Garment Protectors Patents (Class 2/46)
  • Patent number: 6141798
    Abstract: A front torso and arm covering bib for protecting the front torso, shoulders and arms regions of a user's garment for soiling. The front torso and arm covering bib includes a front torso panel with a spaced apart pair of shoulder flaps extending therefrom and a neck cutout interposed between the shoulder flaps. Each of the sides of the front torso panel has a sleeve outwardly extending therefrom adjacent a corresponding shoulder flap of the front torso panel. The sleeves each have a cuff around the wrist opening of the respective sleeve for constricting the wrist opening of the respective sleeve around the corresponding wrist of the wearer. A pair of elongate flexible neck ties are coupled to the upper region of the front torso panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Ileana Manning
  • Patent number: 6131194
    Abstract: A safeguard element for playing golf or other sports requiring such protection comprising a set of two units, one for each leg, of waterproof textile material and suitably shaped to adapt to the player's legs, over the shoe to the bottom of the calf, secured to the leg at the back in line with the Achilles tendon, using attachment devices such as hook and loop fastner, removable adhesive, zips, hooks and eyes, ribbons or combinations thereof and also able to be simply sewn on to a pair of trousers, overall or the like, as an integral part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Manuel Ardura Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6115838
    Abstract: A protective garment to be worn over English-style, riding breeches has a front pocket specially sized to hold mane braiding or other horse grooming tools therein. The pocket is located high on the garment, such as right below the waistband thereof, and the opening is correspondingly located so that it can be readily accessed by the wearer of the garment even when he or she is mounted on horseback. The garment can also be readily put on over English-riding boots because it has a suitably long slit extending from the leg bottoms toward the waist of the garment. The resulting garment protects the riders underlying breeches from being dirtied by the organic materials typically found at equestrian facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: Donna L. Scholtis, Diane L. Scheirer
  • Patent number: 6105165
    Abstract: The collapsible, pop-out bib of the present invention includes a lower bowl section to catch food or beverage spills. Said lower bowl section comprises a guide sewn into it's upper edge, this guide is created by either a simple fold in the web material's fabric, or by attaching a fabric tape or bias tape to the upper edge of the lower bowl section and continues around the entire perimeter of the lower bowl section's upper edge. The bib of claim also comprises an enlongated flexible spring material that is inserted into said upper edge guide to continue around the entire perimeter of the lower bowl section's upper edge. Said spring material comprises a male/female connector on opposing ends that enable the ends to be fastened together to form a large single-looped configuration, thereby creating tension on the periphery of the upper edge of said bowl, which holds the bowl out and open to catch spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Noriko T. Johnson, Justin J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6065151
    Abstract: An improved snake-proof chap is disclosed, for protecting a wearer against snake-bite. The chap is made of a spun polyester duck fabric having a weight between about 14-16 ounces per square yard, coated on its inner surface with a neoprene coating, and includes an improved closure system for closing a slit at the lower end of the chap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: W. Roy Conine, III
  • Patent number: 6047402
    Abstract: A apparel stain protector for protecting the front of a user's garment from soiling and staining from spilled food and beverages when eating. The apparel stain protector includes a scarf cover having first and second faces, a pair of end edges, and a pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the scarf cover. The faces of the scarf cover each has a plurality of patches coupled thereto. The patches of the scarf cover each have hook portions of a hook and loop fastener provided thereon for detachable attachment to a fabric material garment of a user to attach the scarf cover to the garment of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Betty J. Chester-Salter
  • Patent number: 6044491
    Abstract: A undergarment dressing aid for aiding a user when putting on undergarments and lingerie with hard to reach fasteners. The undergarment dressing aid includes a tubular sleeve designed for wear around a user's torso and having inner and outer faces and open top and bottom ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Sylvia N. Emery
  • Patent number: 5991928
    Abstract: A buckle guard that includes a flexible buckle guard member with a fastening button opening, a first hook and pile fastener section adjacent to the fastening button opening, and a second companionate hook and pile fastener section provided along an opposed side edge of the flexible guard member; and a garment laundering method includes the steps of (1) providing one buckle guard for each buckle assembly on the garment that includes a fastening button member stitched to a first strap section and a clip fastener member pivotally secured to a second strap member, the clip fastener member including a fastening button passage portion in connection with a semi-circular retaining ring portion; (2) installing each of the buckle guards over a buckle assembly by positioning the fastening button member through the fastening button opening of the flexible buckle guard member and into the semi-circular retaining ring of the clip fastener member and then folding the flexible buckle guard member over until the first and sec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Rebecca G. Smith, Bryan E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5979722
    Abstract: A combination backpack and splash guard used by a bicycle rider. The combination is designed to protect the bicycle rider's clothing from water and mud during wet weather and when riding through water and mud puddles. Also, the backpack and splash guard provides for carrying various items when riding a bicycle. Further, the backpack and splash guard includes reflective material and/or reflective tape sewn thereon for providing greater visibility to approaching vehicles under dark conditions. The backpack and splash guard includes an outside waterproof back cover with adjustable reflective shoulder straps and waist straps. The shoulder straps and waist straps are used to secure the back cover to a back of a bike rider. An inside back cover, made of mesh material, is attached to a rear face of the outside back cover with a storage opening between the tops of the outside and inside covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Karen D. Gonzales
  • Patent number: 5970525
    Abstract: A leg guard apparatus 10 for preventing mechanically propelled debris from impacting on a person's lower leg and/or being deposited on or in their footwear 100. The apparatus 10 comprises a cover member 20 fabricated from an elongated sheet 21 of protective material 22 and provided with a plurality of strap members 30 for snugly positioning the cover member 20 over the user's lower leg 100 and footwear 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Joan Gallinot, Michael Naholnik
  • Patent number: 5960472
    Abstract: A portable garment protector device for allowing a wearer to deploy upper and lower torso sheath portions from a belt attached front container. The upper and lower torso sheaths are made of absorbent material overlying a water repellent material for protecting a wearer's chest, lap, thighs legs and knees from spilled liquids and foods. Also, side edge and bottom edge channels attached to the device prevent splashing liquid and food from touching the sides and lower leg areas of the wearer. An optional collection basin in front of the device can further collect additional spilled food and liquid. To use, the wearer unzips the container, and unravels both the upper and lower halves of the device over their upper and lower extremities. Additional adjustable neck straps allow the device to be used with different sized users. Wearer's can use the device on seatbelts as both a passenger and a driver in a vehicle, as well as just on the front of their normally worn clothing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Ana M. Reid
  • Patent number: 5956761
    Abstract: A jacket for use during hair coloring is described. The jacket is composed of two layers of plastic film and the jacket is disposable. The jacket comprises a body portion arranged to be fitted over the torso of an individual, two sleeve portions arranged to be fitted over the arms of the individual and a flared neck portion arranged to be rolled over and under the collar of the individual. It is of note that the jacket is arranged to fit loosely over the clothing of the individual for greater comfort. As a result of this arrangement, the above-described jacket protects the clothing and the neck region of the individual from damage by the chemicals used during the hair coloring process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Paulette Capnerhurst
  • Patent number: 5956763
    Abstract: A bib for use by motor vehicle occupants generally comprises a torso panel adapted to cover a person's torso, a pocket portion which folds out from the torso panel to catch spilled food and beverages formed on the bottom of the torso panel, a wire reinforced tab formed in an upper portion of the torso panel for securing the bib to a person's shirt collar, and two adhesive tabs attached at opposing sides of a lower portion of the bib for securing the lower portion to a user's body. The torso panel and pocket portion are both made from a light weight, flexible, and water proof plastic material so that the bib may be inexpensively and easily manufactured, and the pocket portion is reinforced by a wire having substantial stiffness so that the pocket portion won't collapse when it becomes filled with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Walter W. Blackshear
  • Patent number: 5950235
    Abstract: A protective garment for use by an adult with an infant comprises a body portion, a neck opening portion and a fastener. The body portion comprises a first and second edge connecting to form a non-zero angle with respect to each other. The neck opening portion forms an opening in the body portion with the neck opening portion being disposed opposite the non-zero angle of the body portion, such that a line bisecting the non-zero angle to the closest point of the neck opening portion passes through the center of the neck opening portion and forms an axis of symmetry for the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Anne-Ferrell Tata
  • Patent number: 5921976
    Abstract: A disposable protective undergarment for sufferers of incontinence including an absorbent pad constructed of three layers including and liquid penetrable inner layer, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious outer layer. The pad further includes a pair of oppositely placed front panels attached to a back panel and further includes a waistband to secure the pad to the human body. The undergarment is open vertically along the front between the panels creating a pair of confronting edges. A further embodiment of the present invention may include a longitudinally extending slit approximately half-way up from the bottom edge of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Vergie E. Seymore
    Inventor: Vergie E. Seymore
  • Patent number: 5915530
    Abstract: A disposable or washable one piece high chair tray cover and bib adapted to fit over a toddler's head for use as a bib and to fit onto a high chair tray table to function as a protective stray food catcher on the tray table and between the bib and the tray table. The tray cover portion of the bib is about 29" square with three overlapping sleeves to fit over and engage the side and front edges of tray tables of varying sizes. Drawstring elements are contained within the edges of the three overlapping sleeves and are laterally exposed for drawing the sleeve snugly against a table. A key or toggle element is used to maintain the snug fit. After use, the bib is removed from the child and disengaged from the edges. The drawstrings are further tightened with the key or toggle element to form, with the bib portion, a disposable garbage bag, with self closure, for direct disposal of trapped food and debris as well as any other residual foods and items which are to be disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Ciry Hager
  • Patent number: 5871132
    Abstract: A three in one belt pack having in combination a conventional pack, a cushion-flap, and a belt. The cushion-flap selectively attaches via hook and loop fasteners to the belt on the inside of the pack, if the pack is being worn. When attached to the belt inside the pack the cushion-flap can be rolled up and placed inside the pack for storage. The user has the option of using a cushion-flap having a humorous design, school logo or message thereupon. When used in protection or display mode, the cushion-flap functions as a seat comfortable, waterproof cushion, a walking display and as a protective barrier shielding the user's clothing from becoming soiled due to filthy chairs or benches. The cushion-flap is made of a double sided nylon neoprene material, preferably, is waterproof and thermal. The pack is detachable from the belt and has an assortment of compartments dimensioned and configured to contain various items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventor: Annette H. Hargreaves
  • Patent number: 5864878
    Abstract: A clear garment protector with attached napkin for protecting the clothes of a wearer from soiling. The inventive device includes a generally transparent main sheet having a generally arcuate neck cutout at the top edge of the main sheet. The neck cutout defines a pair of spaced apart shoulder flap portions on the main sheet adjacent the top edge of the main sheet such that the neck cutout is interposed between the shoulder flap portions. A napkin sheet is coupled to the bottom edge of the main sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Morna J. Mashrick
  • Patent number: 5842228
    Abstract: A neck band for holding napkins, bibs and the like on the chest of the user. The neck band is formed of a strip of disposable material, such as paper provided with a tab of self-adhesive material at each end, by which the strip can be attached to the napkin, bib etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Harold Krainin
  • Patent number: 5802610
    Abstract: A multi-layer disposable bib is provided. The layers of material of the bib are ultrasonically bonded together. The first layer is located at the exterior surface of the bib and is made of a lightweight, non-woven material which is tear resistant. The second and third layers are composed of highly absorbent tissue paper to absorb liquids. The fourth layer is a waterproof, polypropylene film that is impermeable to liquids and also provides additional strength to the bib. The fifth layer is located at the other exterior surface of the bib and is made of the same lightweight, non-woven material as the first layer. The two outer layers of non-woven material are soft to the touch and liquid permeable. The bib may be adjustably secured about one's neck by means of straps which extend from the bib and which include an adhesive tab for attaching the straps together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Susan Grey Burr
  • Patent number: 5799336
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible pouch comprising a container portion and a neck portion. The neck portion is integrally connected to the container portion. The container portion may be constructed of flexible, elastic material with a water-impermeable layer, which is expandable to accommodate the insertion and storage of cleaning articles therein. The neck portion may be constructed of flexible, elastic material which includes an opening of a sufficient size to allow the insertion and extraction of cleaning articles to and from the container portion. The flexible, elastic material of which the pouch is constructed includes two panels of equal size and shape which are securely and cooperatively affixed to one another in parallel orientation about their circumferential edges to form the flexible pouch. Closure means are employed for narrowing the opening in the neck portion and retaining the contents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Meredith K. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5778450
    Abstract: A bib with a closure is attached to a lap tray positioned on a users lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Christian A. Hagestad, Choon M. Choi
  • Patent number: 5770529
    Abstract: A liquid-distribution garment worn in body-side combination with substantially impermeable protective apparel. The garment is composed of at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted reinforcing fabric; and at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted absorbent nonwoven fabric joined to the layer of reinforcing fabric so that the joined layers have a water wicking rate of at least about 4 centimeters per 30 seconds in at least one direction. The garment may contain a body portion, sleeve portions and/or leg portions, at least one of those portions being formed from the material composed of at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted reinforcing fabric and at least one layer of a hydrophilically transmuted absorbent nonwoven fabric. The garment may have sub-portions that contain superabsorbents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberly Bradshaw Dennis, Ronald Francis Cook, Craig Farrell Thomaschefsky
  • Patent number: 5732414
    Abstract: A helmet having an inexpensive polymeric protective layer for preventing or minimizing gouges, scuff marks, flares and the like to the exterior surface of the helmet is provided. The protective layer may be a post-production item which may be readily removable and replaceable by an unskilled user. The helmet is preferably used during a sporting event, such as football, since the protective layer is effective during practice, scrimmage or official games to protect the helmet's exterior surface at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Football Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Monica
  • Patent number: 5715535
    Abstract: An apparatus for cradling a baby with an arm comprising a padded biceps cuff for surrounding the upper arm, a padded forearm cuff for surrounding the forearm, and a connecting strap for connecting the padded biceps cuff to the padded forearm cuff to create a dual-cuff infant support cushion to provide comfort and support for an infant's head, and protection against problems associated with cradling a baby including tiredness, soreness, stiffness, and reduced blood flow to the arm on which the baby's head rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventors: Melissa E. Hamilton, Carlton B. Crutchfield
  • Patent number: 5711030
    Abstract: A collar shield including an outer cloth section having the perimeter area of an inwardly facing side thereof coated with a heat activated adhesive layer, an inner section of non-woven fabric that is coated on a collar facing side with a layer of whitening agent, and a central barrier strip formed from a flexible, moisture impermeable material positioned between the outer cloth section and the inner section of nonwoven fabric in a manner such that the layer of whitening agent is oriented away from the barrier strip. The outer cloth section, the inner section of non-woven fabric, and the central barrier strip are secured together with an adhesive to form the collar shield. The inner section nonwoven fabric and the central barrier strip are sized such that the heat activated adhesive layer extends past the perimeter edges of the inner section of nonwoven fabric and the central barrier strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventors: Carol Anderson, Norman Brisco
  • Patent number: 5701607
    Abstract: An overlay for a cap bill or visor is disclosed. The overlay is constructed of impermeable, flexible material. On the underside of the overlay is an adhesive covered by a protective film. This protective film is removed and the overlay is placed on top of the cap bill, and the adhesive holds the overlay in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Paul Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5701605
    Abstract: A foldable and reusable bib including a flat relatively stiff sheet having a long axis and a width. The flat sheet includes a transverse fold line, transverse to the long axis and extending across the width of the sheet, thereby dividing the sheet into upper and lower portions. The upper portion is defined by two side edges and a top edge, where the top edge has an arcuate section disposed about the long axis and forming part of an aperture in the flat sheet. The each upper portion side edges slopes and extends from the transverse fold line to the tope edge. In another embodiment, the upper portion includes a plurality of angled fold lines proximate each side edge to form a backward folding wing section. Preferably, either bib is made from a recyclable material such as a corrugated paper product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Gary S. Bowen
  • Patent number: 5694646
    Abstract: A system of protective garments for caretakers is disclosed. The system provides for comfortable garments to protect medical or nursing personnel while they are attending patients. The system includes a outter garment having a outter layer which is impervious to fluids and an inner liner that is comfortable to the wearer. A vest like garment is provided to be worn under the outter garmant and hold heat exchanger devices to cool the wearer. The system is designd to be disposable, however some of the elements may be reused if they have not come in contact the patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5690537
    Abstract: A protective brassiere that protects the delicate breast tissue and the related glandular areas from harmful radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Phyllis Kalmus
  • Patent number: 5673433
    Abstract: The present invention provides a garment (e.g., a surgical gown) having adhered thereto a conformable, thin polymeric barrier film. The barrier film provides fluid resistance to the garment while still allowing the garment to "breathe." In addition, preferred barrier films are resistant to the transmission of pathogens. The barrier film of the present invention, prior to being applied to a fabric substrate, is preferably provided as an assembly in the form of an individual sheet, a roll of material, or a pad of stacked sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Rothrum
  • Patent number: 5671479
    Abstract: The foldable lap tray ?12! of the invention includes a flat web ?11! to cover the wearer's lap, a foldable bib ?13! attached to the lap tray, and a loop of spring material ?10! that holds the web taut when the spring is fully extended. The bib is reversibly connected to the user's neck by a circular strap ?16! or other well known means of attachment, preferably with a slidable closure element ?17!. The lap tray is foldable by collapsing the spring into an odd-numbered series of smaller connected loops. In one embodiment, the lap tray has one side that is relatively concave ?18! so that the tray accommodates the contour of the user's body when placed on the lap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Ted Randall Dedrick
  • Patent number: 5661851
    Abstract: A disposable bib is disclosed formed of multiple plies of material. The front central portion of the bib is made of a water absorbent ply material while the remaining portions are made of a water repellent ply material. The bib includes an attachable and detachable neck panel for positioning the bib snugly around the neck of the wearer to protect the wearer's underclothes from food and liquid spills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Omar Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5652966
    Abstract: A launderable reinforced full body suit is disclosed composed of a launderable environmentally contained, flexible, light weight base garment and launderable, flexible, light weight, heavy duty reinforcements on the base garment to provide a protective knee, seat, and elbow composed of a flexible, light weight material for providing heavy duty wear resistance through successive recycle and reuse, and a launderable protective sleeve composed of a flexible, light weight aramid fibers material for providing heavy duty penetration resistance from shot blasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Gary L. Reinert, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5651140
    Abstract: A blood-repellent neck protector for hospital, surgical, and emergency room personnel is featured. The protector is shaped like a narrow-banded, circular collar having an extended bib. The collar has a blood-shielding, light-weight, multi-layered cloth. The outer layer of the multi-layered cloth is a soft, blood-repellent material. The innermost layer of material wicks moisture away from the wearer's neck. A spongy layer in the center of the collar provides softness and comfort to the wearer. This spongy layer also assists in maintaining the shape of the collar. The collar is adjustable to many different neck sizes from between 13 and 19 inches, approximately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy Patrick Gibson
  • Patent number: 5640715
    Abstract: A garment is provided which is capable of being moved between a folded up position and a folded down position. In the folded up position, a false front simply appears to be the front of a regular garment. In this position, the bib is attached to a torso covering means by at least one fastener. A separate attachment holds the bib to the torso covering means substantially along the waist of the wearer. In the folded down position, however, a lined bib is provided which gives a measure of protection against spills of beverages, foods, paints, compounds, elements, industrial substances, and so on. In this position, the waist portion attachment is engaged, while the fasteners are disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Flip N'Wear
    Inventor: Juel S. Adams
  • Patent number: 5615418
    Abstract: An article of footwear (10) is provided that comprises an inner layer of material (14) that is worn next to the skin of a user (12). A friction isolation layer (16) is disposed outwardly from the inner layer (14). An outer layer (20) is disposed outwardly from the inner layer (14) and the friction isolation layer (16). Movement of the outer layer (20) is not translated to the inner layer (14) due to the positioning of friction isolation layer (16) between the inner layer (14) and the outer layer (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: John D. Pruit
  • Patent number: 5613250
    Abstract: A leg, ankle, and foot apparel protector including a leg cover piece, a shoe cover piece, and a sole piece; the leg cover piece having a generally rectangular shape with longer vertical edges of equal lengths and a shorter horizontal upper edge, while having an inward arcing lower horizontal edge; the shoe cover of a generally tapered shape with vertical edges converging to a rounded tip at the bottom and having an upper horizontal edge of an inward curving arc; the sole being half-moon shaped to fit under the forward tip of a shoe and joining to the underneath lower end of the shoe cover to form a toe pocket; the leg cover having a strap attached horizontally to the upper vertical edge of the leg cover and having means of fastening the strap; the shoe cover having a strap attached at about a forty-five degree upward angle to the upper vertical edge of the shoe cover and having a means of fastening the strap; the strap for the shoe cover also supplying ample tension on the toe pocket to hold the toe pocket in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald V. Bell
  • Patent number: 5607412
    Abstract: An ostomy bag cover is formed of a single piece of a soft knit fabric, folded and sewn so that there are no rough edges in contact with the patient. The cover contains the ostomy bag and isolates the patient from direct contact of the plastic bag with the skin. The cover has a distal side panel and left and right proximal side panels that meet at a vertical midline on the patient side of the cover. The panels are left detached from one another from the top seam partway down the midline to define a vertical slot through which the fitting or flange of the ostomy bag protrudes. Another slot is provided along the bottom seam to accommodate a drain tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: E. Belle Brown
  • Patent number: 5604932
    Abstract: A wheelchair having a pouch for enclosing both the legs and feet as well as the wheelchair footrest frame. Straps wrap the pouch around both the seat of the wheelchair as well as the thighs of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Monique M. Lawicki
  • Patent number: 5598583
    Abstract: A cover for enclosing a belt of a back support brace. The inventive device includes an outer cover assembly for coextensively covering an outer rear surface of a lumbar support belt. A securing assembly is extendable about the belt to releasably couple the outer cover assembly thereto so as to protect and improve aesthetic appearance of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventors: Carol J. Victor, Michelle A. Carrara
  • Patent number: 5588153
    Abstract: A surgical gown is adapted to be operatively disposed to substantially cover a surgeon wearing a ventilator having a waist-mounted power unit, a head-mounted manifold structure, and at least one tube extending therebetween. The gown includes a head section, a waist section, and a shoulder section appropriately configured to cover analogous portions of the surgeon's body. A ventilator section, disposed between the head section and the waist section when the gown is operatively disposed on the surgeon, defines tube channel to receive the tube of the ventilator. This ventilator section forms an enlargement which facilitates movement of the head of the surgeon without substantial restriction by the head section of the gown. An interior tie gathers a front section of the gown around the neck of the surgeon to isolate movement between the head section and shoulder section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Stackhouse, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Ignon, Ronald E Thomas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5586339
    Abstract: A new and improved outer protective garment apparatus includes a torso covering assembly for protecting a torso of a wearer, a two-arm covering assembly connected to the torso covering assembly for protecting a wearer's arms, and a pants assembly connected to the torso covering assembly which includes an abdomen covering assembly and a two-leg covering assembly. The torso covering assembly includes an elastic, snugly-fitting, neck-encompassing assembly for snugly fitting around the wearer's neck and for protecting the wearer's torso from contamination by entry of a contaminant via the wearer's neck. Each of the arm covering assemblies includes an elastic, snugly-fitting, wrist-encompassing assembly for snugly fitting around wrists of the wearer for protecting the wearer's arms from contamination by entry of a contaminant via the wearer's wrists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Betty S. Lathan
  • Patent number: 5572740
    Abstract: A garment for protecting clothing worn by a person is disclosed. The garment comprises two flaps connected to a band in opposition to one another, and a fastener for closing the band. The flaps each comprise at least one liquid absorbent layer superimposed on and substantially coextensive with a substantially liquid impermeable layer. The band comprises two liquid absorbent layers superimposed on and substantially coextensive with a substantially liquid impermeable layer sandwiched therebetween. In use, one of the flaps is tucked between the clothing and the wearer with the other flap left on the outside of the clothing, and the band is fastened about the wearer to hold the protective garment in place. The garment is particularly useful as a beautician's cape where it provides excellent protection from chemicals used in treating hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Rosalind Geniesse
  • Patent number: 5570471
    Abstract: A garment shield is provided for attaching to a garment having a garment front torso section, a garment rear torso section and a garment sleeve section which are secured together along a sleeve seam line. The garment shield includes a shield seam line, a shield torso section and a shield sleeve section. The shield seam line conforms with the sleeve seam line. The shield torso section includes a front panel, a rear panel and a lower panel which extend from the shield seam line over a portion of the garment front and rear torso sections. The shield sleeve section includes a front panel, a rear panel and a lower panel which are stitched along the shield seam line to the front, rear and lower panels of the shield torso section, respectively. The front, rear and lower panels of the shield sleeve section extend from the shield seam line over a portion of the garment sleeve section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Leesa C. Krawchuk
  • Patent number: 5560042
    Abstract: A riding clothes protector including a right panel having a right top finger, a right middle finger, and a right bottom finger. The right panel has a right bottom portion, a right back portion, and a front side portion, with a plurality of fasteners. The right top finger has a fastener attached. The right bottom finger has a couple of fasteners adjacent a right bottom finger. Included is a left panel with a left top finger, a left middle finger, and a left bottom finger. The left panel has a left bottom portion, a left back portion, and a front side portion, with a plurality of fasteners thereon. The left top finger has a plurality of fasteners attached. Each of the fasteners of the left top finger is capable of coupling with the fastener of the right finger, when the right top finger overlaps the left top finger. The left back and the right back are permanently stitched together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Heather A. Schlesner
  • Patent number: 5545157
    Abstract: A panty shield is disclosed having a magnet attachment mechanism. The panty shield includes a baffle having a body-facing surface and first and second longitudinal side edges. First and second appendages extend laterally outward from the first and second longitudinal side edges, respectively. Each of the first and second appendages has a sufficient length to be folded inward and overlap one another. The panty shield further includes a first magnet secured to the baffle and a second magnet secured to one of the appendages. The appendages are folded around the crotch portion of an undergarment such that the appendages overlap one another. In this position, the first and second magnets are superimposed and can hold the panty shield secure to the undergarment. An absorbent article can be releaseably attached to the panty shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Van Iten
  • Patent number: 5530968
    Abstract: A commuter's apron provides for the containment of food and drink spillage for automobile and other vehicle drivers and passengers, while the vehicle is moving or stopped. The apron is preferably formed of a relatively thin sheet of polyethylene plastic or other material (e. g., coated paper or fabric), in order to be impervious to liquid and other spills. The upper and lower edges of each apron are congruent, thus enabling a plurality of the aprons to be die cut or otherwise formed continuously from a single elongate sheet or roll of sheet material with relatively little waste. All of the flat portions of the apron (i. e., the main body, pocket portion, and neck closure portion) are formed from a single, continuous sheet, with the only additional components required being tape or other means to close the neck closure portion and seal the sides of the pockets in the event heat sealing is not used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Wendy P. Crockett
  • Patent number: 5513393
    Abstract: A soft polygonal pad secured adjacent a rear side of an undergarment adapted to enhance one's figure. The pad includes a pair of protruding hemispherical regions adjacent a lower edge of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Robert Ferreira, Juan F. Batista
  • Bib
    Patent number: 5504941
    Abstract: An easy-to-clean bib comprises a body, preferably made of a durable, flexible and non-porous material, and has a front and a back. The material is easy to clean and does not allow liquid to leak through as opposed to some bibs that are made of paper, plastic or similar light materials. The body includes two upper sections for placement on opposite sides of a user's neck. The upper sections include cooperative fasteners that fasten the upper sections together and thereby cause a portion of the bib body to bow outwardly in order to conform to the user's chest to help prevent particles and liquid from falling under the bib and onto the user. The bib body further includes a lower section for forming a temporary pouch. The pouch is formed by folding each of two lower comer portions up towards the front of the body and fastening a bottom piece of a cooperative fastener to its corresponding top piece and then fastening a bottom piece of a second cooperative fastener to its corresponding top piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Nancy Sell