Abstract:
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.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a disposable guard and a method for protecting a wearer&#39;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 INVENTION 
       [0002]    Consumers 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&#39;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&#39;s teeth or washing windows with a soaked sponge. In equipping a prototype drip-slip™ over one&#39;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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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 INFORMATION 
       [0005]    Efforts 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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    None of the additional information above describes a disposable, absorbent guard and method for protecting the wearer&#39;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. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Pat. No. 
                 Title 
                 Date 
                 Name 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 US 20090151045 
                 Disposable absorbent 
                 June 2009 
                 Hinds et al. 
               
               
                   
                 wrist band 
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Dispensable, 
                 July 1997 
                 Lahaussois et al. 
               
               
                 5,644,793 
                 disposable reversible 
               
               
                   
                 forearm protector 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is aimed to prevent the wearer&#39;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&#39;s clothing underneath. 
         [0009]    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&#39;s wrist or leg and/or secures to the sleeve or pant cuff, so that it does not slip off during tasks. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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™. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts the tubular variant of the drip-slip™ guard, with pleating. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  depicts the folded variant of the drip-slip™ guard. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  depicts how the tubular variant of the drip-slip™ guard is equipped. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  depicts how the folded variant of the drip-slip™ guard is equipped. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  depicts how the tubular variant of the drip-slip™ guard is worn over the pant cuff. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  depicts two variants of the drip-slip™ guard and how they are worn around the neck, protecting the shirt collar. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  depicts two variants of the drip-slip™ guard and how they are worn around the torso, protecting the waistband. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]      FIG. 1  shows the various features of the tubular variant (numeral  5 ) of the drip-slip™ a disposable and absorbent sleeve guard. Referring to this variant, numeral ( 1 ) indicates the absorbent inner layer and numeral ( 2 ) indicates the optional liquid-impermeable outer layer, when present. Numeral  3  describes an example optional adhesive tab used to secure the drip-slip™ when the drip-slip™ is folded over the sleeve. Other options that may be used to secure the drip-slip™ include snap buttons, drawstrings, zippers, hook and loop fastener devices, and elastic bands. Numeral  4  identifies an optional pleating or fluted woven or nonwoven elastic assembly for flexibility and elasticity, if present. The drip-slip™ may be comprised of a single layer of absorbent material ( 8 ) or multiple layers, wherein there may be, but not limited to, an inward-facing absorbent layer ( 7 ) and a liquid-impermeable outer layer ( 6 ). Numeral  9  illustrates how the tubular variant may be stacked and packaged in a tissue box-like carton. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2 . shows the various features of the folded variant of the drip-slip™ a disposable and absorbent sleeve guard. Referring to this figure, numeral ( 10 ) indicates the absorbent layer and numeral ( 11 ) indicates the liquid-impermeable layer, when present. Numeral  3  describes examples of adhesive tab used to secure the drip-slip™ when the drip-slip™ is equipped. Other options that may be used to secure the drip-slip™ include snap buttons, drawstrings, zippers, hook and loop fastener devices, and elastic bands. The drip-slip™ may be comprised of a single layer of absorbent material ( 14 ) or multiple layers, wherein there may be, but not limited to, an absorbent layer ( 12 ) and a liquid-impermeable layer ( 13 ). Numeral  15  illustrates how the folded variant may be stacked and packaged in a tissue box-like carton. 
         [0022]      FIG. 3 . illustrates how the tubular variant of the drip-slip™ is equipped by the wearer. First, the drip-slip™ is pulled over the hand (a), then tucked into the sleeve (b). Once the proximal end is tucked into the sleeve the adhesive tab is prepared and the drip-slip™ is folded over the sleeve, exposing the absorbent side to dripping liquid (c). If present, the liquid-impermeable layer faces the clothing, preventing the drip-slip™ from soaking through. If the wearer&#39;s sleeve is rolled up (d), the drip-slip™ should be elastic and flexible enough to accommodate the bulk of the sleeve. 
         [0023]      FIG. 4 . illustrates how the folded variant of the drip-slip™ is equipped by the wearer. First, the drip-slip™ is slipped around the hand (a), then tucked into the sleeve. If an adhesive tab is present, this will be secured before tucking the guard in completely. Once one end is tucked into the sleeve, the other end folds over the sleeve, exposing the absorbent side, which may or may not include an adhesive tab for securing as well (b). If present, the liquid-impermeable layer faces the clothing, preventing the drip-slip™ from soaking through during tasks (c). If the wearer&#39;s sleeve is rolled up (d), the drip-slip™ should be adjustable and flexible enough to accommodate the bulk of the sleeve. 
         [0024]      FIG. 5 . illustrates how the drip-slip™ can be worn as a pant cuff guard and for the prevention of pest and foreign objects from entering clothing. In the first illustration (a), a drip-slip™ of any variety can be tucked in and over the cuff of the pants and secured as described previously, to prevent against stains and wetness. As a guard against pests and foreign objects (b), the drip-slip™ may have a drawstring or elastic band to close off either end of the drip-slip™. First, the drip-slip™ will be slipped over the leg ( 20 ) and the inner drawstring ( 18 ) will be tied tight. Then, the drip-slip™ ( 19 ) will be folded over twice, to cover the pant leg cuff ( 17 ), finally being tied tight by the outer drawstring ( 16 ). In this diagram, the pant leg is rolled up, to illustrate how the drip-slip™ can be worn over clothing of any thickness. 
         [0025]      FIG. 6 . illustrates how the drip-slip™ can be used as a shirt collar and neck guard, preventing liquids and foreign debris from dribbling down the neck and into/onto garments. The first illustration (a) demonstrates how optional fluting ( 21 ) on the collar guard variant allows for flexibility as the drip-slip™ is tucked into the collar and folded over the wearer&#39;s garment. Optional elastic bands ( 22 ), zippers, snap buttons, adhesive tabs, drawstrings, or hook and loop fasteners may be used to secure the open ends around the wearer, further preventing debris and liquids from penetrating the guard. An optional slit ( 23 ) may be present to allow the drip-slip™ to fit comfortably over the shoulders. The collar variant of the drip-slip™ may be comprised of a single layer of absorbent material or multiple layers, wherein there may be, but not limited to, an absorbent layer ( 25 ) and a liquid-impermeable layer ( 24 ). The second illustration (b) shows how the fluted drip-slip™ would be worn by the wearer, tucked into the collar and draped over garments. The third illustration (c) shows a non-fluted, rectangular version of the collar guard variant with optional Velcro® fasteners ( 26 ). The final image (d) demonstrates how the non-fluted rectangular version of the collar guard is worn, tucked into the collar and draped over the garments. 
         [0026]      FIG. 7 . illustrates how the drip-slip™ can be used as a waistband and pants guard, preventing liquids and foreign debris from wetting, entering or soiling the pants. The first illustration (a) demonstrates how optional fluting ( 27 ) on the waistband guard variant allows for flexibility as the drip-slip™ is tucked into the waistband and folded over the wearer&#39;s garment (i.e. dress or pants). Optional elastic bands ( 28 ), zippers, snap buttons, adhesive tabs, drawstrings, or hook and loop fasteners may be used to secure the open ends around the wearer, further preventing debris and liquids from penetrating the guard. An optional slit ( 23 ) may be present to allow the drip-slip™ to fit comfortably around the waist, allowing more flexibility. The waistband variant of the drip-slip™ may be comprised of a single layer of absorbent material or multiple layers, wherein there may be, but not limited to, an absorbent layer ( 30 ) and a liquid-impermeable layer ( 29 ). The second illustration (b) shows how the fluted drip-slip™ would be worn by the wearer, tucked into the waistband and draped over lower-body garments. The third illustration (c) shows a non-fluted, rectangular version of the collar guard variant with optional snap button fasteners ( 31 ). Other devices that may be used for securing include elastic bands, zippers, adhesive tabs, drawstrings, or hook and loop fasteners. The final image (d) demonstrates how the non-fluted rectangular version of the waistband guard is worn, tucked into the waistband and draped over the lower-body garments. 
         [0027]    Experiment 
         [0028]    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 ( FIG. 2 ). The guard was wrapped around the arm and tucked into the sleeve, rolled up at mid-forearm, with the absorbent side facing inward. The guard was then folded over the sleeve cuff ( FIG. 4 a   ). Two adhesive tabs were fashioned out of adhesive tape (dimensions about 4 cm×1 cm, thickness 0.25 mm) and used to secure the guard around the sleeve ( FIG. 4 b   ). The wearer was asked to let watercolor paint drip down their wrist from a paintbrush in their hand. Afterwards, the guard was palpably wet and visibly tinted, but the sleeve remained dry and unstained. The same experiment was performed without the guard, resulting in a wet and color-stained sleeve.