Special receptacle or package – For folded sheetlike article
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-17
2002-08-06
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
For folded sheetlike article
C206S205000, C206S233000, C206S812000, C383S038000, C150S112000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06427839
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to sheet and web dispensers, and more particularly to a portable apparatus for use in dispensing folded and stacked antiseptic, pre-moistened towelettes.
The United States is facing an escalating, global onslaught of infectious diseases of potentially pandemic proportions. Infectious diseases are, already, the leading cause of death world-wide, and the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The portable towelette dispenser apparatus of the present invention, hereinafter BusyBody Travel Buddy(s) (BBTB) is intended for use in the control and prevention of contact transmission of infectious diseases by making frequent and effective hand cleansing feasible, even appealing, despite the pressures and demands of contemporary life. The unique function served by the BBTB apparatus is to extend the functional contexts for application of the LIFEWORKS HAND CLEANSING SYSTEM to provide: “Contagion Control Whenever and Wherever You Go.” The embodiments of the BBTB presented herein are part of a comprehensive family of product and services intended to influence, provoke and sustain healthy changes in hand washing behavior on behalf of controlling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. “The Power of Prevention is in Our Hands”—
Control and Prevention of Contagion of Infectious Diseases,
written by the instant inventor and which is incorporated herein by reference, is considered an integral component of the present invention. It provides discussion about the history and scope of the problem, the frightening infectious disease trends we now face, the remarkably intransigent non-compliance with hand washing mandates for over 150 years, the proposed composition of a broadly germicidal, no-rinse, cleansing lotion which also benefits the skin, and much more about this the LIFEWORKS comprehensive preventive health care model. The BBTB is not intended to replace, but rather augment access to frequent antisepsis, when sink, running warm water, etc. are not available or not easily available. The role of the BBTB in the multi-purpose, systematic, systemic and synergistic whole of the LIFEWORKS HAND CLEANSING SYSTEM is also made clear in the above named document. Excerpts from that document are presented below for a more comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is intended for use as a portable, hands-free, convenient means of dispensing antiseptic, pre-moistened towelettes in any of a vast array of situations, locations and contexts. In use, the BBTB “bags” can be used/worn/attached in multiple functional configurations, including, not limited to: (1) around an arm, wrist or ankle; (2) around the waist; (3) hung either straight down or across the shoulder; (4) removably attached to convenient object. In particular, these germicidal towelettes are available for use in preventing infection-breaking the cycle of contagion at the most strategically potent window of opportunity, immediately before eating. In addition, the BBTB is intended for use in any situation/place/time that a risk of transmission of infectious pathogens exists. As such the apparatus is intended to function as a convenient, efficient and effective means of preventing contact transmission of infectious diseases.
Although not limited thereto, the most preferred embodiment of the BBTB is made (available) in three sizes: small; medium; and large. These sizes have both over-lapping and discrete (unique) functional applications, as described below. The three models vary only in size and towelette capacity, and are, otherwise, identical. As a result, it is contemplated for the highly adaptable apparatus is to be used as a portable, convenient means of dispensing pre-moistened antiseptic towelettes in any of a multitude of locations/situations, by persons of all ages, except as limited by cognitive or physical conditions. The three sizes contemplated by the most preferred embodiment of the BBTB are:
1) SMALL—The small BBTB is intended, in particular, but not exclusively, for use by children and adolescents, beginning around 2½ years of age through high school and college. In educational settings, such as pre-school, nursery school or the like, where contagion of infectious diseases is notoriously rampant, access to bathrooms is also limited typically. Also, when available, bathrooms are often lacking all necessary ingredients for effective de-contamination of hands. Hot water, for example, is typically unavailable in order to protect children from burning themselves. In addition, when traditional hand washing means are available, young children rarely, if ever, wash and dry their hands such that effective decontamination is achieved. Further, there are multiple contagion risks in any classroom environment. Among young children, one of our four groups most susceptible to contagion, there is plentiful opportunity to spread germs on toys, books and other articles shared by children. Even if a child appears well, they can be in a particularly contagious incubation stage of an illness. As numbers of children in day care increases, so do incidences of infectious diseases. Because of the financial and other pressure on parents, children are commonly returned to day care before they are entirely well (64% of absenteeism from work is due to the need to care for a sick child). Furthermore, infectious diseases have a high transmission rate among household members, leading to further loss of income and productivity. Even if youngsters, in educational settings, use towelettes only for de-contamination before eating, this will significantly diminish the rate of self-inoculation of infectious pathogens, hereby significantly reducing the incidence of infectious diseases among children of all ages. Obviously, the classroom/school is not the only setting where antiseptic hand cleansing is critical for young people. A stop for french fries, during an after-school bike ride, exemplifies the multiple opportunities to “break the cycle of contagion” made available by the BBTB. Infections most common to this age group, staph and strep, are quickly becoming highly multi-drug resistant. This embodiment is approximately 2½″×2¾″×2″ and holds 15 to 25 towelettes, with sturdily attached strap lengths appropriate for wearing or attachment to convenient objects and appropriate body parts. While specifically designed for the populations mentioned above, this BBTB model can be used by any person, of any age. Strap-ends have four-part cooperative hook and loop (or the like) material, for secure and adjustable fastening to person, clothing, or object such as purse, brief case, grocery cart, wheel chair, walker, bed rail, and much more, for effortless portability or to convenient stationary object. Permanent strap ends can also be fastened securely to pair of adjustable extension straps to secure apparatus around wrist, waist, to hang from shoulder, or other location on or off person. Quick release buckles, along with strap coupler, serve to both release and secure strap extensions at required lengths. For purposes of hand cleansing behavior modification, this size of BBTB, including straps and closure apparatus, provide children with the capability (“responsibility/honor”) of transporting BBTB for the protection other family members, which can serve as a powerful positive reinforcer for disease prevention/contagion control, for children. The small BBTB also provides materials for independent self-care with respect to infectious diseases. Autonomous self-care is reported to be a high health care priority as an inordinate proportion of the health care ‘bill’ goes for care of the elderly. The BBTB is designed for “Contagion Control Wherever You Co.” and achieves this by making effective and disinfecting and cleaning: convenient, easy, fast, pleasant and difficult to do incorrectly. Young children learn easily, particularly if taught well. A n
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