Disposable, absorbent guard (drip-slip) and a method for protecting worn garments
This invention is directed to the drip-slip™, which is a disposable, dispensable guard comprised of flexible, absorbent paper or fabric which may include a leak-proof backing. It is meant to wick dripping liquid, blood, or body fluids away from and keep foreign debris out of, for example, clothing while performing activities that include but are not limited to shaving, dishwashing, washing the hands, staining wood, dining, cooking, housecleaning, dental hygiene, foregoing medical treatment, performing arts and crafts, foregoing massage, hair dyeing, changing oil, or moving through wet or dry indoor or outdoor environments.
The present invention is directed to a disposable guard and a method for protecting a wearer's garments from wetness, soiling, and foreign objects. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a disposable guard and a method for protecting clothing and skin from wetness, insects, foreign debris, and stains.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONConsumers often suffer discomfort when water and debris permeate traditional barriers like clothing, an inconvenience that accompanies many routine, professional, and household activities. Water and foreign matter can ruin clothing or make the individual uncomfortable and wet. In the case of insects and biohazards, the penetration of foreign debris may pose unsafe. In an effort to obviate the consumer from such inconveniences, the drip-slip™ was invented to protect and keep a user's sleeves, pant cuffs, neck collar, and waistband dry and unsoiled while performing tasks that may expose them to water or other unwanted substances. Example household tasks include shaving facial hair, walking through puddles, brushing one's teeth or washing windows with a soaked sponge. In equipping a prototype drip-slip™ over one's sleeve, by tucking one end into the shirt and folding the other end over the sleeve, it was found that a user can protect his or her shirt cuffs from discomforting wetness and stains. An exposed, absorbing layer soaked dripping water that may have trailed down the hand, while a impermeable layer prevented liquid from soaking through to the clothing. Additionally, it was discovered that pleating or fluted woven or non-woven elastic on the tubular model could allow for flexible fit on the wrist, forearm, or past the elbow, in cases where sleeves are rolled up. This design has since been adapted to protect the pants at the waistline and the neck at the shirt collar during activities such as artificial tanning and hair dyeing practices, respectively.
A drip-slip™ is preferably thin, between 0.001 and 10 mm in thickness, and may either be (a) tubular or (b) folded in shape. A drip-slip™ can be stacked on top of others and easily dispensed from a cardboard box, much like facial tissues. When the tubular variety is slipped over the hand or foot, the proximal end is tucked under the sleeve/cuff, leaving the distal end to be folded over the top of the sleeve/cuff, protecting it from wetness. Likewise, variants protecting the neck and waist can be tucked into the shirt collar and waistband, respectively. Longitudinal pleats grant the tubular drip-slip™ flexibility. In the presence of a leak-proof backing, the absorbent layer will comprise the inner surface of the drip-slip™ tube, while the leak-proof backing will comprise the outer surface of the tube, so that when slipped on and folded over the sleeve the absorbent layer also becomes outward-facing. In the folded variety, one end of the drip-slip™ will be tucked into the shirt sleeve or pant cuff, allowing the absorbent side to wick liquids away from the clothing, which is protected within the drip-slip™ crease. Here, the presence of a waterproof backing will also prevent the drip-slip™ from soaking through. Not only will the drip-slip™ prevent the clothes from getting wet, but it will also prevent stains where there is a risk. The presence of adhesive tabs, Velcro®, zippers, snap buttons or adhesive backings can ensure that the drip-slip™ is secured onto the surface it is meant to protect. With the addition of elastic bands, drawstrings, snap buttons, zippers or Velcro® on either end of the tube, a drip-slip™ may also be used to prevent foreign objects from entering the sleeve, such as ticks or other pests while hiking.
The drip-slip™ is meant to be easily dispensed and disposed, much like a facial tissues, though their design may also be washable. The disposable variety, when flattened, is stackable in nature, aiming to make them accessible from any toiletry-type packaging, including cardboard boxes or plastic wrappings. In this way, the drip-slip™ can provide a quick, accessible, and easy guard against wetness and stains where time is limited, such as during morning routines, clinical procedures, or rapid car maintenance tasks.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEfforts have been disclosed for making sleeve and wrist protectors to be attached to the forearm, protecting users and their garments from exposure. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,793, a reversible forearm protector is defined.
Other efforts have been disclosed for making disposable, absorbent wrist bands. In U.S. Pat. No. 20,090,151,045 a disposable, absorbent wrist band is described.
None of the additional information above describes a disposable, absorbent guard and method for protecting the wearer's garment as described in this invention, and particularly, where, for example, a guard is tucked into the sleeve, pant cuff, waistband, or shirt collar.
The present invention is aimed to prevent the wearer's clothes (i.e. sleeves, pant cuffs, shirt collar and waistband) from exposure to wetness, stains or foreign debris while performing any number of tasks that expose him or her to debris, insects, water, oil, blood, body fluids, solvents, inks, water based paints, other flow-able liquids, foods and beverages. Tasks of this nature include but are not limited to washing ones hands, washing dishes, washing pets, scrubbing with a wet sponge or rag, using a squeegee, walking through wet environments, painting, shaving the face, dyeing ones hair, brushing the teeth, facial hygiene tasks, dental hygiene tasks, staining wood, changing oil, applying makeup, calligraphy, manicures, dining, messy chores, and other household cleaning or clinical setting activities. With the drip-slip™ secured in place, tucked in and over the sleeve, waistband, collar or cuff, an outward-facing absorbent material will soak up and prevent dripping liquid or debris from entering or soiling clothes. While an absorbent layer may be enough to ward off most drips, the drip-slip™ may also feature an impermeable inward-facing layer to prevent fluids from soaking through to the wearer's clothing underneath.
The design of the drip-slip™ has been conceived as either tubular or flattened in shape. In the tubular model, the drip-slip™ may present with additional elasticity, as is granted with longitudinal pleating or fluted elastic, so that it may comfortably slide over the hand, foot, head, neck or torso and fit any wearer, regardless of the presence of a rubber glove, sock or other article of clothing. The tubular model may also include an elastic band, drawstring, or adjustable Velcro® at both the distal and proximal ends that would serve to protect the wearer from insect ingression (e.g. ticks, mosquitoes, black flies) or foreign objects, particular when used as a pant cuff cover. The flexibility of the drip-slip™ also ensures that it can fold over the sleeve or cuff with ease, even if the sleeve or cuff is rolled up past the elbow or knee. In the flattened version, a simple napkin-like design can be creased and fitted over the sleeve or cuff as a guard. Here, the drip-slip™ is naturally adjustable, wherein one end overlaps the other to cover the circumference of the sleeved arm or clothed leg. In both designs, the presence of an adhesive backing, adhesive tab, or Velcro® will ensure that the drip-slip™ fits snugly around the user's wrist or leg and/or secures to the sleeve or pant cuff, so that it does not slip off during tasks.
Further attributes of the design enhance the absorbent drip-slip™ so that it is appealing, easy to equip, easy to remove, convenient, and cost efficient. The drip-slip™ could be made in various sizes and lengths, between 25 mm to 1.5 m in length and width, or it could be designed as one size fits all. The present invention should embody, but is not limited to, materials that are absorbent, materials that allow air to reach the skin, materials that are comfortable for the user, and materials that are thin, preferably between 0.001 and 10 mm in thickness. The embodiment of said drip-slip™ should comprise of an absorbent layer, preferably liquid retentive, and may include one or more sandwich-like additional layers such as a liquid-impermeable layer. The embodiment of the drip-slip™ should not be bulky or inflexible before, during or after use, and the assembly of multiple layers should comprise of an adhesive that will join the absorbent layer with any additional layers, such as a liquid-impermeable backing.
The drip-slip™ is meant to be unisex in its design, but it also may incorporate color(s), design(s), or pattern(s) to make it more appealing, fun, and/or suitable to various wearers, including children. Decorative elements of this type may include, for example, an image of any popular or non-popular character(s), new or existent, pattern(s), letter(s), symbol(s), designs, or a combination of at least two thereof. Furthermore, the method of exhibiting these constituents may be in modes comprising one-dimension, two-dimensions, or three dimensions. Any decorative elements may comprise of one or more colors. Additionally, the drip-slip™ may also be fabricated unadorned, without any colors, designs, or decorative elements.
Finally, the embodiment of said drip-slip™ is intended to be convenient and easy. In regard to packaging, a drip-slip™ can be, but is not limited to being stacked and stored in a handy, dispensable way. For example, the drip-slip™ may be designed to be dispensed like facial tissues from a cardboard box or individually wrapped in plastic packaging and sterilized for use in household or clinical settings. Furthermore, the embodiment of said drip-slip™ and its packaging may also be constructed of a biodegradable or recyclable material, so as to merit its disposable nature. The drip-slip™ may also be washable and reusable. Packaging may range from 25 mm to 1.5 m in length width and depth, depending on the size of the drip-slip™.
Experiment
An absorbent pad consisting of a quilted polymer layer with a polyethylene plastic backing was trimmed into a guard the size and shape (dimensions about 25 cm×15 cm, 2 mm thick) of the folded drip-slip™ variant (
Claims
1. A disposable assembly with at least one absorbent material layer or one liquid-impermeable layer to be tucked into and/or worn over garments, either on the hand, wrist, forearm, upper arm, neck, waist, torso, foot or leg.
2. The assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein an additional liquid-impermeable backing layer is joined to the absorbent layer with adhesive, preventing fluid from soaking through to the sleeve or pant cuff.
3. The assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the absorbent layer is between 0.001 mm and 10 mm in thickness, liquid retentive, breathable, compact, and comfortable for the wearer.
4. The assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein adhesive tabs or backings secure the assembly directly to the clothing or to the assembly itself, making said assembly fit more snugly on the wearer and preventing it from falling off during use.
5. The assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein one or more drawstrings, fabric hook and loop fasteners, elastic bands, snap buttons, zippers, adhesive tabs, or adjustable cuffs prevents the ingression of insects or foreign objects from entering the sleeve.
6. The assembly as defined in claim 3, wherein one or more drawstrings, fabric hook and loop fasteners, elastic bands, snap buttons, zippers or adhesive tabs make the assembly adjustable so as to secure the assembly in place on the wearer.
7. The assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said assembly can be flattened, stacked, and/or individually wrapped for dispensing purposes.
8. The assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein the assembly is biodegradable, recyclable, and/or washable.
9. The assembly according to claim 1 wherein the guard can be of any length and/or width in size between 25 mm to 1.5 m in length and width, including one size fits all.
10. The embodiment of said absorbent guard can be adorned with decorative elements selected from popular or non-popular character(s), new or existent, pattern(s), letter(s), symbol(s), one-dimensional elements, two-dimensional elements, and three dimensional elements, in any number of colors.
11. The guard as defined in claim 1, wherein the guard is tubular in shape and flexible enough to be folded over clothing.
12. The guard as defined in claim 1, where guard is flat and crease-able and suitable, to be fitted over the end of the sleeve.
13. The guard as defined in claim 10, wherein the guard is pleated and/or fluted woven or nonwoven elastic allowing for flexibility and elasticity.
14. The guard as defined in claim 11, wherein the guard has ends that can be joined with adhesive tabs, completing a tubular shape.
15. The guard as defined in claim 10, wherein an orifice is present at both ends of the guard, for accepting the hand, wrist, forearm, upper arm, foot, head, neck, waist, torso, or leg of a user.
16. The assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein the assembly features a slit allowing for enhanced mobility and/or comfort.
17. A method for protecting a wearer's garments from wetness, stains, soil, and foreign debris comprising of the steps of:
- (a) tucking an absorbent paper, fabric, and/or plastic guard into a garment orifice and folding the guard over the garment to protect it.
- (b) securing the paper or fabric guard in place with a device including but not limited to snap buttons, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive backings, adhesive tabs, drawstrings, zippers, and/or elastic bands.
- (c) sealing the gap between the absorbent paper or fabric and skin by closing guard orifices with devices including but not limited to snap buttons, hook and loop fasteners, adhesive backings, adhesive tabs, drawstrings, zippers, and/or elastic bands.
18. A method for protecting a wearer's garments according to claim 17 wherein the guard is square, rectangular, circular, rounded, tubular and/or folded in shape.
19. A method for protecting a wearer's garments according to claim 17 wherein the guard is slipped over and/or worn around the neck, torso, waist, forearm, arm, head, hand, leg, foot or ankle.
20. A method for protecting a wearer's garments according to claim 17 wherein the guard has pleating or a slit for flexibility.
21. A method for protecting a wearer's garments according to claim 17 wherein the guard has dimensions between 25 mm to 1.5 m in length and width, with a thickness between 0.001 and 10 mm.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 20, 2017
Publication Date: Aug 31, 2017
Inventor: Matthew Michael Cirigliano (Cresskill, NJ)
Application Number: 15/411,932