WO2011119578A2

WO2011119578A2 - Disposable head wear liner and associated method

Info

Publication number: WO2011119578A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/029382
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerleyne T. Zebouni
Original assignee: Zebouni Gerleyne T
Priority date: 2010-03-25
Filing date: 2011-03-22
Publication date: 2011-09-29
Also published as: WO2011119578A3

Abstract

A disposable absorbent liner for absorbing body excretions discharged from a forehead of a user preferably includes a flexible absorbent core, a flexible absorbent outer layer continuously wrapped about the absorbent core such that the absorbent outer layer completely surrounds the absorbent core, and an antimicrobial agent impregnated within the outer layer. In this manner, the outer layer is removably positioned along the forehead of the user for absorbing the body excretions.

Description

DISPOSABLE HEAD WEAR LINER AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/317,452, filed March 25, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of hats, caps, and visors and more particularly it relates to a simple roll dispenser system for disposable, self- adhesive, detachable, anti-microbial Eco-friendly liners for the protection of the inside forehead/sweatband area of the hat and the hat user from bodily oils, perspiration, sunscreen, and cosmetics during strenuous exercise, work, or play.

PRIOR ART

[0005] Typical hats, visors, caps, and other head wear have a permanent band positioned inside the crown near the brim, commonly called a sweatband. The sweatbands of commercially available head wear may be configured to absorb moisture from the forehead of the user, but the sweatband becomes soiled with bodily oils, perspiration, sunscreen, cosmetics, and grim. As the head wear is repeatedly worn multiple times, the accumulated build-up of soil leads to discarding a visor, hat, cap, or other head wear that other than the dirty permanent sweatband may be perfectly wearable. Head wear is often of materials that are not washable. They can only be washed by compromising the integrity of the head wear. In addition, the bacterial and soil build-up on the permanent sweatband of the head wear may lead to skin irritation, acne or other skin discomforts.

[0006] Other prior art for head wear liners offer that the liner may be worn multiple times. However, that is the same as wearing the head wear permanent band multiple times, with accumulated soils and bacteria. There is a need for an antimicrobial, disposable band/strap/liner for head wear. Other self-adhesive prior art for disposable liners does not meet the standard of 100% cotton against the skin of the user and antimicrobial protection.

[0007] Other prior art does not provide antimicrobial protection, yet suggest that the disposable liner may be worn multiple times in the head wear. This is not hygienic. Collector hats have sentimental value to their owners and need to be preserved. Other prior art doesn't offer multiple layers of biodegradable or Eco-friendly absorbent materials.

[0008] Other prior art isn't biodegradable or eco-friendly and does not contribute to the protection of our environment. Some come individually wrapped. There is a need for the perforated roll of individual liners to allow for one package instead of the individually wrapped liners in plastics/polymers.

[0009] The following prior art listed hereinbelow are examples known in to one skilled in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 1 ,986,312, issued to F. O. Wilson, on Jan. 1 , 1935, which discloses a device for preventing the soiling of hats and other head wear. U.S. Pat. No. 2,003,886, issued to L. Hoffeld on Jun. 4, 1935, which discloses a combined sweatband and removable lining. U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,357, issued to Ogden W. Boden on Jun. 23, 1981 , which teaches a ventilated hat which has an adjustable band. The adjustable band is preferably formed as a moisture absorbing sweatband and allows circulation of air through a gap between two bands. U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,519, issued to Norman J. Nicastro on Jul. 19, 1983, which teaches a headband which includes an absorbent material and elastic material. The headband encircles the head of the user and absorbs sweat.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,394,782, issued to John J. Wason on Jul. 26, 1983, which teaches a sweatband with an end fasteners at each end. U.S. Pat. No. 4,406,021 , issued to Benard Bloom on Sept. 27, 1983, which teaches an uniform cap with adjustable sweatband. There are holes in the sweatband to be adjusted to fit through the holes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,468,817, issued to Merle W. Nunnery on Sept. 4, 1984, which teaches a perspiration band for headgear, consisting of a terrycloth strip, with snap fasteners for attachment to hat bands.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,356, issued to Marvin Wishman on Mar. 5, 1985, which teaches an improved nonwoven polypropylene fabric as a method of transferring moisture-bearing surface utilizing the fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 4,547,903, issued to Larry L. Brown on Oct. 22, 1985, which teaches a sweatband shaped to fit around the head of a person and has strips of hook and loop material attached thereto for attaching a sun visor or cap. U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,317, issued to Larry L. Brown on Dec. 23, 1986, which teaches a sweatband apparatus, with a sweatband attached to the inside of a cap with hook and loop fasteners, e.g., VELCRO.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,734, issued to Mark Der Estephanian on May 30, 1989, which teaches a low cost sweatband which is formed of an elastic fabric core of a length to resiliently encircle the head and an absorbent pad by stitching onto the elastic fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,1 16, issued to Lloyd S. Sullivan on Aug. 35, 1989, which teaches a sweatband which has a first component for absorbing perspiration and a second component for holding the sweatband includes elongated ends, elastically extensible to opposite ends. U.S. Pat. No. 4,941 ,210, issued to George J Konucik on Jul. 17, 1990, which teaches a quick change sweatband with a combination of hook pile fasteners and the pad, quickly removed for replacement.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,488, issued to Leslie A. Ashnoff on Aug. 36, 1990, which teaches a forehead guard consisting of a closed loop of a terry cloth or similar stretch material tube and an attached semi-circular plastic shock absorbing member within the tube. U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,404, issued to Joseph Fekete on Aug. 21 , 1990, which teaches a liner for a hard-hat.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,095 discloses a disposable sweatband liner for "hard hats" or "safety helmets". These liners are designed and patented specifically for hard plastic headbands in that they are inserted or folded into the lower periphery of a hard hat. There is also an elastic band that attaches to the lower edge of the liner and allows the liner to be installed into and removed from the hard hat.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,504 teaches a disposable pad-type liner for helmets, hats, caps, surgical head covering, wig, safety helmet, welding mask, or other head covering that offered a core of thermoplastic containing other fibers sandwiched between facing and backing sheets made of a liquid absorbing material.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,196, issued to William W. Sullivan on Sep. 10, 1991 , which teaches a cap which has a cover, a bill, a two-part adjustable band with standard adjustment apertures and fittings and a liner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,210, issued to Victor L. Tivis on Oct. 22, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,088, 126, issued to Richard M. Mathis on Feb. 18, 1992 which discloses a disposable liner for safety hats and protective head coverings. [0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,126 teaches an adhesive liner which is adhered to the forehead contacting flap of a hard hat. The liner is attached by means of an adhesive which is preferably a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape. U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,761 , issued to Bradley Piche on Jun. 7, 1994, which teaches a self-adhering absorbent disposable pads for headgears, which is of straight line and not tubular. U.S. Pat. No. 5,432,955, issued to Arthur P. Poltka on Jul. 18, 1995, which teaches a quick release reusable sweatband, which is retained on the inside of a cap by hook and loop fasteners.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,326 teaches removable, washable liners available on the market, but nothing that is made of a thin, comfortable, disposable material that easily adheres to approximately any size hat, visor, cap, or other head wear. U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,395 teaches a complicated disposable liner which used polymeric foam material with closed and open cells respectively. Also an application of heat was needed to remove the adhesive layer from the inside band/sweatband or brow area of the hat. The core of the liner was comprised of polymers and including natural rubber, latex, urethane or polyethylene, for holding a hat on the head of the user.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,248, issued to Richard S. Young on Mar. 25, 1997, which teaches a sweat-band for a hat that can be easily inserted and removed, comprising a flexible retaining strip by means of snap fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,046, issued to Lawrence Green on May 27, 1997, which teaches a self-adjusting, fabric-covered sweatband for a hat. U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,735 a disposable liner that requires thread stitching through the band in a sewing operation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,985 a disposable liner that had release backing in two pieces, with a slit in the front middle of said backing, absorbent core offered only one layer of absorbent.

[0020] The prior art attachment mechanisms are cumbersome and time- consuming often requiring laundering, or the design was disposable, but designed only for "hard hats" and "safety hats" or the patent has expired. Other inventions have been bulky and uncomfortable to wear and only purposeful for "hard hats" or "safety hats". And others require "sewing" or various methods of attaching or inserting into a fabric portion of the permanent hatband itself. Still others offer a disposable feature, but do not offer biodegradable or Eco-friendly liners, or antimicrobial protection for hygienic purposes, or the unique "folded" "wrapped" outer layer of 100% cotton for user comfort and product integrity, or a roll-like perforated package system for portability and added protection for the environment.

[0021] Therefore, while there are other prior head wear liners, there is a need for biodegradable or eco-friendly, antimicrobial, self-adhesive, disposable, absorbent band/strap/liners with 100% cotton against the skin for hygiene and comfort that are inexpensive and produced in a unique roll-like perforated strip of individual liners to help protect our environment and that offer a "no swell" thin, absorbent core/body while also providing inexpensive, easy portability and simple use with visors, caps, hats, helmets and other head wear.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disposable head wear liner and associated method. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are provided by a simple system for an antimicrobial, disposable, Eco-friendly, absorbent, self-adhesive liner for a visor, cap, hat, helmet and other head wear produced on a perforated roll that joins individual liners for convenient use by consumer wherein said liner may be designed to attach or not attach to said head wear. The disposable, thin, comfortable, lightweight, moisture permeable, absorbent liner may be biodegradable and is affixed with a self- adhesive to the surface on the inside permanent band/sweatband primarily in the forehead area, but also extends in length around the permanent band visor, cap, hat, helmet and other head wear.

[0023] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the liner's purpose is to absorb moisture, perspiration, and bodily oils away from the head wear user; to protect the inside band of the head wear from perspiration of the user; to protect the inside band of the head wear from sunscreen deposits; to protect the inside band of the head wear from cosmetic deposits; to lengthen the life of visors, hats, caps, helmets; to help protect the environment with Eco-friendly or biodegradable liner materials; to offer a rolllike perforated form for ease of use and portability; to help protect the user's skin by using 100% cotton against the forehead area; to provide an antimicrobial absorbent feature that helps prevent the growth of microbes and bacteria and thereby protect the user's skin; to offer the advantage of clean head wear by using disposable bands/straps/liners at all times, and thereby protecting the skin from the accumulated soil and the bacteria in the permanent head wear bands caused by repeated use; to fit virtually all head wear; to provide an affordable, hygienic, disposable option to wearing soiled permanent head wear bands against the skin, particularly when many people wear the same head wear, for example: band members who are given a hat worn by another person, restaurant employees who wear one another's caps/visors, baseball players who use the same helmets for batting practice; and to offer another liner feature wherein the liner may be designed to be worn independent of head wear.

[0024] The band/strap/liner is removable, fully disposable, and easily adheres with the self-adhesive to the inside of the permanent band of a visor, cap, hat, helmet or other head wear. After use, the liner is easily removed from the inside permanent band and discarded. The body/absorbent core of the liner includes an absorbent material designed to wick away moisture, perspiration, cosmetics, and sunscreen that otherwise might drip into the eyes of the head wear user. Attached to the said band/strap/liner on one side is a paper-like release backing strip that has an adhesive. When the release backing strip is removed and disposed, the liner body may now be affixed to the head wear by firmly pressing into place on the permanent band of the head wear. The permanent band of the head wear is protected from the user's perspiration, sunscreen, and cosmetics with a thin poly-like material between the absorbent band/strap/liner core and the permanent head wear band. Individual liners are joined by perforation and presented in a convenient roll for dispensing.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the new inventive liner, the body/core of the liner has one or more thin absorbent core with a "folded," "wrapped," 100% cotton outer layer with an antimicrobial treatment that will come in contact with the forehead area of the head wear user. The core/body of the liner has a paper-like release backing with a garment-like adhesive. The paper-like release backing strip is removed and disposed. Then the liner will have adhesive remaining which is affixed/pressed inside the sweatband/forehead area of the visor, hat, cap, helmet or other head wear to secure the band/strap/liner in place. The thin poly-like material between the body/core and the head wear protects the head wear from the damage and bacteria of accumulated soil from repeated head wear use. The roll-like perforated individual liners make it easy for the consumer to select one liner at a time for use, thereby one is pulled off and easily adheres to a permanent head wear band as needed. [0026] The liner is approximately 12" in length, 1 " in width, and 1/8" to 1/4" in depth, wherein both edges/sides of the length and ends of the liner body edges will have a "folded" or "wrapped" application with a 100% cotton outer layer that encompasses all edges of the absorbent core, its length and ends. This ensures the comfort of the user and the integrity of the liner to provide excellent wear-ability and usability. While other shapes are possible and may be incorporated, the preferred shape may be easily produced, packaged, and inexpensively marketed.

[0027] Additionally, the length and width of the liner will vary when it is used independent of head wear and is attached possibly with Velcro or double-sided adhesive.

[0028] Further objectives and advantages of the present inventive liner are: to offer a cost effective, inexpensive, comfortable, lightweight, disposable liner that is easily attached, is Eco-friendly, may be biodegradable and easily removed that protects the forehead and forehead/sweatband area of approximately any size visor, hat, cap, helmet and other head wear; to protect the environment with a biodegradable or Eco- friendly product; to offer a roll-like feature with perforated individual band/strap/liners for ease of distribution and use by the consumer and to help protect the environment from the additional waste of individually wrapped liners; to extend the life of head wear and to provide comfort to the men and women who serve in the United States Navy, Marines, Air force, National Guard, and Army. Because this liner will extend the life of head wear, it is therefore more cost effective; to extend the life of the head wear and to provide comfort to the men and women who serve the public, for example postal workers, fire fighters and police officers; to extend the life of head wear and to provide comfort to men, women, teens, and children who enjoy recreational activities and sports such as baseball, football, golf, tennis, boating, and fishing; to extend the life of the head wear and to provide comfort and hygiene for head wear for football teams, baseball teams, marching bands, and more. [0029] Yet further objectives and advantages of the present invention include: to extend the life of collector hats, visors, caps, helmets and other head wear; to include functional simplicity of design and ease of use; to be inexpensive to manufacture and to purchase; to be very efficient for use with a variety of head wear; to provide a hygienic and comfortable disposable product to help meet "hair restraint" Food Code requirements for restaurant employees and food handlers; to provide a liner that is soft and comfortable with 100% cotton against the skin; to provide an antimicrobial, disposable hygienic option for head wear users; to provide a unique "folding" "wrapping" outer layer for user comfort and product integrity; to provide a unique disposable liner that may be worn several times because the antimicrobial treatment helps to prevent the growth of microbes and bacteria; to provide a "quick dry" absorbent core that allows the user to wear the disposable liner product more than once; to allow number of wears to depend on the needs of the user; to provide another option for those who don't want to wear head wear; to provide a disposable, antimicrobial, eco-friendly, self-adhesive, absorbent liner that can be worn independent of head wear, and is attached and adjusted to fit at the back of the liner by Velcro or double-sided adhesive tape.

[0030] Another feature of this new inventive band/strap/liner is that the head wear can be worn in the usual manner until the disposable liner becomes saturated, at which time the liner is easily removed and disposed. Then a new fresh, dry liner is quickly and easily replaced inside the forehead/sweatband area of the hat, cap, visor, helmet, and other head wear. However, in many instances the head wear user may want to leave the liner in place, allow it to dry, and wear the head wear with the disposable liner multiple times. The antimicrobial treatment allows this option to the head wear user.

[0031] No sewing, no zip-locking, no Velcro, no heating, no washing, no effort is required on the user's part, except to strip off the paper-like release backing from the body/core of the disposable liner and affix adhere it easily by pressing the body of the liner in the sweatband/forehead area of the hat, cap, visor, helmet and other head wear. And when the biodegradable, or Eco-friendly liner is discarded, the environment is offered added protection. Or the user may choose the no head wear disposable liner option and "fasten" self-adhesive liner at both ends and adjust to fit head, or wrist when produced in shorter length versions.

[0032] A unique feature is that the liner is thin and lightweight and provided for use on an easy, convenient perforated roll of individual liners. Other than the comfort it provides, users probably will not have any noticeable change in the fit of hats, caps, visors, helmets and other head wear.

[0033] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0034] It is noted the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0035] The novel features believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional unprotected visor having soil, makeup, and sunscreen deposits thereon;

[0037] Figure 2 a perspective view of a conventional visor employing a protective disposable liner, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 is a flow diagram that illustrates the steps of using and thereafter discarding the disposable liner tossed into a trash receptacle;

[0039] Figure 4A a perspective view of the disposable liner with a protective- paper-like adhesive backing being pulled from the body of the liner;

[0040] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a visor employing the disposable liner removably affixed to an inner permanent band of the visor;

[0041] Figure 5 is a partially exposed view of a cap having an inner band formed along an inner perimeter of the forehead/sweatband area of the cap wherein the disposable liner is removably affixed to the inner band;

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of disposable liners arranged in an end-to-end configuration and wound to a roll such that a leading one of the liners is removable from the roll while the liners stay in a wound position; [0043] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary liner having an absorbent core provided with a plurality of horizontally stacked absorbing layers wherein an outer layer is wrapped about the absorbent core. Such absorbing layers may be formed from material disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,675,702, for example, but may be replaced with other absorbent materials well known in the industry;

[0044] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an alternate embodiment of the absorbent core of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an alternate embodiment of the absorbent core having a plurality of absorbent layers;

[0046] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an alternate embodiment of the absorbent core; and

[0047] Figure 1 1 is perspective view showing an alternate embodiment of the liner for use independent of head wear having hook and loop fasteners to join the ends of the liner.

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, this embodiment is provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

[0050] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0051] One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term "present invention" merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0052] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1 .72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

[0053] The below disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within the true scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

[0054] The apparatus of this invention is referred to generally in FIGS. 1 -1 1 by the reference numeral 13 and is intended to provide a disposable liner that is removably affixed to an inner layer of a head wear for absorbing dirt, sweat and oils from a user's forehead. It should be understood that the absorbent liner may be used to protect an inner liner of various head wear. [0055] An antimicrobial, disposable, eco-friendly, absorbent, self-adhesive strap/band/liner is provided with a "folded wrapped application" individually joined on a perforated roll for being selectively dispensed. The liner may be removably attached to various head wear via adhesive and/or hook and loop fasteners.

[0056] For convenience, with reference to FIG. 1 , a head wear has a brim 12 and a permanent inner band 10 shown without the benefit of liner 13. The illustration shows the inside sweatband/forehead area of a visor that is soiled 1 1 with sweat, cosmetics, and sunscreen deposits. With reference to FIG. 2, inner band 10 is shown with an exemplary embodiment of liner 13 secured to an interior surface of the hat sweatband/forehead area near the brim 12 of the visor. Of course, liner 13 may be used with various head wear including, but not limited to, visors, hats, caps, or head coverings.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 3, a permanent inner band 10 is shown with liner 13 being removed therefrom after use. A selected portion of the liner 13 is peeled away from inner band 10 wherein adhesive layer 35 exposed directly to the inner band 10. Then liner 13 is thereafter discarded in a trash receptacle. With reference to FIG. 4A, a protective paper-like adhesive backing 36 is gently pulled with tension from the body of 13 and then discarded, thereby exposing adhesive layer 35.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 4B the liner 13 is secured with adhesive layer 35 by firmly pressing it against the permanent inner band 10 located at the sweatband/forehead area of the visor near the visor brim 12. An advantage of a quickly removable and disposable liner 13 is that when the liner 13 becomes saturated, it is discarded and replaced without undesirably remaining intact with the inner band 10.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 5, a partially exposed view of cap illustrates the inner band 10 extending along an entire inner circumference of the cap wherein the removable, disposable liner 13 is secured to the inner band via the exposed layer adhesive layer 35. In this manner, liner 13 is located primarily at the forehead/sweatband area of the interior hat band 10.

[0060] With reference to FIG. 6, a non-limiting exemplary embodiment discloses a roll 60 of liners formed from a plurality of individual liners 13 arranged in an end-to- end pattern. For example, the roll 60 may include a plurality of perforations traversing a longitudinal length of the liners 13. Each perforation defines a line of weakness at conjoining leading/trailing edges of adjacent liners 13 such that a user is able to quickly detach a leading liner 13 from roll 60. The paper-like backing strip 36 is removable with the adhesive 35 that is peeled away from the body of the liner 13 which is now ready to be pressed against the inside of the permanent hat band. The roll form offers simple use of the liner by perforation 17 approximately every 12"-16" in length for each individual liner.

[0061] Referring to figures 1 -1 1 , non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclose a disposable absorbent liner 13 for absorbing body excretions discharged from a forehead of a user. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments 13-13D are illustrated in figures 7-1 1 , respectively. In all embodiments, the disposable forehead liner 13 preferably includes a flexible absorbent core 50, a flexible absorbent outer layer 30 continuously wrapped about the absorbent core 50 such that the absorbent outer layer 30 completely surrounds the absorbent core 50, and an antimicrobial agent 29 impregnated within the outer layer 30. In this manner, outer layer 30 is capable of being removably positioned along the forehead of the user while the core 50 remains spaced from the user forehead.

[0062] As perhaps best shown in figures 7-10, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the absorbent core 50 preferably include a plurality of horizontally stacked absorbent sections 50-50C entirely contained between top and bottom surfaces of the outer layer 30. Such an absorbent section 50-50C preferably includes at least one wood pulp layer 30C, and preferably two or more wood pulp layers 30C. [0063] As perhaps best shown in figures 7-10, each absorbent core 50-50C may further include first and second primary adhesive layers 31 A connected to an inner surface of the outer layer 30. Such first and second primary adhesive layers 31 A may also be connected to a top most wood pulp layer 30C and a bottom most wood pulp layer 30C, respectively. Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of absorbent core 50- 50C may further include an auxiliary adhesive layer 33 intercalated between the absorbent sections 50-50C, respectively.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 7, a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 13 illustrates two layers of absorbent sections 50 wrapped by a outer layer 30A impregnated with an antimicrobial agent 29. The outer layer 30A is flexible and folds over or wraps around an absorbent core 30 thereby producing a "folded/wrapped" application that creates substantially smooth linear edges along an entire length and width of the liner 13. In this manner, the sides and ends of the core 30 remain intercalated inside a cavity created by the outer layer 30A. The antimicrobial outer layer 30A may be formed from natural cotton or a synthetic cotton blend, for example.

[0065] As perhaps best shown in the non-limiting exemplary embodiments 13, 13C of figures 7 and 9-10, absorbent sections 50, 50C may include a plurality of inner absorbent layers 30B attached to the wood pulp layers 30C. Each of the inner absorbent layers 30B may be attached to at least one of the first and second primary adhesive layers 31 A and the auxiliary adhesive layer 33, respectively.

[0066] As an example, four inner absorbent layers 30B are shown as not treated with antimicrobial agent 29. Such layers 30B may be coextensively shaped and spaced within the core 30. First and second ones of a primary adhesive layer 31 A are connected to inner absorbent layers 30B. Wood pulp layers 30C may be intercalated between selected ones of the inner absorbent layers 30B. Such wood pulp layers 30C may be coextensively shaped and preferably maintain a uniform thickness along an entire width thereof. An auxiliary adhesive layer 33 may be formed from tack glue and connects absorbent sections 50 to each other. Non-absorbent poly layer 34 is located exterior of the absorbent core 30 and is affixed to an outer surface of outer layer 30A via a third one of the primary adhesive layer 31 A. Another auxiliary adhesive layer 35 covers an outer surface of poly layer 34, which is covered by a non-absorbent paperlike layer 36. Such a non-absorbent paper-like layer can be peeled away for exposing adhesive layer 35 that is removably affixed to the inner band 10 of the head wear.

[0067] With reference to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 13A illustrating two horizontally stacked absorbent sections 50A containing only refined wood pulp layers 30C without the use of inner absorbent layers 30B inside absorbent core 30.

[0068] With reference to FIG. 9, a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 13B illustrating three horizontally stacked antimicrobial absorbent sections 50B containing only refined wood pulp layers 30C without the use of inner absorbent layers 30B inside absorbent core 30.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 10, a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment 13C illustrating four horizontally stacked absorbent sections 50C containing only wood pulp layers 30C as well as inner absorbent layers 30B inside absorbent core 30.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 1 1 , illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment wherein the liner 13D may be employed without attachment to a head wear. For example, the liner 13D may be "fastened" at the back of the user's head with hook and loop fasteners 19, double-sided tape, or other adhesive allowing an adjustable fit for the user. Such an embodiment 13D does not contain the third one of the primary adhesive layer 31 A nor poly layer 34, shown in Figure 7. first and second fasteners 31 A attached to opposed ends of the outer layer 30, the first and second fasteners 31 A being removably mated to each other and located exterior of the absorbent core 50 as well as the outer layer 30 respectively.

[0071] As perhaps best shown in figures 7-10, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the liner 13-13C may include a third primary adhesive layer 31 A located exterior of the absorbent core 50 and directly attached to an outer surface of the outer layer 30. A non-absorbent poly layer 34 may be located exterior of the absorbent core 50 and affixed to the third primary adhesive layer 31 A. A fourth primary adhesive layer 35 may be located exterior of the absorbent core 50 and attached to an outer surface of poly layer 34. A protective non absorbent layer 36 may be located exterior of the absorbent core 50 and removably affixed to the primary adhesive layer 35.

[0072] Exemplary embodiments of liner 13 are designed to be absorbent, capture and retain perspiration, sunscreen, cosmetics, and bodily oils, for example. The antimicrobial agent 29 will prevent bacteria and microbes from multiplying in the outer layer 30A.

[0073] Non-limiting exemplary dimensions of liner 13 may be approximately 12" - 16" in length, 1 "-2" in width, and 1/8" to ¼" in depth. Such dimensions are merely approximations and may vary as needed. For example, longitudinal length may increase when the liner 13 intended to be wrapped around the head, and fastened with an adjustable hook and loop fasteners, double-sided adhesive tape, or other adhesive.

[0074] The material used in absorbent core 30 of the liner 13 may be selected from a variety of suitable absorbent materials. One embodiment of the linear 13 may employ absorbent material disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,675,702, for example. Biodegradable, or natural and synthetic materials, including various types of paper and fiber may be used. Surface indicia may be displayed on outer later 30A and/or paperlike backing layer 36. [0075] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, paper-like backing layer 36 may be similar to be a non-absorbent protective sheet similar to conventional "panty liner" backings. Sufficient adhesive 35 is applied to the paper-like protective sheet which is also approximately 12"-16" in length, 1 "-2" in width, and 1/8" to ¼" in depth. The adhesive layer 35 is intended to be similar in strength and density to a thin "panty liner" or garment adhesive. No adhesive residue will be left behind on the head wear when the liner 13 is removed from the head wear. The paper-like backing layer 36 may be removed and discarded prior to securing the absorbent core 30 to an inner band 10 located along a forehead/sweatband area of the head wear. Of course, such a paperlike backing layer 36 may be biodegradable or Eco-friendly.

[0076] In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, roll 60 may be employed for uses when liner 13 is employed without head wear. Opposed ends 19 of each liner 13 may include a section formed from hook and loop fasteners, double-sided adhesive, or other adhesive. Such opposed ends 19 may be removably affixed to each other and thereby maintain liner 13 at a desired position about a circumference of a user's head or wrist, for example.

[0077] The present disclosure may further include a method of utilizing a disposable absorbent liner 13 for absorbing body excretions discharged from a forehead of a user. Such a method preferably includes the steps of: providing a flexible absorbent core 50; providing a flexible absorbent outer layer 30; providing and impregnating an antimicrobial agent 29 within the outer layer 30; continuously wrapping the absorbent outer layer 30 about the absorbent core 50 such that the absorbent outer layer 30 completely surrounds the absorbent core 50; and removably positioning the outer layer 30 along the forehead of the user.

[0078] While the invention has been described with respect to a certain specific embodiment, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A disposable absorbent liner for absorbing body excretions discharged from a forehead of a user, said disposable forehead liner comprising:

an absorbent core;

an absorbent outer layer continuously wrapped about said absorbent core such that said absorbent outer layer completely surrounds said absorbent core; and

an antimicrobial agent impregnated within said outer layer;

wherein said outer layer is capable of being removably positioned along the forehead of the user.

2. The disposable forehead liner of claim 1 , further comprising: first and second fasteners attached to opposed ends of said outer layer, said first and second fasteners being removably mated to each other and located exterior of said absorbent core as well as said outer layer respectively.

3. The disposable forehead liner of claim 1 , wherein said absorbent core comprises: a plurality of horizontally stacked absorbent sections entirely contained between top and bottom surfaces of said outer layer, each of said absorbent sections including a wood pulp layer.

4. The disposable forehead liner of claim 3, wherein said absorbent core further comprises: an auxiliary adhesive layer intercalated between said absorbent sections.

5. The disposable forehead liner of claim 4, wherein said absorbent core further comprises: first and second primary adhesive layers connected to an inner surface of said outer layer as well as a top most wood pulp layer and a bottom most wood pulp layer respectively.

6. The disposable forehead liner of claim 5, wherein each of said absorbent sections further comprises: a plurality of inner absorbent layers attached to said wood pulp layer, each of said inner absorbent layers further being attached to at least one of said first and second primary adhesive layers and said auxiliary adhesive layer respectively.

7. The disposable forehead liner of claim 6, further comprising:

a third primary adhesive layer located exterior of said absorbent core and directly attached to an outer surface of said outer layer;

a non-absorbent poly layer located exterior of said absorbent core and affixed to said third primary adhesive layer;

a fourth primary adhesive layer located exterior of said absorbent core and attached to an outer surface of poly layer; and

a protective non-absorbent layer located exterior of said absorbent core and removably affixed to said primary adhesive layer.

8. A disposable absorbent liner for absorbing body excretions discharged from a forehead of a user, said disposable forehead liner comprising:

a flexible absorbent core;

a flexible absorbent outer layer continuously wrapped about said absorbent core such that said absorbent outer layer completely surrounds said absorbent core; and an antimicrobial agent impregnated within said outer layer;

9. The disposable forehead liner of claim 8, further comprising: first and second fasteners attached to opposed ends of said outer layer, said first and second fasteners being removably mated to each other and located exterior of said absorbent core as well as said outer layer respectively.

10. The disposable forehead liner of claim 8, wherein said absorbent core comprises: a plurality of horizontally stacked absorbent sections entirely contained between top and bottom surfaces of said outer layer, each of said absorbent sections including a wood pulp layer.

1 1 . The disposable forehead liner of claim 10, wherein said absorbent core further comprises: an auxiliary adhesive layer intercalated between said absorbent sections.

12. The disposable forehead liner of claim 1 1 , wherein said absorbent core further comprises: first and second primary adhesive layers connected to an inner surface of said outer layer as well as a top most wood pulp layer and a bottom most wood pulp layer respectively.

13. The disposable forehead liner of claim 12, wherein each of said absorbent sections further comprises: a plurality of inner absorbent layers attached to said wood pulp layer, each of said inner absorbent layers further being attached to at least one of said first and second primary adhesive layers and said auxiliary adhesive layer respectively.

14. The disposable forehead liner of claim 13, further comprising:

15. A method of utilizing a disposable absorbent liner for absorbing body excretions discharged from a forehead of a user, said method comprising the steps of: providing a flexible absorbent core;

providing a flexible absorbent outer layer;

providing and impregnating an antimicrobial agent within said outer layer;

continuously wrapping said absorbent outer layer about said absorbent core such that said absorbent outer layer completely surrounds said absorbent core; and

removably positioning said outer layer along the forehead of the user.