Absorbent neck shield

• US 6,934,968 B2
• Filed: 11/17/2003
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Albert J. Kurpis
• Original Assignee: Albert J. Kurpis
• Inventors: Kurpis, Albert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Vanatta, Amy B.
• Application Number:
  US10/716,150
• Publication Number:
  US 20040139533A1
• Time in Patent Office: 652 Days
• Field of Search: 2 5/0, 2 5/2, 2 4/8, 2 6/0, 217/4, 217/0, 2/215, 246/8, 245/7, 2 4/6, 2 491- 495, 2 5/1, 211/4, 213/5, 213/6, 212/9, 290/1
• US Class Current: 2/49.1
• CPC Class Codes: A41B 13/10 Bibs
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 44/08 Protecting mantles; Shoulder-shields; Collars; Bibs

Abstract

A wrap-around absorbent shield forms a semi-tight seal with the flesh of a subject, where at least a part of the shield at the semi-tight seal is made of an absorbent material. The combination of the absorbent material and the semi-tight seal substantially prevents the flow of material past the semi-tight seal without causing discomfort to the subject.

Claims

1. A bib for protecting a subject from at least one of fluids, semi-fluids, and a mixture of either fluids or semi-fluids and solids comprising:

a neck portion forming a semi-tight seal with the flesh of the neck of the subject, said neck portion comprising;

an inner surface comprising polyurethane with a polyethylene coating, which forms a semi-tight seal with the flesh of the neck of the subject; and

an outer surface comprising non-woven polypropylene;

wherein the combination of the semi-tight seal and absorbency of the inner surface forms a barrier which substantially prevents said at least one of fluids, semi-fluids, and a mixture of either fluids or semi-fluids and solids from flowing onto the flesh of the neck below the semi-tight seal; and

an apron portion connected to said neck portion for covering at least a portion of the chest of the subject, said apron portion comprising;

an outer surface comprising polyurethane for preventing said at least one of fluids, semi-fluids, and a mixture of either fluids or semi-fluids and solids from flowing when said at least one of fluids, semi-fluids, and a mixture of either fluids or semi-fluids and solids falls upon said outer surface; and

an inner surface comprising polyethlene for preventing fluid on the outer surface of the apron portion from coming through the material of the apron portion and coming into contact with the covered portion of the subject'"'"'s chest.

2. The bib of claim 1, wherein the apron portion and the neck portion are permanently connected.

3. The bib of claim 1, wherein the bib is used in at least one of a dental procedure, a dermatological procedure, a surgical procedure, a hair care procedure, and a culinary procedure.

4. The bib of claim 1, wherein the apron portion and the neck portion are detachably connected.

5. The bib of claim 1, wherein the neck portion further comprises:

a semi-rigid, resilient member for maintaining a shape which will maintain the semi-tight seal with the subject'"'"'s neck.

6. The bib of claim 5, wherein the semi-rigid, resilient member is located at least partially inside the neck portion.

7. The bib of claim 5, wherein the semi-rigid, resilient member comprises at least one of a metal and a polymer.

8. The bib of claim 1, wherein the neck portion further comprises:

an elastic material for forming the semi-tight seal with the subject'"'"'s neck.

9. The bib of claim 1, wherein at least one of the neck portion, the inner surface of the neck portion, and/or the outer surface of the neck portion comprises at least one of sponge and sponge-like material.

10. The bib of claim 1, wherein at least one of the neck portion, the inner surface of the neck portion, and/or the outer surface of the neck portion comprises at least one of absorbent paper and absorbent polymer.

11. The bib of claim 1, further comprising:

means for affixing the neck portion to the subject.

12. The bib of claim 11, wherein the means for affixing comprises:

means for connecting two portions of the neck portion so that the neck portion encircles the subject'"'"'s neck.

13. The bib of claim 12, wherein the means for connecting two portions of the neck portion comprises at least one of hook and fastener means, at least one button and buttonhole, at least one snap, and/or strips of material which can be tied together.