Wearable tissue holder

Abstract

A wearable tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope, with the envelope having an unobstructed first opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. At least one strap is coupled to the body so as to wrap at least partially around an appendage, such as the forearm, of the wearer. A fastener is used to secure the strap so that the tissue holder body can be secured to the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects of the invention relate to tissue holders and more particularly to holders that can be worn, for example, on the user's arm.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Various tissue holders are known in the art; however, none provide a simple and cost effective way to present tissues in a convenient and readily available manner. For example, some wearable tissue holders include a cover to protect the tissue from the elements. As a result, the user must use one hand to open the cover to expose the tissue, which may be difficult or time consuming in some instances. Aspects of the invention are directed to improved tissue holder constructs.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment, a wearable tissue holder is provided. The tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope. The envelope has an unobstructed first opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. At least one strap is coupled to the body and is constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer. At least one fastener cooperates with at least one of the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.

In another illustrative embodiment, a disposable wearable tissue holder is provided. The tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope and tissue pre-packaged within the envelope. The envelope has an unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. At least one strap is coupled to the body and is constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer. At least one fastener cooperates with at least one of the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.

In still another illustrative embodiment, a disposable wearable tissue holder is provided. The tissue holder includes a body formed of a soft and pliable material. The body defines an envelope. The body further defines a long axis and a short axis. The body includes first and second short sides, each disposed substantially parallel to the short axis, and third and fourth long sides, each disposed substantially parallel to the long axis. Tissue is pre-packaged within the envelope. The envelope has an unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. A first strap is coupled at the first short side of the body and extends substantially parallel to the short axis. The first strap has a first end attached to the body and a second free end. A second strap is coupled at the second short side of the body and extends substantially parallel to the short axis. The second strap has a first end attached to the body and a second free end. The first and second straps are constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer. First and second fasteners cooperate with at least one of the body and each strap so as to allow adjustable securing of the body to be secured to the wearer. The tightness of the straps is separately adjustable.

In yet another embodiment, a wearable tissue holder is provided. The holder includes a body defining an envelope and moist tissue disposed within the envelope. The envelope is constructed and arranged to limit moisture from escaping the envelope and having an opening constructed and arranged to allow the moist tissue to be deployed from the envelope. At least one strap is coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer. At least one fastener cooperates with at least one of the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain advantages. Not all embodiments of the invention share the same advantages and those that do may not share them under all circumstances.

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure of various embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 when worn by a user;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a plan view of still another embodiment of the invention, shown in a worn position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and/or variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

A wearable tissue holder is provided whereby the user can have ready access to tissues for various reasons, such as wiping his or her nose, quick clean-ups, etc. In one embodiment, the tissue holder includes a body defining an envelope. The envelope has an unobstructed first opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. One or more straps may be coupled to the body and adapted to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer. Also, a fastener cooperates between the body and the strap to secure the holder to the wearer.

In one embodiment, the holder features, among others, a soft and pliable material presenting exposed tissue, allowing quick and easy access to the tissue. Such features may be helpful when the user is a child or an infirm individual where the user is not able to readily access conventionally boxed tissue. In this regard, the tissue holder with its exposed tissue can be positioned on a child's arm such that in the event the child attempts to clean her nose on her sleeve, the child will be more apt to do so on the exposed tissue. As such, the tissue holder can operate as a sleeve protector for children, thereby keeping clothing clean and germ-free. With regard to infirm individuals, the tissue holder renders the tissue readily available. Other uses for the tissue holder are contemplated, as the present invention is not limited in this regard.

After use, the soiled tissue may be removed from the holder and discarded, thereby exposing another clean tissue ready for use. In this regard, the tissue holder can hold a plurality of tissues, such as up to six, eight or ten or more. Of course, more or less tissue may be stowed, as the present invention is not limited in this regard. The tissues may be folded relative to one another such that fully removing one tissue causes the next tissue to be partially deployed. Similarly, the tissue may be interconnected via perforations, so that the user would need to tear off one tissue for use. The tissue need not be so interleaved or interconnected, as the present invention is not limited in this regard. Once all tissues are depleted, the tissue holder itself may be discarded. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as the tissue holder need not be pre-packaged with tissue and instead may be refillable with new tissue. In this regard, the tissue holder may be machine or hand washable and may include features, as will be described in more detail below, allowing a user to replenish the tissue supply.

The holder may be useful for carrying treated tissue to aid in the reduction of contamination and of transmission of communicable diseases or simply to aid in cleaning. For example, the tissue may be anti-bacterial hand wipes, medically treated tissue, anti-viral tissue, and cleaning wipes. Given the wide variety of uses for the tissue holder, as used herein, the term “tissue” not only means conventional facial tissue, napkins, paper towels and the like, but also means any disposable cloth or paper-like material made from any suitable natural or synthetic material (such as paper, cotton and others). As noted, the tissue can be treated with softening agents, anti-viral agents, anti-bacterial agents or even cleaning agents. The tissue may be either wet or dry, as the present invention is not limited in this regard.

Other suitable uses for the tissue holder include, but is not limited to, holders worn by mentally and/or physically challenged individuals, hospital and healthcare workers, rehab patients and health professionals, nursing home residents and aids, hospice care residents and aids, day care providers, teachers and other educators, cleaning service providers (whether bathroom, kitchen, windows or general), auto detailers (including interior, exterior, windows, etc.), food service providers, trash collectors and custodians. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as any suitable uses and user groups are contemplated and may simply be used by individuals wishing to have ready access to tissue.

The tissue holder may be worn near or on a person's wrist, forearm or upper arm. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as the tissue holder may be worn at any desirable location. The tissue holder is sized and shaped to be worn directly on the person's body or alternatively may be sized and shaped to be worn over the person's clothing. In another embodiment, the tissue holder is sized and shaped to be worn either over the clothing or directly on the person, as desired.

Turning now to the figures and in particular to FIGS. 1-4, a tissue holder 10 according to one embodiment will now be described. The holder 10 includes a body 12 having a long axis 14 and a short axis 16. In the embodiment shown, the body is generally rectangular in shape, although other suitable shapes may be employed, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. The body 12 includes a first side 18, second side 20, third side 22 and fourth side 24. Sides 18 and 20 are the short sides and run substantially parallel to the short axis, whereas sides 22 and 24 are the long sides and run substantially parallel to the long axis.

The body 12 includes an envelope 26 or interior space that is to be occupied by the tissue. As will be discussed in greater detail, the holder may be refillable or pre-packaged with tissue. As can be seen, in one embodiment, the body is formed with an opening 28 into the envelope 26. The opening 28 is constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope. In the embodiment shown, the opening 28 is shaped oval-like, although other suitable shapes may be employed, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.

A first strap 30 is coupled at the first side 18 of the body and extends substantially parallel to the short axis 16. The first strap 30 has a first end 32 attached to the body and a second free end 34. A second strap 36 is coupled at the second side 20 of the body and extends substantially parallel to the short axis 16. The second strap 36 also has a first end 38 attached to the body and a second free end 40. The first ends 32, 38 may be secured to the body in any suitable manner, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the ends 32, 38 are attached via stitches. In another embodiment, as shown, the straps are integrally formed with at least a portion of the body 12.

Each of the free ends 34, 40 of the straps includes a fastener 42a, 42b to removably attach the free end to the body. In one embodiment, the fastener 42a, 42b is formed with mating hook and loop type fasteners, such as Velcro®, readily available from VelcroUSA, Manchester, N.H. Of course, other suitable fasteners may be employed, such as snaps, buttons/button holes, zippers, etc., as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In any event, one portion of the fastener 42a is fixed to the free end of the strap 32. 38 and the cooperating half of the fastener 42b is attached to the body 12. As such, as shown in FIG. 2, the user can wrap the strap around the desired appendage, such as the user's arm 43, and secure the free end to the body to secure the holder to the wearer.

According to one aspect of the invention, the use of two separate straps allows the wearer to separately adjust the tightness of the straps to accommodate for different circumferences of the appendage adjacent the location of the strap. In this regard, more slack in the strap near the user's wrist must be accommodated, whereas less slack need be accommodated at the area near the user's elbow. As such, the working length of each fastener is sized to accommodate the degree of adjustability required. In one embodiment, the straps are approximately equal in length. In another embodiment, the straps are different lengths. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this respect, and a single strap may be employed in some embodiments.

As noted above, the tissue holder may be constructed in a manner to allow the tissue supply to be replenished. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by providing a closeable opening 44 into the envelope. The opening 44 may be formed along a side of the body, and in one embodiment, is formed along one of the long sides, which may allow greater access to the envelope than if the opening were located on the short side. However, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as the opening may be located in any suitable location, including the short side. Preferably, the opening is formed on the side of the body that is opposite the attachment location of the straps, although this is not required, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.

The opening may be closed using any suitable arrangement, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the opening may be closed using recloseable fastener arrangement, such as a hook and loop fastener 46. Other suitable arrangements, such as snaps, zippers, buttons/buttonholes may be employed. In addition, the opening need not be secured shut at all; rather a portion of the body may be tucked into a pocket or other such area to close the opening.

The body may be formed in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the body is formed of a first layer of material 50 and a second layer of material 52 at least partially permanently attached to the first layer of material. The layers may be at least partially stitched together in a manner to define the envelope. Other suitable attachment arrangements may be employed, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. For example, the layers may be adhered together with an adhesive, sonic welding, and the like.

In one embodiment, the closeable opening 44 may be formed at the junction of the two layers of material 50, 52, as shown. However, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as other suitable locations may be employed.

In one embodiment, the layers of material are formed as separate pieces. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second layers are formed from a single piece of material folded over itself, as shown in FIG. 1. The resulting layers are at least partially joined to define the envelope. Further, as shown, the closeable opening may be located at the junction of the two free-ends of the doubled-over layers.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the tissue, when inserted in the holder, includes a graspable edge 60 that extends substantially perpendicular to the long axis 14. Arranging the tissue in this manner may reduce the potential of the tissue being inadvertently dislodged from the holder. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this respect, as, in one embodiment, the tissue edge 60 may extend substantially parallel to the long axis 14.

The holder 10 may be sized and shaped as desired. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the length L_B of the body along the long axis is approximately 6 inches and the width W of the body along the short axis is approximately 4.5 inches. The length of the straps L_S extending beyond the body and along the short axis is approximately 4.5 inches. The above-noted sizes would be suitable for a child-size tissue holder. In another embodiment, for example, for an adult-sized holder, the length L_B of the body along the long axis is approximately 7 inches and the width W of the body along the short axis is approximately 6 inches. The length of the straps L_S extending beyond the body and along the short axis is approximately 10 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited in this regard, as other suitably shaped and sized holders may be employed.

The tissue holder may be formed of any suitable material, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the holder is formed of a soft and pliable material. The soft and pliable material may be particularly useful should the holder be used as a nose wipe. In this regard, the soft and pliable material would not be abrasive on the user's skin should the user attempt to wipe his or her nose on the tissue and accidentally come in contact with the material of the holder. In one embodiment, the holder is at least partially formed of a cloth-like fabric, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, neoprene, spandex, wool, silk, or any blend thereof. The material may be knitted, woven or formed of a felt-like material, as the present invention is not limited in this respect. Portions of the holder may be formed of one material whereas other portions may be formed of another material. For example, the body may be formed with an upper soft and supple material such as cotton, whereas the upper layer may be formed of a synthetic material such as polyester. Similarly, the straps may be formed of a suitable material desired to impart the properties necessary for the straps. In this regard, the straps may be formed with a material or construction that can withstand a greater amount of tensile loading than the body. In one embodiment, the holder is disposable and the material used is suited for such use. In one embodiment, the holder is machine washable and the material used is suited for such use.

In one embodiment, the holder is formed of neoprene. The neoprene material may be approximately 1/16 to ⅛ inches thick. Using neoprene may obviate the need for one portion of the Velcro® fastener, because the other portion may readily attach to neoprene.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, rather than have the strap extend from one side of the body, two strap portions 70a, and 70b may be employed. In this manner, the strap portions may be joined together in much the same way as a wrist watch is joined whereby the strap portion couple together opposite the body. Specifically, each strap portion includes a first end 72a, 72b coupled to the body and a second free end 74a, 74b. Fasteners 76, such as the Velcro® hook and loop fasteners may be employed at the free ends to secure the two strap portions together.

In the embodiment shown, the body 12 is formed of two separate layers that (except for the tissue opening 28 and complementary Velcro fasteners) are the same. As such, the layers need only be flipped over and placed adjacent each other, as shown, and stitched along stitch line 80 to complete the holder 10.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, the holder is shown schematically with the envelope having an interior depth D. In one embodiment, the depth D without tissue inserted therein is any size between and including approximately 0″ and approximately 1/16″. In another embodiment, the depth D is approximately ⅛″. In yet another embodiment, the depth D is approximately ¼″. In yet another embodiment, the depth D is any size between and including approximately ¼″ and approximately ½″. Of course, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as other soluble interior depths for the envelope may be employed.

As mentioned above, the tissue holder can hold treated tissue, such as cleaning wipes. In such an embodiment, the wipes may be wet with the cleaning solution. Thus, in one embedment, the holder itself is constructed and arranged to accommodate the wet tissue without a significant amount of the liquid solution leaking therefrom. To accommodate such liquid-containing wipes, as shown in FIG. 7, the holder may include a film 90 disposed over the opening 28. The film may be formed with a small opening or slit 92 to facilitate removal of the wipe.

The film itself can be formed of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the film is a plastic film having a thickness of about 1 mil. It should be appreciated that the film can have any suitable thickness, e.g., as 0.5 mils or 1.5 mils, as the present invention is not limited in this regard.

In another embodiment, the holder itself is formed of a liquid impermeable material. For example, the holder may be formed of neoprene. In this embodiment, the opening 28 need not include a film 90, but rather the opening 28 is formed as a small opening or slit to keep as much moisture in the holder as possible.

Other suitable constructs for maintaining moisture within the holder may be employed, as the present invention is not limited in this respect.

The foregoing written specification is to be considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. While the best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative embodiments including those mentioned above as defined by the following claims. The examples disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting of the invention as they are intended merely as illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention as enabled herein. Therefore, systems and methods that are functionally equivalent to those described herein are within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wearable tissue holder comprising:

a body defining an envelope, the envelope having an unobstructed first opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope;

at least one strap coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer; and

at least one fastener cooperating with at least one of the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.

2. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is formed of a soft and pliable material.

3. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises a second closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of tissue into the envelope.

4. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body defines a long axis and a short axis and wherein the body comprises first and second ends disposed substantially parallel to the short axis, and wherein the at least one strap comprises a first strap coupled to the first end of the body and a second strap coupled to the second end of the body, the straps extending substantially parallel to the short axis.

5. The tissue holder according to claim 4, wherein the first strap comprises a first end attached to the first end of the body and a second end comprising a first fastener.

6. The tissue holder according to claim 5, wherein the second strap comprises a first end attached to the second end of the body and a second end comprising a second fastener.

7. The tissue holder according to claim 5, where each of the first and second fasteners comprises a hook and loop fastener.

8. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is formed of a first layer of material and a second layer of material at least partially permanently attached to the first layer of material, the first and second layers of material cooperating to define the envelope.

9. The tissue holder according to claim 8, wherein the body comprises a second closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of tissue into the envelope, wherein the first and second layer cooperate to define a second closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of tissue into the envelope.

10. The tissue holder according to claim 8, wherein the first and second layers are formed from a single piece of material folded over itself and at least partially joined to define the envelope.

11. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body is at least partially formed of a material comprising neoprene.

12. The tissue holder according to claim 1, in combination with the tissue, wherein the tissue comprises one of facial tissue, anti-bacterial hand wipes, medically treated tissue, anti-viral tissue, and cleaning wipes.

13. The tissue holder according to claim 1, in combination with the tissue, wherein the tissue comprises an edge adapted to be grasped, wherein the body defines a long axis and wherein the tissue edge is substantially perpendicular to the long axis.

14. The tissue holder according to claim 1, wherein the body and the at least one strap are constructed and arranged so that the tissue holder can be worn on a forearm of a wearer.

15. The tissue holder according to claim 3, wherein the body defines a long axis and wherein the second closeable opening is disposed along an edge of the body extending along the long axis.

16. The tissue holder according to claim 15, wherein the second closeable opening comprises a hook and loop fastener.

17. The tissue holder according to claim 4, wherein each of the first and the second strap comprises a first strap half and a second strap half, wherein each strap half comprises a first end coupled to the body and a second free end, wherein the free ends of each of the first and second strap halves of each of the first and second straps are fastenable together.

18. A disposable wearable tissue holder comprising:

a body defining an envelope;

tissue pre-packaged within the envelope, the envelope having an unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope;

at least one strap coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer; and

at least one fastener cooperating with at least one of the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.

19. The tissue holder according to claim 18, wherein the body comprises a closeable opening adapted to allow insertion of tissue into the envelope.

20. A disposable wearable tissue holder comprising:

a body formed of a soft and pliable material, the body defining an envelope, the body further defining a long axis and a short axis and wherein the body comprises first and second short sides each disposed substantially parallel to the short axis and third and fourth long sides each disposed substantially parallel to the long axis;

tissue pre-packaged within the envelope, the envelope having an unobstructed opening constructed and arranged to always expose at least a portion of the tissue and allow the entirety of the tissue to be deployed from the envelope;

a first strap coupled at the first short side of the body and extending substantially parallel to the short axis, the first strap having a first end attached to the body and a second free end;

a second strap coupled at the second short side of the body and extending substantially parallel to the short axis, the second strap having a first end attached to the body and a second free end, the first and second straps constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer; and

first and second fasteners each cooperating with at least one of the body and each strap so as to allow adjustable securing of the body to be secured to the wearer, wherein a tightness of the straps are separately adjustable.

21. A wearable tissue holder comprising:

a body defining an envelope;

moist tissue disposed within the envelope, the envelope being constructed and arranged to limit moisture from escaping the envelope and having an opening constructed and arranged to allow the moist tissue to be deployed from the envelope;

at least one strap coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to wrap at least partially around an appendage of the wearer; and

at least one fastener cooperating with at least one of the body and the at least one strap so as to allow the body to be secured to the wearer.

22. The tissue holder according to claim 21, wherein the envelope includes a plastic film configured to maintain moisture within the envelope.