 300f. In one embodiment, said one or more grips 300 can be affixed to a portion of said bottom surface 204 to provide slip resistance for said bathmat holder 100 when on a wet surface such as in a bathroom setting. Said one or more grips 300 can be affixed to said bottom surface 204 to increase traction on wet floors and mitigate slip events during ingress or egress.

[0045] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates said hinge assembly 108 with a portion of said two sides 104, and a perspective overview of a hinge body 400.

[0046] Said hinge assembly 108 can further comprise the hinge body 400 and one or more rods 402. Said one or more rods 402 can comprise a first rod 402a and a second rod 402b. Said hinge body 400 can comprise a first rod support flange set 404a and a second rod support flange set 404b, each of which having a plurality of rod bearing apertures 406 aligned with one among said two rotating axes 110.

[0047] In one embodiment, said plurality of rod bearing apertures 406 of said first rod support flange set 404a and said first rod 402a are aligned with said first rotating axis 110a; and said plurality of rod bearing apertures 406 of said second rod support flange set 404b and said second rod 402b are aligned with said second rotating axis 110b. Said one or more rods 402 can be configured to selectively and rotatably attach said hinge body 400 with said two sides 104 by inserting each among said one or more rods 402 through said plurality of rod bearing apertures 406 of said hinge body 400 and a portion of said two sides 104. Wherein, said hinge body 400 and said two sides 104 are configured to rotate about said two rotating axes 110 using said one or more rods 402 as a pivot point.

[0048] In some embodiments, using two rods can improve torsional rigidity and create a bookend effect in said non-planar configuration 102, which can assist with stable installation and predictable folding kinematics.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective overview of an edge lock aperture 500.

[0050] Each among said two sides 104 can comprise said edge lock aperture 500 at said distal edge 208. Wherein, each among said edge lock aperture 500 can comprise a teeth slot 502 having top teeth 504, bottom teeth 506, an end holder aperture 508, an edge slot 510 along a side edge 512 of said distal edge 208.

[0051] During installation, a textile edge can be introduced through said edge slot 510 into said teeth slot 502, wherein said top teeth 504 and said bottom teeth 506 engage fibers to resist withdrawal. Said end holder aperture 508 can guide alignment or provide a relief region to accommodate textile thickness variations, thereby maintaining consistent retention along said distal edge 208.

[0052] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a towel installation method 600 for said bathmat holder 100.

[0053] In one embodiment, said bathmat holder 100 can be used to selectively hold a textile 602 such as a bathmat, towel, or equivalent drying article

[0054] Wherein, said textile 602 can comprise a towel or other textile used to dry the feet of a user as they come in or out of a shower or bath. In one embodiment, said textile 602 can comprise two mat edges 604 comprising a first end 604a and a second end 604b.

[0055] In one embodiment, said bathmat holder 100 using said edge lock aperture 500 of each said two sides 104 can hold one among said two mat edges 604 as discussed below.

[0056] In one embodiment, said towel installation method 600 can comprise arranging said bathmat holder 100 in said non-planar configuration 102, inserting each among said two mat edges 604 into said edge lock aperture 500 of said two sides 104, securing said two mat edges 604 using said teeth slot 502, and arranging said bathmat holder 100 in said planar configuration 200 to tighten said textile 602.

[0057] In one embodiment, said teeth slot 502 are configured to hold a portion of said textile 602 using said top teeth 504 and said bottom teeth 506.

[0058] Returning said bathmat holder 100 to said planar configuration 200 can tension said textile 602 across said two sides 104, smoothing the support surface and enhancing drying by increasing exposed surface area and airflow through said plurality of airflow channels 210.

[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded elevated bottom view of said bathmat holder 100.

[0060] In one embodiment, the exploded perspective reveals sub-assemblies and interfaces among said two sides 104, said hinge assembly 108 (including said hinge body 400 and said one or more rods 402), said hinge receiver 212, and said one or more grips 300 affixed to said bottom surface 204. This view can demonstrate the alignment of said plurality of rod bearing apertures 406 along said two rotating axes 110, the positional relation of said edge lock aperture 500 to said distal edge 208, and the spatial arrangement of said plurality of airflow channels 210 relative to mounting regions for said one or more grips 300, thereby clarifying assembly order and mechanical cooperation during folding and use.

[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective overview of said first side 104a in a horizontal cross-section view.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cross-section can depict the through-thickness profile of said plurality of airflow channels 210 extending between said top surface 202 and said bottom surface 204, the wall thickness surrounding each vent, and the local geometry at said hinge receiver 212. The view can also show the relative position of said edge lock aperture 500 adjacent said distal edge 208 on said first side 104a, evidencing how airflow passages, hinge reception, and edge-locking features are integrated within a common side component to balance drying performance, structural integrity, and secure textile retention.

[0063] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective overview of a first alternative embodiment 900 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0064] In one embodiment, said first alternative embodiment 900 of said bathmat holder 100 can comprise attaching said two sides 104 using said first rod 402a and omitting said second rod 402b and said hinge body 400. Accordingly, said first alternative embodiment 900 will lack a bookend shape when folded into said non-planar configuration 102.

[0065] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an elevated top view and elevated side view of said first side 104a of said first alternative embodiment 900 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0066] In one embodiment, said two sides 104 can comprise a variation on said plurality of airflow channels 210, with oval, round, triangular of other shapes, as fits the design goals of the maker. In one embodiment, said plurality of airflow channels 210 can be selected for ease of cleaning.

[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective overview of a second alternative embodiment 1100 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0068] In one embodiment, said second alternative embodiment 1100 can replace said edge lock aperture 500 with two mat clamping slots 1102. Said two mat clamping slots 1102 can comprise a first mat clamping slot 1102a at said distal edge 208 of said first side 104a and a second mat clamping slot 1102b at said distal edge 208 of said second side 104b.

[0069] In another embodiment, said two mat clamping slots 1102 can be implemented as two mat clamping slots 1102 that retain a textile by endwise compression rather than interlocking teeth. Each among said two mat clamping slots 1102 can define opposed compression faces sized to receive a terminal portion of said textile 602 and generate a normal force sufficient to resist pullout during use. Said first mat clamping slot 1102a and said second mat clamping slot 1102b can thus be realized as first mat clamping slot 1102a and second mat clamping slot 1102b, respectively, positioned at said distal edge 208 of said first side 104a and said second side 104b. In some embodiments, at least one compression face comprises a compliant liner or surface texture to improve frictional engagement and accommodate varying mat thicknesses, thereby simplifying installation relative to said edge lock aperture 500.

[0070] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a perspective top side and lower view of said second alternative embodiment 1100 with textile 602.

[0071] In one embodiment, installing said textile 602 into said second alternative embodiment 1100 of said bathmat holder 100 can comprise: putting said second alternative embodiment 1100 into said non-planar configuration 102, inserting first end 604a into said first mat clamping slot 1102a, inserting said second end 604b into said second mat clamping slot 1102b, stretching said textile 602 across said two sides 104, putting said second alternative embodiment 1100 into said planar configuration 200, and pinning down said two mat edges 604 using a lower portion of said two sides 104.

[0072] In one embodiment, said two sides 104 of said second alternative embodiment 1100 can further comprise a lower pinning aperture 1200 having one or more pinning extensions 1202, as illustrated.

[0073] In a further embodiment employing said two mat clamping slots 1102, said towel installation method 600 can proceed by positioning said bathmat holder 100 in said non-planar configuration 102, inserting said first end 604a into said first mat clamping slot 1102a and said second end 604b into said second mat clamping slot 1102b, and then rotating toward said planar configuration 200 so that the folding motion tensions the textile while maintaining compression at each end. This arrangement can reduce alignment sensitivity during installation and avoid localized edge wear associated with toothed engagement. In some embodiments, a lower structure including said lower pinning aperture 1200 and said one or more pinning extensions 1202 can provide a secondary retention path beneath the textile, limiting downward migration of the engaged ends while preserving a smooth upper standing surface.

[0074] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate two perspective lower side views of said second alternative embodiment 1100 with and without said textile 602 installed, respectively.

[0075] In the without textile view, the geometry of said two mat clamping slots 1102 is visible along said distal edge 208, including the relative spacing of the opposed compression faces and the alignment of said lower pinning aperture 1200 with said one or more pinning extensions 1202. In the with textile view, the ends of said textile 602 are endwise compressed within said first mat clamping slot 1102a and said second mat clamping slot 1102b, while the central span remains unobstructed to provide a flat support region in said planar configuration 200. These views further illustrate how end compression cooperates with the overall folding kinematics to sustain mat tension during use and how the lower features can restrain vertical displacement without protruding into the upper walking surface.

[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective overview of said second alternative embodiment 1100 of said bathmat holder 100 in said planar configuration 200 with said textile 602 installed.

[0077] When arranged in said planar configuration 200 with said textile 602 engaged by said two mat clamping slots 1102, the textile can remain taut across said two sides 104 to reduce bunching and improve underfoot traction. The endwise compression interface can facilitate tool-less removal for laundering and quick reinsertion, offering ease of use compared to toothed retention while maintaining sufficient holding force for typical bathroom loads. In some embodiments, the distribution of clamping along said distal edge 208 can be tuned to accommodate varied pile heights or backing constructions, thereby broadening textile compatibility without altering the upper support surface geometry.

[0078] FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective overview and detailed call out of a third alternative embodiment 1500 of said bathmat holder 100.

[0079] In one embodiment, said third alternative embodiment 1500 can comprise said bathmat holder 100 with a variation on said edge lock aperture 500, having a curved slot 1502 rather than said teeth slot 502.

[0080] In another embodiment, said edge lock aperture 500 can comprise the curved slot 1502 configured to facilitate sliding insertion of a textile edge while providing compressive retention without interlocking teeth. Said curved slot 1502 can define a contoured path having opposed bearing surfaces that converge toward a throat region adjacent said distal edge 208, such that advancement of a terminal portion of said textile 602 along the curve generates a normal force between the bearing surfaces and the textile. In some embodiments, an entry mouth of said curved slot 1502 can be flared or chamfered to guide the textile and reduce snagging during installation, and at least one bearing surface can include a compliant liner or surface texture to increase frictional engagement across varied textile thicknesses. The curved geometry can self-center the engaged edge, distribute contact over a larger area than toothed engagement, and simplify removal for laundering while maintaining sufficient holding force during use.

[0081] FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective cross-section overview of said third alternative embodiment 1500 showing said edge lock aperture 500 having said curved slot 1502.

[0082] In one embodiment, the cross-section illustrates the curvature of said curved slot 1502 and the relative spacing of its opposed bearing surfaces at the throat region of said edge lock aperture 500. This view shows how the curvature establishes an insertion path that transitions from a wider lead-in to a narrower region that compresses a terminal portion of said textile 602, thereby producing a frictional retention interface along a broadened contact band rather than localized points. In some embodiments, the bearing surfaces can incorporate elastomeric, ribbed, or micro-textured features to tune the normal force and effective coefficient of friction, and the geometry of said curved slot 1502 can be selected so that movement of said two sides 104 toward said planar configuration 200 further tensions the textile and increases the compressive engagement at the ends. This arrangement can reduce edge wear, improve ease of insertion relative to said teeth slot 502, and preserve a smooth upper support region during standing.

PARTS LIST

[0083] the bathmat holder 100, [0084] the non-planar configuration 102, [0085] the two sides 104, [0086] the second side 104b, [0087] the first side 104a, [0088] the hinge assembly 108, [0089] the second rotating axis 110b, [0090] the two rotating axes 110, [0091] the first rotating axis 110a, [0092] the planar configuration 200, [0093] the top surface 202, [0094] the bottom surface 204, [0095] the proximate edge 206, [0096] the distal edge 208, [0097] the plurality of airflow channels 210, [0098] the hinge receiver 212, [0099] the fourth traction pad 300d, [0100] the fifth traction pad 300e, [0101] the sixth traction pad 300f, [0102] the third traction pad 300c, [0103] the one or more grips 300, [0104] the first traction pad 300a, [0105] the second traction pad 300b, [0106] the hinge body 400, [0107] the second rod 402b, [0108] the first rod 402a, [0109] the one or more rods 402, [0110] the second rod support flange set 404b, [0111] the first rod support flange set 404a, [0112] the plurality of rod bearing apertures 406, [0113] the edge lock aperture 500, [0114] the teeth slot 502, [0115] the top teeth 504, [0116] the bottom teeth 506, [0117] the end holder aperture 508, [0118] the edge slot 510, [0119] the side edge 512, [0120] the towel installation method 600, [0121] the textile 602, [0122] the second end 604b, [0123] the first end 604a, [0124] the two mat edges 604, [0125] the first alternative embodiment 900, [0126] the second alternative embodiment 1100, [0127] the second mat clamping slot 1102b, [0128] the first mat clamping slot 1102a, [0129] the two mat clamping slots 1102, [0130] the lower pinning aperture 1200, [0131] the one or more pinning extensions 1202, [0132] the third alternative embodiment 1500, and [0133] the curved slot 1502.

[0134] The following comprises one preferred embodiment based on the original claims.

[0135] The bathmat holder 100 can comprise the first side 104a and the second side 104b, each having the top surface 202, the bottom surface 204, the proximate edge 206, and the distal edge 208. The hinge assembly 108 connecting said first side 104a and said second side 104b, said hinge assembly 108 being configured to permit rotation of said first side 104a and said second side 104b between the non-planar configuration 102 and the planar configuration 200. And at least one of the edge lock aperture 500, the two mat clamping slots 1102, or the curved slot 1502 disposed proximate said distal edge 208 of at least one among said first side 104a and said second side 104b, said features being configured to retain the textile 602 extending across said first side 104a and said second side 104b.

[0136] Each among said first side 104a and said second side 104b comprises the plurality of airflow channels 210 extending between said top surface 202 and said bottom surface 204 to permit convective air exchange for drying said textile 602.

[0137] Said bathmat holder 100 further comprises one or more grips 300 affixed to said bottom surface 204 to increase traction when said bathmat holder 100 can be positioned on a wet floor surface.

[0138] Said hinge assembly 108 comprises the hinge body 400 and one or more rods 402 extending through the first rod support flange set 404a and the second rod support flange set 404b, each having the plurality of rod bearing apertures 406 aligned with said hinge assembly 108 to permit rotation of the two sides 104.

[0139] Said edge lock aperture 500 comprises the teeth slot 502 having top teeth 504 and bottom teeth 506 configured to interlock with fibers of said textile 602.

[0140] Said two mat clamping slots 1102 comprise the first mat clamping slot 1102a and the second mat clamping slot 1102b disposed respectively on said first side 104a and said second side 104b, each configured to hold an end of said textile 602 by compression.

[0141] Said curved slot 1502 defines an insertion path having opposed bearing surfaces that compress said textile 602 as it can be slid into place.

[0142] Said two sides 104 can be configured such that movement from said non-planar configuration 102 to said planar configuration 200 tensions said textile 602 across said top surface 202.

[0143] Said hinge assembly 108 comprises only a single rod extending through aligned apertures of the two sides 104, omitting the hinge body 400.

[0144] Said two sides 104 further comprise the lower pinning aperture 1200 and one or more pinning extensions 1202 configured to secure ends of said textile 602 in cooperation with said two mat clamping slots 1102.

[0145] Said one or more grips 300 comprise a material selected from elastomeric pads, textured friction elements, or compliant traction surfaces adapted for wet environments.

[0146] Said one or more grips 300 can be configured to increase a coefficient of friction between said bathmat holder 100 and a wet floor surface to reduce slip risk for a user.

[0147] The bathmat holder 100 can comprise the first side 104a and the second side 104b, each having the top surface 202, the bottom surface 204, the proximate edge 206, and the distal edge 208. The hinge assembly 108 connecting said first side 104a and said second side 104b, said hinge assembly 108 permitting rotation of said first side 104a and said second side 104b between the non-planar configuration 102 and the planar configuration 200. Said first side 104a and said second side 104b each comprising the plurality of airflow channels 210 extending between said top surface 202 and said bottom surface 204. And one or more grips 300 affixed to said bottom surface 204 of each among said first side 104a and said second side 104b.

[0148] Said hinge assembly 108 comprises the hinge body 400 and one or more rods 402 extending through the first rod support flange set 404a and the second rod support flange set 404b, each having the plurality of rod bearing apertures 406.

[0149] Said one or more grips 300 comprise the first traction pad 300a, the second traction pad 300b, a third grip 300c, the fourth traction pad 300d, the fifth traction pad 300e, and the sixth traction pad 300f disposed in spaced relation along said bottom surface 204.

[0150] Said plurality of airflow channels 210 can be distributed to promote convective drying of the textile 602 supported across said first side 104a and said second side 104b.

[0151] A method of installing the textile 602 on the bathmat holder 100 can comprise arranging said bathmat holder 100 in the non-planar configuration 102. Inserting a first end of said textile 602 into the edge lock aperture 500 or the curved slot 1502 disposed proximate the distal edge 208 of the first side 104a. Inserting a second end of said textile 602 into the edge lock aperture 500 or the curved slot 1502 disposed proximate said distal edge 208 of the second side 104b. Rotating said first side 104a and said second side 104b toward the planar configuration 200 such that said textile 602 can be tensioned and retained across said first side 104a and said second side 104b.

[0152] Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms including and in which are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms comprising and wherein.