DISPOSAL DENTAL BIB WITH BUILT-IN SANITARY COLLAR

Abstract

A dental bib has a built-in sanitary collar that, in one embodiment, is completely detachable from the rest of the bib by tearing along a pre-perforated line between the main portion of the bib and the detachable portion of the bib. The main portion of the bib is secured to the wearer by mechanical means and worn over the chest as a bib, while the detached portion is separately secured to the wearer by mechanical means and worn around the neck as a sanitary collar. The two free ends of the detached portion of the bib can be secured around the neck as a collar with self-adhesive material or clips. Similarly, the main portion of the bib can be secured to the wearer using self-adhesive material or clips. In another embodiment, the sanitary collar is not completely detachable, but is formed by folding a portion of the bib around the neck.

Claims

1. A protective bib with an absorbent side and a substantially waterproof side, the bib comprising: a main body portion that is secured to a wearer by a mechanical clip or clips; and a detachable portion that forms a sanitary collar, wherein the main body portion and the detachable portion are initially attached along a pre-perforated line, and wherein the main body portion and detachable portion are separable by pulling the portions apart along the pre-perforated line, whereupon the sanitary collar is mechanically securable to the wearer.

2. The protective bib according to claim 1, wherein the pre-perforated line begins and/or ends at a starter notch, at which notch the main body portion and the detachable portion are already partially separated.

3. The protective bib according to claim 1, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of a mechanical clip or clips.

4. The protective bib according to claim 1, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

5. The protective bib according to claim 4, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that are attached to the sanitary collar.

6. The protective bib according to claim 5, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of two pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that are substantially symmetrically pre-installed at the ends of the sanitary collar.

7. The protective bib according to claim 6, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of two pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that fasten the absorbent side of the collar to the substantially waterproof side of the collar.

8. The protective bib according to claim 6, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of two pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that fasten one part of the substantially waterproof side of the collar to another part of the substantially waterproof side of the collar.

9. The protective bib according to claim 6, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of two pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that fasten the ends of the collar to the outer clothing of the wearer.

10. The protective bib according to claim 6, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of two pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that fasten the ends of the collar to the bare skin of the wearer.

11. The protective bib according to claim 5, wherein the main body portion is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that are attached to the wearer.

12. A method of applying a protective bib and sanitary collar to a wearer, the method comprising the following steps: placing the bib on the wearer; securing the bib to the wearer; removing a detachable portion of the bib from the main portion of the bib by pulling the portions apart along a pre-perforated line; placing the detachable portion of the bib on the wearer as a collar; and securing the detachable portion of the bib on the wearer as a collar.

13. A protective bib with an absorbent side and a substantially waterproof side, the bib comprising: a main body portion at the bottom; and a folded portion at the top that forms a sanitary collar, wherein the main body portion and the folded portion meet at a first fold, and wherein the folded portion has a second fold, such that the double-fold configuration resembles the capital letter N, and the folded portion is mechanically securable to the wearer.

14. The protective bib according to claim 13, wherein the folded portion is secured to the wearer with the ends of the folded portion placed around the neck of the wearer and with the absorbent side of the collar fastened to the substantially waterproof side of the collar.

15. The protective bib according to claim 13, wherein the folded portion is secured to the wearer with the ends of the folded portion placed around the neck of the wearer with one part of the substantially waterproof side of the collar fastened to another part of the substantially waterproof side of the collar.

16. The protective bib according to claim 14, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of a mechanical clip or clips.

17. The protective bib according to claim 14, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

18. The protective bib according to claim 15, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of a mechanical clip or clips.

19. The protective bib according to claim 15, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of pressure-sensitive adhesive material.

20. The protective bib according to claim 17 or claim 19, wherein the sanitary collar is mechanically secured to the wearer through use of one or more pressure-sensitive adhesive spots that are attached to the sanitary collar.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Exemplary embodiments are described with references to the following figures:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates embodiment (I), wherein the sanitary collar is formed from a portion of the lower part of the bib, in the general shape of a wide band, which band is completely detachable from the rest of the bib along a perforation line spanning the entire width of the bib.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates embodiment (II), wherein two PSA spots are used to secure the collar on the patient.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates embodiment (III), wherein four PSA spots are used instead of mechanical bib and collar holders.

[0014] FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c illustrate alternative ergonomic shapes for the band that forms the sanitary collar.

[0015] FIG. 5 and FIG. 5a are perspective views of embodiment (IV), pertaining to the N-fold concept.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment (V), pertaining to the N-fold concept, characterized by two side slits/perforations.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates embodiment (VI), wherein the bib has perforation lines and tear stops to form a collar and the bib is secured to the patient using PSA spots.

DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS

[0018] 20dental bib, embodiment (I)

[0019] 21chain bib holder

[0020] 21a, 21bchain bib holder clips

[0021] 22sanitary collar band

[0022] 24perforations, perforation line

[0023] 26a, 26bstarter notches, facilitating ripping off sanitary collar band along perforation line

[0024] 30dental bib, embodiment (II)

[0025] 31chain bib holder

[0026] 31a, 31bchain bib holder clips

[0027] 32sanitary collar band

[0028] 34perforations, perforation line

[0029] 36a, 36bstarter notches

[0030] 38a, 38bPSA spots

[0031] 40dental bib, embodiment (III)

[0032] 42sanitary collar band

[0033] 44perforations, perforation line

[0034] 46a, 46bstarter notches

[0035] 48a, 48b, 48c, 48dPSA spots

[0036] 41, 43, 45alternative ergonomic shapes for detachable sanitary collar-bands

[0037] 70dental bib, embodiment (VI)

[0038] 71upper edge of bib

[0039] 72a, 72bside-panels of sanitary collar

[0040] 72cfront panel of sanitary collar

[0041] 74a, 74bperforations, perforation lines

[0042] 76a, 76bstarter notches

[0043] 77a, 77btear stops

[0044] 78a, 78b, 78c, 78dPSA spots

[0045] 90N-fold bib, embodiment (IV)

[0046] 92ainnermost panel

[0047] 92bmiddle panel

[0048] 92couter panel (main bib)

[0049] 98a, 98bPSA spots

[0050] 100N-fold bib with perforated fold line (embodiment V)

[0051] 102ainnermost panel

[0052] 102bmiddle panel

[0053] 102couter panel (main bib)

[0054] 104a, 104bperforations along fold line

[0055] 107a, 107btear stops

[0056] 108a, 108bPSA spots

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In several embodiments (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c), the built-in sanitary collar is completely detachable from the rest of the bib. In essence, it is a wide band of bib material severable from the lower end of the bib. Just prior to use, the band is manually ripped off from the rest of the bib, along a pre-perforated line that spans the entire width of the bib. Then the separated band is wrapped around the neck to form the sanitary collar. The two free ends of the band are secured around the neck preferably with two (or a plurality of two or more) self-adhesive spots, pre-installed symmetrically at the very ends of the band. The band is wide enough to cover the exposed neck area.

[0058] In another embodiments (FIG. 5, FIG. 5a and FIG. 6), the sanitary collar is formed by folding (or preferably, having pre-folded), the top portion of the bib into a double fold configuration, resembling the capital letter Nhence, the N-fold. The extra fold provides an additional stiffening layer to maintain a collar shape, which in turn contributes to a wrinkle-free appearance of the bib when deployed (unfolded), and attached to a patient. As in the previous embodiments, the N-fold bib is preferably secured on the patient by a plurality of two or more PSA spots.

[0059] In the embodiment (I) of FIG. 1, an ordinary dental bib 20 is used. Such bibs require a mechanical holder, such as chain holder 21, for example, that wraps around a patient's neck, having clips 21a and 21b that attach to the bib as schematically shown. The lower part the bib is perforated along line 24, outlining the band 22 (the sanitary collar band), as shown. To use, the band is manually ripped off, (or pulled apart), from the rest of the bib, along pre-perforated line 24, optionally using starter notches 26a and/or 26b to facilitate easier tearing, and the band is completely separated from the rest of the bib. Then, the separated band is wrapped around the neck to form a collarthe sanitary collar.

[0060] The free ends of the collar are kept together by a separate mechanical clip external of the bib, (not shown). A mechanical clip may also be a length of single-sided Pressure Sensitive Adhesive tape of construction similar to Post-it page markers (manufactured by 3M Co.), preferably having a stronger adhesive. The band is wide enough to cover the exposed neck area. In practice, 3 to 5 inches was found to be adequate.

[0061] The lengths of the uncut segments of the perforation line, are such that the amount of force required to detach the band from the bib, will not simultaneously delaminate the constituent layers of the bib on either side of the perforation line. If desired, segments of the line of perforations may be left entirely severed so as to facilitate proper tearing of the collar band from the rest of the bib. In that context, starter notches in general are optional as the bib material is thin and easy to tear or break apart.

[0062] The embodiment (II) of FIG. 2 differs from that of FIG. 1 in that the means of securing the sanitary band around the neck to form the sanitary collar, consists of two self-adhesive (or Pressure Sensitive Adhesive or PSA) spots 38a and 38b which are symmetrically pre-installed at the ends of sanitary collar band 32, as shown. This embodiment obviates the need for an external mechanical clip.

[0063] A PSA spot is a small self-adhesive patch of any shape, installed at selected locations on the plastic side of the bib. For example, it may be a piece of double-sided Scotch brand tape, or Transfer Adhesive Tape, (both items manufactured by 3M Co.), whose one adhesive side is attached to the plastic side of the bib. To use, the protective cover of the adhesive spot is peeled off and discarded, and then the adhesive spot is touched/pressed onto the surface intended to adhere to. It was found that adhesive spots having dimensions of 1 inch by inch (approximately, 2.5 cm by 1.9 cm) perform very adequately. Also, circular adhesive spots of a smaller area, used singly or in multiples, perform equally well. Specifically, Glue Dots (manufactured by Glue Dots International, New Berlin, Wis.), are such double-sided adhesive dots with a diameter of 1 cm. and they come in rolls.

[0064] In order to secure the sanitary band in the closed position to form the sanitary collar, PSA spots 38a and 38b are adhesively attached to the opposite end of the band around the neck, in a plastic-to-plastic side relationship, or in a-plastic-to-absorbent side overlapping manner. Alternatively, both PSA spots may be attached onto the patient's outer clothing above the neckline in the over the shoulders area of the upper part of the back. As a further alternative, the PSA spots may be attached directly to the skin of the upper part of the back if not covered by a garment, as in the case of bare-back attire. Differently stated, PSA spots 38a and 38b may be attached anywhere over the patient's shoulders area in the upper part of the backto the extent the length of the band permitsto best accommodate all collar sizes, while maintaining the benefits of a sanitary collar.

[0065] It is noted that only one PSA spot is necessary to secure the sanitary collar band around the patient's neck, provided that the collar band is of sufficient length. Also, the same considerations apply to embodiment (III) of FIG. 3.

[0066] In the embodiment (III) of FIG. 3, four PSA spots are used, as shown: PSA spots 48a and 48b serve as points of attachment of bib 40 onto the outer clothing in the chest area of the patient, whereas PSA spots 48c and 48d serve to secure the two ends of sanitary band 42 together to form the collar. This embodiment offers an added convenience in the use of the bib as it obviates the need for any external bib holders, such as a chain bib holder.

[0067] FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c illustrate alternative ergonomic and esthetic variations of shapes for sanitary collars 41, 43 and 45 respectively (meaning, alternative choices in fitting and looks of the collar), applicable to any of the above embodiments of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In other words, sanitary collars 41, 43 and 45 each could be used as an alternative shape for sanitary collar bands 22, 32, and 42, with a corresponding change to the shape of dental bibs 20, 30, and 40, respectively, and perforation lines 24, 34, and 44, respectively.

[0068] In the embodiment (IV) of FIG. 5 and FIG. 5a, and embodiment (V) of FIG. 6, the sanitary collar is formed by having the top portion of the bib folded into a double fold configuration, resembling the capital letter Nhence, the N-foldsuch that the outside of the upwardly pointing branch of the N-fold corresponds to the plastic-coated side of the bib, i.e., the side in direct contact with the patient's bare skin. Thus, with specific reference to FIG. 5, numeral 92a corresponds to the innermost panel (contacting the skin), 92b corresponds to middle panel (this extra panel provides an additional stiffening layer to maintain a collar shape), and 92c corresponds to the outer panel, which extends to the main bib 90. In more detail, this arrangement is shown in FIG. 5a in a partially unfolded stage.

[0069] To use, the ends of the innermost fold, are brought together around the neck and secured (face-to-face or in an overlapping manner), by a separate mechanical clip, in an analogous manner as discussed above regarding embodiments of FIG.1.

[0070] Preferably, self-adhesive spots 98a and 98b (FIG. 5a), are substantially symmetrically pre-applied onto the two ends of the sanitary collar, eliminating the need for an external mechanical clip. The N-fold type of sanitary collar may be also used in a reverse manner, wherein the upwardly pointing branch of the N encircles the neck on the outside, affording the same all-around protection, but with different esthetic results.

[0071] The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from that of FIG. 5 or 5a, in its two symmetrical perforation lines, or side slits, 104a and 104b, terminating at tear stops 107a and 107b, respectively. The slits serve to eliminate wrinkling of bib material around the collar, for a smoother look of the unfolded bib attached on a patient. Embodiments (IV) and (V) provide the additional benefit of around the shoulders protection.

[0072] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific and preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of the following claims, including equivalents thereof.

[0073] In the embodiment (VI) of FIG. 7, the sanitary collar is formed in the upper end of the bib. Two symmetrical slits (or lines of perforations), 74a and 74b, are partially pre-cut in bib 70, roughly a quarter to one third of the way, starting from the bib's longitudinal sides inward, and along a line parallel to the upper edge 71 of the bib, (as shown). The slits terminate at tear stops 77a and 77b, which are circular holes, cut into the bib material to resist the propagation of tear inwardly to the bib, (omission of the tear stops, however, does not detract from the functionality of the embodiment, only from the esthetics of it). Thus, side panels 72a and 72b are formed above the slits, creating a wide collar-like structure that is attached to the bib in the front with front panel 72c between the two tear stops, as schematically shown.

[0074] To use with a thyroid X-ray shield, the two ends of the side panels are first drawn around the neck and secured by means of PSA spots 78a and 78b, preinstalled at the ends of side panels 72a and 72b, as shown. The collar is wide enough to cover the exposed throat and sides and neck area of a patient. In practice, a width of 3 to 5 inches, or even wider, was found to be adequate as a sanitary collar width (i.e., the distance between perforation lines 74a and 74b from upper edge 71). This embodiment offers the advantage that the PSA spots serve both as a bib holder and to secure the sanitary collar around the neck.

[0075] To secure the sanitary collar in a closed position, PSA spots 78a and 78b may be adhesively attached to the opposite end of side panels 72a and 72b around the neck, in a plastic-to-plastic side relationship, or in a-plastic-to-absorbent side overlapping manner. Alternatively, both PSA spots may be attached onto the patient's outer clothing above the neckline in the over the shoulders area of the upper part of the back. Or directly to the skin of the upper part of the back if not covered by a garment, as in the is case of bare-back attire. Differently stated, PSA spots 78a and 78b may be attached anywhere over the patient's shoulders area in the upper part of the backto the extent the lengths of the side panels permitto best accommodate ail collar sizes, while maintaining the benefits of a sanitary collar. This embodiment offers an added convenience in the use of the bib as it obviates the need for an external bib holder.

[0076] PSA spots 78c and 78d serve as the attachment points of bib 70 to the chest area of a patient's outer clothing, while PSA spots 78a and 78b serve to keep the two ends of side panels 72a and 72b around the neck to form the sanitary collar. The four PSA spots provide increased attachment strength to the bib.

[0077] Embodiment (VI) of FIG. 7, remains fully functional, even when only the two of the four PSA spots are used. In such an arrangement (not shown), PSA spots 78c and 78d attach to the patient's outer clothing, so that slits 74a and 74b are at approximately the level of the collarbones. When the two side panels are subsequently unfolded up and to the back over the shoulders, the sanitary collar naturally assumes a form that makes it ready to be wrapped around the patient's neck. The semi-reclined position that the patient usually assumes during a dental procedure, further helps the unfolded collar panels to stay in that position. From that position the sanitary collar can be readily guided under the X-ray thyroid shield for X-raying. Also in the same partially unfolded state, the sanitary collar adequately protects from liquid spills and sprays. Through the use of PSA spots, this embodiment provides increased attachment strength to the bib.