U.S. patent application number 12/907752 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-21 for cough cuff.
Invention is credited to Betty McNamee-Sollars.
Application Number | 20110088132 12/907752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43878145 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110088132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McNamee-Sollars; Betty |
April 21, 2011 |
COUGH CUFF
Abstract
A flexible cuff that releasably fastens at the elbow to protect
clothing and act as an additional barrier to the spread of germs.
The cuff comprises a band, a pocket, a fastener and a liner. The
band encircles a wearer's arm with the pocket open across a width
of the band at the inside of the elbow. The pocket comprises pleats
that hold the pocket open when the elbow is bent. The pocket holds
items such as tissues, handkerchiefs, wipes and the like. The liner
may be permanently affixed to the pocket or removeably insertable
into a pouch located in the pocket. The liner may include
additional components attached to the liner at an end of the liner
protruding from the pouch such that the additional component is
contained within the pocket.
Inventors: |
McNamee-Sollars; Betty;
(US) |
Family ID: |
43878145 |
Appl. No.: |
12/907752 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61253554 |
Oct 21, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 27/12 20130101;
A41B 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/46 |
International
Class: |
A41D 27/12 20060101
A41D027/12 |
Claims
1. A cuff for providing protection to clothing and an additional
barrier to the spread of germs comprising: a band having a length
sufficient to encircle a wearer's arm at the elbow; a pocket
located on a top surface of the band having an opening across a
width of the band, the pocket comprising pleats, the pocket placed
on the length of the band such that when the cuff is worn, the
pocket is located near the inside of the elbow and the pleats hold
the pocket open when the elbow is bent; and a releasable fastener,
the fastener having a first part coupled to a first end of the band
for releasably coupling the first end to a second end of the
band.
2. The cuff of claim 1 wherein at least one of the band and the
pocket are coated with a protective plastic layer.
3. The cuff of claim 1 wherein at least one of the band and the
pocket are constructed from a mesh material.
4. The cuff of claim 1 wherein the pocket comprises a liner.
5. The cuff of claim 4 wherein the pocket comprises a pouch and the
liner is removeably insertable into the pouch.
6. The cuff of claim 5 wherein the liner comprises an additional
component formed to fit within the pocket.
7. The cuff of claim 5 wherein the liner is disposable.
8. The cuff of claim 6 wherein the additional component is
disposable.
9. The cuff of claim 1 wherein the cuff is disposable.
10. A method of impeding germs using the cuff of claim 1
comprising: applying the cuff at the wearer's elbow, and wrapping
the cuff around the elbow and fastening the fastener, such that the
pocket is positioned at an inner side of the elbow.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of inserting
a liner into the pocket.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the pocket comprises a pouch and
the liner is removeably insertable into the pouch.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein the liner comprises an
additional component formed to fit within the pocket.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the liner is disposable.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the additional component is
disposable.
16. The method of claim 10 wherein the cuff is disposable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional application No. 61/253,554, filed Oct. 21, 2009, hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for
protecting clothing, specifically for protecting a person's sleeve
and inhibiting the spread of germs when coughing or sneezing into
the elbow.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Each year in the United States, seasonal influenza results
in an estimated average of 36,000 deaths. Seasonal influenza
greatly impacts the economy, not only with deaths but also with
lost employee production for those out sick. Hospitalization rates
for seasonal flu are typically 10-15% with 15-25% requiring
mechanical ventilation. Pandemic influenza infects 25-40% of
susceptible populations. Of those hospitalized with pandemic flu,
25-40% require ICU care. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), flu viruses continue to cause illness
even during usually flu-free summer months.
[0004] Influenza viruses are spread from person to person when a
sick person coughs or sneezes into the air spreading droplets
containing the virus, or coughs or sneezes into their hands and
then touches another person or an object before washing their
hands. To reduce the spread of germs, the CDC has recommended that
people bend their arms and cough into the bend of the elbow, not
into their hands.
[0005] Unfortunately, the spread of germs still occurs using the
recommended method because viruses will be contained on clothing.
Contact with the clothing will cause the flu to spread,
particularly in children. Changing contaminated clothing is
difficult to do at work or school, so some sort of protective
covering for clothing is needed. A need exists to provide a
mechanism to prevent droplets from a sick person's nose and mouth
from contaminating his sleeve or a bare arm.
[0006] Coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow--even with
clothing--will not capture all of the droplets from being sprayed
beyond the elbow. A need exists to provide a mechanism to capture
droplets containing germs before they are spread to others. This
need is especially important in re-circulated air environments,
such as airplanes, buses, air-conditioned and heated rooms where
people assemble (schools, work, etc), and the like.
[0007] A need exists for an economical and cost efficient protector
that is inexpensive to allow for single use but that is also
sufficiently protective to prevent soiling of clothing and to
inhibit the transfer of germs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is directed to a flexible cuff that
releasable fastens to cover a sleeve or bare arm at the elbow. The
cuff provides protection to clothing as well as acting as an
additional barrier to the spread of germs. The band has a length
sufficient to encircle a wearer's arm at the elbow. The pocket is
located on a top surface of the band and has an opening across a
width of the band. The pocket comprises pleats. The pocket is
situated on the length of the band such that when the cuff is worn,
the pocket is located near the inside of the elbow and the pleats
hold the pocket open when the elbow is bent. The cuff comprises a
releasable fastener. The fastener has a first part coupled to a
first end of the band for releasably coupling the first end to a
second end of the band.
[0009] The pocket comprises a liner. The pocket is expandable from
the band at the open end across the width of the band. The pocket
is structured to hold items such as tissues, handkerchiefs, wipes
and the like. The pocket comprises a pouch. The liner is removeably
insertable into the pouch. In an embodiment, the liner comprises an
additional component formed to fit within the pocket, such as
tissues, handkerchiefs, wipes and the like. Here, the liner is a
stiffer piece that easily slides into the pouch. The additional
component is attached to the liner at an end of the liner
protruding from the pouch such that the additional item is
contained within the pocket. In an embodiment, the liner is
disposable. In an embodiment, the additional component is
disposable. In an embodiment, the cuff is disposable.
[0010] A user wishing to impeding the spread of germs using the
cuff applies the cuff at his elbow, wraps the cuff around the elbow
and fastens the fastener, such that the pocket is positioned at an
inner side of the elbow. The user may insert a liner with or
without attached tissues, handkerchief, wipes, and the like into
the pocket. In a disposable embodiment, after use, the user
disposes of the liner, attached components and or the entire
cuff.
[0011] The cuff has an approximately rectangular shape when
unfastened. The band comprises at least two pieces. The band
comprises an expandable pocket on its top side. The band comprises
releasable attachment fastening means at an end of each piece for
fixing the cuff around an arm of a person at the elbow.
[0012] The present invention provides a simple means to provide
protection to clothing and an expandable barrier to the dispersion
of germs when the invention is worn by a user. The cuff is
effective and comfortable. The cuff is applied tight enough to
prevent slipping, but not too tight so that it is comfortable to
wear.
[0013] As used herein, "approximately" means within plus or minus
25% of the term it qualifies. The term "about" means between 1/2
and 2 times the term it qualifies.
[0014] The compositions and methods of the present invention can
comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential
elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well
as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or
limitations described herein or otherwise useful in compositions
and methods of the general type as described herein.
[0015] Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include
every number and subset of numbers contained within that range,
whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical
ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim
directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range or to be
limited to the exact conversion to a different measuring system,
such, but not limited to, as between inches and millimeters.
[0016] All references to singular characteristics or limitations of
the present invention shall include the corresponding plural
characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise
specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in
which the reference is made.
[0017] All references to gender include reference to both male and
female.
[0018] All combinations of method or process steps as used herein
can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or
clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the
referenced combination is made.
[0019] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "above",
"under", "side" and the like are words of convenience and are not
to be construed as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIGS. 1A-1G are views of the components of the invention
showing assembly.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the cuff fastened around an
elbow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention is a cuff comprising a pocket attached
to a band having a releasable fastener. In an embodiment, the size
of the cuff is determined by the size of the user. In an
embodiment, the band is wider and longer for an adult than for a
child. The cuff is of any suitable size, but preferably, the band
comprises a length of material having a width of from about 3
inches to about 6 inches and a length from about 12 inches to about
30 inches to accommodate small to large arms. In an embodiment, the
length of the band varies by the girth of the arm on which it is
used. In an embodiment, the length of the band corresponds to a
length represented by one of small, medium, large, X-large,
XX-large, and XXX-large.
[0025] The cuff is intended to be constructed of a lightweight,
thin or shear material. Accordingly, it is preferred for the cuff
not to exceed 0.5 inches in thickness from the top side to the
bottom side. In an embodiment, the band is from about 0.0001 to
about 0.5 thick. In a disposable embodiment, the band is from about
0.0001 to about 0.01 thick.
[0026] The material used in accordance with the present invention
must include several characteristics. The material must be
flexible, durable, and resistant to water. The material is
preferably soft to the touch. Various materials may be used for the
band and the pocket, including most textile materials, polymeric
materials, or any other suitable material. Disposable materials are
also suitable materials, such as thin layers of thermoplastic
polymeric materials, paper, recycled materials, SMS material, and
the like. The cuff may comprise a single layer of material or more
than one layer of material. The material is preferably sufficiently
flexible so that the ends of the band can easily be manipulated to
allow the ends to be positioned adjacent to each other.
[0027] The material is optionally coated with a protective plastic
layer. The material may be a solid or a mesh. Reusable suitable
materials are lightweight and preferably washable. Elastic
materials are likewise suitable. The material for a reusable cuff
may be elastic provided the elasticity allows the pocket to open
when the elbow is bent. The material preferably should be
sufficiently durable so as to be capable of repeated use without
ripping, tearing, breaking, or otherwise failing. The material for
a reusable band should be washable and not susceptible to permanent
deformations. This is applicable to elasticized materials, where
one of the benefits of an elasticized material lies in the ability
of the material to return to its original shape. Suitable materials
for reusable cuffs are preferably resistant to stains, soiling,
fading, and the like, so as to be able to retain appearance after
repeated use.
[0028] In a disposable embodiment, the material is a fusible
interfacing (used for constructing clothing). Interfacing is low
cost, does not easily tear, and provides lightweight strength and
support. Additional disposable materials include, but are not
limited to woven and non-woven textiles, including SMS material,
spunbond polyester, spunbond polypropylene, philic & phobic
fabrics, laminates, technical substrates, spunlace and the like. In
an embodiment, the material is SMS. SMS provides a strong and
durable fluid and particulate barrier that is comfortable,
breathable, soft, and wearable. SMS is lightweight and resistant to
tears and punctures.
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1A-1D
components and the construction of the cuff. The cuff comprises a
band 10, which comprises at least two pieces 10a, 10b, each having
a width 11a, 11b, a top side 12a, 12b, a bottom side 13a, 13b and a
first end 14a, 14b and a second end 15a, 15b. In an embodiment, a
first piece is longer than the second piece. The cuff comprises a
pocket 16. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the pocket may be a
separate component (16) or attached to one of the pieces (16a).
[0030] In an embodiment, the cuff comprises a liner 17. The liner
17 is attached to a bottom side of the pocket 16. In an embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1B, the pocket is not a separate piece. Here, the
longer piece is cut to include a trapezoid end that forms the
pocket when attached to the shorter piece. If the pocket 16 is a
separate component, the pocket is attached to the longer piece and
the liner is secured as shown in FIG. 1C. The shorter piece is
folded as shown in FIG. 1C, and each side 19a, 19b of the pocket is
attached to a corresponding side 20a, 20b of the folded shorter
piece so that the liner, when the cuff is constructed, is in
between the folded end of the shorter piece and the bottom side of
the pocket, and the pocket forms an opening across the width of the
shorter piece as shown in FIG. 1D.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom side 13 faces towards the
body of the wearer and the top side 12 faces away from the body of
the wearer. In an embodiment of a reusable cuff, the band is double
sided and includes elastic. In an embodiment, the distal ends of
each piece are tapered such that the ends are not as wide as the
middle portion of the constructed band.
[0032] The cuff comprises at least one fastener 18 for detachably
attaching the ends of the band to each other in a secure and
adjustable fashion. In an embodiment, the fastener is coupled to
the bottom side 13 of the first end of the band 14a and releasably
attaches to the top side 12 of the second end of the band 15b. In
an embodiment, the fastener 18 has a first part coupled to a top
side of the first end of the band and a second part coupled to the
bottom side of the second end of the band. The fastener can be any
type of fastening structure readily adaptable to the band material,
including but not limited to tape, high-bond tape, strips of hook
and loop fastener material, zippers, pins, snaps, hooks, eyes,
buckles, ties, buttons, buttonholes, and the like. In an
embodiment, the fastener is snag-free Velcro..RTM. In an
embodiment, the cuff comprises one fastener, however more than one
or a combination of different types of fasteners may be employed.
In an alternate embodiment, the fastener 18a is a slit in the band.
The end of the band is inserted into the slit after the band is
wrapped around the arm to secure the cuff.
[0033] In an embodiment, the fastener is cooperating strips of hook
and loop fastener material. In an embodiment, the width of the
strips of hook and loop fastener material is slightly less than the
width of the band. In an embodiment, the width of the strips of
hook and loop fastener material is about 3/4'' inches wide. In an
embodiment, the length of the strips of hook and loop fastener
material is that sufficient to securely hold the band. In an
embodiment, the length of the strips of hook and loop fastener
material is based on the length of the band. In an embodiment where
the band is about 17'', the length of the first and second part of
the hook and loop fastener material is approximately 11/2'' each.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate other types of fasteners,
quantities, sizes and shapes of means for detachably attaching the
cuff of the present invention.
[0034] The components of the cuff are coupled to each other by any
suitable means, such as but not limited to mechanical methods (such
as sewing, stapling, buttoning, snapping, and the like); chemical
methods (such as gluing or otherwise adhering one material to
another); physical methods (such as stamping, heat bonding, and
weaving) and the like. In a reusable embodiment where the fastener
is a hook and loop fastener, the components are coupled by sewing.
In a disposable embodiment, the fastener is double sided tape and
the components are coupled by heat bonding.
[0035] The fastener allows the band to form a loop when the ends
are releasably engaged. The fastener overlays substantially the
entire width of the band, or alternatively, only a portion thereof.
The circumference of the band when fastened is adjustable so as to
adjust the size of the loop formed by joining first end and second
end. Adjustability of the cuff allows a user to determine tightness
while securely retaining the cuff over the elbow. In an embodiment,
the width of the fastener provides the adjustability. Generally,
the wider the fastener, the more adjustable the cuff.
[0036] In an alternate embodiment, the fastener is coupled to only
one end of the band and the cuff comprises a tab. The tab is a ring
or other similar structure capable of receiving the end of the band
with the fastener such that when the fastener is inserted through
the tab, it can be fastened back upon itself. In an embodiment for
a reusable cuff, the fastener is optional. Here, the band is a
fixed loop and is held in position though friction with the
clothing or using elastic. In an alternate embodiment, the fastener
fastens the cuff to the clothing of the wearer.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the cuff comprises an expandable pocket
16 located on the top side 12 of the band 10. In an embodiment, the
unassembled pocket is trapezoid-shaped, and may be originally cut
as part of one of the pieces rather than as a separate piece prior
to assembly. The pocket 16 is attached to the top side 12 of the
band with an open end across the width of the band. The pocket is
preferably shaped, dimensioned, and attached to the top surface
such that pocket is collapsed and flat prior to being attached to
the wearer, and the pocket expands when the band is attached to an
arm and the elbow is bent.
[0038] The pocket 16 is attached to the band 10 at each pocket side
19a, 19b and the pocket bottom 16c (in the 3 piece component). The
shorter piece is folded at a point equal to the depth of the
trapezoid. The pocket sides are attached at each side edge 20a, 20b
of the folded piece and the pocket bottom is attached such that the
bottom of the pocket is at an approximate midpoint of the total
length of the band. In an embodiment, the sides 19a, 19b of the
trapezoid are folded to create strips that are attached to the top
surface side edges 20a, 20b of the folded piece. The bottom side
13a of the folded end of the shorter piece nearest the fold is
attached to the bottom side 16d of the pocket such that the folded
piece serves as the inner surface 32 of the pocket.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, which is a side view of the band viewed
at the opening of the pocket, the original trapezoid shape of the
pocket when assembled to the piece creates a gusset-like structure.
The pocket comprises V-shaped pleats 30a, 30b adjacent to each
attached side of the pocket. Each apex 31a, 31b of each V-shaped
pleat (best seen in FIG. 2) is adjacent to the closed end of the
pocket and the pleats create flexibility to expand and collapse the
pocket opening away from the band.
[0040] In an embodiment, prior to attaching the folded end of the
shorter piece to the bottom side 16d of the pocket, a liner 17 is
inserted. The liner is any thin material that provides stiffening
to the pocket to assist in the pocket staying open during use. The
liner 17 also provides an additional barrier to the spread of germs
when a user coughs or sneezes into his elbow. In an embodiment, the
liner 17 is a soft paper product, such as a single square of toilet
tissue; however, any suitable material may be used, such as cotton,
paper, recycled materials, SMS material, spunbond polyester,
spunbond polypropylene, philic & phobic fabrics, laminates,
technical substrates, spunlace and the like. Suitable materials are
those that provide a strong and durable fluid and particulate
barrier and are comfortable, breathable, soft, and wearable. The
liner is attached to the pocket by any suitable means, such as but
not limited to mechanical methods (such as sewing, stapling,
buttoning, snapping, and the like); chemical methods (such as
gluing or otherwise adhering one material to another); physical
methods (such as stamping, heat bonding, and weaving) and the
like.
[0041] In an embodiment, the liner is removable and may be inserted
and removed from a pouch 33 in the pocket. For insertable liners,
the liner may comprise an additional feature, such as additional
disposable tissue attached to the liner that resides in the pocket
when the liner is inserted in the pouch. A user may also add free
tissues, wipes and or a handkerchief to the pocket.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a cuff of the present invention as it
appears when the fastener is fastened at the elbow of a user. As
the user coughs or sneezes into the pocket or puts tissue in the
pocket, the pleats are forced outward to open the pocket and expand
the edge of the pocket away from the band.
[0043] The present invention provides a simple, effective way to
control the spread of germs. As shown if FIG. 4, the user places
the cuff around his sleeve or bare arm at the elbow, with the
opening of the pocket located at the inside of the elbow and
pointed toward the user's face. The user adjusts the tightness of
the cuff to a tightness preferred by the user by fastening the
second end to the first end of the cuff thereby encircling the cuff
around the arm. In this condition, the pocket is opened when the
user bends his elbow. The user may move about without the cuff
receding down the limb and may tighten or loosen the cuff with
ease. The user optionally inserts tissues, or other germ catching
items into the pocket.
[0044] To use the cuff, the user brings his elbow to his mouth and
coughs/sneezes into the pocket. Alternatively, the user may bend
over and cough/sneeze into the pocket with his arm bent by his
side. When the user straightens his arm, the pocket closes to
contain the germs in the pocket. After use, the user unfastens the
disposable cuff and disposes of it. Multiple disposable cuffs may
be packaged together in a dispenser so that a user may readily
obtain a clean cuff. In using a reusable cuff, the user positions
the cuff over his elbow, wears and uses the cuff with or without
additional germ catching materials in the pocket, then launders the
cuff when necessary.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1A-1D, the cuff can be easily manufactured
in various ways depending on the materials selected for the band,
the fastener, the pocket and the liner. Manufacturing the cuff
comprises, generally, assembling the various component parts. In an
embodiment, two pieces of material are selected and cut from bulk
to form the band pieces. In a preferred embodiment, the material is
a fusible interfacing and a trapezoid-shaped end is cut at one end
of the generally rectangular pieces. A first piece is folded at a
point equal to the depth of the trapezoid. A single square of soft
absorbable tissue is fused to the bottom side of the trapezoid and
the bottom side of the folded portion of the first piece (the
portion of the top side of the folded shorter piece forms the
inside of the flap of the pocket). The edges of the trapezoid are
joined to the edges of the top side of the folded piece and the
trapezoid sides are formed into pleats. A length of two-sided tape
(preferably 1/4'' wide) corresponding to the width of the band is
cut from bulk. The tape is coupled to a bottom side of the first
piece of the band. Joining the components in construction is
performed via a hot iron, glue, double stick tape, sewing and the
like.
[0046] In an alternate embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop
and is sewn to the respective sides and ends. In the manufacture of
an embodiment comprising a tab, the band is cut to the desired
length. A first end is inserted through the ring of the tab, and
secured to itself by means referred to herein. In an embodiment,
the securing means is sewing. The fastener is attached to opposite
sides of the band at the end opposite the tab. The fastener is
attached by similar means as those described above. In an
embodiment, the securing means is sewing.
[0047] In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 1E-1G, the band is
a single piece having two rectangular ends with a diamond-shaped
(square on its side) center. The center of the diamond shape 40 is
folded at a center 41 to form the opening of the pocket (FIG. 1E).
In an embodiment, a liner 17 is fixed to the bottom side of the
diamond shape prior to folding. Each side of the folded diamond
shape is fixed to each other and to each side of the band near the
diamond shape to create the pleats (FIG. 1F). FIG. 1G is a side
view showing the pleats 30 on one side.
[0048] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments and
examples of the present invention have been presented for purposes
of illustration and description. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms
disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings. It will be understood
that the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications
and equivalents. The embodiments were chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described herein.
* * * * *