This invention was not created using federal funds.

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This PCT application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial no.

62/428,949, filed December 01, 2016.

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to devices, systems and methods that are effective in preventing the soiling of an individual's hand or hands during coughing, sneezing or blowing his or her nose, and that are also effective in substantially preventing contamination of the environment by infectious particles and infectious liquids that are released due to means of dispersion that include but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose. Background of the Invention

Traditional facial tissues are easily saturated with mucous, tear easily, and do not effectively protect the user's hands or surroundings from contamination. Neither disposable facial tissues nor non-disposable handkerchiefs have proven effective barriers to contamination of an individual's hands during coughing, sneezing or blowing his or her nose. Disposable facial tissues are easily saturated and/or torn during use. As a result of this, the individual's hands are often contaminated with mucous and potentially infectious liquids. Non-disposable handkerchiefs, while more durable are commonly not water resistant, are also easily saturated, and are commonly reused without adhering to the sterile technique necessary to prevent contamination during re-use. Both of these solutions are prone to soiling of the user's hands and contamination with infectious particles.

Once an infected individual has soiled his hands with mucous and potentially infectious liquids, he can transfer that infectious material when he shakes his hands with a non-infected individual who may then use his hands to touch his own mucous membrane; consequently, getting infected. Alternatively, the infected individual may touch an object including but not limited to a telephone, door knob, writing instrument, book or notebook, which a non-infected person could touch later and carry mucous and potentially infectious liquids to his own mucous membrane; consequently, getting infected. Thus, it is important to contain the spread of mucous and potentially infectious liquids, which may carry diseases, and create an effective barrier by preventing the soiling of an individual's hands during coughing, sneezing or blowing his nose.

Thus, there is a long-standing and significant and unmet need in the art for a system or a device that can contain infectious particles released in the environment due to coughing, sneezing or blowing one's nose and prevent the spread of infection. The present invention fulfills this longstanding need in the art.

SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, a system comprises:

(i) a non-disposable device comprised of a non-disposable base fabric with a side fold and sewn shut on the bottom, and

(ii) a disposable device, wherein said disposable device comprises:

a disposable base fabric with a side fold and sewn shut on the bottom, enclosed in the interior of the non-disposable device;

at least one index finger loop;

at least one thumb loop;

fastening means attached on the disposable base fabric;

pulling tabs along the opening edges of the disposable device;

a tissue liner,

or a combination thereof.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable device is designed to be contained inside the non-disposable device.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable device is attached to the non-disposable device by fastening means. According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the tissue liner is adhered to the disposable device.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the non-disposable device is made of soft, breathable, durable, and water repellant material such as spunbound+meltdown+spunbound (SMS) non-woven fabric.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the fastening means is sewn on the disposable base fabric.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the fastening means is sewn on the non-disposable base fabric.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable base fabric is sewn at the bottom on an edge that is perpendicular to the fold.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a triangular shaped piece attached securely into the opening of the disposable base fabric of same non-woven fabric is sewn into the opening of the disposable base fabric, wherein said triangular shaped piece is operable to act as a chin rest.

In yet another preferred embodiment, fastening means are installed on the external sides of the disposable base fabric.

In yet another preferred embodiment, said disposable device is inserted and stored inside an opening of the non-disposable device.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the non-disposable base fabric is sewn at the bottom on an edge that is perpendicular to the fold.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the fastening means are installed on an internal side of the non-disposable base fabric, and said fastening means may be attached to fastening means on the external side of the disposable device.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a method of reducing the spreads of infectious particles and infectious liquids, comprises:

sliding index fingers into the index finger loops;

sliding thumbs into the thumb loops; pulling the thumbs apart;

opening the fabric;

creating the receptacle area and exposing the triangular shaped fabric component; and placing the fabric to the face.

In yet another preferred embodiment, a system comprises a tissue liner that is adhered to a disposable fabric.

In the Summary above, in the Description and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. Still other objects and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein there is described certain preferred embodiments of the invention, and examples for illustrative purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 illustrates certain preferred embodiments of the invention described herein. In particular, Figure 1 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system 100 described herein, comprising a disposable device 101 placed in a non-disposable device 102.

Figure 2A-2C illustrates in schematic form several steps during the process of using the "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system 100 described herein, and in particular several steps during the process of opening a representative disposable device 101.

Figure 2A shows the disposable device 101 in its closed state.

Figure 2B shows the disposable device 101 with its receptacle 150 partially opened.

Figure 2C shows the disposable device 101 with its receptacle 150 fully open.

Figure 3 illustrates a representative non-disposable device 102 which is preferably used with a "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system 100 described herein. Figures 4A-4C show various features of a disposable device 101 which is preferably used with a "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system 100 described herein.

Figure 4A shows a representative sample of a disposable fabric 111.

Figure 4B shows a representative sample of a disposable device 101 with finger loops 122, thumb loops 103, and fasteners 105.

Figure 4C shows a representative sample of a disposable device 101 with a chin rest 104.

Figure 5 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the invention described herein. In particular, Figure 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a "Clean-Catch" tissue system 140 described herein, comprising at least one tissue liner 130 that is adhered to a disposable fabric 111.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides numerous devices, systems and methods that are effective in preventing the soiling of an individual's hand or hands during coughing, sneezing or blowing his or her nose, and that are also effective in substantially preventing contamination of the environment by infectious particles and infectious liquids that are released due to means of dispersion that include but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose.

As used herein, the term "Clean-Catch" is intended to refer to a significant feature of the present invention, wherein the numerous devices and systems of the present invention (including, for example, a tissue system or handkerchief system of the present invention) are effective in catching or capturing all or substantially all of the particles, liquids and any other materials, including but not limited to infectious particles and infectious liquids, that are released due to means of dispersion that include but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose. In the process of catching or capturing all or substantially all of the particles, liquids and any other materials, including but not limited to infectious particles and infectious liquids, the numerous devices and systems of the present invention (including, for example, a tissue system or handkerchief system of the present invention) are effective in preventing the soiling of an individual's hand or hands during coughing, sneezing or blowing his or her nose.

Certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described herein. "Clean-Catch" Handkerchief System

According to one preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system for substantially preventing contamination and substantially reducing the spread of infectious particles and infectious liquids when an individual is coughing, sneezing or blowing his or her nose. The present invention also provides a method comprising the use of this "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system that substantially prevents contamination of the individual's hand or hands and that also substantially prevents contamination of the environment by infectious particles and infectious liquids that are released due to means of dispersion that include but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose.

Figure 1 illustrates one preferred embodiment of a representative "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system 100 described herein, comprising a disposable device 101 placed in a non- disposable device 102. Further detailed description of the elements of a representative "Clean- Catch" handkerchief system 100 is provided below.

Preferably, a "clean-catch" handkerchief system is effective in containing infectious particles without soiling the user's hand or hands during coughing, sneezing or blowing the user's nose, or a combination thereof.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, a representative "Clean-Catch" handkerchief system 100 comprises:

(i) a non-disposable device comprised of a non-disposable base fabric with a side fold and sewn shut on the bottom, and

(ii) a disposable device, wherein said disposable device comprises:

a disposable base fabric with a side fold and sewn shut on the bottom, enclosed in the interior of the non-disposable device;

at least one index finger loop;

at least one thumb loop;

fastening means attached on the disposable base fabric;

pulling tabs along the opening edges of the disposable device;

a tissue liner,

or a combination thereof.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable device is designed to be contained inside the non-disposable device. According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable device is attached to the non-disposable device by fastening means.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the tissue liner is adhered to the disposable device.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the non-disposable device is made of soft, breathable, durable, and water repellant material such as spunbound+meltdown+spunbound (SMS) non-woven fabric.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the fastening means is sewn on the disposable base fabric.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the fastening means is sewn on the non-disposable base fabric.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable base fabric is sewn at the bottom on an edge that is perpendicular to the fold.

According to another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the non-disposable base fabric is sewn at the bottom on an edge that is perpendicular to the fold.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, a triangular shaped piece attached securely into the opening of the disposable base fabric of same non-woven fabric is sewn into the opening of the disposable base fabric, wherein said triangular shaped piece is operable to act as a chin rest.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, fastening means are installed on the external sides of the disposable base fabric.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, said disposable device is inserted and stored inside an opening of the non-disposable device.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable device has pull tabs on the opening corners.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, the fastening means are installed on an internal side of the non-disposable base fabric, and said fastening means may be attached to fastening means on the external side of the disposable device.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, a method of reducing the spread of infectious particles and infectious liquids, comprises:

sliding index fingers into the index finger loops; sliding thumbs into the thumb loops;

pulling the thumbs apart;

opening the fabric;

creating the receptacle area and exposing the triangular shaped fabric component; and placing the fabric to the face.

In yet another preferred non-limiting embodiment, a method of reducing the spread of infectious particles and infectious liquids comprises:

pulling the tabs to open the disposable device 101; and

creating a receptacle area and exposing the triangular shaped fabric component; and placing the tissue liner to the face.

Again referring to Figure 1, as soon as an individual feels the urge to cough, sneeze, blow his nose or a combination thereof, he can open the Handkerchief System 100 and place it over his mouth and nose. A disposable device 101 is housed in a non-disposable device 102 and properly positioned to trap the infectious particles released during coughing, sneezing, blowing his or her nose, or a combination thereof. The Handkerchief System 100 allows containment of the infectious particles, thereby preventing the contamination of the air, nearby surfaces and one's hands. For instance, the Handkerchief System 100 is designed so that an individual can cover one's mouth, nose or both to contain expelled particles during coughing, sneezing, blowing his nose or a combination thereof without contaminating the surrounding air or his hands. In a preferred embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the Handkerchief System 100 disclosed herein comprises at least one disposable device 101 that is housed inside a non-disposable device 102 of similar design, for containing mucus, infectious liquids or potentially infectious liquids during coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose. This prevents contamination of the user's hands and surroundings. In another related preferred embodiment, again referring to Figure 1, the Handkerchief

System 100 comprises:

(i) a disposable fabric 111, for example a disposable woven or non- woven fabric, designed as a specialized device; and

(ii) a non-disposable fabric 107 of similar design. In another preferred embodiment, the Handkerchief System 100 comprises non-woven, breathable, water-resistant fabric for either the disposable device 101, the non-disposable device 102, or both.

In a related embodiment, the Handkerchief System 100 comprises any means or mechanism for securely handling or holding the disposable device 101, the non-disposable device

102, or both. Such means or mechanism may include, but is not limited to, finger loops, for example at least one finger loop 122 (such as, but not limited to, an index finger loop), thumb loop

103, or a combination thereof; or any other handling or holding means or mechanism to let the user open the Handkerchief System 100. Although one finger loop 122 is shown in Figure 1, it is to be understood that any number of finger loops 122 can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. In other embodiments, the disposable device 101 can be designed to have no finger loops 122.

In another related embodiment, the Handkerchief System 100 comprises fastening means to attach the disposable device 101 and the non-disposable device 102 together. In yet another related embodiment, the fastening means comprise, for example, Velcro, buttons, sliders, zippers, or a similar kind of fastener, or a combination thereof.

In yet another related embodiment, the disposable device 101 may be used alone or be inserted and fastened into a non-disposable device 102 of similar shape. The non-disposable device 102 conceals the disposable device 101 when not in use, and may be folded and displayed for decorative purposes, similar to traditional handkerchiefs.

In another related embodiment, the disposable device 101 is used alone, without the non- disposable device 102.

In yet another related embodiment, at least one tissue liner 130 is adhered to the disposable device 101. As further illustrated in the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 1, the Handkerchief

System 100 disclosed herein comprises multiple elements or components. For instance, the disposable device 101 comprises a disposable fabric 111, at least one index finger loop 122, at least one thumb loop 103, and fasteners 105 that can be used to attach the disposable device 101 to the non-disposable device 102.

Although one thumb loop 103 is shown in Figure 2A, it is to be understood that two thumb loops 103 can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. In other embodiments, the disposable device 101 can be designed to have no thumb loops 103.

For ease of illustration, referring to Figure 2A, it is to be understood that only one side of the disposable device 101 is shown. The back side of the disposable device 101 is not shown.

Referring again to the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 1, the non-disposable device 102 comprises a non-disposable fabric 107 and fastening means 108, or a combination thereof.

Figure 2A-2C illustrate a representative disposable device 101 in the process of being opened.

Figure 2A shows the disposable device 101 in its closed state. In a related preferred embodiment, again referring to Figure 2 A, the disposable fabric 111 comprises a rectangular shaped, disposable fabric folded in half along its length to make a two-ply layer of fabric sewn at the bottom. The two-ply layer is typically square in shape although other shapes can also be used.

In a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable fabric 111 can be made of soft, breathable, durable, and water repellant material such as spunbound+meltdown+spunbound (SMS) non-woven fabric.

The SMS fabric or something similar may also be attached to a typical rectangular-shaped, disposable tissue liner 130, for instance, a facial tissue. It is to be understood that the disposable fabric 111 and the tissue liner 130 can be any suitable shape and size, and have any suitable length and width and other dimensions.

The present invention surprisingly creates a more durable facial tissue that improves upon conventional, standard tissue in that the system of the present invention has a surface to be applied to the face that is soft and absorbent and a surface on the opposite side for the hands that is more durable and water repellant, thus protecting the hands from contamination.

In another embodiment, the fabric is a fabric that is soft, breathable, durable, water repellant, or a combination thereof. Referring to Figure 2B, the disposable device 101 is shown with its receptacle 150 partially opened. Figure 2C shows the disposable device 101 with its receptacle 150 fully open.

Figure 3 illustrates one non-limiting example of a non-disposable device 102. In a preferred embodiment, the rectangular shaped, non-disposable fabric 107 can be folded in half along its length creating a two-ply square, that is sewn shut at the bottom.

In another non-limiting embodiment, referring to Figure 3, the non-disposable fabric 107 can comprise at least two index finger loops 109 (for purposes of illustration, only one of the index finger loops 109 is depicted in Figure 3). It is to be understood that any number of finger loops 109 can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. In other embodiments, the non- disposable device 102 can be designed to have no finger loops 109.

The non-disposable fabric 107 can also comprise at least two thumb loops 110 (for purposes of illustration, only one of the thumb loops 110 is depicted in Figure 3). In other embodiments, the non-disposable device 102 can be designed to have no thumb loops 110.

In another embodiment, referring again to Figure 3, a non-disposable fabric 107 can be similar in shape to the disposable fabric 111, for example, designed with at least one finger loop

109 attached on each of the opposite sides of the top front corner of the folded square of the fabric (for purposes of illustration, only one of the finger loops 109 is shown in Figure 3).

In another embodiment, referring again to Figure 3, at least one thumb loop 110 is attached on each of the opposite sides of the top back corner of the non-disposable fabric 107.

Additionally, referring back to the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 1, at least one fastening means 108 can be sewn on the internal side of the non-disposable fabric 107, where the fastening means include but are not limited to Velcro, buttons, sliders, zippers, or a similar kind of fastener, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, referring again to Figure 3, the thumb loops 110 preferably comprise at least two loops made of fabric that are attached on opposite sides of the top back corner of the fabric.

Figure 4A shows a representative example of a disposable fabric 111.

Figure 4B shows a representative example of the disposable device 101 with at least one finger loop 122, at least one thumb loop 103, and at least one fastener 105. In a preferred embodiment, the disposable fabric 111 is a spun-bound, meltdown, spun-bound non- woven fabric or a combination thereof. In still yet another embodiment, the index finger loops 122 comprise at least two loops made of fabric that are attached on opposite sides of the top front corner of the disposable fabric 111.

In yet another embodiment, the disposable device 101 comprises a single loop of fabric that can be used for the index finger, thumb or both.

In still yet another embodiment, the at least one finger loop 122 and at least one thumb loop 103 are sewn on the external side of the disposable fabric 111.

Figure 4C shows the disposable device 101 with a representative Chin Rest 104. In a preferred embodiment, the chin rest 104 comprises a triangular shaped piece, typically from the same non- woven fabric sewn into the opening of the disposable fabric 111.

In yet another embodiment, the disposable non-woven fabric is more durable than a traditional facial tissue and uniquely designed to optimize functions that include but are not limited to opening the tissue to create an effective containment space, placing the tissue against one's face to create a seal, and capturing the expelled contents for proper disposal.

In further yet another embodiment, the disposable device 101 may be used alone or be inserted, fastened or both into the non-disposable device 102 of similar shape.

In still yet another embodiment, the non-disposable device 102 conceals the disposable device 101 when not in use, and may be folded and displayed for decorative purposes like traditional handkerchiefs.

In another preferred embodiment, components of the system are assembled as follows: the rectangular shaped, disposable fabric 111 is folded in half along its length to make a two-ply square of fabric, which is then sewn shut at the bottom. The fabric 111 is soft, breathable, durable, and water repellant. The two finger loops 122 are preferably attached on the opposite sides of the top corner of the external surface of the folded square shaped fabric. These finger loops 122 are designed to allow the user to slide the index fingers into them.

In another preferred embodiment, thumb loops 103 are attached on the opposite sides of the top back corner of the folded square shaped based fabric. These thumb loops 103 are designed to allow the user to slide the thumbs in. While engaged in the loops, the user can pull their thumbs apart, separating the two opposing layers of fabric. A triangular shaped piece of the same non- woven fabric 104 can be attached to the slide opening of the base fabric. This triangular shaped piece of fabric preferably acts as a chin rest for the user and helps create the desired seal around the mouth and nose.

In a preferred embodiment, fasteners 105 are attached on the external surface of the disposable fabric for attachment to the similarly shaped non-disposable fabric device.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods of using the system 100.

A preferred method comprises sliding index fingers into the finger loops and thumbs into the thumb loops; pulling the thumbs apart; opening the fabric; creating a receptacle area and exposing the triangular shaped fabric component; and placing the fabric to the face. The user can then cough, sneeze or blow his nose into the disposable fabric, thereby containing the expelled particles and liquids.

Another preferred method comprises pulling the tabs 125 apart; opening the fabric; creating a receptacle area and exposing the triangular shaped fabric component; and placing the fabric to the face. The user can then cough, sneeze or blow his nose into the disposable fabric, thereby containing the expelled particles and liquids.

For purposes of illustrating one preferred embodiment of the invention, that comprises use of the tabs 125 in accordance with the present invention, a representative tab 125 is shown in Figure 2A.

Additionally, the disposable fabric may be used alone or in combination with a non- disposable fabric, where the disposable fabric is attached to the non-disposable fabric by fastening means, where the fastening means include but is not limited to Velcro, buttons, sliders, zippers, or a similar kind of fastener, or a combination thereof. Further, the disposable fabric may be easily removed once it has become soiled to be disposed of in a hygienic way without the user ever contaminating the user's hands or surroundings.

Alternatively, the disposable fabric 111 may be used alone or in combination with at least one tissue liner 130, wherein the at least one tissue liner 130 is preferably adhered to the disposable fabric 111.

"Clean-Catch" Tissue System

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a "Clean-Catch" Tissue System and a method comprising the use of a "Clean-Catch" Tissue System that substantially prevents contamination of an individual's hand or hands and that also substantially prevents contamination of the environment by reducing the spread of infectious particles and infectious liquids that are released due to means of dispersion that include but are not limited to coughing, sneezing, or blowing one's nose.

It is preferred that the "Clean-Catch" Tissue System is manufactured as a disposable system, i.e. comprising the use of materials that can be disposed of after an individual has used the "Clean-Catch" Tissue System.

Figure 5 illustrates a preferred embodiment and representative example of a "Clean-Catch" tissue system 140 described herein, comprising at least one tissue liner 130 that is adhered to a disposable fabric 111.

In a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the disposable fabric 111 can be made of soft, breathable, durable, and water repellant material such as spunbound+meltdown+spunbound (SMS) non-woven fabric.

In one example, SMS fabric or something similar may be attached to a substantially rectangular-shaped, disposable tissue liner 130, for instance, a facial tissue. It is to be understood that the disposable fabric 111 and the tissue liner 130 can be any suitable shape and size, and have any suitable length and width and other dimensions.

The present invention surprisingly creates a more durable facial tissue that improves upon conventional, standard tissue in that the system of the present invention has a surface to be applied to the face that is soft and absorbent and a surface on the opposite side for the hands that is more durable and water repellant, thus protecting the hands from contamination.

It is also to be understood that a "Clean-Catch" tissue system 140 can comprise any suitable type of tissue, for instance, but not limited to, a facial tissue or other suitable type of tissue.

Preferred, Non-Limiting Methods of Joining the Edges of Fabric Together that is Used in Accordance with the Present Invention

In certain embodiments, for either the "Clean-Catch" Handkerchief System or the "Clean- Catch" Tissue System, the edges of a fabric, for example the edges of a disposable fabric 111, non- disposable fabric 107, or both, may be joined together by any suitable and appropriate method that functions to securely join or fasten the edges together. For instance, in a non-limiting example, sewing can be used to securely join or fasten together the edges of a disposable fabric 111, non- disposable fabric 107, or both. Sewing may be accomplished, for example, by using a sewing machine or other sewing means or apparatus.

In other preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that any other suitable method or technology can be used to join or maintain the edges of the fabric together. For example, any suitable type of glue can be used to join or fasten the edges together. In yet other preferred embodiments, any suitable type of heat transfer process can be used, for instance, to melt the tissue liner 130 to the SMS fabric. Any suitable method or technology can be used to close/seal the seams of a disposable fabric 111, non-disposable fabric 107, or both.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments are possible and within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the description contained herein.