U.S. patent application number 14/333075 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-21 for chainless bib.
The applicant listed for this patent is TIDI Products, LLC. Invention is credited to Mary Longlais, Brian L. Wilt.
Application Number | 20160015095 14/333075 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55073441 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160015095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilt; Brian L. ; et
al. |
January 21, 2016 |
Chainless Bib
Abstract
A chainless dental bib is herein disclosed that may include a
non-permeable sheet, a neck strap with an adjustable length, and at
least one end of the strap permanently attached to the sheet. One
end of the neck strap may be permanently attached to the
non-permeable sheet while the other end of the neck strap may be
free-floating. A plurality of perforated, detachable portions may
be included on the free-floating end of the neck strap allowing a
user to manually detach any number of detachable portions and
determine the neck strap length. The free-floating end may then be
bonded to the non-permeable sheet.
Inventors: |
Wilt; Brian L.; (Appleton,
WI) ; Longlais; Mary; (Green Bay, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TIDI Products, LLC |
Neenah |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55073441 |
Appl. No.: |
14/333075 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41B 13/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/04 20060101
A41D013/04; A41B 13/10 20060101 A41B013/10 |
Claims
1. A dental bib comprising: a non-permeable sheet including at
least one absorbent layer and at least one non-permeable layer; a
neck strap with a length and a first end permanently attached to
the sheet and a free-floating second end; and an adjustment device
with a plurality of adhesive-lined detachable portions configured
to allow adjustability to the length of the neck strap by severance
of at least one of the detachable portions.
2. The dental bib of claim 1, further comprising: an elastic
material forming the neck strap; and an embossment on the
non-permeable sheet including one of a waffle embossment pattern
and a diamond embossment pattern.
3. The dental bib of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a
heat weld, a glue, and a mechanical tack configured to bond the
permanently-attached first end of the neck strap with the
non-permeable sheet.
4. The dental bib of claim 1, further comprising a receiving area
on the sheet configured to attach to at least one of the
adhesive-lined detachable portions.
5. The dental bib of claim 1, further comprising an inelastic
material forming the neck strap.
6. A dental bib for use by a child comprising: a non-permeable
sheet including at least one absorbent layer and at least one
non-permeable layer; a neck strap having a length and at least one
free-floating end with a plurality of detachable portions; and a
perforation along each detachable portion configured to allow
manual detachment of at least one of the detachable portions.
7. The dental bib of claim 6, further comprising at least one of a
heat weld, a glue, and a mechanical tack configured to bond the
permanently-attached first end of the neck strap with the
non-permeable sheet.
8. The dental bib of claim 6, further comprising an adhesive on
each one of the plurality of detachable portions configured to bond
with the non-permeable sheet.
9. The dental bib of claim 8, further comprising a permanent bond
between the non-permeable sheet and the detachable portion when the
adhesive and non-permeable sheet are bonded together.
10. The dental bib of claim 8, further comprising a detachable bond
between the non-permeable sheet and the detachable portion when the
adhesive and non-permeable sheet are bonded together.
11. A method of assembling a dental bib comprising the steps of
providing a non-permeable sheet; permanently attaching a first end
of a neck strap to the non-permeable sheet, the neck strap having
second, free-floating end with a plurality of detachable portions;
perforating a seam along each detachable portion allowing manual
detachment of at least one of the detachable portions.
12. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising the steps of: detaching at least one of the detachable
portions along the seam thus determining a length of the neck
strap; and bonding at least one of the detachable portions of the
neck strap to the non-permeable sheet.
13. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising: passing the second, free-floating end of the neck strap
around a person's neck; and bonding at least one of the detachable
portions of the neck strap to the non-permeable sheet.
14. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising forming a permanent bond between the non-permeable sheet
and at least one of the detachable portions when bonding the
non-permeable sheet with the detachable portion.
15. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising forming a non-permanent bond between the non-permeable
sheet and at least one of the detachable portions when bonding the
non-permeable sheet with the detachable portion.
16. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising permanently attaching the first end of the neck strap
with the non-permeable sheet using at least one of a heat weld, a
glue, hook and loop attachment, and a mechanical tack.
17. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising embossing the non-permeable sheet with a pattern
including at least one of a waffle and a diamond pattern.
18. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising including an elastic material in the neck strap allowing
elastic movement of the neck strap.
19. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising including a non-elastic material in the neck strap
preventing elastic movement of the neck strap.
20. The method of assembling the dental bib of claim 11, further
comprising: removing a protecting cover on at least one of the
detachable portions of the second free-floating end of the neck
strap; and joining an exposed adhesive on the second free-floating
end of the neck strap to the non-permeable sheet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims a benefit of priority based on
Provisional Patent application No. 61/846,695, filed Jul. 16, 2014,
the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference into the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of
bibs. More particularly, the present invention relates to dental
bibs that eliminate the use of a chain to retain the bib about a
wearer's neck.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Bibs are commonly used in dental offices to prevent body
fluids or other particles from soiling a person's clothing.
Oftentimes, a chain is used with clips on each end of the chain.
The chain is passed around the neck of the patient and clipped to
the bib, securing the bib over the chest of the patient. Because of
health and safety regulations, the chain must be sterilized or
disposed of after each use.
[0006] Also, as each patient has unique physical qualities, a
single length of chain will not fit all individuals. Patient rooms
must therefore be equipped with a plurality of different-sized
chains. Selecting the appropriate chain for the patient can also be
time-consuming.
[0007] What is therefore needed is a dental bib that eliminates the
need for a chain. What is additionally needed is an improved way to
adjust the sizing of the bib to accommodate differently-sized
patients.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] By way of summary, the present invention is directed to a
chainless dental bib that may include a non-permeable sheet, a neck
strap with a length and a first end permanently attached to the
sheet, and an adjustment means configured to allow adjustability to
the length of the neck strap.
[0009] The present invention includes a chainless bib as well as a
method of assembling a chainless bib. The bib may be formed out of
a non-permeable sheet with a neck strap having a length. At least
one end of the neck strap may be free-floating and include a
plurality of detachable portions. Each detachable portion may
include a perforation allowing manual detachment of at least one of
the detachable portions. A user may determine .sub.the length of
the neck strap by removing any number of the perforated detachable
portions. An adhesive may be included on one side of the detachable
portions allowing the user to join the free-floating end to the
non-permeable sheet, thus completing the bib.
[0010] The method of assembling the chainless bib may include
providing a non-permeable sheet and permanently attaching a first
end of a neck strap to the non-permeable sheet, the neck strap
having a second, free-floating end with a plurality of detachable
portions. In order to determine the length of the neck strap, a
user may detach any number of the detachable portions along a
perforated. The user may then bond at least one of the remaining
detachable portions of the neck strap to the non-permeable
sheet.
[0011] Prior to bonding the free-floating end of the neck strap to
the non-permeable sheet, a user may elect to pass the free-floating
end of the neck strap around a person's neck and subsequently bond
at least one of the detachable portions of the neck strap to the
non-permeable sheet, thus preventing interference with hair. The
bond between the detachable portions and the non-permeable sheet
may be either permanent with an adhesive such as glue or temporary
with an adhesive such as hook and loop fasteners. The first end of
the neck strap may be permanently attached to the non-permeable
sheet using at least one of a heat weld, a glue, and a mechanically
tacked.
[0012] The neck strap may be formed of either an elastic material
allowing it to stretch or out of a non-elastic material this is
more rigid.
[0013] These and other aspects and objects of the present invention
will be better appreciated and understood when considered in
conjunction with the following description and the accompanying
drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following
description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present
invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation.
Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the
present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and
the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A clear conception of the advantages and features
constituting the present invention, and of the construction and
operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present
invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the
exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in
the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification,
wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the
several views, and in which
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a chainless bib according
to one embodiment of the invention and
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a chinless bib according to
another embodiment of the invention.
[0017] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the words "connected",
"attached", or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not
limited to direct connection but include connection through other
elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by
those skilled in the art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present invention and the various features and
advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in
the following description.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, a chainless bib 10 is shown according
to one embodiment of the invention. The bib 10 may be made of any
material, but is preferably a non-permeable sheet 18 that prevents
liquids and solids from coming into contact with a person wearing
the bib 10. The non-permeable sheet 18 may also include a
moisture-absorbent material on the exterior, such as tissue, bonded
to the non-permeable sheet 18 on the interior. A strap 12 is
provided for attachment around a user's neck, placing the bib 10 on
the user's chest. On a first end 8 of the strap 12, a permanent
attachment 16 joins the strap 12 to the bib 10. The permanent
attachment 16 may include any means known, but is preferably glue,
heat joined, or mechanically tacked. The opposite, second end 4 of
the strap 12 may be provided with a plurality of detachable
portions 14 with adhesive, each detachable portion 14 having an
adhesive with a removable protecting cover. The user may
selectively remove a protecting cover from any one of the
detachable portions 14 to expose a desired location. The exposed
adhesive may then be pressed against the bib 10 in a designated
area joining the free-floating end of the strap 12 to the bib 10. A
plurality of perforations 6 may also allow the user to selectively
detach any one of the detachable portions 14, thus adjusting the
length of the strap 12. This allows the user to not only determine
the desired length of the strap 12, but also avoid interference
with hair as the strap 12 may be passed around the neck before it
is fastened to the bib 10. The bib 10 may also be configured for a
wide range of neck sizes. Should a large adult be fitted with a bib
10, the user may choose to remove a protecting cover at the very
end of the strap and join the exposed adhesive strip 14 to the bib
10, creating a long strap 12. If a small child is to be fitted with
a bib 10, the user may remove a protecting cover toward a
mid-portion of the strap and join the exposed detachable portions
14 to the bib 10, creating a shorter short strap 12.
[0020] In one embodiment, the detachable portions 14 and/or strap
12 have perforations 6 that allow any one of the detachable
portions 14 be torn away to properly size the strap 12 for the
wearer. In another embodiment, indicia may appear on the strip
and/or strap to help size the strap, e.g., small, medium, and
large. In another embodiment, there may be no perforations 6 and
the user can just cut the strap 12 to the desired length and remove
any amount of protective cover to expose adhesive and bond the
second end 4 of the strap 12 to the non-permeable sheet 18.
[0021] The strap 12 may be made of any known material, but is
preferably elastic in nature. The elasticity allows for the strap
12 to stretch to a greater length and return to its original size
after tension is removed. Alternatively, the strap 12 may be
stretched in an inelastic manner, allowing it to permanently retain
its stretched length.
[0022] Transitioning to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of a chainless
bib 20 is shown. In this embodiment, both ends 24 of the strap 22
are permanently attached to the non-permeable sheet 18 of the bib
20. The strap 22 is preferably made of a stretch material that may
be stretched in either an inelastic or elastic manner, as described
above. The bib material is also preferably the same as described
with respect to FIG. 1.
[0023] The chainless bib 10, 22 in either of the embodiments may
also include embossment 26, shown in FIG. 2, in any desired
pattern. While a partial embossment 26 is shown in a waffle
pattern, the embossment may be done throughout the entire
non-permeable sheet 18 and may also include any number of
shapes/patterns such as diamond, circle, or a logo. The embossment
adds water absorbency to a tissue layer and also helps contain
loose particles that may fall during a dental procedure. In
addition to embossment 26, patterns such as cartoon characters or
advertisement may be printed on any portion of the bibs 10, 20. The
patterns may be selectively chosen for a particular age range such
as popular cartoons for children. Any number of colors may also be
used for the bibs 10, 20.
[0024] Additionally, the bibs 10, 20 may be offered in a multitude
of price points such as ordinary use with a two-ply tissue and a
poly-backing for fluid impermeability, and heavy duty use with
three ply tissue and multiple poly layers for added durability.
[0025] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of
carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of
the present invention is not limited thereto. it will be manifest
that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the
features of the present invention may be made without deviating
from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.
[0026] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in
the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration,
but could be provided in virtually any shape and assembled in
virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed
features of each disclosed, embodiment can be combined with, or
substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed
embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.
[0027] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such
additions, modifications, and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments
of the present invention are differentiated by the appended
claims.
* * * * *