Retained bib with attached wipe

Abstract

Protective bibs for wearers of different age groups and sets of clothing including such bibs are disclosed. The bibs include fasteners configured for fastening a bib to a diaper/pants-type garment or to a belt/band-type suspender of the garment, or a lace or straps securing a bib to a lower torso of a wearer. Alternatively or additionally, the bibs may be provided with flaps configured for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of the wearer. A set of clothing includes a diaper/pants-type garment and a protective bib adapted for fastening to the garment.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/271,876 filed on Jul. 25, 2009, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of protective garments and, more specifically, to protective bibs for wearers of different age groups and to sets of clothing including such bibs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bibs are commonly used to protect babies, toddlers, children, and sick or elderly adults from spilled food or liquid during feeding. A bib generally comprises a panel of material covering the torso of a wearer and, in operation, is attached thereto using an opening around the wearer's neck.

However, body and hands movements of the wearer often cause a bib to be unintentionally crumpled, jammed, or pushed away from its intended position on the torso of the wearer. Keeping bibs in their intended positions during feeding routines has proved to be a challenging task.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Protective bibs for wearers of different age groups and sets of clothing including such bibs are disclosed.

In one embodiment, a bib comprises a panel of material having at least one fastener configured for fastening the bib to a diaper/pants-type garment of a wearer of the bib or to a belt/band-type suspender of the garment.

In another embodiment, a bib comprises a panel of material and a lace or one or more straps configured for securing the bib to a lower torso of a wearer of the bib.

In yet another embodiment, a set of clothing comprises a bib including a first complementary section of a fastener(s) configured for fastening to a diaper/pants-type garment of a wearer of the bib and the garment having a second complementary section of the fastener(s).

In still another embodiment, a set of clothing comprises a bib including a fastener(s) configured for fastening to a diaper/pants-type garment of a wearer of the bib and the garment adapted for being fastened to the bib.

In further embodiments, additionally or alternatively, a bib is provided with one or more flaps configured for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of a wearer thereof.

Various other aspects and embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below.

All objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description and appended drawings. It has been contemplated that features of one embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in other embodiments thereof without further recitation.

The Summary is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention, which these and additional aspects will become more readily apparent from the detailed description, particularly when taken together with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C depict high-level schematic diagrams of protective bibs according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2C depict high-level schematic diagrams of protective bibs according to other embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict high-level schematic diagrams of sets of clothing including protective bibs according to yet other embodiments of the invention.

The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals are used, where possible, to designate substantially identical elements that are common to the figures, except that alphanumerical extensions and/or suffixes may be added, when appropriate, to differentiate such elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides protective bibs and sets of clothing, which include protective bibs. The invention may be used for protecting wearers of different age groups from spilled food or liquid, as well as otherwise adverse substances or objects. Particularly advantageously the invention may be utilized during feeding babies, toddlers, children, and sick or elderly adults.

With reference now to the figures, and specifically with reference to FIGS. 1A-1C, there are depicted high-level schematic diagrams of protective bibs 100A-100C according to some embodiments of the invention. Each of the depicted bibs 100 generally comprises a panel 102 having an upper section 104, a lower section 106, and one or several fasteners 108.

The panel 102 may be constructed using a variety of washable, reusable, and/or absorbent materials such as cotton, flannel, linen, acrylic, polyester, terrycloth, and wool, or a combination thereof, among other materials commonly used in various clothing designs.

The upper section 104 is formed to be disposed on an upper torso of the wearer and includes neckline extensions 112 and 114 configured for being secured around the neck of a wearer of the bib 100. The neckline extensions 112, 114 may be detachably affixed to one another using, e.g., an exemplary button 116 (as shown) or fasteners such as laces, snap/hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like.

The lower section 106 is formed to be disposed on a lower torso of the wearer, and the fasteners 108 (for example, clips, clamps, and the like) are configured for fastening the lower section 106 to a wearer's diaper/pants-type garment 124. The bib 100 may comprise one fastener 108 (FIG. 1A) or a plurality of such fasteners (bibs 100B and 100C having two fasteners 108A, 108B are shown in FIGS. 1B-1C, respectively).

The fasteners 108 may be secured to extending portions 118 of the lower section 106 (extending portions 118A, 118B are shown in FIGS. 1A-1B), as well as detachably affixed to the extending portions 118. For example, an extending portion 118 may include a fastener (e.g., button, hook-and-loop fastener, and the like) detachably retaining the respective fastener 108, such as a clip or a clamp. Alternatively, the fasteners 108 may be secured directly to the lower section 106 or detachably affixed thereto, as shown in FIG. 1C. The detachable fasteners 108 are particularly beneficial for a use in the washable or reusable bibs 100.

In one embodiment, the extending portion 118 (shown in an unfolded state in Detail A of FIG. 1) includes a hook-and-loop fastener 120 having complimentary sections 120A and 120B. To affix the fastener 108, the extending portion 118 of the lower section 106 is folded to complete the fastener 120, as illustrated using an arrow 122.

Correspondingly, by separating the complimentary sections 120A and 120B, the fastener 108 may be released and detached from the bib 100. In further embodiments, a length 119 of the extending portion 118 may additionally be regulated using a supplemental fastener (not shown), e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener, a button, and the like.

The extending portions 118 are generally constructed from the same materials as the panel 102 and may be secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto using, e.g., discussed above fasteners.

Alternatively or additionally, the bibs 100A-100C may include one or more flaps 110 configured for being used for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of the wearer of the bib. Illustratively, the bib 100A includes flaps 110A and 110B, and the bibs 100B and 100C include flaps 110A.

The flaps 110 may be secured to the panel 102 or detachably affixed thereto using, for example, fasteners such as clips, clamps, buttons, snap fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. Generally, the flaps 110 may be constructed using the same materials as the panel 102. The detachable flaps 110 are particularly beneficial for a use in the washable or reusable bibs.

In the depicted embodiment, the flaps 110 are detachably affixed to the panel 102 using hook-and-loop fasteners 126. Complimentary portions of the fasteners 126 are secured to the upper section 104 of panel 102 and an underside of the flaps 110, respectively. In an alternate embodiment (not shown), a flap 110 may be detachably affixed to the panel 102 using a clip, a clamp, a button, and the like fastener adapted for being secured to the flap 110 or detachably affixed thereto using, for example, a means discussed above in reference to the fastener 108.

In other embodiments of the invention, protective bibs 200A-200C include a lace 202 (FIG. 2A) or one or more straps 208 (FIGS. 2B-2C), which are configured for securing a bib to the torso of a wearer. Similar to the protective bibs 100A-100C, such bibs may also be provided with the flaps 110.

The straps 208 (for example, waist straps, and the like) may be portions of the panel 102, as shown in FIGS. 2B-2C. Alternatively, the straps 208 may be secured to the panel 102 or detachably affixed thereto. Generally, the straps 208 fabricated from the same materials as the panel 102. Alternatively, the straps 208 may be fabricated from elastic (i.e., stretchable) materials.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a protective bib 200A includes the lace 202, which length is sufficient for wrapping the lace around the wearer's torso or waist and then tightening ends of the lace together (illustrated using an arrow 206). A portion of the lace 202 is disposed and secured or detachably retained in a groove 204 constructed in the lower section 106 of a panel 102D of the bib 200A.

Referring to FIGS. 2B-2C, protective bib 200B (FIG. 2B) and 200C (FIG. 2C) comprise straps 208A-208C (for example, torso or waist straps). Such straps may be portions of panels 102 of the respective bibs (as shown) or, alternatively, detachably affixed thereto using fasteners such as clips, clamps, buttons, snap fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. In some embodiments, lengths of the straps 208A-208C may be regulated using supplemental fasteners.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, a protective bib 200B comprises a strap 208A. The strap 208A is terminated with a fastener 210 (for example, a clip or a clamp), which is adapted for fastening the strap 208 to a panel 102E of the bib 200B. A length of the strap 208A is sufficient for wrapping the strap around the wearer's torso or waist and detachably connecting the fastener 210 to the panel 102E, as illustrated using an arrow 212. Alternatively, the bib 200B may comprise a fastener which complimentary sections are disposed on the strap 208A and the panel 102E, respectively.

Correspondingly, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2C, straps 208B and 208C are terminated with a fastener having complimentary sections 214A, 214B (for example, a hook-and-loop fastener (as shown), a button, a snap fastener, and the like). The complimentary sections 214A, 214B of the fastener are disposed on opposing ends of the straps 208B and 208C and may be detachably connected together when the straps are wrapped around the wearer's torso or waist, as illustrated using an arrow 216.

FIGS. 3A-3C depict high-level schematic diagrams of sets 300A-300C of clothing comprising protective bibs and diaper/pants-type garments according to yet other embodiments of the invention. The bibs are shown with optional flaps 110A, 110B discussed above in reference to FIGS. 1A-1C. Lengths of panels of the bibs and/or lengths of extending portions of the panels are sufficient for completing fasteners affixing the bibs to the garments when these sets are used by the wearers thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a set 300A includes a bib 302A having the panel 102A, 102B, or 102C (discussed in reference to FIGS. 1A-1s), a diaper/pants-type garment 304, and one or more fasteners 306 (illustratively, panel 102B and hook-and-loop fasteners 306₁ and 306₂ are shown).

The fasteners 306 are adapted for detachably affixing the bib 302A to the garment 304. Complimentary sections 306A, 306B of the fasteners 306₁ and 306₂ are disposed in opposing regions of the panel 102G and the garment 304 and, when connected to one another, detachably affix the bib 302A to the garment 304.

In particular, the complimentary sections 306A (depicted using broken lines) are disposed on undersides of extending portions 118A, 118B of the panel 102B, and the complimentary sections 306B of the fasteners 306₁ and 306₂ are disposed on a front panel of the garment 304, respectively. Alternatively, the complimentary sections 306A may be disposed on an underside of the panel 102C (not shown).

In the depicted embodiment, the fasteners 306₁ and 306₂ are hook-and-loop fasteners. In alternate embodiments, fasteners such as buttons, snap fasteners, and the like may be use for detachably affixing the bib 302A to the garment 304.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a set 300B includes the bib 100A, 100B, or 100C discussed in reference to FIGS. 1A-1C (illustratively, the bib 100B is shown) and a diaper/pants-type garment 312 having one or more regions 314 selectively adapted for receiving the fasteners 108, such as clips, clamps, and the like. The regions 314 of garment 312 the may be constructed using, for example, high density or otherwise reinforced material(s).

Referring to FIG. 3C, a set 300B includes a bib 302C and a diaper/pants-type garment 316 having a belt/band-type suspender 318. The bib 302C comprises the panel 102A or 102B provided with the hook-and-loop fastener(s) 324 (illustratively, the panel 102B is shown).

The complimentary sections 324A and 324B of the fasteners 324₁ and 324₂ are disposed on the extending portions 118 of the panel 102B, similar to the fastener 120 shown in Detail A in FIG. 1A. A distance between the complimentary sections 324A and 324B is sufficient for connecting the sections around the suspender 318, as illustrated using an arrow 326.

Although the present invention herein has been described with reference to particular preferred embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. Therefore, modifications may be made to these embodiments and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A bib, comprising:

a panel of material, said panel having an upper section constructed to be disposed on an upper torso of a wearer of the bib and a lower section constructed to be disposed on a lower torso of the wearer; and

at least one fastener configured for fastening to a diaper/pants-type garment of the wearer or to a belt/band-type suspender of the garment.

2. The bib of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is disposed in the lower section of the panel and secured thereto or to an extending portion of the lower section.

3. The bib of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is detachably affixed to the lower section of the panel or an extending portion thereof.

4. The bib of claim 1, wherein the at least one fastener is selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

5. The bib of claim 1, wherein the bib further comprises at least one flap configured for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of the wearer, said flap secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto using a fastener selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

6. The bib of claim 5, wherein said fastener is secured to the at least one flap or detachably affixed thereto.

7. A set of clothing, comprising the bib of claim 1 and a garment adapted for being fastened to said bib.

8. A bib, comprising:

a panel of material, said panel having an upper section constructed to be disposed on an upper torso of a wearer of the bib and a lower section constructed to be disposed on a lower torso of the wearer; and

at least one strap or a lace configured for securing the bib on the torso of the wearer.

9. The bib of claim 8, wherein the at least one strap has (i) a first end secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto using at least one fastener selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener and (ii) a second end.

10. The bib of claim 9, wherein the second end of the at least one strap is provided with a clip or a clamp secured or detachably affixed thereto and adapted for fastening to the panel or to the second end of other strap.

11. The bib of claim 9, wherein the second end of the at least one strap is provided with a first complementary section of a fastener which second complementary section is disposed on the panel or other strap, said fastener selected from the group consisting of a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

12. The bib of claim 8, wherein the bib further comprises at least one flap configured for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of the wearer, said flap secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto using a fastener selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

13. The bib of claim 12, wherein said fastener is secured to the at least one flap or detachably affixed thereto.

14. A set of clothing, comprising:

a bib including a panel of material and (i) at least one fastener configured for fastening to a diaper/pants-type garment of a wearer of the bib or (ii) a first complementary section of the at least one fastener, said panel having an upper section constructed to be disposed on an upper torso of the wearer and a lower section constructed to be disposed on a lower torso of the wearer; and

a diaper/pants-type garment adapted for being fastened to the bib or including a second complementary section of the at least one fastener.

15. The set of clothing of claim 14, wherein the first and second complementary sections of the at least one fastener are disposed in opposing regions of the bib and the diaper/pants-type garment.

16. The set of clothing of claim 14, wherein the first complementary section of the at least one fastener is secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto or to an extending portion of the lower section.

17. The set of clothing of claim 14, wherein the at least one fastener is selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

18. The set of clothing of claim 14, wherein the bib further comprises at least one flap configured for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of the wearer, said flap secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto using a fastener selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

19. The set of clothing of claim 18, wherein said fastener is secured to the at least one flap or detachably affixed thereto.

20. A bib, comprising:

a panel of material, said panel having an upper section constructed to be disposed on an upper torso of a wearer of the bib and a lower section constructed to be disposed on a lower torso of the wearer; and

at least one flap configured for cleaning a face, a torso, or hands of the wearer, said flap secured to the panel or detachably affixed thereto using a fastener selected from the group consisting of a clip, a clamp, a button, a snap fastener, and a hook-and-loop fastener.

21. The bib of claim 20, wherein said fastener is secured to the at least one flap or detachably affixed thereto.